Foods to Avoid During Constipation

Constipation is common problem with many people, which is not age specific. It can affect infants, young children, teenagers, middle aged people, as well as the elderly. However, it is most frequently seen in toddlers and young children, who are fed solid foods, and are deprived of fiber-rich foods in their diet.

This condition is characterized by hardening of stools, thereby causing difficulties in excreting them. It can prove quite troublesome for newborns or young children, who are not used to such type of pain, and moreover, can't express it. So, what are the causes behind it? And if food is the main reason of constipation, then what are the foods to avoid? Let us see.

Although food and diet are the main reasons for constipation, there are many other causes, which can lead to this problem.

• Dehydration: This is one of the most common causes of constipation. People who do not drink sufficient amounts of water, suffer from dehydration, which in turn causes hardening of stools.

• Structural Problems: In some people, structural defects exist in the rectum, anus, or the intestinal tracts. In such cases, constipation can occur frequently, although the person is on a normal diet, or consuming sufficient amounts of water.

• Tumors: One of the serious cause is tumors present in the tissues surrounding the bowel.
• Surgery: In many people, abdominal surgery has been the cause. Constipation can also occur as a result of allergies towards certain medications. Therefore, in such cases, consuming those medicines must be stopped immediately.

• Other Causes: Some other causes include lactose intolerance, hypokalemia, lead poisoning, hypothyroidism, improper potty training (in toddlers), etc.

In healthy people, with no other internal structural problems, food is mainly the triggering factor for constipation. Therefore, in such cases, dietary restrictions is the most effective treatment to cure the condition.

• Fatty Foods: Many a time, we tend to consume high fat foods, which can lead to constipation. Some of them which can be avoided are whole milk, cheese, meat, eggs, ice cream, chips, etc.

• Wheat: Foods made up of wheat or containing large traces of wheat are difficult to digest, as the natural digestive enzymes are not able to decompose them properly.

• Processed Foods: Processed foods also cause constipation. Therefore, foods such as yeast breads, sugars, bakery products such as pastries, baking powder, soda, etc., should be avoided.

• Other: You might be fond of drinking sugar-rich, non-nutritional, soft drinks. However, these drinks would aggravate the problem of constipation, if you continue consuming them regularly. Some drinks prove harmful for bowel functioning, therefore such drinks should be avoided.

Remember, the key to cure constipation is to avoid the above mentioned foodstuffs, and prefer eating foods high in fiber content, drink a lot of water, and follow a balanced diet. So, eat healthy, stay well!