Tap to Read ➤

Stool Softening Foods

Sheetal Mandora
Instead of using medication to find relief from constipation, why not eat some stool softening foods for treatment. In this Story, we will discuss some of the best foods to be eaten when constipation occurs...
Constipation is a frustrating ordeal for anyone. Regardless of age, an individual can get constipated, have inflamed bowels, and indigestion as it is one of the most common health conditions. But what is the reason behind this? It is because our body isn't getting adequate fiber from the foods that we eat on a regular basis.
Many people don't pay attention to what they are eating and often have a low fiber diet or foods. This lack of fiber disturbs the normal bowel movements and causes immense discomfort and other side effects. Apart from fiber, even foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are consumed to prevent constipation in the long run.
In this Story, we will see which are some of the best stool softening foods you can eat.

Foods that Act as Stool Softeners

Our stool is supposed to be soft and not loose so that it can remove wastes likes extra fat and toxins from our body. Even though constipation can occur in some from time to time, if an individual is experiencing it on a regular basis, he/she should check with the doctor immediately as there might be a bigger health concern.

Fruits and Vegetables

If you are suffering from constipation, immediately begin the diet of raw vegetables and fresh fruits. As fruits and vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber, you can rest assured that it soften the stool and help in hydrating your body.
Include fruits such as prunes, pears, blueberries, lemon, guava, apples, strawberries, oranges, grapes, figs, papaya, pineapple, peaches, and apricots. As for vegetables, eat Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, corn, potatoes, celery, lettuce, peas, green turnips, and carrots.

Legumes

As we discussed earlier, these foods are those which contain high amounts of fibers, we can't forget to mention beans or legumes. Along with fiber, legumes also contain protein which is important for normal bowel movements.
And when you include beans or legumes to your diet (constipation or otherwise), you ensure that your bones become strong, have healthy blood flow, and the immune system is strong and healthy. So what foods come under beans or legumes? Eat soybeans, adzuki beans, pinto beans, green beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, navy beans, and canella beans.

Whole Grains

As more and more people are getting aware of eating healthy and organic foods, many purchase foods that says "multi-grained" on them. But before you start picking up products that claim to have multi-grain qualities, stop and read the ingredients' list. If the ingredients' list has "whole" written on it, then and then only it is considered multi-grained.
Also, there are various whole wheat products with bran in them. This can be at times discomforting for some people. So make sure that you are not one of them before eating these whole wheat or whole grain foods. For best options on whole grain foods and relief from constipation, consume whole grain bread, brown rice, millet, and barley as they are perfect sources of dietary fiber.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Foods

Along with fiber, even Omega-3 fatty acids work as natural stool softener. They help in preventing constipation and providing relief from its discomfort. The foods that fall under this category are walnuts, canola, tofu, salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, flax seed, and tuna. These foods help in cleaning and toning the intestines along with softening stool.

Water

I know that water is not food, but it can help in softening stool as well. It is recommended that you drink at least 2 liters or slightly more than eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day. Water aids in digesting our food and softening stool too. The amount of water you need to drink each day will vary as per your geographic location. If you are living in a more dry, warm area, then you should drink more water.
These were some stool softeners that can help you. Along with this, you should try to avoid meat, eggs, ice cream, junk foods, cheese, whole milk, aerated drinks, sugary foods, cakes and pastries, yogurt, and cooked carrot from your diet; these foods cause constipation. Consult your doctor if discomfort due to constipation increases or if you can't find relief in a day or two.