One of the first line treatments advised by physicians for constipation may have no pharmaceuticals at all. Rather, he or she will suggest that a patient go on a fiber-intensive diet, supplementing regular foods with psyllium or other sources of fiber. Some natural sources may also be suitable depending on whether they contain enough fiber.
A lot of people have heard of supplements such as metamucil that are fortified with loads of fiber. Metamucil is a product made by Procter and Gamble, marketed to people who suffer from constipation. But a little research will show that there are high fiber foods from entirely natural sources. Prunes, or dried plums, are one such example. The most interesting fact is that prunes contain another agent that is beneficial for treating constipation.
Plums, from which prunes are derived, belong to an ancient dietary tradition. Archaeologists have found prune pits in prehistoric waste deposits dating back thousands of years. As in ancient times, the process for making prunes remains similar. Plums are harvested and then laid out in a moderately cool oven (around 185 degrees Fahrenheit) for 18 hours. The prunes are then collected, after which further work converts them into other prune-like products.
The chemical ingredients of the prune have been found to be diverse and complex, which is likely to be a reason for its efficacy against constipation. But even though the chemicals can be analyzed and categorized, we still don’t fully know how they act on our physiology.
The things we do understand regarding its anti-constipation properties are two folds. First, we know that the high fiber content of prunes means that eating it helps bulk up foods in the way traditional fiber supplements aid digestion. Two, we also know that prunes contain a lot of sorbitol which is a sugar-like substance that retains water and makes stool softer and therefore faster-moving in the gut.
In addition, prunes are eaten for their high energy content. They contain a lot of complex sugars as well as simple ones, which allows one to get an energy boost and a slower sustained release over time. The other sugars include glucose, fructose, and of course fiber and sorbitol.
A stream of suggestive evidence shows that prunes contain a large number of other compounds that aid in health. Phenolic compounds are found in high concentrations and have been linked to enhanced laxative effects, further supporting the use of prunes for constipated patients. Potassium is also in high concentrations. Like bananas, eating prunes may help reduce muscle fatigue and improve efficiency.
Although there’s no need to prepare the prunes in a special way before eating, a commercial food preparer in the United Kingdom stumbled upon a home recipe for treating constipation that involves blending prunes with other fruits and vegetables. The recipe, known by the name Beverley-Travis, has become famous and even studied for its efficacy in improving digestive health.
Read the most up-to-date information in relation to natural laxatives for constipation. Get for free the latest information and facts concerning psyllium seed husks.
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