Foods that soften stools for people with constipation

Constipation is a very common condition characterized by hard, dry stools, feeling the urge to defecate but not being able to, having to strain, causing negative effects on our health. Constipation might cause the patient's body to lose many beneficial nutrients. Therefore, to prevent constipation, you should apply foods that soften stools such as avocado, cabbage, honey lemon tea, water, etc.

1. How does constipation affect our health? 

Constipation is a very common disease in all ages, this is a state of hard, dry stools, feeling the urge to defecate but not being able to, having to strain, long time and low frequency of defecating. Patients often have symptoms of abdominal pain, difficulty defecating, and headaches. Prolonged constipation is the direct cause of hemorrhoids

Common symptoms of constipation are not having bowel movement for more than 3 days or having a bowel movement less than 3 times a week, with abdominal cramps, hard stools that are black and often have small rounded lumps. When having a bowel movement, the patient often has to push so hard that fresh blood comes out, in some cases there is still a feeling of wanting to defecate after having a bowel movement. The main cause of constipation is a low-fiber diet and not drinking enough water. Therefore, to prevent constipation, you need to follow a suitable diet. 

See now: Drink plenty of water and other ways to soften stools naturally

Some foods that soften stools for people with constipation
Some foods that soften stools for people with constipation

2. Foods that soften stools for people with constipation 

When constipated, patients often have difficulty defecating due to hard stools. Therefore, patients often look for ways to soften stools immediately. Some foods that soften stools include: 

  • Avocado: is one of the foods with high fiber content, which is very good for patients with constipation.
  • Cabbage: This is a food that cleanses the digestive system, helping to remove toxins from the digestive tract. Cabbage is also one of the foods that soften stools, adding them to the daily diet will help treat constipation effectively. In addition, you can process pickled cabbage to help maintain a healthy intestine.
  • Berries: such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries are all juicy berries that are very useful in treating constipation because they are rich in antioxidants, fiber and contain very few calories. Use these fruits as desserts, salads or snacks at night.
  • Lemon juice mixed with honey: Drinking lemon juice mixed with honey early in the morning not only helps clean the intestines, but also makes defecation easier. Just mix a teaspoon of lemon juice into a glass of warm water, add a few drops of honey, then drink it as soon as you wake up to help prevent constipation.
  • Whole grain bread: You should eat whole grain bread instead of regular bread. Because whole grain bread contains very little fat but is rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, it helps reduce constipation.
  • Bananas: Eating bananas is also one of the ways to soften stools.
  • Apples: are a very good fruit, recommended for pregnant women to use, because it contains many essential nutrients and vitamins such as malic acid, fiber and tannin. Many pregnant women do not want to gain too much weight during pregnancy, this fruit is ideal. Apples prevent pregnant women from gaining too much weight, while helping the development of the fetus. This fruit is also very good for the digestive system, especially constipation and diarrhea.
  • Cauliflower : Cauliflower contains a lot of fiber, which helps reduce the burden on the digestive system. Because a small amount of soft, easily digestible cellulose is contained in cauliflower. In addition, cholesterol in your body will decrease significantly after regularly drinking cauliflower juice.
  • Water: is an indispensable component in the body, especially when constipated. Water helps support intestinal motility, softens stools and helps you defecate more easily. Therefore, not drinking enough water is the cause of constipation. Maintain drinking enough water 2 liters per day to prevent constipation. 

In short, constipation is a very common condition characterized by hard, dry stools, wanting to defecate but not being able to, having to strain, causing negative effects on health. Therefore, to prevent constipation, you need to supplement foods high in fiber and drink enough water every day, which is an effective way to soften constipation.

To make an appointment at the hospital, please dial the HOTLINE number or make an appointment directly HERE. Download and make an automatic appointment on the MyVinmec application to manage, track schedules and make appointments anytime, anywhere right on the application.

Share
Patients Stories