Laxative foods: what they are and when to take them



Curated by Cinzia Zedda, an Iridology Naturopath

Bowel irregularity is a fairly common disorder. The causes that lead to constipation are different and to cure it it is good to understand what the cause is . Not less important is the psychosomatic aspect. Fortunately, by introducing the right foods in a disordered and irregular diet it is possible to give it a "positive shock" and make it restart better than before.

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The kiwi among laxative foods

Natural remedies for constipation

It is quite normal in our culture to use tablets or remedies of any kind (natural or not) to intervene on the intestine when suffering from constipation . In reality the problem of constipation is not solved in this way.

In fact, using remedies that in some way force the expulsion of the stools, we intervene only at a symptomatic and emergency level, but we do not put the annoying constipation into a definitive way. The laxatives are distinguished in fact in different categories. There are those that act mechanically, those that increase the fecal mass and those that act by osmosis .

Those most commonly used belong to the anthraquinones category, which however should only be used in an emergency situation (when there is a constipation that lasts for several days and must be released) very occasionally. It is in fact herbs with an irritating and dangerous active ingredient for the intestinal mucosa. The continuous and prolonged use of anthraquinones can produce serious side effects (paralysis of the anus, cancer).

Anthraquinones act on nerve centers and are not recommended in case of pregnancy and in many other situations (colitis). Also Aloe ferox, Frangula, Cascara, Chinese Rhubarb (herbs and plants whose presence is typical in weight loss products) fall into this category.

The mucilages (mallow, Althea, Psilium, Lino, Agar-agar) are, instead, polysaccharides. Their use is not recommended in case of chronic constipation because they could worsen the situation by creating or worsening the "stopper" that blocks the outflow of the hardened and old stools. In fact, they act by forming colloidal but non-adhesive viscous solutions in contact with water. Furthermore, people taking the pill or taking important (life-saving) drugs must take into account that they could absorb part of the active ingredient and therefore reduce its effectiveness along with a failure to absorb vitamins and minerals.

On the other hand mucilages are useful if taken before a meal because they absorb sugars and therefore help to contain blood glucose peaks at adequate levels. Their field of action, however, finds benefit in situations where a sweet and protective action is required against the intestinal mucosa. Osmotic drugs such as magnesium attract water without irritating the walls of the intestine. In the treatment of constipation it is good to avoid tannins (astringent substances with an anti-diarrheal action).

Stronger with healthy intestines

About seventy percent of our immune system is formed and resides in the intestine . This is one of the reasons why it is important to keep this "intelligent" organ healthy. The intestine is in fact called the "second brain" for the richness of nerve endings and also because it is closely connected to our emotional system.

Stress, tensions and difficult situations as well as a disordered and low-fiber diet directly affect its correct functionality. In addition, the last phase of the digestive process and final assimilation of the nutrients takes place in the intestine as well as the relative expulsion of the waste ingested with food.

If you choose a diet rich in vegetables and fiber by dividing and distributing the various categories (carbohydrates, vegetable and non-vegetable proteins, selected fats such as extra virgin olive oil and not margarines or other questionable oils and fats for our health) and balancing the acid foods and the basic ones in the right way, then we can guarantee long life to our "second brain".

Lack of regularity negatively affects our nervous system. Physical discomfort is exacerbated making us feel swollen and heavy. There is no lack of secondary aspects linked to all this: belly air, stagnant stools that lead not only to encrust the walls and mucous membranes, thus obstructing the passage of the latter for their expulsion, but with time may open the way to various pathologies.

From the intestine, indeed from a dysbiotic intestine, the indigested food molecules pass through the meshes of the now dilated and porous villi and are thrown back into the bloodstream passing through the liver. A prime example of this step is halitosis (waste and bacteria that are expelled from the glands due to an overweight liver and an unhealthy intestine). We can therefore see how all the organs are connected to each other for a synergistic work.

Treating the intestine also means looking at the liver and stomach work. In the intestine, in fact, are the chiliferous vessels (compared to the lymphatic vessels but with a different function) which collect the digested food in the form of kilo.

You can learn more about all the natural remedies for constipation

What are laxative foods

In the garden you will find the best to heal a gut that is struggling to do its job. With the right diet it is possible to move even the most stubborn and chronic constipation. It just takes a little patience and good will by reviewing your eating habits .

Meanwhile, we must say no to fried dishes, happy hours based on chips and pizzas, opting for tomato juice instead of alcoholic or carbonated aperitifs. We take the habit of eating vegetable salads and grilled or steamed or baked vegetables at least twice a day, including fish and vegetable protein rich in fiber (and tasty) and adding good extra virgin olive oil with a lubricating and emollient action.

The apple has good laxative properties and can be eaten raw to improve digestion, cooked or in filtered juice for a more effective laxative action.

Cooked onion has good laxative properties. It can be eaten side by side with other vegetables.

The medlars are easily found in the markets or in the fruit and vegetable departments of supermarkets. Not always of good appearance but of sure effectiveness. They are also good in fruit salads, but don't overdo it.

Plums and kiwis are perhaps the best known fruits for these properties. They are versatile in the kitchen. They are very tasty as an appetizer wrapped in speck or to accompany cheeses and stews in the case of plums. The latter cooked are as good as dry ones. You can put them in water to soften them and then drink the liquid for a safe effect or add it to herbal teas, teas and infusions. The kiwi is recommended to consume it in the morning accompanied by some other food to prevent the seeds from entering the intestinal loops producing problems (in case of tendency to constipation).

Natural yogurt with no added sugar is soothing and refreshing.

Oranges have a type of fiber capable of speeding up intestinal transit; in fact they act quickly. To be used, therefore, if a "quick maneuver" and emergency are needed.

Lettuce is mainly composed of water, low in calories, fat-free but with a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber is a good friend to normalize and promote intestinal peristalsis (regular and spontaneous movement due to the physiological expulsion of the stools). It is rich in vitamins including K (contraindicated in those who take anticoagulant drugs because it minimizes their effects).

Water occupies a prominent place for the good functioning of the intestine. Water hydrates, purifies and purifies. A proper supply of water is important to soften the feces that especially in the presence of an excess of fiber or in the presence of a diet that provides solid and dry foods (bread, pasta, meat but also vegetable without oil) would dry creating evacuative difficulties, hemorrhoids and fissures. Drinking is fundamental to the general health of the body. The mind also works better if the body is hydrated. This point is valid especially for the elderly where the thirst is reduced. A precious tip is to not only drink fresh water but also hot teas, broths and soups. The heat in fact moves the intestine, promoting peristalsis.

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