Constipated? “Eat more fiber” is what most will tell you. But what is fiber really?
There are 2 types: Soluble and Insoluble Fiber.
Soluble Fiber blends well with water, forming a gel-like substance, whereas Insoluble Fiber does not blend well with water and acts as a “bulking agent” inside the gut to help move things along. But what many fail to realize is that consuming too much fiber will make things “bulk too much” so to speak, causing blockage and ultimately “stop you up” even more so! Think bout it, if a tube is clogged, would you want to add more bulk to that tube? Probably not. You would add liquid, oils, and lubricants to help break it up. That’s exactly what we need to do when we’re constipated (and continue to do to stay regular).
What I always recommend to someone who is constipated (and I personally do this myself as well) is to reduce your fiber intake and increase liquids. Also, there ARE some specialized fibers found in certain fruits that get the job done. Below is a check list I’ve created to guide you if you’re constipated.
• Go on a low fiber diet.
• Increase water intake.
Eat more:
• avocado
• eggs (with yolk)
• coconut oil (does the trick almost instantly!)
• kiwi WITH the skins
Also, dry this drink that may help stimulate the bowls within 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp curry powder
12 oz warm water
(yacon syrup or blackstrap molasses may be added if need be)
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together and consume it within 10 minutes. You may start to feel warm due to the spices so be aware.
And….if all else fails? Drink coffee! (works every time)
I am out of town and 2 hours from the closest grocery store. No access to “smooth moves tea” which is my go to! Traveling always makes me constipated so when it happened again after 2 days of being here I looked up your post! After hearing from the in-laws about how I must do metamucil (so annoying) I downed the concoction of seasonings. It burns and is nasty BUT in 10 minutes I went! Yeah! Your awesome.
awww im glad you were able to find relief! That’s the worst when you’re traveling!
Eggs cause constipation for me!!! I drink a lot of water also, usually 4 liters a day, never less than 3. Would love to try coconut oil just not sure if I could swallow it, any suggestions?
Spinach also causes constipation for me but I freaking love the stuff!!! Lol
try coconut oil in your smoothies if you can’t take it b the spoon 🙂
I eat coconut oil w a dork out of the jar
So coconut flour is also hard? Is it anyway we can reduse the fiber in coconut?
Hi Kari,
Coconut is coconut. That’s like asking if there’s a way to reduce the fat in avocados…it’s just not natural to alter something. If you need to stay away from fiber, just don’t eat coconut flour 🙂
Ever since my early 20s Ive had constipation issues. Then I would take metamucil and I took it daily for many years. A few years ago it completely stopped working and my dilema began. Now I can not digest psyllium husk and flax seeds are ok but they dont work the way psyllium husk worked on me. I drink water alllll day long eat veggies and healthy fats and my stools are still dry and hard. Im stuck I dont know what to do. I have to take a laxative daily to go because if I dont go Im extreamly uncomfortable. So I feel stuck!!! ?
Try to stop all the fiber and psyllium and eat a lot of avocados and take 1 Tbsp of coconut oil in the morning and another Tbsp at night before bed with lemon and warm water
I will try the cocunut oil the lemon I cant do because I suffer from GERD also ( my guts all messed up) and I dont do good with lemon, I hope it works without it. ? Thank you!!
So true. And as Americans we engage in the “More is better” mind set and make ourselves worse. Balance.
I will try this… Thank You
I hope it helps Natalia! oxox
Great information! So many people think that they need to load up on fiber and it’s quite the opposite. I typically try to keep my fiber between 25 and no higher than 35 g per day. Most of mine are from veggies anyway ! ❤️
Good for you girl!’
Try that. Know coffee starbuck
Yup.. Thanks for the tip. Love you. Girll. Flipping boom. Lol
Hahaha I hope it helps!
It’s a really good post, I’m going to try your recommendations. Thank you very much.
I hope it helps hun!