Regular stomach movements are needed to remove toxins and also wastes from your body. It is important to consume a variety of foods that soften your stool. Junk foods, processed and refined foods, fatty foods, alcohol, dehydration and dairy products can cause constipation, a gastrointestinal condition the causes irregular stomach movements and /or hard, dry stools. When you are constipated you have a difficult time while passing stools.
Causes
Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry.
- Anal fissure
- Bowel obstruction
- Rectal cancer
- Rectum bulge through the back wall of the vagina (rectocele)
- Colon cancer
- Narrowing of the colon (bowel stricture)
- Other abdominal cancer that presses on the colon
- Problems with the nerves around the colon and rectum
Neurological problems can affect the nerves that cause muscles in the colon and rectum to contract and move stool through the intestines. Causes include:
- Autonomic neuropathy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke.
Symptoms
- Gas
- Indigestion
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Needing to strain to get stool out
- Pain or pressure in the belly
- Some bleeding as a result of straining.
Foods that help soften stool
Apples
Another good food for stomach movement is apples. Apple are rich in pectin and also vitamin C, that is a water-soluble vitamin that strengthens your immune system, protects your body from damaging free-radicals and lowers your risk of constipation and intestinal damage. They also have a high water content, which can move quickly the amount toxins and waste through your intestines. Bite an apple when you have a hard time while producing a bowel movement or if you experience dry, hard stool.
Flaxseeds
Another food to help relieve constipation is flaxseeds. Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and they have essential fatty acids, healthy fats that soften stool and ease constipation. The best way to use flaxseeds as a stool softener is to add approximately 2 tablespoons of flaxseed to your cereal or your meals.
Beans
Foods that soften your stool include beans. Legumes, like adzuki beans and also soybeans, are rich in calcium, iron, protein, zinc and fiber, nutrients that soften stool, regulate normal bowel movements, aid in digestion, repair injuries and strengthen your immune system. Add beans into your diet by fixing a pot of chili or making bean burritos for dinner.
Aloe Vera Juice
Another best natural stool softener is Aloe Vera juice. It is considered as a natural medicine that can accelerate the elimination of toxins and also waste. Aloe vera can also soften hard, dry stools and encourage regular bowel movements. It is important to follow the directions on the bottle as to avoid abdominal pain and cramps. Take one glass of aloe vera juice with any fresh fruit juice.
Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are best fruits that help with constipation. They are rich in fiber, which aids in food digestion. When the dried apricots come in contact with your digestive fluids it softens and loosens your hard stools. Relieve constipation by snacking on dried apricots when you have few problems while producing a bowel movement.
Almonds
One of the best foods for constipation is almonds. Almonds generally contain a large amount of fiber, that very helpful to soften your hard stool and relieves constipation. These nuts help move food, toxins and waste through your intestines. It is important to drink plenty of water with the almonds to prevent your constipation. Lower your risk of constipation by munching on 10 to 15 almonds a day.
By following these above foods, you can soften your stool. Constipation may be considered as a chronic if you are suffering with two or more of these symptoms for the last three months. Consult your doctor if you experience unexplained and persistent changes in your bowel habits.
