
11/12/2024
We all know the importance of fibre for achieving good healthy bowel movements.
Too much fibre in the diet can often have the opposite effect. Many cereals such as All bran can often worsen constipation as it is a very dry and ultra processed product. If you are not used to much fibre in your diet, introduce it slowly and make sure you are well hydrated .
Here are some tips for increasing fibre in your diet:
High fibre foods can be found in the food groups you eat everyday. Eating a well-balanced meal with a variety of foods high in fibre every day helps with digestion and elimination.
* Legumes -which includes beans: kidney, pinto, chickpeas , lima and baked beans
* Whole Grains – go for whole wheat versions of pasta and bread. Be careful and look for the whole grain content. Just because something is brown doesn’t mean it’s a good source of fibre!
* Whole Fresh Fruits – the valuable fibre is found in the skin and pulp of the fruit. Fruit is the perfect food for the bowel. It’s high in fibre, has good sugars and it hydrates the colon.
* Green Leafy Vegetables – lettuce, spinach, celery, and broccoli are good examples. Always have a side salad with your meals to help stimulate digestion.
* Root Vegetables – baked potatoes with skin, carrots, parsnips etc
* Seeds - Chia seeds, flaxseeds, h**p seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seed all add value fibre to your diet. Sprinkle them on your meals and mix them into smoothies etc
* Drink plenty of liquids – including water, fruit and vegetable juices. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.
* Eat meals at regular intervals
* Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to help digestion work well