Foods that Cause Constipation

If you are battling with constipation you should know that
what you eat, and what you don't eat, can make a big
difference.

You may have already heard about foods that prevent
constipation, but what you may not know is which foods to
avoid.

There are actually some foods that can cause constipation or
make an existing case even worse. Avoiding these foods is
the first step to alleviating the problem of constipation
and preventing future episodes.

One of the biggest culprits on the list is meat. Beef and
pork are the biggest offenders. Processed meats like
bologna, bacon and jerky are definitely not recommended.
Potatoes are on the list because they are very starchy.
Cheese of any kind is to be avoided, as are all fast food
items.

One reason fast food should be avoided is of course because
it is often made of meat and cheese. Another reason is
because many of the offerings from fast food restaurants are
low in nutrition. Breads are also on the restricted list.

This includes pasta which is a food many of us love. Corn is
one vegetable you don't want because of its starch content.

You will also want to avoid pizza because of the high cheese
content. Of course you could order pizza without cheese.

Also leave the meaty toppings off and load up with veggies
if you have to have pizza. Thin crust is recommended because
it is less bread. You will want to avoid milk because it
causes more mucus production and may even solidify in the
body.

Another type of food you will want to avoid is dessert.

This includes pies, cakes and cookies. These items have lots
of starch and sugar which puts stress on the body and
encourages constipation.

Some people will look at this list and feel discouraged.
After all, the constipation causing foods are foods that
everyone enjoys.

Rather than feeling deprived, you should limit constipation
causing foods to a minimum. If you deny yourself your
favorite foods you are likely to be unhappy. If you love
bread, have one piece per week instead of a whole loaf.

If chocolate is your weakness eat a square of dark chocolate
instead of a piece of cake. As mentioned before, pizza can
be made healthier by going for thin crust with no cheese and
lots of veggies.

Staying away from constipation causing foods is one part of
the battle. You will also need to eat a diet rich in foods
that are good for you, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables
and plenty of water.

These foods are rich in fiber and help flush out impurities.

Increasing your fiber intake means you also will need to
increase your fluid intake, and there is no fluid better
than water. If dietary changes don't do the trick, you may
want to combine your diet with an herbal cleanse or enema
program to get the cleansing process started.