Super Foods | Digestive Tract
Hello Friends and Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Today you may be tempted to overindulge with the Mexican foods at lunch or dinner, but if you can, please keep these Super Foods in mind.
This list of Super Foods are those that help to “keep us regular” and being regular is having timely and trouble free bowel movements. When we become irregular or have diarrhea and constipation it can cause additional health concerns.
Stress, bacteria, reactions to food or medicines can cause irregularity and there are nutrients other than fiber that can help keep our digestive tracts on track.
- Bananas – fight diarrhea with bananas which is also the first part of BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to replace lost minerals
- Chocolate – cocoa in dark chocolate limits the development of fluids that cause diarrhea
- Rhubarb – the root extract relieves diarrhea and also keeps you regular
- Pineapple – cure for constipation
- Apples – fixes both diarrhea and constipation and an unpeeled apple contains 5 grams of fiber to keep the bowels working
- Cereal – whole-grain cereals with fiber softens and bulks up your stools to keep them moving
- Prunes – dried plums are the best natural laxatives
- Beans – eating foods high in fiber such as beans helps avoid diverticulitis
- Cauliflower – prevent constipation with high fiber veggies such as cauliflower, eaten raw or cooked
- Blueberries – high in fiber that is a sure-fire remedy for constipation
- Water – helps fiber soften your stools and helps to move them through the digestive tract
- Artichoke – eases irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – contains fiber, vitamin C and phytochemicals that stimulate bile production
- Papaya – rich in fiber and antioxidants to help soothe IBS
- Yogurt – live bacteria in yogurt helps to digest food and protects from harmful germs
- Chicory – prebiotics is good bacteria for the digestive tract
- Asparagus – vegetable that contains plenty of fiber and helps to keep away constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulitis
- Almond Milk – regular milk may cause IBS and almond milk is a good alternative
Fiber or roughage refers to the parts of fruits, vegetables and grains that your body can’t digest. There are two types of fiber: Soluable Fiber which helps to whisk away bad cholesterol and absorb carbohydrates. Insoluable fiber passes through your digestive system and keeps your bowels moving smoothly.
Many high fiber foods are low in calories so you can actually eat more to lose weight and stay healthy and they may prevent conditions like constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diabetes, heart attack, stroke and cancer.
So enjoy the day, eat responsibly and I’ll see ya tomorrow.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!