Is Kiwi Good For Constipation

Corn Vs Other Fibrous Foods

Processing removes the outer layer of grains, the part that contains fiber. Whole grains retain their fiber content 4. For example, a one-half cup serving of white rice carries about 2 grams of fiber, while the same serving of whole-grain brown rice provides about 5.5 grams of fiber. High-fiber foods include beans such as garbanzos, which offer 12 grams of fiber per one-cup serving, and black or pinto beans, which have about 19 grams of fiber per serving.

• Processing removes the outer layer of grains, the part that contains fiber.
• High-fiber foods include beans such as garbanzos, which offer 12 grams of fiber per one-cup serving, and black or pinto beans, which have about 19 grams of fiber per serving.

Beat Stomach Problems With Zespri Green Kiwifruit

In addition to its laxative effects, studies have shown that eating Zespri Green kiwifruit also helps prevent uncomfortable bloated feelings.5 This is because they contain actinidin, a natural digestive enzyme unique to kiwifruit which can improve the digestion of protein .

So what are you waiting for! Try adding two Zespri® Green kiwifruit to your daily diet to help combat constipation and improve digestive comfort.

Constipation quick tips

The 17 Best Foods To Relieve Constipation

About 14% of people experience chronic constipation at some point .

Symptoms include passing stools less than three times per week, straining, lumpy or hard stools, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, feeling blocked, or being unable to pass a stool.

The type and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience constipation only rarely, while its a chronic condition for others.

Constipation has a variety of causes, but its often the result of the slow movement of food through the digestive system.

This may be due to dehydration, a poor diet, medications, illness, diseases affecting the nervous system, or mental disorders.

Fortunately, certain foods can help relieve constipation by adding bulk, softening stool, decreasing gut transit time, and increasing stool frequency.

Here are 17 foods that can help relieve constipation and keep you regular.

Don’t Miss: What Probiotic Is Good For Bv

Berries For Constipation Relief

• Berries are tasty and easy to eat so take your pick: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries – all are easy to snack on and full of fiber.
• For example, just ½ cup of raspberries contains 4 g fiber to help relieve constipation.
• Eat them alone as a snack, try them on salads, or puree and freeze them for a cool summertime dessert.

What Is A Natural Laxative And How Does It Work

Here are 20 natural laxatives that you may wish to experiment with. Chia Seeds are a kind of seed that is native to South America. Fiber is a natural therapy for constipation, and it is one of the first lines of defence against it. Berries. Legumes. Flaxseeds. Kefir. Castor Oil is a kind of vegetable oil that comes from the seeds of the castor plant. Greens with a leafy texture. Senna.

Also Check: Is Peanut Butter Good For Acid Reflux

Don’t Miss: Why Do We Need Probiotics Now

What Are The Side Effects Of Kiwi

Eating kiwi in excess may result in certain side effects that it is important you are aware of, according to StyleCraze:

1. Allergic Reactions

It is possible to develop an allergic reaction to kiwi fruit. It is therefore important to be careful while eating it. Some people who ate kiwifruit in larger portions have reported cross0sensitization and differing types of allergies.

2. Rashes And Swelling

Some studies have shown that eating kiwi in excess can result in swelling. Anaphylaxis can also occur in those who eat too much kiwifruit. Rash, asthma, and hives have also been commonly reported. Additionally, it may also lead to local mouth irritation.

3. Oral Allergy Syndrome

Some people have reported oral allergy syndrome because of eating too much kiwi. Symptoms include swelling of the lips, mouth, and tongue. It may also lead to tingling and itching in the mouth.

4. Dermatitis

People eating larger quantities of kiwi daily may also develop a skin disorder known as dermatitis.

5. Pancreatitis Issues

Eating too much kiwi may also result in acute pancreatitis. This delicious fruit is packed with potassium, serotonin , and vitamins C and E. High doses of these may alter levels of triglyceride in the blood which can be harmful to the pancreas in the long-term.

6. Diarrhea And Collapsing

Some other effects of kiwi fruit are diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. It may even lead to fainting and difficulty swallowing.

7. Breast Feeding And Pregnancy

Sweet Potatoes For Constipation Relief

• One medium baked sweet potato with skin has 3.8 grams of fiber, which can help get things moving along. This high fiber content in sweet potatoes helps prevent and relieve constipation. The skin contains most of the fiber so leave it on for the biggest benefits.
• Regular baked potatoes are also a good source of fiber, with 3 grams in a small baked potato. Leave the skin on, and high-calorie toppings such as butter or sour cream off.

You May Like: Does Applesauce Help With Constipation

Can Pumpkin Cause Constipation

Surprise, it actually can! While the fiber in pumpkin can help you go, it can sometimes block you up, or even help relieve diarrhea. Wait, what?

OK, so sometimes foods higher in fiber â like pumpkinâ can worsen constipation symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If the bowel isnt moving things through fast enough, foods like pumpkin can just get you even more backed up.

Any fiber can cause constipation if you dont balance it with enough water intake, and if youre not exercising enough to help contract those muscles to get things squishing and squashing, Dr. Sonpal says.

Youll also want to avoid increasing your fiber too quickly. Eating too much fiber all at once can contribute to constipation, so take it slow.

A small September 2012 study in âWorld Journal of Gastroenterologyâ investigated 66 people with chronic constipation who were on high-fiber diets. They were asked to go on a no-fiber diet for two weeks, then go on a reduced-fiber diet that they felt was suitable. After six months, those who reduced or stopped their dietary fiber intake showed significant improvement in their symptoms.

What About Pumpkin Spice?

Contrary to popular belief, pumpkin spice does not cause constipation. Thatâs because thereâs no pumpkin in pumpkin spice! Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove or allspice are the ingredients that make up pumpkin spice, according to Chemical and Engineering News. Myth debunked.

Meal Plan For Constipation

The following table demonstrates a 3-day meal plan with laxative foods that help relieve constipation:

This meal plan is merely an example and can vary with each persons actual health status and food preferences. You should see a registered dietitian for a thorough evaluation and for a more personalized meal plan.

In addition to laxative foods, you should also drink 1.5 to 2 L of water per day to moisten the stool and prevent constipation.

Recommended Reading: Lettuce In Diarrhea

Recommended Reading: Can Stomach Bloating Cause Shortness Of Breath

Kiwi Tied To Fewer Adverse Events And Greater Patient Satisfaction

byDiana Swift, Contributing Writer, MedPage Today October 26, 2020

This article is a collaboration between MedPage Today and:

For patients with chronic constipation, green kiwifruit was associated with fewer adverse effects and greater patient satisfaction than psyllium or prunes, although all three were effective, according to a randomized trial.

In a presentation at the American College of Gastroenterology virtual meeting, Samuel W. Chey, MPH, of the University of Michigan HealthSystem in Ann Arbor, said that while psyllium and prunes are proven treatments for chronic constipation, Asian studies, including one from China, have suggested that fresh kiwi may also mitigate symptoms, especially in an era when people with functional bowel problems are increasingly seeking natural solutions.

“The primary reason for undertaking the study was that although there are a number of pharmaceutical options for , these can be costly and can even exacerbate abdominal symptoms,” Chey told MedPage Today. “And previous studies have shown that only about half of patients actually feel better on these drugs, so we wanted to try three forms of natural treatments.”

For the study, the researchers randomized 79 adults with chronic constipation during May 2018 to July 2019 at the University of Michigan Medical Center to one of the three natural treatments following a 2-week baseline screening period:

• Whole fresh green kiwifruit , two a day

• Dried pitted prunes , 12 prunes a day

Medications For High Blood Pressure Interacts With Kiwi

Eating kiwi might decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking medications used for lowering high blood pressure along with kiwi might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Do not eat too much kiwi if you are taking medications for high blood pressure. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril , enalapril , losartan , valsartan , diltiazem , amlodipine , hydrochlorothiazide , furosemide , and many others.

You May Like: Can Probiotics Make Your Stomach Hurt

How Does Kiwi Help With Constipation

Although kiwis are small in size, they certainly are an excellent source of nutrition! These fuzzy-skinned fruits are packed with flavor and a variety of health benefits, including being a natural laxative. If you are experiencing constipation, heres why kiwifruit should be your first food of choice:

Kiwifruit is High in Fiber

Only one cup of kiwifruit contains 5.3 grams of fiber, which makes up an impressive 21% of your daily recommended intake, according to NutritionData.

It also contains a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber, which both work towards adding bulk to stools and moving them more smoothly along the digestive tract, making bowel movements more regular.

According to one four-week study, using kiwifruit as a natural laxative helped to alleviate constipation by increasing intestinal transit time in the gut. Kiwi fruit fiber seems to be particularly effective at holding water. which bulks up your stool and promotes laxation.

Kiwi May Help Symptoms of IBS

Constipation is one of the many symptoms of people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome , including bloating, cramping, and gas.

In fact, a study conducted by the Taipei Medical University found that patients with IBS experiencing chronic constipation had quicker bowel movements after consuming two kiwis daily for four weeks, compared to this who only took placebos.

Kiwi Contains Actinidin

Risks Of Pumpkins For Cats

Pumpkin is a relatively easy and safe additive, Maggiolo assures. While its unlikely that pumpkin will upset a cats stomach, eating too much can possibly cause diarrhea. If this happens, its best to skip the next serving or feed a smaller amount. Your veterinarian can advise you how to modify the serving size, if symptoms occur.

Keep in mind that you should not serve the stem, skin, or pulp of a pumpkin to your cat. These parts of the pumpkin simply dont have a high enough nutritional value to be beneficial for your cat. It is also best to avoid feeding leftover jack-o-lantern, as it may have rotted by sitting outside too long. Plain canned pumpkin is the best option for your pet, and will stay fresh in the refrigerator up to about a week after opening.

Even though your feline friend may not be able to have a bite of your Thanksgiving pie, there is definitely a place for plain pumpkin in his diet.

Help us make PetMD better

Was this article helpful?

What did you find helpful?

• This article had helpful info and advice that I trust.
• Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved.

What was not helpful?

• Article wasnt very helpful and needs improvement.

Say more

You May Like: Align Prebiotics

You May Like: Does Tylenol Or Ibuprofen Cause Constipation

Kiwi Fruit Psyllium Prunes: Constipation Is A Condition Such That If It Turns Chronic Can Create A Feeling Of Ill

How the study was conducted:

Investigators also measured treatment satisfaction and adverse events:WHAT IS KNOWN:WHAT IS NEW HERE: LIVE

Improves Bowel Function In Irritable Bowel Syndrome Sufferers

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal system. Its characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Treatment of this debilitating disease can be difficult.

In 2010, a study was carried out to see what effect the consumption of kiwi fruit would have on IBS constipation symptoms. A total of 41 patients with IBS constipation participated in the study, which took place over four weeks of treatment. Findings were overwhelmingly positive. The patientsweekly defecation frequency significantly increased, while colon transit time significantly decreased.

Don’t Miss: What Can Pregnant Women Take For Heartburn

Whole Grain Bread For Constipation Relief

Whole grains have lots of fiber, which is a good choice not only for the bowels, but also the heart.

• Researchers at the University of Finland in Helsinki found whole grain rye bread to be better than wheat bread and laxatives for relieving constipation. They reported their findings in the Journal of Nutrition in 2010. Their subjects ate enough slices to get 30 grams of fiber a day, but you don’t have to eat that much for it to work.
• Arabinoxylan, the main component of dietary fiber in rye, helps keep food moving through the intestine.
• Ezekiel bread is another good choice for relief of constipation. It is bread made of sprouted whole grains and legumes, which provides a good dose of fiber and nutrients.

Pumpkin Packs A Punch

That said, dont think that feeding pumpkin to your cat is just filling him with empty calories. In fact, pumpkin provides many healthy nutrients. Pumpkin contains vitamins A, C, and E as well as calcium, iron, lutein, and beta carotene. These nutrients are essential for healthy immune function, eyes, skin and coat, and are rich antioxidants. While a high quality cat food will provide all of these, those out there who are feeding their cats a raw or homemade diet may want to consider adding pumpkin as a source of these essential nutrients.

In addition to the pumpkin flesh, pumpkin seeds can also be fed to cats. Be sure to clean, roast, and grind them for proper feeding. Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of omega fatty acids and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, so they make great supplements for cats that experience chronic urinary issues or even arthritis.

You May Like: What Foods Are Good For Leaky Gut

Dried Fruit For Constipation Relief

• Dried fruit is a smart choice if you’re feeling constipated, as it actually contains more fiber than fresh fruit per serving.
• An easy snack is raisins, with 7 g fiber per cup .
• Aside from prunes, dried fruits such as figs, raisins, and dried apricots are excellent sources of fiber.
• Add dried fruit to cereal, or bake it into bran muffins. Soak it in water to soften it if it’s hard to chew.

Just remember that while dried fruit has more fiber than fresh fruit, it also has more calories.