Constipation is our body’s way of telling us that we need more water and fiber to help our digestive system breakdown good food for nutrient absorption in the body. Eating healthy is one good way to prevent constipation, but for people who experience chronic constipation, eating healthy may not be enough since hydration should also work with a healthy diet for a healthy digestive system.
Take the time to discuss these healthy options on food and drink with our team providing in-home care in Irvine California to help prevent your loved ones from experiencing constipation.
- Water
Nothing beats the natural hydrating power of water to combat constipation for us and your senior family members. Drinking at least 2 liters worth of water per day benefits your digestive system by making food breakdown faster and easier for nutrient absorption in the stomach and small intestine. Along with the digestive juices, more liquids like water can make this process fast, especially since fatty and protein-rich foods take the longest to be absorbed. Water then helps make the stool soft for easy elimination. - Probiotic Food And Drinks
Good bacteria and yeasts that also benefit our digestive system are called Probiotics. These healthy bacteria maintain the equal medium of good and bad bacteria in our bodies to help us function properly as we ideally would. Sources of probiotics can be found in:
- Yogurt
- Lactobacillus Drinks
- Pickles
- Uncultured Buttermilk
- Cheeses (gouda, mozzarella and cheddar)
- Kombucha (fermented green or black tea)
- Fibrous Foods
Incorporating fiber-rich food groups into your diet promotes regular bowel movement and aids in suppressing the development of hemorrhoids. Soluble fibers retain water, slow down digestion, and turn into a gel like consistency to help control high cholesterol and sugar levels in the body to aid in better nutrient absorption. While insoluble fibers are ones that cannot be absorbed, it washes away unwanted toxins during waste elimination.
- Soluble fibers: nuts, onions, sweet potatoes, and bananas
- Insoluble fibers: spinach, kale, lettuce, and eggplant
- Fiber-rich food: berries, whole grain bread, high-fiber cereals, raisins, dried prunes, apricots
Meal preparation done through our providers of live-in care in California secures your elderly family member to a diet that will help them avoid constipation or gastrointestinal problems with their meals at home.
To ensure healthy meal solutions for your senior loved ones, visit us at Live Life At Home.