Dietitian Reveals the Top Beverage Choice to Support Healthy Digestion

No one wants to experience the discomfort of constipation, a common condition that can bring on symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Should you find yourself in such an unpleasant predicament, have no fear – there are certain foods and beverages that can help to alleviate your discomfort and get your digestive system back on track.

Constipation is often caused by inadequate fiber intake, dehydration, or the overconsumption of processed foods. Being mindful to hydrate and bulk up on fiber can help in preventing constipation. However, even the most vigilant among us might find ourselves needing fast relief from constipation. To this end, you can turn to certain foods such as prunes, raisins, sweet potatoes, chia seeds, and black beans.

Apart from food, did you know that certain drinks can also lend a helping hand? Apart from the ubiquitous water, which keeps you hydrated, coffee is a choice beverage for relieving constipation, as suggested by Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN. And for the non-coffee drinkers out there, she recommends prune juice as a commendable alternative.

Why does coffee, particularly the morning cup, send many of us to the bathroom? Manaker explains,

“It stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, which increases peristalsis—the movements your intestines make to push content toward the exit.”

Simply put, coffee causes the muscles in your colon to contract, stimulating a bowel movement.

Moreover, coffee’s natural acidity may aid digestion by increasing stomach acid production. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties of coffee contain acids that enhance the production of a particular hormone, gastrin, leading to the muscle contractions that stimulate bowel movements.

Manaker adds that for many individuals, even “the mere act of drinking a warm liquid in the morning can stimulate bowel movements.” However, she also highlights that individual reactions to coffee can differ significantly.

If coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, don’t worry – prune juice is another drink that can relieve constipation effectively. While not everyone can handle prune juice, its high dietary fiber and sorbitol content make it an excellent natural remedy for constipation.

“Prune juice is often hailed as a natural remedy for constipation due to its dietary fiber and sorbitol,” explains Manaker. “The fiber in prune juice adds bulk to the stool, which helps to promote bowel movements. Sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol found in prunes, works as a laxative by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass.”

This combination creates an effective and gentle method to address constipation and encourage regular bowel movements. Manaker underscores the fact that staying hydrated is crucial to promoting good digestive health and regular bowel movements.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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