Constipation is a very common health condition which can be easily cured. What many people are not aware of is that laxatives can help ease the problem. Find out about the many advantages of eating yogurt for constipation here.
Yogurt first became popular in the United States during 1970s when the new trend for a healthy diet entered the market, and more and more people realized its significance and wished to join the bandwagon. All types of naturally fermented yogurts are beneficial for health, except the ones which have added preservatives, artificial flavors and sugar. Yogurt is known to be excellent against yeast infection and infections which affect the intestines. There are many friendly bacteria present in yogurt which are known as probiotic. Some of the friendly bacteria are Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillis, which when introduced along with the microorganisms within the body, begins to work as bacterial laxative and helps in softening the hard stool which leads to constipation. This article will discuss the advantages of eating yogurt for constipation and other stomach disorders.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation is a very common as well as a very uncomfortable health condition, wherein the stool gets hardened and does not pass through the bowels smoothly. This condition usually occurs as a result of intake of foods high in fats, preservatives, low intake of water and healthy liquids, lack of laxatives such as dairy products, and very less intake of fiber through green vegetables. This condition can become consistent and leaf to painful bowel discharges as the hard stool can create bruises around the anus, which can further lead to infections.
Many who have suffered from constipation through most of their lives, have in some cases developed anal fistula in the inner tissue of the anal cavity, which when injured by hard stool and pressure from within, can cause bleeding and pus formation. Those who have been suffering from stomach ulcers and painful stools can finally relax and enjoy the soothing and healing effects which yogurt has on the digestive system. The friendly bacteria will help bring down the inflammation in the ulcers and would give respite from the burning and stinging sensation caused by the ulcers.
Yogurt for Constipation in Infants
When infants are fed only breast milk their stool is soft and usually not that smelly, but once they are made to eat semi solid foods, their stool may either become too loose or they may end up getting constipated. Sometimes, babies do not experience bowel movements for days, which is normal but must not be allowed to continue beyond two days. If the baby is feeling uncomfortable and is crying a lot, you must try feeding him some yogurt. Let the yogurt be of room temperature and remember to beat the yogurt properly so that it is easy for the baby to drink. Your baby will be able to pass stools within a few hours. If not you must get the baby checked by the pediatrician immediately. Feed the baby yogurt 3 times a day for the next 4-5 days and all will be back to normal. Just to remain on the safer side, try to include yogurt in your baby’s daily diet whenever possible. You could also try adding some natural honey to the recipe or add natural and unsweetened maple/apple syrup, so as to make it more appetizing for the child.
Best Yogurt for Constipation
Greek yogurt for constipation is by far one of the most effective foods that relieve constipation, because it is the thickest, creamiest and also the most nutritious among all other types of yogurt. There are a lot more probiotic present in Greek yogurt which can help alleviate gastrointestinal problems such as gas, constipation, diarrhea and infections within the intestine. The lactose present in the yogurt helps to loosen the stool and makes its passing much more easy. Fortunately yogurt does not cause diarrhea and is instead good for controlling diarrhea caused as a result of strong medication or viral infections. Doctors today advise each and every one, including those who suffer from lactose intolerance, to include probiotic into their daily diet. This can either be done through supplements or through the consumption of yogurt.
Those people who do not really appreciate the tangy taste of yogurt can go in for flavored and sweetened yogurt available in almost all stores today. Though there is a flip side to this, because sweetened yogurt is not suitable for people who are diabetic nor should it be eaten by people who have been suffering from or are susceptible to yeast infection. The reason being that glucose in the yogurt is food for the fungal infection and will only help and encourage it to grow and spread more aggressively.
While yogurt is good for preventing constipation, eating green vegetables on a daily basis can help do wonders. These vegetables have necessary fiber which acts as roughage and eases the passing of stool. Hopefully this article stating the advantages of eating yogurt for constipation has been informative.
