Constipation is a problem that affects many people and there are many remedies available. In this article we will review a food that could help us fight against constipation: coconut. We will try to answer the following question: is coconut really effective against constipation ?
Constipation: a disease to be taken seriously
Whether it is temporary or chronic, constipation is a physiological condition to be taken seriously. Due to a poor evacuation of stools, causing a stagnation of more or less toxic matter in the body, constipation can be caused by a lack of exercise, poor diet, fatigue or a pathology. Whatever the cause, constipation is characterized by bloating, a feeling of tightness in the stomach, weight gain and fatigue.
But in all cases, it is important to take things in hand to avoid any complications (e.g. intestinal obstruction).
Natural remedies to fight constipation
Before you go to medication and in the event that constipation is not due to a pathology of the intestine, you can turn to natural remedies. First of all, it is important to modify your lifestyle by hydrating sufficiently, increasing the amount of fiber, which is mainly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, and increasing your level of physical activity, which helps the intestines to become more active, ideally starting with walking if you never exercise.
Then, you should know that certain foods, plants or essential oils are to be favored in the fight against constipation.
In this article, we will focus on one food: the coconut.
Coconut: an ally against constipation?
Coconut, considered by some as a superfood, is a fruit very rich in nutrients. Its main asset to fight against constipation is its richness in dietary fiber. Indeed, the coconut contains 13.6 grams of fiber per 100 grams.
Know that this fruit can be consumed in different ways.
- Coconut water
Very refreshing, coconut water is of less interest to us in this topic on constipation because it helps fight diarrhea and the resulting loss of nutrients.
- Fresh coconut meat
This way of consuming coconut is more rare in our country because it is an imported fruit which is often found dry in the stalls of our stores. Nevertheless, you should know that fresh coconut flesh relieves temporary constipation and helps to unblock hard stools. In the morning and evening, consume 250 grams of coconut flesh, then take a large glass of water and wait three hours before eating again.
Made from copra (dried coconut albumen), coconut oil made its appearance in our kitchens a few years ago.
Coconut oil has a laxative effect, so it is important not to ingest too much of it at once at the risk of causing indigestion, stomach cramps or excessive diarrhea.
Remember also to choose it well. It is recommended to choose it preferably extra virgin, of first cold pressure, unrefined and of organic origin. This is the best way to preserve all the nutrients and to benefit from all its advantages.
Coconut oil can be ingested in several ways: you can melt it and drink it diluted in a glass of water. It is recommended to put a teaspoon of coconut oil for 200 ml of water and to drink it morning, noon and evening before meals. You can also integrate it in your meals, either by substituting it for other cooking oils (coconut oil is not afraid of heat), or by adding it to your soups or smoothies, which gives them a smoother texture without altering the taste.
Because of its laxative effect, it is best to seek the advice of a health professional before using coconut oil for medicinal purposes.
As you have seen throughout this article, coconut can be a good help in case of constipation. Note, however, that it is not a " miracle " remedy and that its use should be done with caution to avoid digestive disorders. If your constipation persists or if you think it may be due to a pathology of your intestine, do not hesitate to consult a health or nutrition professional in order to adapt your entire diet and avoid irritation or irreversible damage to the walls of the intestine .