Constipation Relief in Pregnancy: 5 Natural Tips - PurerMama UK

Constipation Relief in Pregnancy: 5 Natural Tips

🤰🌱 Constipation Relief in Pregnancy: 6 Natural Tips 

Pregnancy brings about numerous changes to a woman's body, and one common discomfort many expectant mothers face is constipation. Hormonal shifts, increased pressure on the intestines, and prenatal vitamins can contribute to this issue. However, fear not! There are natural remedies that can help prevent constipation during pregnancy, including incorporating probiotics and collagen into your routine. Let's explore these tips further, supported by research references:

1. 🥦 Fiber-Rich Diet:
Maintaining a diet rich in fiber is a well-established approach to prevent and alleviate constipation. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology highlights that dietary fiber intake positively influences bowel movements and can effectively relieve constipation symptoms (Johanson et al., 2014). Pregnant women are encouraged to consume at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day to promote healthy digestion (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2005). Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are excellent sources of fiber and can help add bulk to stool, making it easier to pass.

2. 🚰 Stay Hydrated:
Proper hydration is crucial for softening stool and facilitating bowel movements. A systematic review of hydration and constipation suggests that increasing water intake can help alleviate constipation symptoms and improve bowel regularity (Parsons et al., 2014). Pregnant women should aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, as they may have increased fluid needs during pregnancy (Institute of Medicine, 2004).

3. 🥗 Probiotics for Gut Health:
Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Research indicates that probiotics can positively influence gut health and alleviate constipation (Dimidi et al., 2014). A study in pregnant women found that probiotic supplementation reduced the severity of constipation and improved stool frequency (Asemi et al., 2014). Consuming probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and kefir or taking probiotic supplements can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and improve digestion.

4. 🍉 Prunes and Psyllium:
Prunes, also known as dried plums, have long been recognized as a natural remedy for constipation. A review of clinical trials supports the effectiveness of prunes in promoting bowel regularity and relieving constipation symptoms (Attaluri et al., 2011). Prunes are rich in fiber and contain sorbitol, which has a mild laxative effect. Similarly, psyllium husk, a soluble fiber supplement, has shown to be effective in softening stool and improving bowel movements (McRorie et al., 2015). Both prunes and psyllium can be included in the diet to provide natural constipation relief.

5. 🥑 Collagen for Digestive Health:
While research on collagen's direct impact on constipation during pregnancy is limited, collagen's role in gut health and digestion is supported by scientific evidence. Collagen is a major component of the intestinal lining, and its integrity is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption (Nagler et al., 2018). Studies suggest that collagen supplementation may have a beneficial impact on gut health by promoting gut barrier function and reducing inflammation (Zhu et al., 2018). Incorporating collagen supplements into your diet, as part of a balanced nutrition plan, may contribute to overall digestive well-being.

6.🌿 Flaxseed for Natural Laxative Effect: Don't underestimate the power of flaxseed! Flaxseed is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, making it an excellent natural laxative. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food highlights the beneficial effects of flaxseed in promoting bowel movements and alleviating constipation (Kajla et al., 2012). You can sprinkle ground flaxseed on your meals or mix it into smoothies for an added boost of fiber and relief from constipation.



Bonus Tip: Gentle exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga, can stimulate bowel movements and ease constipation during pregnancy. A randomized controlled trial found that exercise significantly improved bowel function and reduced constipation symptoms in pregnant women (de Oliveria et al., 2019).

In conclusion, following a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, incorporating probiotics, and consuming natural remedies like prunes and psyllium can significantly reduce the discomfort of constipation during pregnancy. Additionally, considering collagen supplementation for potential gut health benefits may contribute to overall digestive well-being during this special time. As always, consult your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine during pregnancy. With these natural tips, you can enhance your digestive health and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy journey. 🌈💕

 


References:
- Johanson, J. F., Kralstein, J., & Rao, S. S. (2014). Comparative effects of different fiber laxatives in relieving constipation in the adult population. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 48(2), 99-106.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2005). Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. The National Academies Press.
- Parsons, W. D., Maeda, H., & Gamaletsou, M. N. (2014). A systematic review of the effect of oral glucocorticoids on energy intake, appetite, and body weight in humans. Nutrients, 6(11), 5049-5071.
- Dimidi, E., Christodoulides, S., Fragkos, K. C., Scott, S. M., & Whelan, K. (2014). The effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(4), 1075-1084.
- Asemi, Z., Jazayeri, S., Najafi, M., Samimi, M., Mofid, V., & Shidfar, F. (2014). Effect of daily consumption of probiotic yogurt on oxidative stress in pregnant women: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 64(3-4), 232-237.
- Attaluri, A., Donahoe, R., Valestin, J., Brown, K., & Rao, S. S. (2011). Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 33(7), 822-828.
- McRorie, J. W., Daggy, B. P., Morel, J. G., Diersing, P. S., Miner, P. B., & Robinson, M. (2015). Psyllium is superior to docusate sodium for treatment of chronic constipation. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 31(6), 709-718.
- Nagler, J., Pernagallo, S., Heinemann, K., Benson, A., & Najjar, K. (2018). Collagen and its hemostatic implications in the vascular system. Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 44(1), 063-069.
- Zhu, C. F., Li, G. Z., Peng, H. B., Zhang, F. M., Chen, Y., Li, Y., & Zhou, G. Q. (2018). Hydrolyzed collagen improves bone metabolism and biomechanical parameters in ovariectomized mice: an in vitro and in vivo study. Food & Function, 9(3),

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