7 Foods You Should Eat To Help With Regularity

When it comes to topics of conversation, no one really likes bathroom talk. But sometimes, discussing how to get your system up and running flawlessly can be beneficial. You aren’t alone, and you shouldn’t feel stuck.

Although there is no magic number for how often you should be going number two, most people go between three times a day to once every three days. If you feel like you’re constantly backed up, however, you may want to incorporate some healthy eating habits that can keep things flowing.

Instead of opting for something like laxatives, you can go the all-natural route and include some specific, bowel-movement-inducing foods into your diet.

To get your body a little more regular, try eating these seven types of foods, which can keep things flowing the natural way.

1. Probiotics

Probiotic foods contain friendly bacteria that helps aid in your digestive health. Foods that contain probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and tempeh.

2. Prebiotics

Prebiotics work in hand in hand with probiotics to aid in your digestive health. Prebiotics come from the fibers of certain fruits and vegetables, including bananas, apples, garlic, and onion.

3. High-Fiber Foods

Foods high in fiber help to relieve constipation and move your bowels normally. Some good, digestive-friendly, high-fiber foods include berries, popcorn, beans, dried fruit, and whole grains.

4. Nuts

Nuts are not only a good source of fiber, but they are a good source of healthy fats, which can help keep your digestive system lubricated. Almonds contain the most fiber. While walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, when purchasing, make sure they are raw and unsalted.

5. Seeds

Seeds can be a powerful tool when it comes to encouraging bowel movements. Studies have shown that eating flax seed can increase bowel movements by one third, and many report that chia seeds reduce their symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well. Both of these seeds contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids as well as fiber, which is helpful for keeping you regular.

6. Water

One of the simplest ways to cure chronic constipation is to load up on water. If you are dehydrated, your large intestine soaks up water from your food waste, making it hard for you to go to the bathroom. Drinking water and other liquids helps prevent dry stools.

7. Herbs

Certain herbs, such as aloe vera, are natural laxatives. Others, such as parsley, are natural diuretics, which help to increase water flow through the kidneys and push out germs and bacteria. Other herbs that keep you regular include psyllium and rhubarb.

Photo by Pen Waggener