Kids and adults alike can suffer from constipation at any point in their lives and this could be due to changes in routine or lifestyle, medication side effects, not consuming enough water, poor diet, or fear of using the toilet (children).

 The good news is that although there may be many causes of constipation there are also solutions to regulate your bowel movement.

 DID YOU KNOW that the leading cause of chronic constipation is the fact that most people just don’t have enough intake of dietary fiber?

Let’s chat about laxatives

Laxatives are often used to treat constipation by stimulating the bowel movement or loosening the stool for ease of passage.

There are 4 types of laxatives:

• Bulk-forming laxatives
• Osmotic laxatives
• Stimulant laxatives
• Stool-softener laxatives

The magic of fiber

Fiber or dietary fiber is a bulk-forming natural laxative and usually the 1st line of defense against constipation. What we now know is that food can be medicine and the right foods can keep us healthier, much like fiber.

Soluble fibers slow digestion and help absorb nutrients from food, whereas insoluble fibers helps draw water in, adding bulk to the stool so that it’s easier to pass. Essentially, adding fiber to your diet is a really good idea and one of the most popular fiber-based laxatives are prunes.

These are the kinds of fibers which are beneficial to your health:

• Wholegrains: Whole wheat bread, oatmeal
• Fruit: Apples, prunes, berries, pears
• Veggies: Carrots, broccoli, green peas
• Beans, legumes, nuts

FACT: Consuming enough fiber will keep you regular, improve the balance of good gut bacteria and reduce the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

The power of prunes

The quantity of fiber found in 1 cup of prunes is equivalent to 7.7 grams per serving and prunes also contain a type of sugar alcohol known as sorbitol.

Sorbitol has a sweet taste which the human body metabolises slowly, while also acting as a laxative when consumed in large amounts.

Prunes are therefore super good for you because they are:

High in fiber helps prevent haemorrhoids caused by constipation

High in potassium to regulate heartbeat

A great source of iron

Relieves constipation

Rich in antioxidants

Builds bones and muscles

Reduces cholesterol levels

Lowers blood pressure

Filled with essential vitamins and minerals

Prunes are holistically good for adults and kids providing an array of health benefits with proper nutrients to help your body function at an optimum level.