Bananas and constipation

Since constipation is such a common issue, it is no wonder that there are almost as many remedies for it as there are people suffering from it. One of the well-known traditional remedies for constipation includes bananas. Some people swear by them when it comes to relieving constipation, while others claim they have exactly the opposite effect and actually make the constipation much worse. The truth, like in many other things, lies somewhere in between.

Definition of constipation

Bananas are a powerful fruit. Their nutritional value is very high, they make an excellent midday snack and they are great in desserts. Bananas can be used to soothe an upset stomach, and, according to many, to relieve constipation. It is, however, important to understand what constipation really means. To put it simply, it is the inability to pass stool for more than three consecutive days. It can be acute or chronic. Acute constipation is so common that it is safe to say every person on the planet has suffered from it at least once in life.

Dietary fibers

Most remedies for constipation contain a large amount of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is crucial for regular and healthy bowel movement. Since bananas are rich in fiber, it makes sense they should be used to treat constipation. However, it seems that things are not that simple at all.

Bananas and constipation

As mentioned above, bananas seem to be the best and the worst constipation remedy. The key to understanding their exact role is in determining whether they are ripe or green. Ripe bananas are rich in fiber and in potassium, which means they actually stimulate the peristalsis and lead to constipation relief. Ripe bananas are safe and efficient against constipation, even for toddlers. They are best if consumed in the morning, on an empty stomach. One banana per day should be enough to maintain the regularity of bowel movements, as long as it is nice and yellow.

Green bananas

Green or unripe bananas, on the other hand, are not recommended for constipation sufferers. They are high in starch and take a while to digest. They can cause constipation or make an existing constipation even worse. Unripe bananas are, however, recommended as a remedy for diarrhea. They will soothe the upset digestive tract and, thanks to the minerals they contain, restore the electrolyte balance that is often disturbed during diarrhea, due to fluid loss.

Therefore, when it comes to constipation and bananas, the answer is - ripe bananas relieve it, unripe ones cause it or make it worse.