Constipation, which is characterized as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, is a common condition where people struggle to have bowel movements. If a person has less than one bowel movement per week, they are considered to have severe constipation.
Turkey is a popular choice for a healthy and delicious meal It’s packed with protein and low in fat, making it a great option for people looking to maintain a healthy weight or build muscle. However, some people believe that turkey can be constipating. So, what’s the truth?
The Short Answer
There’s no definitive answer to whether turkey is constipating. Some people may find that it contributes to constipation, while others may not. It depends on a variety of factors, including your individual digestive system and how the turkey is prepared.
The Long Answer
Turkey is a good source of protein which can be helpful for digestion. Protein helps to bulk up your stool, making it easier to pass through your digestive system. However turkey is also low in fiber, which is essential for keeping your digestive system moving smoothly.
If you’re prone to constipation, it’s important to pair your turkey with plenty of high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will help to offset the lack of fiber in the turkey and keep your digestive system regular.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the amount of fiber in your diet, there are other factors that can affect whether or not turkey is constipating for you. These include:
- How the turkey is prepared: Fried turkey is more likely to be constipating than roasted or grilled turkey. This is because fried foods are high in fat, which can slow down digestion.
- The amount of turkey you eat: Eating a large amount of turkey at once can overwhelm your digestive system and lead to constipation.
- Your individual digestive system: Some people are more prone to constipation than others. If you’re already prone to constipation, you may find that turkey is more likely to trigger it.
What to do if you’re concerned about constipation
If you’re concerned about constipation, there are a few things you can do:
- Increase your fiber intake: Aim to eat at least 25 grams of fiber per day. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated is important for keeping your digestive system moving smoothly. Aim to drink 8 glasses of water per day.
- Get regular exercise: Exercise can help to stimulate your digestive system and prevent constipation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Talk to your doctor: If you’re experiencing chronic constipation, talk to your doctor. They can help you identify the cause of your constipation and recommend treatment options.
Turkey is a healthy and delicious food that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s important to be aware that it can be constipating for some people. If you’re concerned about constipation, follow the tips above to help keep your digestive system moving smoothly.
FAQs
Q: Is turkey breast or dark meat more constipating?
A: There is no significant difference in the fiber content of turkey breast and dark meat. However, dark meat is higher in fat, which can slow down digestion and make it more likely to cause constipation.
Q: Can I eat turkey if I’m already constipated?
A: It’s best to avoid turkey if you’re already constipated. Instead, focus on eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of fluids.
Q: What are some other foods that can cause constipation?
A: Other foods that can cause constipation include red meat, processed foods, dairy products, and eggs.
Q: What are some foods that can help to relieve constipation?
A: Foods that can help to relieve constipation include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and prunes.
Additional Resources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation
- American College of Gastroenterology: https://gi.org/topics/constipation/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354256
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
What foods cause constipation?
Foods that have a binding effect can exacerbate constipation, even though there are plenty of foods you can eat to help prevent or relieve it. These are 15 foods to avoid when you are constipated.
Bananas are a conundrum when it comes to constipation foods to avoid. Its a matter of timing: Unripe bananas can cause constipation; ripe bananas can help relieve constipation.
- Green bananas that are underripe or unripe still contain a lot of starch, which the body finds difficult to process, which leads to constipation.
- Additionally, pectin, a type of dietary fiber found in bananas, draws water from the intestines and into the stool.
If someone is already dehydrated, this can make constipation worse.
Babies can also get constipated if they eat too many bananas. Moderation and a variety of fruits and veggies for your little one are the keys.
It is not true that if you swallow a piece of gum it takes seven years to digest. It is true, though, that swallowing a lot of gum in a short period of time or swallowing gum along with other indigestible foods, like seeds, can result in the formation of a mass that, in rare instances, obstructs the digestive tract. This digestive blockage can cause constipation.
Gum should not be chewed by children younger than five. If they do, limit their daily consumption to one or two pieces, and discard the gum after you’re done.
Like bananas, caffeine can go either way.
- A stimulant like caffeine may cause an individual to have excessive diarrhea or more bowel motions.
- Caffeine from coffee, black tea, colas, and chocolate can exacerbate constipation in dehydrated individuals.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. While not everyone who consumes gluten experiences constipation, those with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, or sensitivity to the protein may find it problematic. Those with celiac disease must avoid all gluten-containing products.
Consult your physician if you believe that your constipation may be caused by a non-celiac gluten sensitivity. You can enjoy a variety of gluten-free foods in place of bread and pasta, which are usually made with gluten.
White rice can cause constipation. There is a big difference between white rice and brown rice.
- Constipation may result from eating white rice because the germ, husk, and bran have been removed. Thats where all the fiber and nutrients are!.
- Constipation can be alleviated by brown rice because its germ, bran, and husk haven’t been removed.
- One of the best sources of whole grains is brown rice, which has roughly 3 One cup contains five grams each of fiber and protein.
Persimmon is a fruit popular in Asia, though not as commonly known in the U. S. Sweet persimmons are generally safe, but astringent varieties have higher tannin content, which can worsen constipation by slowing the passage of food through the intestines. If you do eat persimmons, stick to the sweet variety.
There are plenty of reasons to avoid red meat. Red meat has the potential to induce constipation for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Because meat contains a lot of fat, the digestive system takes longer to process it.
- Tough protein fibers found in meat can make it challenging for the stomach to digest.
- Meat is rich in iron, which can be constipating
Limit intake of red meat to avoid constipation.
While whole-grain bread may help relieve constipation, white bread can cause or worsen it. This also applies to other products with a lot of white flour such as:
Unlike whole grains, white flour has no fiber. These foods are heavy on starch and can back you up. Remember to choose whole grains.
Similar to caffeine , alcohol also can contribute to constipation. For example, alcohol can do the following:
- It is dehydrating
- It may worsen the symptoms of constipation by slowing down digestion and irritating the bowel.
Limit your alcohol consumption and replace one alcoholic drink with a glass of water or even a sports drink (like Powerade or Gatorade) every time you have one.
Chocolate is a no-no, especially for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- It’s believed that chocolate’s high fat content can impede digestion.
- This is thought to occur because food passes through the colon more slowly when muscle contractions (peristalsis) are slowed down.
- In one study, German researchers asked participants to list the foods they believed to be the cause of their constipation. Chocolate was mentioned most frequently.
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Many people take calcium and iron supplements in an effort to maintain their health, but these supplements may also be the source of constipation. Ideally, a healthy, balanced diet should provide all of the nutrients a person needs.
If your doctor advises you to take these supplements—for instance, anemia sufferers require iron, and women who may be at risk for osteoporosis require calcium—remember to include more high-fiber foods in your diet to help alleviate constipation.
Dairy products like ice cream, cheese, yogurt, and milk can make a lot of people constipated when consumed in large amounts. It could be due to the dairy itself or a combination of things. But if things aren’t going through properly, the lactose in dairy products can lead to increased gas and bloating, which can make a person feel even worse.
In one study, dairy products may have contributed to the constipation of Iranian children aged one to thirteen. Almost all of the children (80%) who removed cow’s milk and milk products from their diet experienced more regular bowel movements.