Is the big message not working and are you pushing for minutes? A frequently heard advice is to eat bananas, which are said to relieve constipation. But at the same time, other advice advises against eating a banana. Things would actually cause a blockage.
Should you or shouldn’t you eat a banana if your intestines are stuck? And does it matter whether you take a ripe or unripe banana?
Rijpe bananen: to poop or not to poop
Let’s start with the banana that most people eat: a ripe one. Can this clog your bowel movements? ‘In one research who asks about people’s experiences, some people have the idea that bananas cause constipation,” says poop researcher Sofie van der Zalm of Wageningen University & Research. ‘But no evidence of that has been found.’ Eating ripe bananas will therefore not cause constipation.
Why do people think that bananas cause poop problems? This may be because bananas are full of fiber. ‘If you eat fiber and drink too little, your stools can indeed become a bit harder,’ says Van der Zalm. But these fibers can also solve your toilet problems.
Three types of fiber help with your bowel movements
Bananas themselves have not been extensively studied to determine whether they help you poop better. But that was done for fiber, and a banana has a relatively high amount of that (about 2 to 4 grams per 100 grams). ‘A banana contains a mix of fibres’, says Van der Zalm. And they prevent blockages.
1) Fibers that retain water
First of all, bananas contain a type of fiber that retains water. ‘This softens your intestinal contents.’ This fiber is the reason you should drink water when you eat bananas before your bowel movements.
2) Intestinal stimulating fibers
‘Bananas also contain fibers that stimulate the intestinal wall to move,’ Van der Zalm continues. This movement causes your intestines to push food towards the exit. The faster this happens, the less water your body removes from your intestinal contents. This means you can spin smoother turds.
3) Resistant starch
Bananas also have resistant starch. ‘Bacteria in your large intestine convert this type of fiber into substances that are good for the health of your intestines,’ says Van der Zalm. And healthy intestines are nice if you don’t want to stay in the smallest room for too long.
Together, these fibers reduce the risk of constipation if you also drink a glass of water. By the way, other fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, such as kiwis, also help you defecate smoothly. ‘Therefore, don’t just eat bananas, but eat a varied diet if you want pleasant bowel movements. That’s better for you anyway.’
What about unripe bananas?
So a ripe banana could help if you suffer from constipation, but what about an unripe one? Van der Zalm: ‘During ripening, fibers are broken down into sugars, which makes a banana sweeter.’ A hard banana with green skin therefore has more fibers than a soft yellow-and-brown-spotted one.
You would therefore think that green bananas would work extra well against long, unsatisfactory visits to the toilet. Van der Zalm also expects that.
Unfortunately, it has never been directly investigated whether ripe and unripe bananas have different effects on bowel movements. Well discovered scientists from Universidade Estadual Paulista (Brazil, 2019) for example, that eating green bananas daily reduced stool hardness in children and adolescents with constipation.
Unripe bananas also treat diarrhea
It may sound contradictory, but green bananas can also prevent diarrhea. This may be where the idea that bananas can make you constipated comes from, as diarrhea is the opposite of a rock-solid blockage in your intestines. You would expect something that increases diarrhea to make constipation worse.
Why do green bananas work in both cases of toilet emergency? This is because the fibers that are mainly present in young bananas are of the resistant form. They improve the health of your intestines and that has a positive effect on diarrhea and constipation. They also retain water, which can also be beneficial in case of diarrhea.
Conclusion: bananas are good for your bowel movements
If you have been having trouble defecating for days, eating a banana certainly won’t hurt. And whether you are a fan of green or yellow-brown bananas, it doesn’t matter much. In both forms, they can relieve your constipation.
Are you reading this message while you’re pushing on the toilet? Do not sit on the pot for too long, as this increases your risk of hemorrhoids. What might also help with difficult bowel movements: squatting to defecate.
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Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the great banana debate! Today, we’re diving deep into the squishy, slippery world of… bowel movements! Yes, it’s a topic that can leave you in stitches or, if you’re not careful, quite literally “stuck.” Let’s peel back the layers on that yellow fruit everyone’s talking about—bananas!
Is the Big Message Not Working?
Now, first things first: does the humble banana help you poop, or does it send your digestive system into a state of high alert? It seems there’s a rite of passage for every banana enthusiast—one that dances between feeling fruity and feeling absolutely blocked! You see, the advice is as consistent as a comedian’s punchline: “Eat a banana to relieve constipation!” Yet some folks out there believe it might serve as a roadblock instead. Talk about a slippery slope!
To Poop, or Not to Poop—The Ripe Banana Edition
Let’s start with the ripe bananas—the ones that are smooth, yellow, and whisper sweet nothings to your gut. According to our friendly poop research aficionado, Sofie van der Zalm (a title that deserves a medal, if you ask me), ripe bananas on their own do not cause constipation. But here lies the twist! Some people associate the high fiber content with constipation, misunderstanding it, which is a bit like blaming your favorite stand-up comic for their audience’s laughter-induced snorts. In reality, the fiber helps smooth everything out—provided you drink enough water.
So if you’re feeling stuck, grab a banana, hydrate, and let nature take its course. Think of it as a fiber-packed VIP pass to the loo!
Meet the Fiber Avengers—Three Types That’ll Help You Out
Here’s the good bit: bananas are packing the fiber! Anyone heard of the three types of fiber that get your bowel movement on its feet?
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Fibers That Retain Water: Like your best mate at the pub—always keeping things flowing, if you know what I mean. These fibers help to soften your intestinal contents. So next time you’re eyeing that banana, remember to down some water like it’s the last call!
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Intestinal Stimulating Fibers: These are the real MVPs! They get your intestines moving. Yes, that’s right, a banana can effectively tap your insides on the shoulder and say, “Oi, get moving!” The quicker you get those contents to the exit door, the smoother the turds. It’s like a fast track to relief!
- Resistant Starch: And who doesn’t love a bit of resistant starch? Think of it as fiber’s battle-hardened cousin—turning into substances that promote intestinal health and smiling softly at your regular bathroom visits.
And folks, this trifecta means having a varied fiber-rich diet is ideal. So while bananas are fab, don’t just hang out with them alone—consider inviting a kiwi or two to the party.
Unripe Bananas—The Green Enigma!
Now, what about their less ripe counterparts, the unripe bananas? You might think they’d pack an extra punch in the fiber department. But here’s the kicker—no one’s conducted a hard and fast study to deem them superior at getting things moving.
Interestingly, scientists in Brazil found that green bananas could indeed soften stool hardness in kids! So, they might just work, but no one’s seen the results in adults. It’s like waiting for that one stand-up special to drop—it might happen, but who knows when?
Now, don’t let anyone tell you green bananas are the ultimate choice for constipation. While they might treat diarrhea too (yes, it’s a paradox), they can also retain water! So really, green bananas are doing their best impression of a versatile comedian—they’ll take care of you, be it constipation or, well, an unexpected dash to the loo.
Conclusion: Bananas Are Good for Your Bowel Movements
So, here’s the takeaway: if you’re on the struggle bus when it comes to your bathroom business, don’t hesitate to partake in this yellow fruit’s glory! Ripe or unripe, bananas can act as your gastrointestinal cheerleader—just remember to drink water!
And as we wrap up this fruity discussion, a little advice: if you’re reading this while perched on the porcelain throne, it’s best not to linger! Long sessions can lead to hemorrhoids. You want smooth movements, right, not a sit-in protest?
So, there you have it, folks! Bananas—an ode to smooth bowel bliss! And in the wise words of your favorite comedians: Keep it light, keep it fruity, and may your bathroom visits be swift and successful! 🍌
G other fiber-rich foods to the party! Think of berries, whole grains, nuts, and greens. Your intestines will thank you for the diverse company!
What About Unripe Bananas?
Now, let’s not forget those green bananas, which bring a completely different flavor to the discussion. Sofie van der Zalm tells us that unripe bananas are packed with more fiber, but they bring their own unique benefits to the table. Although they might seem like a lesser competitor on the surface, they actually have the potential to help in cases of constipation as well as diarrhea. Surprising, right?
Green bananas contain a higher amount of resistant starch, which can improve gut health and add bulk to your stool. A study conducted in Brazil found that children struggling with constipation experienced relief when they consumed green bananas. Talk about a win-win!
Bananas and Diarrhea—A Confusing Combo
Here’s where it gets a little wild: green bananas can also help with diarrhea! They might sound like a contradiction, but the resistant starch in them helps absorb excess water in the intestines, effectively managing both ends of the bowel movement spectrum. It reassures your digestive system, stabilizing things whether they are too loose or too tight. Who would have guessed this yellow fruit was such a versatile player?
Conclusion: Bananas Are a Potty Powerhouse!
To sum it all up, bananas—whether ripe or unripe—can lend a helping hand (or peel) when it comes to digestion! If you’re battling a stubborn bowel, diving into a banana might just do the trick. And remember, while bananas are awesome, it’s crucial to complement them with a variety of fiber sources in your diet to maintain optimal digestive health.
So next time you’re faced with the conundrum of constipation or diarrhea, remember that bananas offer a solution for both. And no matter your preference, just take a moment to enjoy their humor—after all, everyone loves a fruit that can crack jokes while helping you on your way to the bathroom!
