Why am I constipated?
Constipation is one of the most common changes during pregnancy, produced in part by decreased intestinal motility (to improve nutrient absorption).
Sufficient fiber intake must be ensured (25-30 grams per day)
Ingesting 2 liters of water and 20 g of olive oil per day
The minimum physical exercise (active maintenance) is to walk every day, but do some more specific exercises.
Hormonal changes, especially the increase in progesterone, make our digestive system run much slower. Also, if we add to this that in the last trimester of pregnancy our baby will take up more and more space and compress our intestines, any of us must make prevention of constipation a priority.
You should eat healthy, high-fiber foods such as: vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fruits.
What can help me to treat constipation?
Flax seeds for constipation
This preparation will help us go to the bathroom every day, in addition, it will provide us with important nutrients such as omega 3 and antioxidants such as vitamin E.
- 2 tablespoons of flax seeds
- 1/2 cup of water.
- Dried fruits such as raisins, plums, figs (optional).
Other rich sources of soluble fiber:
There are many foods and plants rich in soluble fiber besides flax. The ones that stand out the most are: psyllium, marshmallow and chia seeds.
For greater absorption and bioavailability of the seeds, it is better to take them ground, you can mix them with vegetable creams or yogurt or goat or sheep kefir
Elaboration:
- Put the flax seeds in a glass, cover with water and cover the container with a plate or lid.
- Let it sit overnight in the fridge or on the kitchen counter if it's not hot.
- The next morning, add raisins or plums and ready to drink.
How do we consume it?
This preparation is full of "mucilage" (viscous gel), it is very rich in soluble fibers, ideal to help us go to the bathroom.
You can have this mixture for breakfast. You can add more fruit, mix it with yogurt, in a fruit smoothie or eat it plain.
If you take any medicine on an empty stomach or with breakfast, you should space out the intakes and leave time between the preparation of the flax and the medication, because this type of soluble fiber can decrease the absorption of said medicine.