Why do some people still suffer from chronic constipation despite consuming an adequate amount of vegetables? What specific dietary choices can they make to alleviate their symptoms? Dr. Yun-Ni Jong, an esteemed colorectal surgeon, provides expert guidance on this matter. She has identified the top 10 foods known to facilitate bowel movements and offers insightful recommendations on how to sustain intestinal well-being, ultimately reducing the likelihood of constipation.
Are You Constipated?
What defines constipation? How many bowel movements per day are considered normal? According to Dr. Jong, the normal range for bowel movements is quite broad, from three times a day to once every three days. Completing a bowel movement within seven minutes is normal. However, some people, even though they have a bowel movement every day, still sit on the toilet for seven to 10 minutes without passing stool which is considered constipation.3 Types of Constipation
Dr. Jong explained that constipation can generally be categorized into three types. We can self-assess to determine which type we experience.1. Slow transit constipation: This type of constipation is common among the elderly, as intestinal motility slows down with age. Even if the quality of the stool is good, the excessively slow movement of the intestines makes it difficult to pass stool.
