6 foods that can cause constipation in winter

Posted on December 13, 2023

Published on Dec 13, 2023 06:00 AM IST

From low-fibre comfort foods to excess caffeine, here’s a list of foods that must be avoided to prevent constipation in winter.

/

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Dec 13, 2023 06:00 AM IST

“As the winter chill sets in, it’s essential to pay attention to our dietary choices to maintain optimal digestive health. Surprisingly, certain foods, often associated with winter comfort, may contribute to constipation. Here’s a closer look at seven culprits,” says Riya Desai, Senior Dietitian, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. (Freepik)

/

1. Low-fibre comfort foods: Winter favourites like creamy soups, processed breads, hot chocolate and refined grains lack the fibre needed for proper digestion. Insufficient fibre intake can lead to constipation and change the gut microbiome of the intestines that help to digest better, maintains the good: bad bacteria ratios and in turn avoid constipation.  (Shutterstock)

Published on Dec 13, 2023 06:00 AM IST

1. Low-fibre comfort foods: Winter favourites like creamy soups, processed breads, hot chocolate and refined grains lack the fibre needed for proper digestion. Insufficient fibre intake can lead to constipation and change the gut microbiome of the intestines that help to digest better, maintains the good: bad bacteria ratios and in turn avoid constipation. (Shutterstock)

/

2. Dehydration-inducing caffeine: Cold temperature and hot beverages like tea, different types of coffee, hot chocolate are much in demand in the season. Unfortunately, too much of caffeine consumption is associated with constipation and hence one should always drink these beverages in limited portion and controlled quantities.  (Unsplash)

Published on Dec 13, 2023 06:00 AM IST

2. Dehydration-inducing caffeine: Cold temperature and hot beverages like tea, different types of coffee, hot chocolate are much in demand in the season. Unfortunately, too much of caffeine consumption is associated with constipation and hence one should always drink these beverages in limited portion and controlled quantities. (Unsplash)

/

3. Processed and sugary treats: Winter is all about shrinking daylight and a whole shift in sleeping schedules. The festival often leads to over-indulgence in high sugary treats. Consuming too many processed sweets like sugar confectioneries, beverages, chocolates, bakery items like maida-based breads, cakes, muffins, etc can be harmful as they are rich in saturated and trans fats which can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and contribute to constipation. (Whirlpool of India)

Published on Dec 13, 2023 06:00 AM IST

3. Processed and sugary treats: Winter is all about shrinking daylight and a whole shift in sleeping schedules. The festival often leads to over-indulgence in high sugary treats. Consuming too many processed sweets like sugar confectioneries, beverages, chocolates, bakery items like maida-based breads, cakes, muffins, etc can be harmful as they are rich in saturated and trans fats which can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and contribute to constipation. (Whirlpool of India)

/

4. Red meat and heavy protein: Winter comfort foods often include hearty meals, including red meats and heavy protein. They are also rich in saturated fats as most of the dishes are fried and do not contain fibre in required amounts. This leads to difficulty in digestion. These foods can be harder to digest, leading to slower bowel movements and potential constipation. (Unsplash)

Published on Dec 13, 2023 06:00 AM IST

4. Red meat and heavy protein: Winter comfort foods often include hearty meals, including red meats and heavy protein. They are also rich in saturated fats as most of the dishes are fried and do not contain fibre in required amounts. This leads to difficulty in digestion. These foods can be harder to digest, leading to slower bowel movements and potential constipation. (Unsplash)

/

5. Lack of fresh fruits and vegetables: As tempting winter season can get with the delicacies it also harms the body’s metabolism as there is a major shift of food choices from fruits and vegetables to sweets, bakery and fried processed foods. Lack of fibre in term of fresh fruits and vegetables can lead to constipation and disrupt the gut balance. (Unsplash)

Published on Dec 13, 2023 06:00 AM IST

5. Lack of fresh fruits and vegetables: As tempting winter season can get with the delicacies it also harms the body’s metabolism as there is a major shift of food choices from fruits and vegetables to sweets, bakery and fried processed foods. Lack of fibre in term of fresh fruits and vegetables can lead to constipation and disrupt the gut balance. (Unsplash)

/

6. Alcohol-related dehydration: Winter celebrations may involve alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. Reduced water content in the body can result in harder stools and constipation.

Published on Dec 13, 2023 06:00 AM IST

6. Alcohol-related dehydration: Winter celebrations may involve alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. Reduced water content in the body can result in harder stools and constipation.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply