Morning foods to help ease constipation in winters

Wednesday 23rd November 2022 06:03 EST
 
 

Constipation is a common condition during winter. Many believe the changes in one’s habits could be the reason. With the dip in temperature, we tend to drink less water, skip exercise, and lean more towards tea and coffee than usual. Our raw foods like salads also tend to decrease as we prefer warmer foods. This is why it is important to modify our diet in winter and include more fibre, herbs and spices, good fat and seasonal fruits and vegetables in it to avoid gut health-related issues.

"Constipation is mainly caused due to imbalance (aggravation) of Vata dosha (specifically apana vayu). There can be so many reasons for that including not eating mindfully, excessive intake of dry, cold, spicy, fried and fast food, not drinking enough water, less fibre in food, poor metabolism, disturbed sleep pattern, eating late dinner, sedentary lifestyle," says Ayurveda expert Dr. Dixa Bhavsar in her recent Instagram post.

Dr Bhavsar says just consuming laxatives is not a permanent solution to constipation, and one needs to include certain foods in the diet that can help fight it.

1. DATES

They are sweet and cold in nature. They also help balance Vata and Pitta making the best choice for people suffering from constipation, hyperacidity, joint pain, anxiety, hair fall and low energy.

Have 2-3 soaked dates with warm water on an empty stomach in the morning.

2. METHI SEEDS

One tsp methi seeds (fenugreek seeds) can be soaked overnight and had first thing in the morning. You can also powder the seeds and have 1 tsp methi powder with warm water at bedtime. Best for people with excess Vata and Kapha. People with high pitta (heat issues) should avoid it.

3. COW GHEE

Cow ghee improves your metabolism. It helps you maintain healthy body fat, which is needed to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like Vit A, D, E and K. 1 tsp cow ghee with a glass of warm cow milk works best for people with chronic constipation.

4. AMLA

Amla is an amazing laxative and helps with other health issues like hair fall, grey hair, weight loss and more when regularly on an empty stomach in the morning. You can have 1 tsp amla powder or juice of 3 fresh amlas (during winter), whatever is convenient for you.

5. SOAKED RAISINS

Black raisins are rich in fibre. Soaking the raisins is essential as dried food items aggravate your Vata dosha and may cause gastric issues. Soaking makes them easy to digest.


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