Vegan foods that "Get Things Moving"?

Hi everyone! I've been vegan for about a year now, and I still suffer from constipation. It's a problem I've had sense I was little... and it's hard for me to find the right combination of foods that make things normal. Is there any foods you guys eat to help with this kind of problem? Either one thing specifically, or a combination of foods?

I'd suggest that if this is a chronic problem, especially if you have an associated pain or discomfort, that you talk to your doctor.

In the meantime, my take on this (as a former IBS sufferer) is that you need several things.   Bulk, fibre, exercise, fluids, fats and flavours.   Fibre is a given but if you get your 25g+ a day from one tablet it's not going to be as effective as if it's contained with several pounds of bulky vegetables and wholegrain foods.  Exercise such as a walk after meals helps a lot because the action of walking gently massages the gut.  Fluids are vital.... you probably need more than you think.   I'd recommend peppermint tea, other fruit/herb teas and other hot plain fluids over ice-cold ones as these are gentler on the digestion.  Food loses moisture as it passes down the digestive tract.  If it starts out too dry it can't keep moving along and it either gets stuck or turns into hard pellets that are difficult to pass.  Fats are important for a similar reason..... dry, fat-free food is a problem so add plenty of fats to meals.

'Flavours' to me means herbs and spices.  I personally believe that the essential oils in these foods are essential for good health and lace everything I eat with appropriate flavourings.... chillis, garlic, coriander, cinnamon etc.  If my food is bland I find I get 'bunged up' really quickly.

I would personally avoid eating too much fruit... the sugar can be constipating even though it's natural sugar.  I've also found eating processed/refined foods too often makes matters worse.  A lot of vegan 'lookalike' products (if you buy those) are held together with thickeners, emulsifiers and binding agents which I don't think helps an IBS or constipation sufferer.  If you take natural wholefoods and create your own dishes from scratch I think that helps no end. Finally, there are some specific foods that do help.... Kiwifruit, tomatoes, figs and prunes are especially good in my experience.  Best of luck

HI,

I find that eating a good bowl [ at least 3 cups] of air popped plain popcorn in the evening tops me up for the day and by the morning, things are moving along well in the solids department!

And water - you do really need to make sure you get enough liquids in the day to keep things moving.

My husband also makes up a really great soup - which can be used on its own or an a base for more creative meals - video clip and recipe here:

http://www.leroux.ca/archive/dsp_view_505.cfm

All the best!

A good strong cup of black coffee ;)

Original Post by brighteyes82:

A good strong cup of black coffee ;)

Agreed!

Original Post by treebyleaf:

Original Post by brighteyes82:

A good strong cup of black coffee ;)

Agreed!

I've heard that before... but I try to stay away from caffiene and I don't like coffee

do you take the black coffee without sugar? and how much coffee??

thank

Hi;

I am Vegan also.  Try eating a Bowl of Bran Flakes with Orange juice.  That sends me to the bathroom immediately.  Almost forgot to mention, the juice goes into the bran flakes instead of soy milk.   Lots of people say YUK! I say don't knock it till you've tried it, it's delicious.

Prunes. Only need a small portion, on an empty stomach.. might also give you gas though but they will DEFINITELY help get things moving

Original Post by dolly1420:

Hi;

I am Vegan also.  Try eating a Bowl of Bran Flakes with Orange juice.  That sends me to the bathroom immediately.  Almost forgot to mention, the juice goes into the bran flakes instead of soy milk.   Lots of people say YUK! I say don't knock it till you've tried it, it's delicious.

I have been thinking about adding a bran-based cereal to me normal eats. But with juice? Can't I just have it with some soy milk with juice on the side? I'm willing to try it... once... :)

Quinoa since I have been eating this everyday, my BM's have changed a lot.  They also come every twelve hours like clockwork.