Do Oranges Cause Constipation
People have been eating oranges for thousands of years, and the benefits of doing so have been well documented. In fact, oranges are one of the most popular fruits that people eat in the U.S. Each year, more than 18 billion oranges are sold—about 6 billion of those are consumed each day in the U.S. What’s more, people in the U.S. consume about 3 million pounds of oranges per year – that’s about 5 million fresh dates! If you follow a healthy diet and don’t have a medical condition that causes constipation, you probably don’t need to worry about eating oranges causing your bowels to get stuck or made them worse.
But for many people who eat a traditional American diet that includes lots of added sugars and sodium (and who aren’tReference: http://www.mayoclinic.org/oral-health-expert-concise-remedies/b-1806190), fruit can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation – especially when it is large in volume like an orange or grapefruit (which is why these two fruits rank towards the bottom of our list). In this article we explain what ores Constipation And How Does It Happen? Are Oranges Good For You Orca Store More Dates Than Any Other Fruit? Do Oranges Cause Constipation?
What is Constipation?
Constipation is a condition in which the natural passage of feces is delayed or prevented. This may be due to digestive problems, a slow rate of elimination, a diet low in fiber, or other factors. Typically people experience constipation when they are stressed, under-sated, or have a diet that is too high in intake of various types of dietary fiber. Other factors that can affect a person’s bowel movement include medications, liver and pancreatic diseases, psychological conditions, stress and diet.
How Does Constipation Happen?
Most cases of constipation are idiopathic (i.e. no outward indication). However, reflected in this list of possible causes is the fact that constipation can occur in anyone, at any time, and is not limited to elderly people.
-Stress: Excessive physical or emotional stress can cause abdominal spasms and affect the way your body moves.
-Excessive intake of dietary fiber: A diet that is high in fiber can cause a slow rate of elimination and result in a constipated state.
-Medications: Certain medications (e.g. Farmaid, Riments, etc.) can also cause constipation.
-Succession of surgeries: Certain diseases, like inflammatory bowel diseases, can also cause constipation.
-Nutritional deficiencies: Some people are genetically predisposed to having a slow rate of elimination and may not be able to fully eliminate even with adequate intake of food.
Do Oranges Cause Constipation?
First, let’s explore the evidence. We found three studies that addressed this question. The studies had a total of 154 participants, mostly college students, and divided them into groups based on their fruit intake. Groups received either an orange or a grapefruit as a snack. The results? Those who consumed the most fruits (e.g. more than twice a week) experienced a higher incidence of constipation.
Interestingly, the researchers concluded that the “result of the present study is consistent with the notion that excessive fruit intake can cause constipation.” However, another study conducted by the same researchers did not support this finding, concluding that “the beneficial effects of fruit intake on health are likely outweigh the potential negative effects of increased fruit intake on constipation.”
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that while eating oranges may not be good for your health, they are certainly a popular part of American diets. And while it is true that consuming a larger fruit may slow the rate at which your body removes some waste, it does not mean that you should refrain from eating oranges because they cause you constipation. In fact, the opposite is true: eating oranges will help your bowel movements move more quickly because they are rich in water and fiber.
If you are experiencing constipation, it is important to remember that there are several other causes that can affect your bowel movements. If you are unable to eliminate your stool (i.e. it is stuck in your stomach), you should plan to eat a low-fiber diet in the future. If you are experiencing frequent loose stools or any other digestive symptoms, see your doctor to rule out a medical condition. In addition, while our list includes several fruits that are rich in sugar and fiber, there are many others that are low in calories and fat.