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The 15 Best Foods to Relieve Constipation

Kiwifruit and Figs

Kiwifruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber. A regular-sized kiwifruit offers 2.3 grams of fiber, which is nine percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI). A study was conducted on over thirty elderly persons and kiwifruit helped to increase bowel movements. The fiber helps soften the stools and increase bulk weight. Another study showed that kiwifruit had laxative effects to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. [5] The active ingredient in kiwifruit is actinidain, an enzyme that supports digestion and stimulates defecation.

Kiwifruits can be eaten fresh, juiced, or in salads.

A medium-sized fig provides up to thirty-one percent FDI for dietary fiber. It speeds up the movement of food in the colon, stimulating bowel movements. Figs add bulk and weight to the stool for easy passage with the help of an active ingredient called ficain. Ficain is an enzyme that promotes gut health and prevents constipation or stomach problems. Dried fig is a common remedy for digestive problems, including constipation. [7]