Getting rid of constipation is not difficult, because today every pharmacy chain has a lot of effective drugs. But, despite the quick results, such funds help mostly once. No medications can increase intestinal motility and eliminate the problem of constipation for a long time. After just a few days, the problem makes itself felt again. As a rule, it is provoked by an incorrect diet, replete with foods devoid of beneficial fiber. In this case, bran for constipation helps eliminate fiber deficiency and restore stool. But it is important to learn how to choose them correctly, prepare them for consumption and not exceed the recommended amount of the product, because this can only aggravate the problems.
How does bran work?
This is the husk of cereals, which is obtained after processing grain crops. The main advantage of bran is its natural origin. The second important advantage is the high level of fiber, so even a small volume of bran (about 30 g) already contains the daily requirement of coarse fiber. They are indispensable for proper bowel function.
Eating bran for constipation is extremely useful, because it helps:
- improve peristalsis;
- speed up the digestive process;
- lower cholesterol levels;
- remove toxins, cholesterol and lipids.
You can buy bran in a store or pharmacy chain. The price for them is very affordable, and they are stored well.
Children's dosages
If bran is prescribed to children for constipation, it is recommended to use it in its pure form. In the first three days, the body must get used to the product on its own; it is recommended to start with a dosage of 2 grams of the substance on an empty stomach with a glass of water. This amount of bran should be consumed within three days.
The maximum daily dosage, even after stool normalization, is up to 15 grams. Then you need to drink this amount of product with two glasses of water. The average course of treatment is 10 days.
What bran will help get rid of constipation?
There are 3 types of bran on the shelves: from wheat, rye and oats. You can find corn, buckwheat or rice bran, but they are not as popular.
All products contain fiber of varying strength. It is better to buy loose husks, since they do not have additional inclusions.
The granulated and compressed product is not as healthy. If we talk about the types of such grain husks, they also have their own characteristics.
Wheat bran
This is the most “benign” type of grain fiber. It contains vitamins, essential elements and is optimal for correcting intestinal function. Wheat bran for constipation is ideal for starting therapy. Only over time can coarser fiber be added to food.
Rye shells
Rye bran resembles wheat bran, but the rye fibers are somewhat coarser, and therefore act more harshly. They can be included in the diet when the gastrointestinal tract is already adapted to wheat husk.
Oat bran
They contain soluble fiber and can be used during a diet. The product removes excess fat and cholesterol. Oat bran is also considered an excellent remedy for constipation.
When purchasing any of the varieties of bran, you need to pay attention to their expiration date.
You should always check whether the packaging is intact and whether there are pests in the package that are particularly susceptible to this product. Store bran in a glass container to prevent moisture penetration. If the storage conditions are violated, the product may become bitter. This does not affect its healing properties, but the taste deteriorates significantly.
Composition and beneficial properties
The most important advantage of wheat bran (as well as any other that was written about here) is the presence in them of a large amount of fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system. Fiber is especially useful for normal intestinal function, both in adults and children. The product is rich in a number of macroelements, among which the most significant are:
Wheat bran
- Potassium is necessary for maintaining the cardiovascular system, regulates water-salt metabolism in the body.
- Calcium is needed for the formation of bone tissue and teeth, so it is necessary for children during growth.
- Magnesium – helps normalize blood pressure.
The product contains useful microelements:
- Iron – maintains hemoglobin levels in the blood.
- Manganese – prevents the development of diabetes, acts as an antioxidant.
- Zinc – is involved in the renewal of skin cells, helps hair and nails grow, fights bacteria and viruses.
Bran contains a large group of B vitamins:
Bran - minerals and vitamins
- Thiamine - provides energy to the body and brain, especially needed by children, since they are undergoing the process of intensive development.
- Riboflavin – promotes tissue renewal and has a beneficial effect on the growing child’s body.
- Nicotinic acid – prevents pellagra in children (occurs as a result of vitamin deficiency in the body).
- Choline – protects the liver, normalizing its function.
- B5 – stimulates the production of special hormones in the adrenal cortex, which help to more easily endure nervous overload and inflammatory processes.
- Pyridoxine – is involved in the processing of amino acids important for the body; a deficiency of pyridoxine in a small child can cause convulsions and increased excitability.
The product contains a number of useful vitamins:
- Vitamin A is necessary for children to prevent vision and support immunity; as an antioxidant, it helps with bronchial asthma.
- Vitamin E – protects against toxins, is responsible for the absorption of proteins that the child requires for the development of bone and muscle tissue.
- Vitamin K1 is responsible for the healthy blood clotting process.
Wheat bran contains a set of amino acids necessary for human health, including those essential for children:
- Arginine – is involved in the production of hormones, is needed for the growth of a child, is not produced independently in the body of children, and can only be obtained from food.
- Histidine is a component for normal growth and tissue repair.
Bran can be purchased at a pharmacy or store in the health food section. They can be produced in ground form or granules. The first option is preferable, since salt and sugar can be added to the granules to enhance the taste.
About wheat bran
Preparing bran before use
It is better not to consume bran in dry form. While this won't do much harm, it won't be useful either. In order for fiber to begin to stimulate gastrointestinal motility and cleanse the intestines, it must be soaked in advance.
The product is prepared for use as follows.
- Pour the bran into a deep container.
- Fill with hot water at a ratio of 1:5.
- Leave for 1-2 hours, and then drain the liquid.
Afterwards, the steamed grain husks are eaten separately. It is combined with various products and included in dishes.
Dosage and course duration
The daily dose of the product for an adult should not exceed 30 g, but it is approached slowly, using 1 teaspoon of bran. If alarming reactions in the gastrointestinal tract are observed while eating grain shells, then you should stop taking the drug. When a person consumes unheated vegetables and cereals made from unrefined grains in sufficient quantities, the daily portion of bran is reduced.
When taking bran, it is important not to forget about the drinking regime, since a lack of fluid can upset the balance in the intestines and cause serious constipation.
In order not to aggravate the problem, it is enough to drink an additional cup of water after each serving of soaked bran. As for the duration of such therapy, they take bran for constipation until the problem is eliminated.
Method of use
It is important to remember about the correct intake of bran, namely to adhere to the following rules:
- It is not recommended to take the husk in large quantities, more than the recommended dosage;
- start using minimal dosages, gradually increasing the amount of bran;
- It is recommended not to consume all water with bran, but only a porridge-like mass without excess liquid;
- you can add bran to other foods (yogurt, fermented baked milk, milk);
- You can combine bran intake with abdominal massage.
They can be used to treat constipation
Traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of constipation
Bran for constipation is rarely used separately. As a rule, the husk is added to fermented milk drinks, herbal infusions, vegetable dishes and other products that improve peristalsis or have a laxative effect.
Using bran with water
This is the most common way to use bran for constipation. You will need 30 g of product and purified water. The grain shells are filled with liquid and allowed to brew for an hour. After this, the steamed bran is divided into three servings and consumed half an hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each serving is washed down with a cup of water. The therapeutic course lasts about 30 days.
Kefir with bran
Quite an effective method of combating constipation. For this recipe you will also need kefir. It is important to choose a fresh drink containing probiotics - they improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
To prepare the product, you need to pour 30 g of husk with 250 ml of kefir overnight. In the morning, this dish is consumed as first breakfast. The next meal is possible only after an hour.
Kefir with bran is filling and eliminates hunger well. This is one of the recipes that can also be used on a diet.
Bran water with honey
An excellent remedy for improving gastrointestinal motility, ideal for people suffering from stomach diseases (ulcers, gastritis). With such ailments, coarse fibers are completely eliminated. As for honey, if you are allergic to bee products, you do not need to use it.
To prepare bran water you need:
- 4 tablespoons bran;
- 400 ml water;
- 1 tablespoon honey.
The husk is poured with hot water and left to infuse for at least 4 hours, but preferably until the morning. Afterwards, the water is filtered, simultaneously squeezing out the husks well. Next, the infusion is heated to a maximum of 50 degrees and a spoonful of honey is dissolved in it. This drink should be drunk in the morning before breakfast.
Bran with beets
The salad is healthy and has a laxative effect. It can be eaten at any time of the day and used as a snack.
Ingredients:
- 20 g bran;
- 150 g boiled beets;
- 15 ml flax oil;
- salt, herbs.
In case of an allergic reaction, flaxseed oil can be replaced with another vegetable oil.
Half an hour before preparing the salad, the grain shells are poured with boiling water. Afterwards, the remaining water is drained. At the same time, the beets are peeled and grated. Then it is mixed with bran and salt, herbs and oil are added. Salad is eaten freshly prepared.
Bran porridge with prunes
This is another snack option. This porridge is not only effective in combating constipation, but is also very filling and healthy. If you use it daily, you can forget about the problem of constipation forever.
To do this you will need:
- 3 tablespoons of bran;
- 30 g prunes;
- 200 ml water or milk;
- 1 tablespoon of flower honey.
Bring water or milk to a boil, pour bran into the liquid and boil for no more than a minute. Then chop the prunes and add them to the porridge. The dish is allowed to stand for about an hour, after which honey is added.
An important nuance: before eating such a dish, you should drink a cup of water and repeat it 30 minutes after eating.
Reviews
Products using cereal husks receive good reviews due to their benefits to the body and safety. This is quite a useful product, anyone can buy and prepare it. It is best to consume it on a regular basis to prevent constipation.
Doctors note that treatment of constipation must be carried out in compliance with a certain diet. You need to prepare healthy meals, drink herbal infusions, juices, and eat more liquid foods.
Laxative products are effective, but sometimes gastrointestinal disorders require the help of a doctor. If prescriptions do not help, it is important to visit a specialist and undergo the treatment prescribed by him. Much depends on the cause of constipation, which needs to be eliminated first.
Bran for constipation is a recognized and effective remedy. Due to the high content of fiber, rich in dietary fiber, they help remove waste, toxins, regulate microflora imbalance and cholesterol levels. This activity leads to the normalization of impaired intestinal motility - the primary cause of constipation.
Bran for constipation is a recognized and effective remedy.
Contraindications
Despite all the benefits of fiber, it can cause bloating, abdominal pain and even intestinal obstruction. This is why you should not violate the recommendations regarding the amount of product.
In addition, it makes no sense to include bran in the diet while taking vitamins or medications. Medications will be removed by coarse fibers even before they begin to act. If parallel use of drugs is unavoidable, it is strongly recommended to maintain a two-hour interval between them.
Contraindications to the use of bran are also:
- diarrhea;
- avitaminosis;
- childhood;
- ailments of the stomach and duodenum;
- irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation of the mucous membranes.
It is not advisable to take bran for constipation during pregnancy and lactation. But in other cases, you should not abuse the product. The therapeutic course for constipation is approximately 2 months, after which a month-long break is required. Long-term use of bran can lead to a deficiency of nutrients in the body.
What it is
Bran is a waste product from flour production. Previously, their usefulness was not known; they were simply thrown into the trash. Today it is the main product recommended by nutritionists and used in traditional medicine recipes.
Due to the increased content of natural fibers, the product has a beneficial effect on the body:
- The functioning of the digestive system is restored.
- Cholesterol decreases.
- Blood sugar levels reach normal levels.
- Helps get rid of extra pounds.
- The process of digesting food is more active.
- Removes toxins from the body.
Intestinal motor activity increases significantly under the influence of dietary fiber. The positive effect does not depend on the type of bran.
The lack of natural dietary fiber in the diet provokes the occurrence of colitis and chronic constipation. Diverticulosis may occur. This is a dangerous disease that affects the intestinal walls, forming protrusions.
Before treating constipation, it is necessary to find out what situation or factor provoked the appearance of the unpleasant symptom. The absence of stool differs in the mechanism of its occurrence and in the method of its occurrence. Diseases of the internal organs involved in the digestion of food cannot be treated by eating fiber alone; complex therapy is required using medications and dietary nutrition. In case of severe violations, surgical intervention is not excluded.
Eating fiber will not help with diseases of the stomach and duodenum:
- Gastritis;
- Colitis;
- Ulcer.
Eating foods with coarse fiber for these diseases means worsening the condition, provoking an exacerbation.
Bran therapy is carried out under conditions of a healthy body, when constipation is recognized as a temporary phenomenon not associated with serious internal lesions. Fiber treatment is used in cases of:
- Dietary disorder. Snacks on the run, fast food, lack of normal nutrition during the working day.
- Intestinal motor activity is reduced. The bolus of food moves slowly, which causes a jam.
- With mild pancreatic dysfunction, malfunction of the gallbladder is not serious.
- If you are overweight due to a metabolic disorder.
Like any medicine, taking it correctly and following the dosage means guaranteeing the desired effect.
Can bran cause constipation?
The supplement should be included in the diet with great caution. It is worth remembering: once in the gastrointestinal tract, fiber actively absorbs water. The amount of water absorbed can be 20 times the weight of dry bran.
Abuse of grain shells without adjusting the drinking regime provokes constipation and flatulence.
If you ignore the rules for using bran, swollen feces will accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract. This weakens intestinal motility and prevents normal bowel movements.
