Mangoes and their potential impact on constipation: Understanding the benefits, side-effects, and related aspects.
Mangoes, known for their sweet and juicy taste, may offer more benefits than just satisfying your sweet tooth. These tropical fruits could potentially help relieve constipation, a common digestive issue.
The dietary fiber and water content in mangoes promote regular bowel movements and healthy digestion, making them a potential ally in managing constipation. Fiber adds bulk to stool and stimulates bowel activity, easing constipation [1][2][3][4][5].
However, for people with diabetes, there are potential downsides to consider. Mangoes contain natural sugars that can raise blood glucose levels if consumed in large amounts. Excessive mango intake may cause spikes in blood sugar, which could be a concern for blood sugar management [2]. Additionally, overconsumption may lead to digestive discomfort like gas or bloating [5].
So, while mangoes may help treat constipation, they contain high amounts of natural sugars, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and be problematic for people with diabetes. It's important for those with diabetes to consume mangoes in moderation and ideally consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
If lifestyle changes, such as altering the diet and increasing physical activity, don't alleviate constipation, over-the-counter and prescription medications can also help a person pass stool. If home remedies do not work, it's essential to consult a doctor for advice on additional treatment options.
It's worth noting that mangoes are not the only high-fiber fruits that can help with constipation. Other fruits like apples, bananas, kiwi, pears, oranges, raspberries, blackberries, and prunes also contain fiber beneficial for gut motility.
In a 2018 study, people who ate dried prunes showed significantly decreased constipation symptoms [6]. This finding underscores the importance of dietary adjustments in managing constipation.
In conclusion, mangoes, with their fiber and water content, could potentially aid in constipation relief. However, for people with diabetes, it's crucial to consume them in moderation. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary or exercise changes.
References:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mangoes-for-constipation [2] https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/fruit/mangoes.html [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5666016/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4487823/ [5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324908 [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6008926/
- Consuming mangoes, known for their fiber and water content, may contribute to healthy digestion and help alleviate constipation in some individuals.
- For people with diabetes, however, it's important to be aware of the natural sugars in mangoes, as excessive consumption could potentially lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
- Incorporating fibrous fruits like apples, bananas, kiwi, pears, oranges, raspberries, blackberries, and prunes into one's diet can also aid in managing constipation, as seen in a 2018 study on dried prunes.
- Always consult with a healthcare professional for advice on managing medical conditions such as constipation or diabetes, especially when considering changes to diet, exercise, or medication.
- By observing the science of nutrition, fitness, and exercise, along with making health-and-wellness focused choices, individuals can maintain a balanced lifestyle conducive to good digestive health.
