Constipation
As many as 14 million of us struggle and strain with constipation every year, but most of us don't know what causes it or what we can do to improve the situation.
Politely defined as 'the passing of a motion less often than usual', constipation is usually caused by poor diet, although it can be made worse by stress, lack of water, lack of exercise or ignoring the urge to go to the toilet. It might not be so easy to avoid stress, but dealing with the other causes should be much easier: drink around 2 litres of clean water a day, try to take a brisk stroll every day (exercise is essential for human health), and go when you've got to go!
As for diet, make sure you get at least five portions of fruit and veg a day (aim for ten if you can). Not only do fruit and veg provide us with loads of essential vitamins and minerals, they also give us fibre, which is vital for a healthy digestive system.
If you'd like a novel recipe for a tasty vegetable dish that will hopefully get your motions going, here's my recipe for Marinated Vegetable Brochette...!
Marinade Brochette
150mls olive oil 8 baby aubergines
4tbsp tamari 8 baby courgettes
1tbsp mustard dijon 500g small pumpkin
1 tsp ground cumin 1 red pepper
1 tsp paprika 16 asparagus spears
juice of 1 lime 8 shallots
1 clove garlic (crushed) 16 cherry tomatoes
Mix the marinade and add the brochette vegetables. Marinate for a minimum of 1 hour but better to leave to marinate overnight if you can. Skewer the vegetables on large brochette sticks, place under a hot grill for about 15 minutes turning at least once. Serve with boiled, brown rice or cous-cous. (Makes 8)
As many as 14 million of us struggle and strain with constipation every year, but most of us don't know what causes it or what we can do to improve the situation.Read also:
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