Do Bananas Cause Constipation? We Explain the Truth Once and For All

A common question posed by constipation sufferers is: "do bananas cause constipation?" This article explores this topic in more depth and seeks to give you the answer to this often asked question, once and for all.

Interestingly, this question does not have a simplified "yes" or "no" response. The truth of the matter is that bananas can help fend off issues with constipation just as easily as consuming them can be a source of constipation.

Facts

• Bananas are very high in soluble fiber which, in some cases, helps to move the bowels through the intestinal tract so bananas can be helpful in eliminating constipation issues.


• Bananas contain an ingredient identified as pectin and the pectin is the source of fiber in bananas.


• Consuming a single banana offers you more than fifteen percent of the entire daily fiber intake you require.


• The ripeness of a banana will determine whether or not it will make you constipated when it is consumed.


• The potassium in ripe bananas helps to alleviate diarrhea since it replaces needed electrolytes.


• Fructooligosaccharide are found in bananas; an enzyme producing compound that assists in natural digestion and hinders the fermentation of bananas once inside the intestinal tract; this helps to prevent constipation in some cases.

Unripe Bananas

When bananas are green, consuming them can cause you to become constipated. The unripe bananas or Plantains are far more difficult for your body to digest; they are also bitter to the taste due to the tannin in the green bananas. Since Plantains are more difficult on the digestive tract, the green banana variants may move into the intestinal tract and cause a binding effect in the bowels. These types of bananas are also filled with heavy starches, which can also contribute to constipation.

How Many Bananas Should You Consume?

You should definitely consume bananas in moderation; one, but no more than two bananas per day is recommended to maintain healthy bowel movements. The bananas that you do decide to consume should be yellow with several blackened spots on them; this indicates the banana's ripeness. You might want to start with a single banana daily to see how the bananas affect your system.