Papaya Smoothie for Constipation Relief 

Is there something worst than spending three days without pooping? Yes! It’s one week without visiting the toilet! If you are suffering from gases, abdominal pain, or discomfort, you might be suffering from symptoms of constipation. Causes of constipation can affect your quality of life. If you do not want to relieve on laxative use, you might want to try this Mexican papaya smoothie for constipation relief as a home remedy, all made with natural ingredients. Forget about stimulant laxatives and go more natural for once.

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Natural ingredients are packed in fiber and natural stool softeners such as papaya! A smoothie packed with natural ingredients is an excellent way for older adults and kids to promote digestion. 

Why Papaya?

Papaya is a popular constipation home remedy in Mexico. This fruit has a sweet taste and a soft and tasty texture. If you are wondering how you could eat raw papaya, my mom used to cut papaya into slices, squeeze lime juice on top, and sprinkle a little sugar. It was the perfect evening snack! This fruit is high in fiber and contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E (Source: webmd.com), but the essential thing here is the enzymes papain and chymopapain. These enzymes digest proteins, which help with digestion and reduce inflammation. These enzymes work so well that we even use papaya as a natural meat tenderizer in Mexico!  

How to make papaya smoothies

Constipation symptoms can be a discomforting issue, especially for the elderly. Fortunately, nature offers us many solutions, and one delicious way to alleviate constipation is through a papaya smoothie. Packed with fiber and nutrients, this smoothie is tasty and promotes better digestion and relief from constipation. In this smoothie, we will avoid dairy products as they can increase the risk of constipation so that we will substitute milk for your favorite options of coconut, oats, or almond milk. Let’s delve into the ingredients and their digestive benefits:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup papaya: Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which aids digestion by breaking down proteins. It is also rich in fiber, which adds bulk to stool, making it easier to pass. (Source: Healthline)

• 1 cup almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free, gentle alternative on the stomach. It is low in calories and vitamin E, supporting overall digestive health. (Source: Medical News Today)

• 1 cup water: Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements. Water helps soften stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive tract.
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed: Flaxseeds are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to stool and promotes regularity. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive system. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

• 7 almonds: Almonds are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and magnesium, all supporting digestive health. Magnesium helps relax the digestive tract muscles, promoting regular bowel movements. (Source: Healthline)
• 2 pinches cinnamon: Cinnamon has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive discomfort. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce bloating and gas. (Source: Healthline)

• 3 tablespoons oats: Oats are a rich source of soluble fiber, which absorbs water in the digestive tract and forms a gel-like substance that softens stool and promotes bowel regularity. They also contain beta-glucans, which support healthy gut bacteria. (Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)

Instructions:

1. Begin by slicing off the edges of the papaya, allowing you to grip it securely as you peel away the skin with either a potato peeler or a sharp fruit knife. Once peeled, carefully slice the papaya lengthwise, removing the seeds, before dicing it into manageable pieces.

1. Combine the papaya, almond milk, water, flaxseed, almonds, cinnamon, and oats in a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

How to drink for better results

Drinking it as soon as it’s made is a good idea. Oats will rehydrate fast if you don’t drink it immediately, and the texture becomes thicker; in that case, you can add another cup of water. In my experience, this papaya smoothie for constipation works better with an empty stomach, and you might see results in the first half hour.

Increasing fiber in your diet

Constipation is a common problem; according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint, resulting in 2.5 million doctor visits annually.” As you can see, you are not alone in these medical conditions. To get a better stool frequency, you must increase your dietary fiber intake by eating more vegetables, whole grains, and fruits and drinking enough water to avoid dry stools. Do you know what is the good news? I have tons of delicious Mexican recipes that are high in fiber and, best part, delicious! You might want to add some ensalada de nopales, a quinoa- chickpeas salad, or this fantastic Mexican cabbage salad to your meals! 

Start moving!

Some lifestyle changes can help, like being conscious of your fluid intake. Making small changes in your daily routine can bring significant improvement. Starting your day with a cup of warm water can help improve stool consistency and soften hard stools. Going for a walk in the morning and having more physical activity with easy strategies, such as taking a 15-minute walk after lunch, can take you away from a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise can help you improve digestion (Source: Axahealth.co.uk)

Natural remedy for elederly people, children kids and you!

This papaya smoothie is delicious and a natural remedy for constipation in the elderly. Enjoy this refreshing drink as part of a balanced diet to support digestive health and overall well-being. This smoothie is not only for older people; you can add your favorite sweetener and give it to kids and children; it is a nutritious and effective bulk-forming laxative, all made with ingredients from mother nature. Another great natural option is prune juice papaya, and prunes are high-fiber foods for kids’ constipation.

If you suffer from infrequent bowel movements, you might want to visit your healthcare provider to get treatment for the management of chronic constipation. Management of constipation is essential as it can cause medical problems in the long run.