Relieve Constipation Naturally with this Smoothie
When children (and adults) are experiencing constipation, I suggest looking at diet and hydration before any other intervention. Two of my favourite foods to help relieve constipation are dragon fruit and flaxseed.
Dragon fruit is that stunning pink fruit you see in Southeast Asia. It is less common in Australia, although it is now being grown in Far North Queensland; hopefully, we will see it in the fruit and vegetable stores more. If you can’t get fresh dragon fruit, most supermarkets stock frozen dragon fruit, and this is absolutely fine, not to mention convenient.
The variety with the pink flesh has the most nutrients. It is high in vitamin C, magnesium, and a specific prebiotic fibre that supports the growth of lactobacillus and bifidobacterial. These bacterial strains are essential for digestive health and healthy bowel motility.
Flaxseeds are another good source of fibre as well as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds are best bought whole and ground when you want to use them. But if this is not realistic you can use the flaxseed meal, just ensure you put it in the fridge or freezer after you open the packet to reduce oxidization.
Both dragon fruit and flaxseeds can contribute to digestive health, and incorporating them into a smoothie can be a tasty way to address constipation. Here’s a simple dragon fruit and flaxseed smoothie recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup dragon fruit (fresh or frozen)
- ½ a ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon of flaxseeds
- 1 cup of coconut water or almond milk
- ½ a cup of water
- Ice cubes
Method
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!
- Add to an insulated thermos or drink bottle for an on-the-go snack.
If your children are sensitive to texture, you may need to soak the flaxseeds overnight so they are smoother, or you could use flaxseed meal.
About the Author
Jean, initially drawn to natural therapies, discovered their true potential when confronted with her children’s health challenges. Observing her eldest child struggling with issues like digestive problems, sleep disturbances, chronic ear infections, and delayed speech, she sought the guidance of a naturopath while awaiting an appointment with a behavioural paediatrician. Intuitively sensing a connection between health and food, Jean’s decision proved to be life-changing. Through dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements, her child’s well-being significantly improved.
This transformative experience reshaped Jean’s perspective on food and nutrition, propelling her into a journey that led to the pursuit of studies in nutrition and naturopathy. Leveraging both personal insight and professional training, Jean is dedicated to assisting others in enhancing their health and well-being through naturopathic and nutritional approaches.
Jean’s commitment extends to making nutrition accessible and enjoyable. She takes pleasure in crafting diverse recipes, which she generously shares in the articles section of her website, demonstrating that nutrition can be both exciting and approachable.