Are Grits Good for Constipation? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Grits are good for constipation. Because they have dietary fiber and grains that can help soften stools and stimulate bowel movements.

Constipation is a condition that affects your digestive system.

In constipation, your body has difficulty passing stools or does so infrequently.

This can lead to various health problems, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and bowel obstruction.

One of the key factors in managing constipation is diet.

What you consume can affect your stool consistency, which can impact your constipation symptoms and overall health.

To effectively manage constipation, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and avoid low-fiber foods like processed meats, cheese, and white bread.

Now, grits are a type of porridge made from coarsely ground dried corn or hominy.

People usually eat them for breakfast or as a side dish with various flavorings.

Grits are good for constipation because they contain dietary fiber.

Fiber can help soften stools, increase bulk, and stimulate bowel movements.

One cup of cooked grits can give you about 2 grams of fiber (8% of your daily needs), 24 grams of carbohydrates (8%), and 3 grams of protein (6%).

Fiber can positively affect constipation by improving stool consistency and frequency.

However, too much fiber can also cause gas, bloating, and cramps, so it is important to increase fiber intake gradually and drink plenty of water.

Furthermore, grits are a type of cereal grain and grains are good for constipation.

Because, they provide complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants that can support digestive health.

You can eat up to one cup of cooked grits per day safely.

More than that can cause excess calories, sodium, and fat, depending on how you prepare them.

Also, you shouldn’t eat grits if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance to prevent allergic reactions.

Because, some grits may contain traces of gluten from cross-contamination.

You can buy fresh or dried grits in your local market or can order them online.

Always choose stone-ground, organic, or heirloom varieties for the best quality and flavor.

Because, they are less processed and more nutritious than quick or instant grits.

You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year.

Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing constipation effectively.

I always recommend my constipation patients to follow a constipation-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.

Get a Customized Diet Plan

About the Author

Abdur Rahman Choudhury

Abdur Rahman Choudhury is a nutritionist in West Bengal, India, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biochemistry.

He has done his diploma in nutrition from Fabulous Body Inc (US), and completed various certification courses from several universities. He also has considerable research experience in PCOS.

Abdur currently lives in India and keeps fit by weight training and eating mainly home-cooked meals.

Leave a Comment