Hey people,
Mwaka here passing by with some tasty treats and knowledge from this journey we call life. You have been walking this journey with me, and I think we are close enough to get into personal business. Let’s talk about that dreaded trip to the lavatory for a number two when you’re constipated, shall we?
A little backstory, if I may. I used to struggle with constipation back in my meat-eating days, and it was one of my major insecurities. Moreover, I sought help from many health professionals, but no medication seemed to work for me (I’m not sure if it was a fault of mine or theirs). But after I went plant-based, I noticed gradual improvements that made me let my creative juices flow (literally!)
You trusted me in your kitchen with Mwaka’s Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie (which I know didn’t disappoint your palate), and now I am here to grace your taste buds with these smoothies for constipation.
What Causes Constipation?
Being constipated is no fun at all! That we can all agree. These might be contributing to your constipation:
- Not going when you need to! Ignoring the call of nature may have some side effects, so please make sure you always answer.
- Dehydration
- A low fiber diet or not eating enough fruits and vegetables.
- Some prescribed or over the counter medications can have constipation as a side effect.
Reducing Constipation
- Make fruits and vegetables your best friend to ensure you get enough fiber.
- Drink a lot of fluids.
- Increase mobility to move your bowels manually.
Why Smoothies for Constipation?
What better way to enjoy your vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruits than in one go? Smoothies are liquid and keep us hydrated, keeping one cause of constipation at bay. Tasty and simple to make, you get enough fiber with smoothies to keep your gut happy and healthy.
Smoothies are easy to digest, as the blender has done some of the work of your teeth, making the nutrients easily accessible. Now, doesn’t that sound wonderful?
3 Smoothies for Constipation
The good news, the solution to constipation is right under your roof - in your kitchen! Ingredients that can relieve constipation include oranges (Seville or sour) pears, papayas, peaches, grapes (seeded), dates, zucchini, amaranth, walnuts, raw sesame seeds, mangoes, ginger, dandelion, approved greens. Featuring Dr. Sebi’s Nutritional guide to select our delicious ingredients, let’s get smoothie-ing!
1. Sunshine Sunday Smoothie
My go-to smoothie on a hot Sunday afternoon (hence the name) to help combat the heat while getting my fiber for my happy gut!
This smoothie is made from papayas, oranges, and mangoes and is guaranteed to have you relaxed in the bathroom. Papaya contains papain enzymes that remove impurities from the intestines, while mangoes and oranges are high in fiber that bulks your stool and softens it. Chop Chop!
Ingredients:
- 2 Seville oranges
- 1 cup of spring water (optional)
- Half a papaya
- 1 mango
Instructions:
- Peel your papaya and chop it into pieces.
- Peel your Seville oranges and cut them into pieces.
- Slice your mangoes into pieces. Leave the peel on for fiber (optional).
- Blend everything in a blender until you achieve your desired consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add your spring water.
- Serve in a glass. Add ice cubes on that hot afternoon to cool your body.
Ideal for making that Sunday (at least mine) special!
2. Amaranth-Walnut Combo Smoothie
Great as a mid-morning snack, this smoothie is full of nutritional goodness. If you’re a big fan of thick smoothies, you’ll fall in love with this one! It is the best energy boost to add that extra spring to your day!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3 walnuts, halved
- ¼ cup Amaranth
- 4 whole pitted dates
- Optional (seeded raisins)
Instructions:
- Boil some water in a pan, add your amaranth, and leave to cook for 5 minutes on low heat until it has a thick consistency.
- Add your walnuts, amaranth, dates, and raisins into your blender and blend thoroughly to a smooth consistency.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and raisins.
- Serve in your glass or smoothie bowl.
Almost like a pudding, this will fill you up and feed your gut, to help you go.
3. Something Green Smoothie
Green smoothies don’t have to be blunt and tasteless. I love mine because it’s green (yes, it’s a valid reason) and healthy (unlike others on the internet).
Ingredients:
- A handful of your favorite greens
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- ½ sliced avocado
- ½ key lime
- 2 to 4 dates
- Ginger Tea, cooled (to taste)
- ½ cup of spring water
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. If it’s too thick, add spring water until desired consistency.
- Serve chilled for the best experience.
This is creamy and zesty, and slightly sweet, blending away some of the green bitterness if its not to your palette.
Stomach Buddy for You
If you need a bit of extra stomach support, Dr. Sebi’s Stomach Relief Tea relieves pain and inflammation, reduces discomfort, and supports gastrointestinal health. Its main ingredient, Cuachalalate, has cleansing properties for detox and can treat gastrointestinal ailments.
There you have it! Did you find this helpful? Have you or do you struggle with constipation? Let me know in the comments what recipe works wonders for you.
Whichever recipe you choose to make, mine or your own, take a photo of your beautiful creation, post it, and tag us on our Instagram (@drsebiscellfood) and Facebook (Dr. Sebi’s Cell Food). Look out for mine!
Until next time,
Stay healthy,
Mwaka