Bananas For Constipation: How Many Should You Eat Per Day To Get Relief

Eating 1-2 ripe bananas per day can help relieve constipation due to their high dietary fiber content. Dietary fiber helps absorb water in the digestive tract, increases stool bulk, and promotes regular bowel movements. However, it's important to choose ripe bananas, as they contain natural sugars and enzymes that aid digestion and soften stools.

Unripe bananas, on the other hand, may actually worsen constipation because of their high tannic acid content. Tannic acid has astringent properties that can slow down bowel movements and make it harder to pass stools. Therefore, when using bananas to manage constipation, always opt for fully yellowed or slightly spotted bananas for best results.

While bananas are a natural and effective remedy for some people, not all cases of constipation respond to dietary changes alone. Some individuals may suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction or dyssynergia, where the muscles around the rectum do not coordinate properly during bowel movements. In such cases, simply eating more fiber-rich foods like bananas won't resolve the issue.

If you continue to experience chronic constipation despite making dietary adjustments, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms, identify any underlying causes, and recommend targeted treatments such as biofeedback therapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications tailored to your specific condition.