Is it possible to have minor constipation when you consume foods with lots of calcium or eat foods that have dietary fiber but are very dry?

Answer 1

Yes it is. Constipation comes from generely being dehydrated. Your body (Intestines) need to store enough water at all times to increase your metabolic rate to increase bile distribution into your stomach (which in fact is what makes your waste the colour what it is) and pass it through your intestine track smoothly in a solidifide state. So in saying so, they say that an increased diet in calcium DOES shrink your waste size. But you need to be careful what kind of calcium you consume. There is more calcium in broccoli then in a glass of milk, and more calcium in an orange then broccoli. Make sure you get either skim or one percent, and be careful what types of yogurt you buy, some can be as bad as pudding. :) good luck in getting healthy! Constipation is not only affected by dehydration, it is also influenced by our fiber intake. When we consume highly refined (fiber removed) and processed foods (usually packaged foods), we lack fiber. This can add to the problem of constipation. If we include fiber tablets and other fiber products without water, this may cause constipation. If we eat a high plant-based diet, which is high in fiber and fluids -- fruits/vegetables/beans/etc., this will not cause constpation. Water is essential to prevent constipation but so is fiber. We get our calcium from dairy products, other types of milk other than cow's milk, fortified products, foods and supplements. Concerning calcium supplements -- there are several supplement forms of calcium. Calcium carbonate is an inexpensive source of calcium and for some, may cause constipation. Calcium citrate is more expensive but easier to absorb and may be less likely to cause constipation. Calcium taken with magnesium may also reduce constipation. Concerning food sources of calcium: -- 1 cup of milk contains about 285 mg calcium. The above answer, recommends we consume Oranges and broccoli for calcium. Although these foods contain calcium, the amount is not as high as milk. Consider the following: 1 large orange = 74 mg 1 cup of Orange Juice = 27 mg. You would need to more than 3 large oranges to get the calcium in 1 glass of milk and even more orange juice to reach 285 mg calcium. 1 cup of chopped broccoli = 43 mg. You would need to eat at least 6 cups of broccoli to get the calcium in one cup of milk. Other plant sources of calcium include: spinach, greens, soybeans, black-eyed peas, white beans, and tofu. We are required to consume 1,000 - 1,300 mg of calcium everyday to maintain a healthy body and bones. Hope this info helps.