Research links the two issues, but there’s something you should know before you panic.
“If you said to me, ‘Oh, someone’s constipated, they’re going to have a heart attack’ … I would probably tell you that I don’t think there’s enough evidence for that,” said Dr. Andrew Freeman.
You’ve probably considered what constipation means for your stomach health and diet choices, but you may not have considered how ― or if ― it could impact your heart health.
As it turns out, some research suggests that constipation is associated with an increased risk of heart attack. Coverage of this data may seem concerning. At least 2.5 million people annually in the United States visit their doctor for constipation, according to the Cleveland Clinic ― does this mean our bathroom problems might be more serious?
Before you panic, experts have a lot to clear up on the topic. Here’s what they think about the link between the two issues, and what else to know about them:
The Relationship Between Bowel Movements And Heart Problems
“If you said to me, ‘Oh, someone’s constipated, they’re going to have a heart attack’ … I would probably tell you that I don’t think there’s enough evidence for that,” explained Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist at National Jewish Health in Denver.
You can find a correlation between constipation and heart attacks in research, but evidence of causation does not currently exist, Freeman noted. In other words, nobody can definitively say that constipation puts one at risk of heart attack.
For example, the authors of a study published in Scientific Reports in Julyfound an association between constipation and risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. But study volunteers were not being evaluated for constipation. The participants were actually in the hospital for other reasons, noted Dr. Anum Saeed, a cardiologist at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Pittsburgh.
“Is this something that is because they have [certain] lifestyle habits? Or do they have other risk factors that are causing the increased risk for cardiovascular disease?” Saeed said. “Can we directly say that, yes, it’s the constipation? We cannot answer that question with these studies.”
She added, “This is just an association, just a small signal that needs proper research studies to follow and see if the signal is real or not.”
What Your Constipation Might Say About Your Overall Health
“I guess the way I would look at it is, overall body health and gut health … are highly linked to a whole variety of different health outcomes,” Freeman said.
If you’re a person who isn’t getting much exercise and is eating highly processed foods, you likely won’t be pooping often. These are also risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
So, it may not be the lack of bowel movements that is the issue; instead, it could be the lifestyle habits that cause those problems, Freeman noted.
More research is needed to determine if constipation is a risk factor for heart attacks.
That said, straining during constipation may be risky for certain folks. Some research noted that straining during constipation can be a cardiovascular risk, and that’s not wrong, Freeman explained.
“When people are straining, they can really raise their blood pressure,” said Freeman. “And you can imagine that if you’re a relatively old or frail person, and you’re constipated and really straining with a bowel movement, your blood pressure could spike by 50, 60, 70 points, which could be enough to actually do damage in some cases.”
Take Care Of Your Heart And Gut
While you can’t change your genetic risk factors for heart disease ― such as a disposition to high cholesterol or a family history of heart attacks ― certain lifestyle behaviors are within your control, Saeed noted.
These include managing your weight, following a nutritious diet like the Mediterranean diet, controlling and monitoring high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and not smoking, she said, as well as getting enough sleep. (The American Heart Association recommends seven to nine hours of rest each night for adults.)
Each week, you should also aim to get at least 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise and 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, Saeed said.
In addition to following a regular exercise routine, it’s important to consume fiber-rich foods (like beans, lentils, fruits and vegetables) and drink plenty of water to keep constipation at bay, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You should also manage things like stress, anxiety and depression, which can impact your gut health as well, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Not only will these behaviors help maintain your heart and gut health, but they will have a positive impact on your body overall.
Constipation is a common digestive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While several remedies are available, many individuals use natural solutions, such as herbal teas, to alleviate their discomfort. Not only do these teas provide relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of constipation, but they also offer a gentle and natural approach to promoting healthy digestion. In this article, we will explore some of the best teas for constipation and delve into the science behind their effectiveness. Whether you’re a tea lover or someone seeking alternative remedies, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect brew to ease your constipation woes.
How tea aids constipation:
But with so many medications and supplements available to ease your upset belly, why use a natural remedy such as tea? That’s exactly what we asked ourselves, so we decided to dig a little deeper, and we found numerous benefits to swapping out those over-the-counter meds for a tasty tea.
Hydration:Drinking tea can help increase your fluid intake, which is crucial for softening stool and promoting regular bowel movements.
Stimulants: Some teas, like green tea, contain caffeine, which can stimulate muscle contractions in the digestive system, aiding in bowel movement.
Laxative properties: Certain herbs and spices used in tea blends, such as senna and ginger, have natural laxative effects, promoting bowel movement.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Teas with anti-inflammatory properties, such as chamomile and peppermint, may help soothe an irritated digestive system and improve bowel function.
Relaxation: Enjoying a warm cup of tea can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can indirectly assist with constipation as stress can worsen digestive issues.
While tea can be a helpful natural remedy for constipation, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if constipation persists or worsens, as they can help identify any underlying medical conditions and recommend the best course of treatment! Of course, if you’re looking for a quick and easy fix, today’s list may be the thing for you. As always, we at StudyFinds have researched across multiple expert sources to bring you today’s ranking of the top seven best teas for constipation you can try today! Don’t agree with our list or feel we missed out on a good suggestion? No worries. We would love to hear from you in the comments below. Now, onto the list!
Teapot And Cup (Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash)
The List: Best Teas for Constipation, According to Experts
Senna tea is an herbal infusion that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This magical tea shines as a common weapon in the fight against constipation, according to several sources. Its secret lies in the dried leaves and pods of the senna alexandrina shrub, packed with compounds called glycosides. These glycosides, as described by Medical News Today, act as powerful laxatives by stimulating digestive system movement.
But senna’s benefits extend beyond mere bowel relief. Well Being Nutrition suggests it may also help regulate sodium and potassium levels, contributing to a balanced internal fluid environment. However, they rightly advise consuming it in moderation due to its potent nature.
Green Matters reminds us that senna’s potency comes with a caveat: its active compounds can irritate the colon lining, leading to contractions and softer stools. This effectiveness, however, comes with a crucial limitation – senna tea should only be used temporarily (up to one week) to alleviate symptoms, as prolonged use can disrupt your digestive system.
So, while senna tea can be a powerful ally in battling constipation, remember to wield it wisely and within a limited timeframe.
Amazon’s Choice: Traditional Medicinals Dandelion Leaf and Root Tea
Made from the dried roots of the dandelion plant, this tea is known for its earthy flavor and numerous medicinal properties. Whether you’re looking to improve digestion, support liver health, or simply enjoy a soothing cup of tea, dandelion root tea offers a natural and refreshing option.
Don’t let the cheerful yellow flowers fool you, dandelion tea packs a serious punch when it comes to digestive wellness. Green Matters calls dandelion a champion diuretic, helping your body flush out excess water and say goodbye to annoying puffiness.
Stuck? Medical News Today and Nutratea sing dandelion’s praises here. Its secret weapon? Inulin, a type of fiber that bulks up your stool and sends things moving smoothly. Plus, dandelion’s natural laxative powers give your gut a gentle nudge in the right direction.
Nutratea reveals another hidden gem – inulin is also a prebiotic, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This boosts your inner ecosystem, strengthening your defenses against future digestive woes.
While dandelion tea is a natural wonder, remember moderation is key. Before brewing a pot, have a chat with your doctor, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications. But with a little caution and a lot of dandelion, you might just unlock the key to a happier, healthier digestive life.
Amazon’s Choice: Traditional Medicinals Tea, Organic Peppermint Delight Probiotic
Peppermint tea is a refreshing and aromatic herbal infusion that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its invigorating scent and cooling taste, peppermint tea is a popular choice for those seeking a soothing and revitalizing beverage.
Feeling the sluggish blues? Constipation can be a drag, but a steaming cup of peppermint tea might be just the ticket to get things moving. This readily available herbal ally, as Portfolio Coffee notes, can be easily brewed at home or snagged at your local coffee shop.
Why peppermint? TeaTox Life dives into its magic: the menthol in this minty marvel offers a soothing caress to your stomach, easing tension and gently nudging stools along their intestinal journey. No wonder peppermint extract finds its way into many digestive medicines!
For those battling Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Nutratea sings peppermint’s praises even louder. According to the NHS, this tea’s active ingredients act like muscle relaxers for your bowel wall, relieving the uncomfortable trio of bloating, gas, and constipation. So, if IBS has thrown your digestion into a tizzy, peppermint tea might be your new best friend.
The next time constipation rears its unwelcome head, remember the power of a simple cup of peppermint tea. Brew your own or grab a ready-made mug, and let this natural remedy work its soothing magic on your digestive woes.
Ginger tea is a popular beverage that has been enjoyed for years due to its numerous health benefits and unique flavor. Made from the roots of the ginger plant, this aromatic and invigorating tea is a staple in many cultures around the world.
Feeling sluggish and backed up? Ginger, that pungent root beloved for centuries, might be your gut’s new best friend. Medical News Today reports that ginger, in both root and tea form, can aid digestion and keep things moving smoothly. Green Matters chimes in, extolling ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties as an added bonus for overall well-being.
Ginger, a beloved spice and tea ingredient, is gaining recognition for its digestive prowess beyond just soothing nausea. Research, like a recent study on people with multiple sclerosis that Medical News Today references, suggests its potential in easing constipation. Its benefits stem from a powerful combo: anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol that calm an irritated gut, and natural painkilling properties that offer relief from constipation discomfort.
In fact, Nutratea praises ginger tea as a “warming” concoction that promotes overall digestive health, helping prevent future issues. So, whether you’re struggling with constipation or simply want to boost your gut’s wellbeing, consider incorporating ginger into your diet, be it through a spicy stir-fry, a comforting tea, or even a homemade digestive tonic. Remember, ginger’s not just for nausea anymore!
Derived from the chamomile plant, this tea is known for its delicate floral aroma and mild, slightly sweet taste. With its numerous health benefits and gentle nature, chamomile tea has become a staple in many households, providing a comforting and natural remedy for various ailments.
Chamomile tea, renowned for its sleep-inducing magic, offers a hidden talent: constipation relief. Tea And Coffee praises its relaxant nature, which helps soothe the digestive system and combat constipation. Sencha Tea Bar delves deeper, explaining how chamomile’s calming properties relax stomach muscles, reduce inflammation, and even ease cramping, allowing digestion to flow smoothly.
Nutratea adds another layer, highlighting the mind-gut connection: stress can wreak havoc on digestion, and chamomile’s ability to calm both the mind and muscles makes it a powerful ally against constipation. So, whether you’re seeking peaceful slumber or digestive harmony, consider brewing a cup of chamomile tea. It might just become your new favorite nighttime (or anytime) ritual!
StudyFinds’ top pick for the best green tea: Rishi Sencha Organic Green Tea
Green tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. It originated in China and has been consumed widely across the world for its numerous benefits.
When that uncomfortable feeling of incomplete elimination sets in, don’t despair! According to Portfolio Coffee, a hot cup of green tea, readily available even at most Asian restaurants, might be your savior. Nutratea delves into the science, explaining how green tea’s natural caffeine and another compound called strictinin act as mild laxatives, stimulating movement and relieving blockage.
The benefits don’t stop there! Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties further aid digestion. Tea And Coffee echoes this sentiment, attributing green tea’s effectiveness to caffeine’s ability to boost bile production and increase bowel movement. So, the next time constipation casts a shadow over your day, brew yourself a comforting cup of green tea – it might just be the magic potion your gut needs!
Amazon’s Best Seller: HandPick Caffeine-Free Licorice Root Tea
Made from the dried roots of the licorice plant, this tea is known for its natural sweetness and earthy undertones. With a rich history, licorice root tea has become a staple in many cultures around the world.
Feeling bloated? Licorice root tea might be your new best friend! Sencha Tea Bar praises its anti-inflammatory powers that soothe digestion and combat medication-induced constipation. Nutratea gets technical, explaining how licorice root’s anti-inflammatory magic fuels peristalsis, the muscular waves that push food through your gut, alleviating indigestion, cramps, and even constipation.
A daily cup after dinner, as recommended by Well Being Nutrition, might be all you need to boost digestion and stimulate bowel movements. Just remember, like any powerful ingredient, moderation is key. Consult your doctor before making licorice root tea a regular part of your routine, and then sip your way to a happier gut!
Research from Japan revealed that eating barley can reduce visceral body fat and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Barley is a grain with medical and dietary benefits. The nutritional value of barley has attracted the public’s attention in recent years. Many studies have shown that barely can improve the intestinal environment, relieve constipation, and reduce visceral body fat.
In 2007, research from Japan showed that barley could reduce visceral body and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Forty-four hypercholesterolemic Japanese men with a body mass index above 22 kg/m2 (weight in kilograms and height in meters squared) were randomly assigned to two groups.
The test group consumed rice mixed with barley, and the placebo group consumed rice without barley for 12 weeks. The results showed that compared with the placebo group, the visceral body fat and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were reduced in the test group.
A second type of barley, called glutinous barley, is also beneficial to health, as revealed by research conducted by the Western Japan Research Center. The research was published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology in 2017.
Per guidelines from the research team, caregivers in a retirement home provided elderly residents with rice mixed with glutinous barley as a staple food for five months.
The research found that among the 28 elderly on the diet, whose average age was 89, 14 who suffered from constipation increased their number of bowel movements significantly, with a monthly increased average of 9.2 times to 12.1 times indicating that sufficient dietary fiber intake, such as that provided by the barley, could promote the elderly’s peristalsis. Also, the use of laxatives was reduced remarkably.
As a bonus, the elderly study participants enjoyed eating glutinous barley more than other high-fiber foods, such as non-glutinous barley and mushrooms.
Barley is rich in carbohydrates, protein, soluble dietary fiber β-glucan, insoluble dietary fiber, vitamin B, and more. Dietary fiber is beneficial to the body and helps to relieve constipation and reduce weight. The β-glucan in barley can inhibit the rise of postprandial blood glucose levels, reduce cholesterol levels, and feed the intestinal bacteria, thus regulating the intestinal environment and improving peristalsis.
Health and Longevity
Improving the intestinal environment is not only a matter of correcting constipation—maintaining good intestinal gut microbiota also plays an important role in overall health.
Japan ranks among the countries with the highest life expectancies in the world. More specifically, the number of centenarians in Kyotango city is three times more than that in Kyoto Prefecture. According to the Kyotango government statistics, there are 124 centenarian citizens as of Sept. 1, 2022, and 237 centenarians in every 100,000—3.3 times higher than the national level in the rest of Japan.
Prof. Yuji Naito, Department of Research, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, studied the “secrets” of the centenarians in Kyotango city. He discovered significantly more Clostridium butyricum in the elderly’s intestines than in the elderly in the adjacent Kyoto city.
Yuji surmised that the local elderly had a large amount of Clostridium butyricum in their gut microbiota associated with the high fiber in their diet. The metabolism of Clostridium butyricum can increase the number of immunocytes and reduce inflammation, it also functions as protection for the cerebrum and the central nervous system. “Maybe this is one of the critical reasons for their longevity.”
According to Yuji, research on genetic analysis of intestinal bacteria in ancient people showed richer and greater variety than that in modern people. The nutrients and materials needed for optimum health cannot be produced without a great variety of genetic intestinal bacteria. However, the modern diet, containing many unhealthy foods, including animal fats, sugar, and processed foods, leads to the reduction of the number of Clostridium butyricum in the intestine in the intestinal environment.
According to the Japanese government’s guidelines in 2020, the intake amount of dietary fiber is at least 21 grams per day for males 18 to 64 years of age and at least 18 grams for females.
Dietary fiber is relatively abundant in vegetables but less so in foods such as fish and meat. An effective way to intake dietary fiber is to eat barley, brown rice, germ rice, or whole wheat bread as staple foods and include beans, fruit, mushrooms, seaweed, dried carrot, pumpkin, burdock root, bamboo shoots, broccoli, fungus, natto (a traditional Japanese food made from whole soybeans), green beans, red beans, and shiitake mushrooms.
Thinking about carbs probably conjures up images of anything and everything you’ve been programmed to avoid: pasta, cookies, cake, bread. These foods get a bad rap, so it’s no wonder that so many of us get the impression that carbs are bad for you. Nutritional advice in the past has trained us to almost fear them—and feel guilty for breaking down and indulging in their dense, bready goodness.
But what if we told you you’re thinking about this all wrong? (And not just because food guilt is a waste of time, as well as a harmful way to think about eating.) Yes, some types of carbohydrates don’t have much in the way of nutritional benefits: We’re looking at you, sugar. Sugar is a basic, broken-down carbohydrate, devoid of any nutrients. And as you’ve undoubtedly heard, eating too much added sugar is associated with a host of health problems. It’s reasonable to want to limit the amount of added sugar you consume on a regular basis, from a health perspective.
But complex carbohydrates, like those found in whole grain breads, grains like quinoa and farro, and yes, fruits, veggies, and dairy, are all part of a healthy diet. In fact, your body needs carbohydrates to complete its basic functions.Here’s what’s really happening inside your body when you eat carbs, and why they’re not the villains you’ve been taught to believe.
So, are carbs bad for you or good for you? Well, that’s really not the question you should be asking. Because when you look closely, not all carbs are created equal.
Carbs get a bad rap because we all think of the less-healthy ones—simple carbs like white bread, donuts, bagels, sugary cereal—which aren’t great for our health. But carbs come in two forms: simple and complex. “Simple carbohydrates are made up of short chains of carbon molecules that require little breakdown and go directly into the bloodstream [and cause a blood sugar spike],” Kim Larson, R.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells SELF. Any simple carbohydrate, or just straight up sugar, really has no redeeming qualities, nutritionally speaking. Sugar is also associated with inflammation, which is connected to a slew of of problems, like heart disease and cancer. If you’re interested in the science around sugar and our bodies, you might want to check out Sugar Science, a (self-described) “authoritative source for the scientific evidence about sugar and its impact on health,” created by a team of health scientists from the University of California at San Francisco.
But about complex carbohydrates. These carbs have longer chains of carbon molecules, so it takes longer for your body to break them down. Which means the sugar isn’t dumped into our bloodstream such as what happens with simple carbs. “We experience a more steady-state infusion of sugar into our bloodstream that supplies longer lasting energy,” Larson says.
Whatever type of carbohydrates you eat, your body works to break them down to their simplest form: glucose.
“The breakdown of carbohydrates starts in our mouth with salivary enzymes, then goes to the mechanical churning of the stomach using digestive enzymes, along with B vitamins (the helpers), and the journey ends when they are in their simplest form, glucose, which is then absorbed in the small intestine,” Larson explains. Glucose then travels to the liver to be distributed throughout the body. Your cells first use whatever glucose they need for energy, sending it to the muscles and tissues in your body. Some gets stored in the liver as a reserve tank, and any excess is stored as fat, both in the liver and in adipose tissue around your body. We know loading up on sugar is bad for our bodies, and can lead to chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Too much of any carbohydrate can do that, too, since it all ends up as glucose.
We need carbohydrates for our bodies to even function.
Carbohydrates are our bodies’ main source of energy. “Glucose is the form of sugar that our brains use,” explains Keri Glassman, R.D. We need a certain amount of it to fuel all of our metabolic processes “so we can have energy to do things like breathe, digest, run, work, think.” Literally, everything. Fat and protein have their jobs, too, but when it comes to getting that basic energy, carbs are key.
So, what about the whole weight-gain thing? “Certainly eating too much of anything (including protein and fat) will cause weight gain,” Larson explains. Just eating more calories than you burn in a day can lead to weight gain. The problem is that simple carbs and sugars won’t keep you full, so they’re really easy to overeat. If you eat healthy carbs, as part of a balanced diet that also includes protein and fat, your body will function the way it should.
Healthy, complex carbs are found in more foods than you think. And you should be eating them every day.
When someone says, “I’m cutting out carbs,” they usually mean they’re cutting out breads and pasta, Larson explains. Many of us forget that milk, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are all carbohydrates, and also come with essential nutrients like fiber and protein. So when you’re eating cauliflower, peas, bananas, apples, broccoli—the list goes on—you’re indeed eating carbohydrates. And your body is happy about it.
Ditching all carbs isn’t a good move. Instead, eat the good kinds in moderation. “Over half of our daily calories should come from quality carbohydrates, like whole grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables,” Larson notes. “We cannot support the brain if we are taking in less than 120 grams of carbohydrate per day, and a lack of glucose (like oxygen) to the brain can cause irreversible damage.” So certainly cut out those bad carbs, but you can (and should) eat the healthy ones every single day.
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