Do bananas cause constipation?

AlyM725

I have IBS, usually on the diarrhea side. Ever since I have started my weight loss journey though, I have had a lot of constipation. I have been eating more fresh fruit and veggies, a lot less packaged products. I have red meat every few weeks, mostly turkey, chicken and fish. I drink at least 2 liters of water a day, and I've been getting at least 20 grams of fiber a day, even if I have to take the fiber capsules, and I'm getting plenty of fat. The only dairy I have is 1/3 cup half and half in my morning coffee, occasionally I'll have a little cheese with dinner (1 oz or less) The only thing that really comes to mind is I've been eating a lot of bananas. I've been eating between one and a half to two bananas a day in smoothies and other snacks. I always make sure they are ripe, never green.

My diary is open, I would love to get to the bottom of this! Thank you!!

tomatoey

Maybe it's the fiber capsules?

kshama2001

My mom takes Heather's Tummy Fiber acacia powder for her IBS.

Ripe bananas are not supposed to cause constipation:

http://www.medicinenet.com/constipation_foods_5_foods_to_avoid_and_5_to_eat-page3/views.htm

Bananas are a conundrum when it comes to constipation foods to avoid. It's a matter of timing: Unripe bananas can cause constipation; Ripe bananas can help relieve constipation.

Green bananas cause constipation because they still have a lot of starch, which can be hard for the body to digest. Bananas also contain pectin (fiber) that draws water from the intestines toward the stool. "So if someone is already dehydrated, this can only [worsen] the problem," King says.

Kalikel

They're on the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet for children with diarrhea.

I don't know about me because I don't eat them.

lovematthewchristopher

I know some people say that bananas do cause constipation for them. I , myself, have never had this problem. I eat anywhere form 1 to 2 bananas a day. I have been doing it since i started my new lifestyle. I put them in smoothies, and on toast with peanutbutter. I might be something else in your diet that is causing it. One sure way to know, is to cut them out for a bit and see if it still happens, then you will know for sure.

cld111

20 grams of fiber a day does not seem like enough. Can you try upping it a bit? If you suffer from IBS try to focus on soluble fiber: http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/fiber1.asp

Duchy82

I have IBSd and i can't say bananas have ever caused me constipation but everyone has different triggers, you can always exclude them for a few days and see if it makes a difference. Wish they did it would mean i could stop using the immodium

newportironman

It's an onging conundrum for those of us with IBS. Yes, bananas are on the BRAT list. They are also one of those "moderating" foods that can settle down issues at both ends of the spectrum. I have run on the major constipation side my whole life and have at least one to 1.5 bananas a day. Along w/ a tad of Citrucel fiber and 1/2 to 1 scoop of Miralax a day. That's the savior for me. If I get too loose I cut back on the Miralax and add an occassional Immodium. Good luck.

NoIdea101NoIdea

I find that bananas have the opposite effect on me-one of my go-to foods if i'm having 'problems'.

Chezzie84

kshama2001 wrote: »

Bananas are a conundrum when it comes to constipation foods to avoid. It's a matter of timing: Unripe bananas can cause constipation; Ripe bananas can help relieve constipation.

This is basically what I was going to say.
I only eat yellow bananas, not green.

AlyM725

Thanks for all the info! Maybe I do need more soluble fiber. Those with IBS, should I try Benefiber or Citrucel? Should I stop with the fiber capsules? Should I go for miralax? I make sure my bananas are very ripe before I eat them. I'm want to try upping my fiber intake before I nix the bananas. Would a probiotic help? My doctor mentioned it when she diagnosed me, but I'm kind of skeptical about all that. I'm seeing her tomorrow, so maybe I can get more in depth with her.

socioseguro

I eat at least one banana a day. No problems with constipation at all.
I also eat a lot of food with fiber with my meals: grains, vegetables and fruit.

BasicGreatGuy

Sure would be nice if MFP tracked fiber totals per day.

Liftng4Lis

Bananas should not be a problem. It's not uncommon for people to experience this when changing their eating habits. Try magnesium citrate.

Kalikel

AlyM725 wrote: »

Thanks for all the info! Maybe I do need more soluble fiber. Those with IBS, should I try Benefiber or Citrucel? Should I stop with the fiber capsules? Should I go for miralax? I make sure my bananas are very ripe before I eat them. I'm want to try upping my fiber intake before I nix the bananas. Would a probiotic help? My doctor mentioned it when she diagnosed me, but I'm kind of skeptical about all that. I'm seeing her tomorrow, so maybe I can get more in depth with her.

Ask the doc.

If you're eating lots of fruits and veggies, though, it's really not hard to get the fiber you need.

brdnw

I eat 2 bananas nearly every day with oatmeal for breakfast and i have had no issues with it

labohn91

IBS is a different beast than most people encounter. You should ring up your Doctor and find out what can be done. Best of luck.

Tahlia68

When you have issues with your bowel like (ibs), chrons, colitis yes banannas can constipate you. I have an ileostomy (bag) due to bowel cancer and I can eat a banana, but it either constipates me or I get an obstruction! If you have a normal functioning bowel they usually don't. Try eating them in moderation. There also really good incorporated into a smoothie and your less likely to constipate! Hope this helps.

TeaBea

cld111 wrote: »

20 grams of fiber a day does not seem like enough. Can you try upping it a bit? If you suffer from IBS try to focus on soluble fiber: http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/fiber1.asp

^This

There are 2 types of fiber....make sure you are picking foods form the right category

leggup

Is that fiber recommendation from your doctor? Women need 25 grams of fiber per day, and men need 38 grams per day, according to the Institute of Medicine. As a vegetarian lover of whole grains, I'm usually 30-35 g. Maybe try switching from the fiber supplements to some whole grains? You appear to have 100-200 calories left at the end of most days. You can blend whole grains right into your morning smoothie. Or you could add a size of whole grain toast or pasta to your dinner.

There are other possible causes of constipation in your diary. Soda can cause digestive woe for people with IBS. As can caffeine (the soda and coffee in your diet).