How common is constipation?
Constipation is extremely common in the United States, according to research. It’s defined as 3 or less bowel movements a week. 16% of US adults have symptoms of constipation. For people over 60, that number is 33%.
What are the symptoms?
For many, the symptoms are more than just unpleasant. They may include any of the following:
- Stools are hard, dry, or lumpy
- Straining during bowel movements
- A feeling that gas is trapped
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Even blood in the stool
Causes of constipation?
Poor diet often causes constipation. Dietary fiber and drinking enough water are necessary to keep stools soft. Fiber joins with stool, increasing its weight and size while also softening it. This makes it easier to pass through the rectum.
In addition, stress, changes in routine, and things that slow muscle contractions of the colon or delay your urge to go may also lead to constipation.
What do probiotics do for constipation?
Probiotics can speed up the time it takes for food to pass through the digestive system by more than 12 hours, according to a study. This is 33% faster than the average time it takes to pass food through the colon, which is 36 hours, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The same study reported that probiotics can increase average bowel movements per week by 1.3.
In a different study of personal clinical experience, scientists found that “regular intake of small doses of sauerkraut - 7 g to 10 g (or about 1 tablespoon) daily - has a very good effect on many patients' gastrointestinal tract. They report better digestion and less constipation”.
Choosing the right probiotics
According to Harvard, "there are two ways to get more good bacteria [probiotics] into your gut: fermented foods and dietary supplements. Fermented foods are the most natural source. Probiotic supplements, which are typically sold over the counter, are reserved to treat specific ailments as suggested by your doctor, and not recommended for everyday use."
Hamptons Brine raw probiotic sauerkraut is made using a cold fermentation process that is never artificially stopped to make the product “shelf stable” using additives like vinegar or other stabilizers and preservatives. This maximizes the amount of good bacteria, or probiotics, in the finished product. Which in combination with the high amount of fiber in our sauerkraut can help your digestion significantly. And alleviate symptoms of constipation.
Add 3-5 ounces of Hamptons Brine raw probiotic sauerkraut to your daily diet to improve the regularity of your bowel movements.
