Boost Digestive Health with These 20 Constipation-Causing Foods

Constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements per week or experiencing hard, dry, or difficult-to-pass stools. It can be uncomfortable and frustrating, and in many cases, everyday foods play a role.

Certain items in your diet may slow digestion, reduce water content in the stool, or lack the fiber needed to keep things moving. If you’re dealing with occasional or chronic constipation, cutting back on the following foods could help restore regularity.

1. Bananas

Bananas can affect digestion differently depending on their ripeness. Unripe (green) bananas are high in resistant starch, which is harder for the body to break down and may contribute to constipation, especially in children.

Ripe bananas, on the other hand, contain more soluble fiber and are less likely to cause issues. If constipation is a concern, wait until bananas are yellow and spotty before eating.