Q: I've been constipated for over a month. My neighbor suggested eating papaya to relieve it, specifically 1-2 slices on an empty stomach before breakfast. This remedy seems rather simple. Could an expert comment on its effectiveness?Expert Commentary: Papaya can help alleviate constipation caused by indigestion. The primary rationale is that papaya contains a protein-digesting enzyme, papain, which is an essential substance for maintaining normal bodily functions. It promotes digestion and absorption of food and aids in tissue repair. Additionally, papain helps break down the three major nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It is particularly effective at clearing accumulated stool, eliminating intestinal toxins, and breaking down abdominal fat.Papaya is both a delicious food and a botanical medicine, falling under the category of food-medicine duality.
However, it's important to note that individuals with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance should avoid this remedy. Furthermore, constipation can stem from various causes. Those experiencing chronic constipation should seek timely medical attention, undergoing necessary examinations to help doctors identify the root cause and provide targeted treatment.
Other constipation-preventing foods include:
First, incorporate coarse foods like pumpkin, potatoes, and corn. Increase intake of vegetables and fruits such as celery, leeks, spinach, bananas, and persimmons.Minimize or avoid spicy foods. While Shanghai-style, Hunan, and Sichuan cuisines are popular, women with poor intestinal function should steer clear. When cooking at home, be mindful to reduce oil, salt, and MSG.As spring temperatures rise, limit consumption of warming foods like lamb and dog meat. Office workers often work long hours, fueling late nights with copious amounts of coffee. Social gatherings may involve persistent pressure to drink alcohol. These stimulants are common triggers for toxin buildup.
Dietary therapy can also aid detoxification, such as consuming porridge. Porridges with qi-tonifying effects include:
1. Cassia Seed Porridge. Wrap 15g of cassia seeds in cheesecloth (cassia seed water may also be used) and cook with rice. This porridge promotes bowel movements, clears heat, and benefits the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.
2. Broad Bean Porridge: Combine 100g fresh broad beans with 100g rice to cook porridge. This recipe promotes bowel movements, boosts energy, and strengthens the spleen and stomach.
Other suitable ingredients for porridge include: Chinese yam, lotus root, job's tears, and astragalus.
Porridges with blood-nourishing effects include: Red Date Porridge, Polygonum Multiflorum Porridge, and Goji Berry Porridge.
The Three Treasures Porridge combines qi and blood tonification: prepare porridge with job's tears, mung beans, and red dates.
If detoxification and bowel movement remain challenging, consider Dr. Xu's proprietary "Three Seeds Laxative Formula" centered on plantain seeds. This primarily aids those with qi and blood deficiency by moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements.
Beyond diet, acupoint massage can also alleviate constipation.
For constipation caused by indigestion, patients are advised to massage the Zhigou (ST3) and Daichangshu (BL25) points. This stimulates gastrointestinal motility and helps relieve constipation. The Zhigou point is located 3 cun above the center of the wrist crease on the back of the hand.Method: Apply downward pressure with fingertips or perform circular massage. The Large Intestine Shu point is located approximately 1.5 cun (slightly wider than the thumb) lateral to the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra. Method: Apply downward pressure with fingertips or perform circular massage.