Constipation is a common digestive problem affecting people of all ages. It is characterized by difficulty and infrequent bowel movements, and often causes discomfort and pain.

While there are many causes of constipation, dietary factors play a significant role. Certain foods can cause constipation, while others can relieve it. In this article, we’ll look at the 30 foods that should be avoided if you’re dealing with constipation.

1. Processed Foods

Processed foods are one of the leading causes of constipation. They are often high in fat, sugar, and salt, and low in fiber, which leads to slower digestion and constipation.

It’s best to avoid processed foods as much as possible, including packaged snacks, frozen meals, and fast food.

2. Red Meat

Red meat is high in fat and lacks fiber, which makes it difficult to digest and can lead to constipation. If you’re dealing with constipation, reduce your intake of red meat and opt for leaner protein sources like chicken, fish, and beans.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and ice cream, can cause constipation due to their high fat content and low fiber. If you are lactose intolerant, consuming dairy products can also cause constipation.

Try to limit your intake of dairy products and opt for plant-based alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.

4. Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, fried foods can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid fried foods and opt for baked or grilled alternatives.

5. Chips and Other Snack Foods

Chips and other snack foods are often high in salt and fat, but low in fiber, which can cause constipation. Additionally, these foods can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

Try to avoid these foods if you’re dealing with constipation.

6. White Bread and Pasta

White bread and pasta are refined carbohydrates that lack fiber, which can cause constipation. Instead, opt for whole grain bread and pasta, which are high in fiber and can help relieve constipation.

7. Refined Sugar

Refined sugar, such as that found in candy, soda, and baked goods, can cause constipation. The sugar can slow digestion and cause discomfort in the digestive tract. Additionally, these foods are often low in fiber, which can lead to constipation.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid refined sugar and opt for natural sweeteners like honey or fruit.

8. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can contribute to constipation. Additionally, alcohol can slow digestion and cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, limit your alcohol consumption and be sure to drink plenty of water.

9. Bananas

While bananas are a healthy food, they can cause constipation in some people. This is because they are low in fiber and high in starch, which can slow digestion.

If you’re prone to constipation, limit your intake of bananas and opt for high-fiber fruits like apples and berries instead.

10. Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, two compounds that can cause constipation. Additionally, chocolate is often high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow digestion and lead to constipation.

If you’re dealing with constipation, it’s best to avoid chocolate or opt for dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.

11. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can speed up digestion and cause bowel movements. However, too much caffeine can cause dehydration and lead to constipation.

If you’re dealing with constipation, it’s best to limit your caffeine intake and be sure to drink plenty of water.

12. Eggs

Eggs are a good source of protein, but they lack fiber, which can lead to constipation. Additionally, some people are sensitive to eggs and may experience digestive discomfort.

If you’re dealing with constipation, limit your intake of eggs and opt for high-fiber protein sources like beans, nuts, and seeds.

13. Unripe Bananas

Unripe bananas contain resistant starch, which is difficult to digest and can cause constipation. Additionally, unripe bananas are low in fiber, which can contribute to constipation.

If you’re prone to constipation, avoid unripe bananas and opt for ripe bananas instead.

14. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, fast food tends to be high in sodium, which can contribute to dehydration and exacerbate constipation.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid fast food and opt for home-cooked meals instead.

Related Article The Worst Foods for Constipation

15. High-Fat Foods

High-fat foods, such as fried foods, cheese, and fatty meats, can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract. Additionally, these foods are often low in fiber, which can contribute to constipation.

If you’re dealing with constipation, limit your intake of high-fat foods and opt for leaner protein sources like chicken and fish.

16. White Rice

White rice is a refined grain that lacks fiber, which can contribute to constipation. Instead, opt for brown rice, which is high in fiber and can help relieve constipation.

17. Ice Cream

Ice cream and other frozen desserts are often high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, ice cream can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, limit your intake of ice cream and opt for plant-based alternatives like sorbet or frozen yogurt.

18. Refined Grains

Refined grains, such as white bread, pasta, and rice, lack fiber, which can contribute to constipation. Instead, opt for whole grain or sprouted grain products, which are high in fiber and can help relieve constipation.

19. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can contribute to constipation. Additionally, alcohol can slow digestion and cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, limit your alcohol consumption and be sure to drink plenty of water.

20. Processed Snacks

Processed snacks, such as chips and crackers, are often high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, these foods can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid processed snacks and opt for high-fiber snacks like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

21. Low-Fiber Foods

Low-fiber foods, such as white bread, pasta, and rice, lack the fiber needed to keep the digestive system moving smoothly. Instead, opt for whole grain products, fruits, and vegetables, which are high in fiber and can help relieve constipation.

22. Pizza

Pizza is often high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, pizza can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid pizza or opt for a healthier version with whole grain crust and vegetables.

23. Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats, are often high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, these meats can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, limit your intake of processed meats and opt for lean protein sources like chicken and fish.

24. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, can cause constipation in some people. Additionally, these sweeteners can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid artificial sweeteners and opt for natural sweeteners like honey or fruit.

25. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is high in fat and lacks fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, fried chicken can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid fried chicken and opt for baked or grilled chicken instead.

26. Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages, such as soda and sparkling water, can cause constipation due to their high sugar and carbonation content. Additionally, these beverages can cause dehydration, which can contribute to constipation.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid carbonated beverages and opt for water or herbal tea instead.

27. Low-Fiber Cereals

Low-fiber cereals are often high in sugar and lack the fiber needed to keep the digestive system moving smoothly. Instead, opt for high-fiber cereals like bran flakes or oatmeal, which can help relieve constipation.

28. Fried Potatoes

Fried potatoes, such as french fries and tater tots, are high in fat and lack fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, fried potatoes can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid fried potatoes and opt for baked or grilled potatoes instead.

29. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese, such as American cheese and cheese spreads, are often high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation.

Additionally, processed cheese can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract. If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid processed cheese and opt for natural cheese like cheddar or feta.

30. Fried Fish

Fried fish is high in fat and lacks fiber, which can slow digestion and cause constipation. Additionally, fried fish can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

If you’re dealing with constipation, avoid fried fish and opt for baked or grilled fish instead.