A high-fibre, probiotic-rich diet can improve intestinal function and encourage regular bowel movement.
Constipation is a digestive problem where an individual has irregular bowel movements (less than three times a week). Generally, a person with constipation has difficulty emptying bowels. The condition is usually associated with dry, hard stools.
Below are some of the common causes of constipation:
- Insufficient fibre intake – Individuals with insufficient intake of dietary fibre are prone to develop constipation as fibre helps promote regular bowel movement by increasing stool weight and softening the stool.
- Insufficient fluid intake - Fluid and fibre work together to soften the stools. Insufficient fluid intake can cause the stools to become hard and difficult to move.
- Physical inactivity – Exercise helps stimulate the contraction of intestinal muscles. Individuals who are physically inactive tend to have more sluggish bowel movements.
- Pregnancy – Pregnant women are more susceptible to constipation because of hormonal and physical changes as the uterus may compress the intestine and slow the passage of food1.
- Ageing – The composition of gut microbiota changes with age. The most marked change is the reduced level of a good bacteria called Bifidobacteria, which might increase the risk of constipation among the elderly.
- Overuse of laxative – Laxative is often used to relieve constipation. However, regular use or overuse may lead to dependency and decreased intestinal function, subsequently increasing the risk of developing lazy bowel syndrome in which the bowels move at an abnormally slow and sluggish manner.
Constipation is a lifestyle disorder that is preventable and can be improved through lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and practising a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, especially fibre, as a high fibre diet has been associated with bowel regularity and improved bowel function.
In addition, numerous research studies have shown that consuming probiotic-rich food can also nourish the gut and improve intestinal function by balancing gut microbiota and bowel frequency.
A natural way to manage bowel movement
Biogrow ProGut is a natural food supplement formulated with dual action from the well-researched oat fibre (soluble and insoluble fibres) from Oat BG22 fibre powder and B. lactis, a BB-12 probiotic strain strain which is the best documented Bifidobacterium, with more than 300 scientific publications, including over 130 clinical studies*.
One to two sachets taken daily can provide a synergistic effect for an improved intestinal function and regular bowel movement.
Each sachet (≈7g) contains 2.4g of soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as a guaranteed potency of one billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of live probiotic cultures. The dose of one billion CFU of B. lactis, BB-12 has been clinically tested and shown to have the desired benefits on improved gastrointestinal (GI) health and bowel frequency2.
- Direction for use: Take one to two sachets daily after meals or anytime convenient. Mix one sachet in a glass of cold water, fruit juice or soy milk, or sprinkle on cold cereal, salads and yoghurt. Do not mix with hot water.
Biogrow ProGut is suitable for all who wish to maintain or improve gut health as it offers a natural way to manage bowel movement with the benefits of fibre and probiotics. Biogrow ProGut is available in all leading pharmacies nationwide and Biogrow Official Store at Shopee Mall.
References:
American Pregnancy Association, 2019. https://americanpregnancy.org/
Eskesen et al. (2015). British Journal of Nutrition (2015), 114, 1638–1646.
*Information provided by Chr. Hansen A/S, Denmark.
This article is provided by Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
For more information, call 03-7956 2220 (Mondays – Fridays, 9am – 5pm) or email info@biogrow.com.my
