Constipation happens to the best of us. And while we might not want to discuss our harrowing bathroom journeys, they don’t seem to have the same subtlety. When you suffer from constipation, it can feel like a true feat to get out of the frustrating cycle. Luckily, researchers are continuing to study ways we can mitigate infrequent or hard-to-pass stools. Recently, a fascinating study conducted by England’s King’s College was published in The Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics and Neurogastroenterology & Motility, noting findings that three specific foods showed a positive influence on constipation.
Kiwi, rye bread and (the already beloved) prunes really could improve your constipation. Kiwi is unique in that it contains soluble and insoluble fiber and an enzyme called actinidin, which has been shown to increase your gut’s ability to break down certain proteins. The kiwi is also a good source of water. Rye bread is another standout from the study, as the grain contains more soluble fiber than traditional wheat flour breads. Prunes are another food known for a high fiber count per serving, but they also contain a sugar alcohol called sorbitol, which helps draw water into the stool and make it easier to pass. To optimize benefits, you’ll want to eat one of these ingredients daily in the recommended amounts from the study.
To ensure you have these helpful ingredients on hand next time you experience constipation symptoms, you need to store them properly. We found the best options below to shop online, so all you need to do is go to the grocery store for your three ingredients.
Unripe Kiwi
Caxxa Countertop Fruit Bowl
Amazon
Kiwi can take weeks to ripen, so the best place to pop the fruit is in a bowl in your pantry or on your countertop away from heat and sunlight, then wait until they get soft enough to eat. We recommend an airy wire basket just like this Caxxa one. As fruit ripens, the last thing you need is a soggy mess at the bottom of your bowl. This helps maintain breathability and is great for other produce, too. Just make sure you don’t keep kiwifruits with any produce that emits ethylene gas (apples, pears and bananas), as that will cause excessive ripening.
Prunes and Cut Kiwi
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage Container
Amazon
There are two avenues you can go down when it comes to storing prunes in your pantry and cut kiwi in the refrigerator. An airtight glass container is one of them. This is a sturdy option that allows for easy stacking in any kitchen space, so you can maximize your storage. I love these Pyrex containers (they’re a tested favorite of ours), and the larger 11-cup size here means you can give your dried or fresh fruits plenty of space. Prunes can become rocks if you don’t control the moisture, which is why we recommend placing them in an airtight container. And oxygen and moisture loss can cause your precious kiwifruit to dry out or become a mushy mess, so this airtight option checks every box.
Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bag
Amazon
This second option is great if you prefer the flexibility of a bag (literally). Our favorite reusable silicone option from Stasher is a great choice. This particular bowl-like shape yields extra space to avoid overcrowding of your prunes or kiwis. We really appreciate how well Stasher bags seal, and the silicone material is incredibly durable.
Rye Bread
Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Wraps for Bread
Amazon
Bread is finicky, but luckily, there are some great products to help mitigate moldy spots or rock-hard interiors. My favorite beeswax wrap brand came out with these genius bread wraps that maintain a breathable environment while keeping the moisture you need locked in. It’s made with cotton, jojoba oil, beeswax and tree resin, and its waxy interior has a soft, malleable feel. This helps seal the wrap with the heat of your hands, and since you can tighten it as much or as little as you want to, it’s excellent for a slice or loaf of bread.
Augshy Linen Bread Bag Set
Amazon
Plastic bags ruin the crusty exterior of good-quality rye breads and can cause molding since they aren’t breathable. These linen bread bags are an excellent alternative; keeping your loaf tucked in one ensures you protect that hard-earned texture while keeping your loaf soft enough to enjoy. Once the loaf is cut, store the bag with bread cut side down on your countertop to keep the interior fluffy.
