You are what you eat – haven’t we heard these lines quite a number of times? But reality hits, when you experience it. Constipation is undeniably one of the worst health problems. It doesn’t just bring in pain but also discomfort, and the mental stress of not pooping also comes along. And you know why this problem occurs? It’s because of what you are eating. Yes ladies, there are certain foods that won’t let you poop in peace.

To poop properly, there’s one thing that must be a part of your food — fibre. It is that one ingredient that clears the passage of your intestine, helping you to have a good gut. And when your gut isn’t cleared, constipation happens.

So, are you eating right? Let’s find out.

Here are nine foods that are to be blamed if you’re unable to poop

1. Unripe bananas

Unripe bananas or even under-ripe green bananas are not advisable, as they can lead to constipation. That’s because they are loaded with starch and have low fiber content,which can be difficult for the body to digest. On the other hand, bananas are helpful in making you poop.

2. White rice

This food won’t let you poop, as the husk, bran, and germ have all been removed. You will be shocked to know that all the fibre and nutrients get lost in the process.

3. Red meat

“It is packed with fats, and takes a long time to digest. And the presence of iron, and low fibre in red meat can lead to constipation,” suggests Vidisha Parekh, dietitian & nutritionist, Kohinoor Hospital – Mumbai.

4. White bread

It has no fibre, and is loaded with starch. Trust us, it can stop you from pooping, because there are only a few digestion-friendly nutrients in white bread.

5. Dairy products

Do you have a lot of dairy products such as adulterated milk, cheese, and ice cream? If yes, you can get constipated due to irregular bowel movements because of the lactose present in them.

6. Fast food

“Love eating burgers and fries? Beware! They can steal your peace of mind. Even pizzas are loaded with saturated fats. All these foods are low in fibre and high in fats, and won’t let you poop,” says Ms Parekh.

7. Processed foods

Eating chips and pastries regularly is a bad idea, because they are high in fats and refined sugar, and low in fibre and fluids. They can slow down the digestion process and cause constipation. Try to eat something wholesome that aids digestion. Even frozen foods contain high fat, salt, and less fibre, thereby causing constipation.

8. Eggs

They are high in protein and low in fibre, and won’t let you poop.

9. Chewing gum

It may seem like fun, and can also help you to get rid of bad breath. But, it can stop you from pooping. Yes, flavoured chewing gums can block your digestive tract, making it harder for you to poop.

Just bear in mind that an overdose of any of these foods will make you sit on the toilet seat for hours and rob your mental peace.