Prunes help my constipation. Would dates also help my constipation?

Question

I am 58 yr old female. I’ve had constipation (off and on) with pain medication, Tramadol, after a recent diagnosis of osteoarthritis plus degenerative joint disease. I became aware of the condition after I assisted my daughter in her six month recovery from major surgery to cut cancer from her. (The only way to get rid of the type of cancer she had, no chemo either.) So after such concentrated effort and anxiety on me and my families part, the release was complete to the point that a week after this relaxation, came this total overwhelming pain! Everywhere, but more so in my neck, back and lower back. Though I also experienced large joint pain too. When I went and talked with my doctor. She prescribed Tramadol, then also got me in to see a Neurologist. He did appropriate testing, and sent me to a surgeon. That doctor wanted to do surgery. I declined, I have grown up with an Uncle who has suffered with unrelieved back pain through multiple back surgeries! Needless to say, this was not a good example, physicians are always “practicing”(?) Yes?

Answer 1

Yes. Dates are good for constipation.

• Dates are well known for rich source of dietary fibers that help to relieve constipation.
• The fiber content of dates provide the daily requirement of fiber that regulates digestive system and prevents constipation.
• Abundance of insoluble fiber in dates, adds bulk to the stool and makes its passage easier through the bowel.
• Dates draw water to the digestive tract which makes the stool move faster and prevents it from turning hard that are difficult to pass.
• Including dates in your diet is beneficial for constipation relief and proper functioning of digestive system.
• Dates can even alleviate a clogged colon that are often accompanied with chronic constipation.
• A diet filled with fiber (you get it from dates) is necessary for controlling the symptoms of chronic constipation.
• Dietary fiber is a staple nutrient for bowel regularity and are found abundantly in dates.
• Along with fiber, dates also contain rich amount of calcium, iron and potassium that are good for body functions, including digestion.
• Brown foods are known to be good for digestion. Dates, being brown in color, ensure the proper functioning of digestive system and relieves constipation.
• Dates also strengthen the beneficial bacteria in stomach and keep constipation at bay.

As far as your back pain is concerned, if you do not want surgery, then you can have the following non-surgical treatment to relieve the pain:

• Chiropractic care. A chiropractor manipulates your spine to ease your pain.
• Acupuncture. A practitioner of acupuncture inserts thin sterilized needles into the skin at specific points on the body. A growing body of scientific evidence indicates acupuncture can be helpful in treating back pain.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). A battery-powered device placed on the skin delivers electrical impulses to the painful area. Studies have shown mixed results as to TENS' effectiveness.
• Massage. If your back pain is caused by tense or overworked muscles, massage might help.
• Yoga. There are several types of yoga, a broad discipline that involves practicing specific postures or poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. Yoga can stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture, although you might need to modify some poses if they aggravate your symptoms.