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What is it about matzo that makes us constipated?

Having just finished another year of Passover, I’m reminded of why Moses asked the Pharoah to “Let my people go”.  In the past, the saying had to do with being released from slavery, but in modern times the saying has more to do with the gastrointestinal consequences of the ritual intake of foods without leavening.

Passover is the 8 day holiday in the Spring where Jews around the world celebrate the story of Exodus where the Hebrew slaves left in such a hurry that they didn’t even have time to let their bread rise.  In addition to the sedars at the start of the holiday, the mainstay of celebrating Passover is to eat a special diet that does not contain any leavened bread or derivatives of it.

The gastrointestinal impact of all of this matzah is typically constipation, making for a very uncomfortable week.  Luckily, constipation doesn’t seem to be overly dangerous and if prepared, Passover constipation can often be minimized.  First of all, drink plenty of water.  Next, you can make sure you include some prunes or prune juice in your diet during the week.  Prunes are kosher for passover.  Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and salads.

Of course, you can try to minimize your matzo intake, but that sort of defeats the purpose of Passover.

5 thoughts on “What is it about matzo that makes us constipated?”

  1. I make my own matzo. Not technically KP, but SO much better than the cardboard that the cartels sell for $5 a box.

  2. I love that very cardboard like matzoshemurah, the round hand made matzos. But igotta say, it backs upmore thantheregular matza. After 8 days i am at situation critical.

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