Natural Remedies For Constipation

If you’ve ever dealt with severe stomach problems you know how valuable natural
remedies for constipation can be. If you’re not sure if you have constipation,
the general rule of thumb is that you are likely constipated if you have a bowel
movement less than 3 times per week. If you consistently fit that description and
have been suffering private discomfort because of it, you should be aware that
there are some natural remedies for constipation on the market today.

Constipation usually makes people feel bloated and uncomfortable for the obvious
reason that your body is not getting rid of waste efficiently. It can definitely affect
anyone from any age group, gender, or ethnicity, but it especially prevalent in
people over the age of 60. It can also occur during pregnancy or after childbirth
because of obvious complications to your digestive system.

There Are Many Types of Natural Remedies For Constipation

The main natural remedies for constipation include fibre, fluids, laxatives,
probiotics and acupressure. Probably the most commonly recommended of the
natural remedies for constipation is to increase your fibre intake. A diet that is
low in fibre often causes your waste to build up and dissolve properly. Prunes
are an example of a food that is high in insoluble fibre, others include whole
grains, vegetables, brown rice, and whole grain bread. You can also take fibre
supplements such as Metamucil to help keep you regular.

Natural Remedies For Constipation | Fluids

Another of the natural remedies for constipation is fluids. It sounds too simple
to be true, but it’s not. The sad fact is that too many people don’t drink enough
water in a day. Obviously if you don’t drink enough fluids your waste is going
to have a harder time passing through your body, this is one of the many causes for constipation. Drinks that have high caffeine
content such as coffee, pop, and energy drinks can have negative effects because
the actually take more water out of your system than they put in.

Amongst the most obvious natural remedies for constipation are laxatives. I’m not
talking about the old pills though. Nature has plenty of its own laxatives that are
free and easier on your body. These include herbs such as cascara, rhubarb, aloe
and senna.

Probiotics Are The Newest of the Natural Remedies For Constipation

One of the most recent remedies is probiotics. They are basically little microbial
organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract. They are thought to stop
the spread of harmful bacteria in your body which improves your resistance to
sickness and gives your digestive track a better natural barrier. This is how they help stop constipation.

Although I was not able to find a lot of information on it, I have also been told
by all-natural experts that acupressure can help relieve constipation as well.
Acupressure (similar to acupuncture) is an old fashioned technique that seeks to
optimize your body’s natural patterns. Plainly your digestive system is amongst
the most basic patterns your body has. By using pressure points in certain areas
to release stress many experts claim that it will encourage your body to heal
itself. Consult your doctor before trying any herbal remedies for
constipation just to be safe.

More Natural Remedies For Constipation

If you are suffering from constipation, don’t rush to the pharmacy and buy medications for it. You should at least try the natural remedies for constipation first. Constipation is one of the common problems of indigestion not only in the United States, but all over the world. It’s not particularly a very dangerous condition, but it can become quite uncomfortable.

Constipation can affect anyone from infants to the elderly, but the most common incidence occurs with women who are over the age of 65. Also incidence of constipation tends to increase after having a surgery, after child birth, during pregnancy and sometimes after using some medications such as opioid pain relievers. Fortunately though, there are a lot of natural remedies for constipation that even doctors would advise you to take. Here are a few examples:

Natural Remedies For Constipation

1. Eat a lot of high fiber foods. If you have constipation, foods that are rich in fiber are among the most recommended natural remedies for constipation. This is because fibers are not really digested well so help to bulk up the stool. They are also great absorbers of water, so the stool becomes softer and the wastes are eliminated a lot easier. Of course when eating high fiber foods, you must also make sure to drink a lot of water. Examples of these high fiber foods are fruits like apples and pears, green vegetables, cereals and sweet potatoes.

2. Drink a lot of fluids, especially water. Water helps to soften the stools so they could be excreted more easily. It is recommended that you drink eight glasses of water daily. Try to stay away from alcohol and also caffeinated drinks because they can have dehydrating effects.

3. Eat prunes or drink prune juice. Among the elderly and those who just gave birth, who are having constipation problems, prune juice is a common recommendation of doctors. This is because prunes have a natural laxative. If you can’t find prunes, raisins and papayas are excellent alternatives.

4. Increase your physical activity. If you exercise even with simple walking, you can help with your constipation problems. Exercise helps with by increasing heart rate and so increasing the natural peristaltic movement of the bowels. Exercise also helps the stool pass faster through the digestive tract so less water is absorbed in the body and more water retained in the stool making them softer and easier to eliminate.

Herbal Remedies For Constipation

5. Use tried and tested natural herbal laxatives. There are a lot of herbs that can be considered as natural remedies for constipation. A lot of the popular teas actually have some laxative properties that can help you if you are suffering from constipation. Examples of these herbs are Cascara sagrada which means the “sacred bark”, and also the slippery elm.

Natural Remedies For Constipation – Conclusion

When you have tried these natural remedies for constipation and still you suffer from constipation, then perhaps it’s time you consult your doctor. Your constipation may be in a severe state where medical intervention is needed or it may be a symptom of another more serious condition. Don’t forget to tell your doctor about all of the natural remedies that you have tried.