If you suffer from constipation and want to help your bowel to function normally, natural remedies for constipation are your best bet. Over-the-counter or metrotimes laxatives are very effective, but the long term problems that result from them make many people look to natural remedies.
Constipation is not something to be laughed at. As well as the inconvenience and uncomfortable symptoms, some very real medical conditions can arise from untreated constipation. One example is piles. If it’s taking you longer to move your bowels than usual, you’ll also be exerting a lot of pressure. Doing this over a prolonged period could leave you with a nasty case of hemorrhoids. And nobody wants a hemorrhoids! So it’s time to look at some natural constipation cures.
Natural Remedies for Constipation:
- Diet
You’ve heard it all before – lots of fruit and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Stay away from cheese! But really, your diet is at the root of your constipation problems. Your aim should be to consume as much natural fiber as possible, both soluble and insoluble. This will help your intestinal tract to retain water (this helps keep the stools soft) and provide bulk for ease of moving through the system. For some people, a healthy diet still doesn’t ensure regular bowel movements, in which case .. read on.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an amazing plant with so many uses. The juice has natural fibers which can help with digestion and may help with bowel movements. It won’t bring about immediate results and can take up to 10 hours to take effect.
- Castor Oil
While perhaps questionably ‘natural’, Castor Oil does work! Two teaspoons on an empty stomach will give you results within a few hours. This can be repeated daily for a few days, but don’t go beyond this.
- Molasses
Two tablespoons of molasses before bed can have great results. It’s pretty strong-tasting, so you might want to mix it with water, juice, or herbal tea.
- Prunes or dried figs
Both have a lot of fiber and can really help to keep things moving. Adding prunes or dried figs to your diet will act as a preventative rather than providing instant results!
- Supplements
If you’re low on certain minerals, this can result in constipation. Minerals like magnesium, manganese, and zinc help to maintain a healthy balance. Magnesium is very important as it’s vital for proper muscle tone. Iron and Calcium can actually cause constipation, so don’t overdo these supplements.
- Water
Whichever natural remedies you choose to deal with your constipation, make certain that you consume lots of water. 8 – 10 glasses a day is the recommended quota. If you have trouble with this, try mixing it up with herbal teas and juices. Avoid anything with caffeine (coffee, black tea, etc) and alcohol as these are diuretics and will counteract all the good work you’ve been doing by drinking lots of water!
