16 Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation
May 05, 2017
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“Potty problems” are something we avoid in
our everyday conversations. While you may be more than willing to share how
much your sore throat is torturing you, rarely do you go into the
office and announce that you haven’t pooped in five days. However, constipation
is not something to be embarrassed about, and if you’ve had it (and we all
have) than you understand that it is no laughing matter-in fact it can be
downright debilitating. Before running to the drugstore for a quick-fix
laxative (which often worsen the problem) try some simple home remedies to
relieve your discomfort, and keep it from coming back.
1. Oil…it gets more than cars running
Pure olive oil is more than just a healthy
and tasty fat, it can also help relieve constipation. It’s not surprising
really when you consider what olive oil’s texture and consistency is like- it’s
practically the poster child for constipation home remedies. It stimulates your
digestive system, which helps get things moving through your colon, and taken
regularly it can prevent constipation as well.
You will need…
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)
Directions
In the morning consume one tablespoon of olive oil. It works best on an empty stomach, so have it before you eat anything else. If you forget, wait until later when you haven’t eaten for a while. You can mix it with a little bit of lemon juice if you like to lighten the flavor (lemon juice also acts as a natural aid for constipation.)
In the morning consume one tablespoon of olive oil. It works best on an empty stomach, so have it before you eat anything else. If you forget, wait until later when you haven’t eaten for a while. You can mix it with a little bit of lemon juice if you like to lighten the flavor (lemon juice also acts as a natural aid for constipation.)
2. Freshen up from the inside out
Ah the scent of a fresh lemon…did you ever
think your stomach might appreciate it as much as your nose? The citric acid in
lemon juice acts as a stimulant for your digestive system, and can also help
flush out toxins and undigested material that may have built up along the walls
of the colon. Mixing the juice with water not only lessens the intensity of the
lemon flavor, but helps get you the fluids you need to get everything moving
normally again.
You will need…
-1 fresh lemon
-1 cup of warm water
-1 fresh lemon
-1 cup of warm water
Directions
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into 1 cup of warm water. Drink or sip until finished completely.
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into 1 cup of warm water. Drink or sip until finished completely.
3. Molasses makes the world go ‘round
Blackstrap molasses has been a sweet savior
for more than a few sufferers of constipation, be it chronic or occasional. The
reason blackstrap molasses works so well is because of how it is made. Regular
molasses is essentially pure cane sugar juice boiled to concentrate and
crystallize the sugar. The third boiling results in blackstrap molasses, which
is crystallized but contains significant amounts of vitamins and minerals,
specifically magnesium, which is what helps the constipation. It’s natural,
tasty, and while you thank goodness someone decided to repeatedly boil a bunch
of sugar, your body will thank you for the natural remedy.
You will need…
-1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses
-warm water or tea (optional)
-1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses
-warm water or tea (optional)
Directions
Consume one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. Start slow and small here-if you don’t like the flavor of molasses, you can add it to a cup of warm water or tea to dilute the taste. If you find that a teaspoon has not been effective, you can go as high as 1-2 tablespoons, but try less at first.
Consume one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. Start slow and small here-if you don’t like the flavor of molasses, you can add it to a cup of warm water or tea to dilute the taste. If you find that a teaspoon has not been effective, you can go as high as 1-2 tablespoons, but try less at first.
4. Coffee is our friend (sometimes)
A lot of people love their morning coffee,
but it does more than just give off heavenly aromas and help you perk up.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant for the digestive system, so indulging in a cup
of joe will help get you up and running in more ways than one. 1-2 cups is
fine, but make sure you don’t overdo it-too much can actually have the opposite
effect. Coffee is a diuretic and makes you urinate more frequently, and if you
drink it an excess, it can cause constipation by dehydrating your body and
drawing out water that would normally soften your stool.
5. Get moving
If you want stuff to move through your body,
you need to move too! Our lifestyle these days not only involves dietary
changes that increase constipation, but we’re often sitting much more than
we’re active. While there isn’t an exact scientific reason as to why lack of
exercise is linked with getting clogged up, we can assume that moving the body
helps get the smooth muscle in the colon moving as well. Keep in mind, however,
that you should wait an hour after big meals before exercising. There are also
specific stretches and workouts that are supposed to help with getting good old
number 2 out the door.
6. Go natural (aka fiber, fiber, and more
fiber)
You’ll hear people talk a lot about how a
natural diet helps relieve and prevent constipation. An overall healthy diet
just improves everything, and our bodies know how to process fruits, veggies,
grains and roughage more than the refined or artificial foods that don’t pass
as easily. To get more specific, natural foods tend to contain boatloads of
fiber-that magical word that signifies the end of toilet suffrage. In short,
fiber is material that cannot be digested, and it acts like a sponge. It draws
water from its surroundings, making it swell, which softens stool and adds bulk
to it, which in turn helps it pass. Like coffee, some kinds of fiber (like
beans) can contribute to constipation, so always drink plenty of water. Some
good fiber-filled foods include-
-Beans
-Apricots
-Whole grain bread
-Berries
-Broccoli
-Plums, pears, and apples
-nuts
-Potatoes (skip the fries though)
-Apricots
-Whole grain bread
-Berries
-Broccoli
-Plums, pears, and apples
-nuts
-Potatoes (skip the fries though)
7. Get some FLAXitive
Flaxseed oil is a pretty simple home remedy
for constipation. It sort of coats the walls of the intestine, as well as
stool, and increases the number of bowel movements you are having. Enjoying
your oil with orange juice is a double whammy when it comes to constipation,
since oranges have a good amount of fiber in them (make sure to get orange
juice with pulp, which is what has most of the fiber.)
You will need…
-1 glass of orange juice with pulp (8 oz.)
-1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil
-1 glass of orange juice with pulp (8 oz.)
-1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil
Directions
Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil with 1 glass of orange juice. Drink as needed, but give it time (up to 5 hourse) to start working so you don’t overdo it.
Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil with 1 glass of orange juice. Drink as needed, but give it time (up to 5 hourse) to start working so you don’t overdo it.
8. Aloe-it’s benefits aren’t just skin deep
Aloe is known to soothe minor cuts and burns,
but it can also soothe your tummy. It’s best to use pure aloe vera gel from the
plant. The gel straight from the plant is more concentrated than commercial
aloe juice so don’t use more than 2 tablespoons. If you don’t have an aloe
plant, than drinking aloe juice can accomplish similar results.
You will need…
-2 tablespoons of pure aloe gel or 1 cup of aloe vera juice
-2 tablespoons of pure aloe gel or 1 cup of aloe vera juice
Directions
Mix two tablespoons of pure gel with fruit juice and drink in the morning, OR drink one cup of aloe vera juice as needed.
Mix two tablespoons of pure gel with fruit juice and drink in the morning, OR drink one cup of aloe vera juice as needed.
9. Establish a routine
Potty schedules aren’t just for puppies,
they’re a great way to relieve and prevent constipation in humans too.
Regulating the timing of when you go to the bathroom will regulate your bowel
movements as well. Set aside about 15 minutes anywhere from 1-3 times a day,
and take your time, even if nothing happens. Make sure you stay relaxed, and
eventually your body will catch on.
10. Baking soda does it all
Baking soda lies at the heart of home
remedies. It’s is so incredibly versatile, and it pretty much does its job 95%
of the time. It works incredibly well for constipation (and tummy aches in
general) because it is a bicarbonate, which will encourage air to come out of
you one way or another, and relieve pain from pressure. It also re-alkalizes
the stomach, neutralizing the acid a little bit and helping things pass through
your gut.
You will need…
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/4 cup warm water
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/4 cup warm water
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with ¼ cup of
warm water. Drink all of the mixture-the quicker you finish it, the better it
seems to work.
11. Empty out with Epsom salt
Epsom salt is an effective home remedy for
constipation for two main reasons. First, the salt draws water from its
surroundings, softening up stool and making it easier to pass. Second, the
magnesium that is present in the salt promotes contraction of the bowel
muscles, which also makes passing easier. Table salt can be useful in terms of
drawing water out, but it lacks the magnesium that Epsom has, so try and use
Epsom salt if possible.
You will need…
-2 teaspoons of Epsom salt (for adults) OR ½ teaspoon (for children)*
-1 cup of water or fruit juice
-2 teaspoons of Epsom salt (for adults) OR ½ teaspoon (for children)*
-1 cup of water or fruit juice
Directions
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in one cup of water or fruit juice and drink all of it. If within 4 more hours there is no sign of bowel movement, you may take one more dose. Only use ½ teaspoon for children.
*Consult the box for dosing
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in one cup of water or fruit juice and drink all of it. If within 4 more hours there is no sign of bowel movement, you may take one more dose. Only use ½ teaspoon for children.
*Consult the box for dosing
12. Don’t forget the prunes…
Perhaps one of the most classic cures for
constipation is prunes or prune juice. The fruit works as a natural laxative
because it has high amounts of fiber, and contains sorbitol. Sorbitol softens
stools because it is a natural carbohydrate that is not easily ingested,
causing it to draw a lot of water as it passes through the intestines and
adding bulk to stool. Be careful though-too much and sorbitol can cause gas and
make stool too soft.
You will need…
-2 glasses of prune juice (8oz)
-2 glasses of prune juice (8oz)
Directions
Drink one glass of prune juice in the morning and one at night to relieve constipation. It should start working within a few hours, so it’s important to let one glass pass through your intestines before attempting to drink another-or else you risk diarrhea. You can also eat several prunes instead of drinking the juice if you prefer.
Drink one glass of prune juice in the morning and one at night to relieve constipation. It should start working within a few hours, so it’s important to let one glass pass through your intestines before attempting to drink another-or else you risk diarrhea. You can also eat several prunes instead of drinking the juice if you prefer.
13. Heed natures call
This is a preventative measure to help ward
off those uncomfortable bouts of constipation in the future, and it’s pretty
straightforward. When you need to go to the bathroom-go! Your body is giving
you the signal for a reason, and it’s a good idea to listen. The longer you
hold it in, the more water is absorbed from the stool, and the harder it
becomes. You’re body also only sends the signal to have a bowel movement for a
certain amount of time, after a certain amount of time. That’s why if you have
to go really badly and don’t, you stop feeling like you have to go. Delay the
duty and you may not get the heads up to go until you’re even more clogged.
14. Dandy Dandelions
Dandelions are a terribly annoying weed, but
you might view them differently after they help relieve your constipation. The
constituents of dandelions make it a gentle laxative as well as an effective
detoxifier, and a cup of dandelion tea will be enormously beneficial to those
who are suffering from constipation due to inactiveness or the consumption of a
lot of processed foods (although drinking it does not mean you don’t need to
exercise or eat healthy!)
You will need…
-1-2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves
-1 cup of hot water
-1-2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves
-1 cup of hot water
Directions
Put 1-2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves into a mug, and pour hot water over them. Cover and let steep for 6-10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day.
Put 1-2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves into a mug, and pour hot water over them. Cover and let steep for 6-10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day.
15. Bacteria is necessary
Healthy gut flora is vital to keep our
digestive system working properly, especially in these times, when our stomach
is getting pounded with all sorts of processed sugars and foods. Working to
keep the good bacteria in our bodies strong and plentiful will help prevent
constipation, and lessen its severity should it still occur. There are a number
of ways to go about helping your bacteria flourish, but one simple method is to
enjoy a cup of yogurt, which is filled with probiotics, with breakfast and
during the day.
You will need…
-1-3 cups of plain yogurt
-1-3 cups of plain yogurt
Directions
Eat a cup of yogurt with breakfast, and then on its own or with snacks throughout the day.
Eat a cup of yogurt with breakfast, and then on its own or with snacks throughout the day.
16. Rock the squat
It sounds a tad awkward, but literally
squatting over the toilet can help relieve constipation and kick start your
colon. It’s a natural position that our bodies understand means “it’s time to
go!”
American’s spend a little less than $1 billion
dollars a year on laxatives that will ultimately only contribute to the
problem, and wreak havoc on the body. Know that you do not have to have a bowel
movement every single day to be regular-that is a myth that contributes to the
dependency on laxatives. Some people only poop every few days and that’s normal
for them, while others go multiple times a day. We’re all different, and there
are too many factors to decide how often every single person should be
going-just know your body and use common sense.
Constipation may be something that people
like to keep to themselves, but whether you don’t tell a soul, or announce it
on graduation day via the loudspeaker, it all comes down to the fact that it
can seriously impede day to day life. It is also, thankfully, something that
can often be effectively treated naturally and at home. As a bonus, many of the
lifestyle changes that help constipation (diet, exercise, etc.) simply make you
an overall happier, healthier human being.
http://everydayroots.com/constipation-remedies
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