Home Remedy for Constipation

If you looking for home remedy for constipation, you are probably facing one or all of these three symptoms of constipation. The first is having less than three bowel movements in a week. The second is you have to strain because your stool is hard and you feel gassy and bloated. The last one is a sudden change in your normal bowel patterns. Probably you used to go to the toilet once a day or once in two days but now it has changed and become very irregular.

The Probable Causes of Constipation

1. You are dehydrated because you don't drink enough water or other fluids. Not replacing water loss is another reason. You can lose water through excessive sweating, drinking too much alcohol, coffee or any other caffeinated drinks.
   
   
   
2. You aren't eating enough fiber rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, dried beans and nuts. Your body needs the dietary fiber to increase bulk, makes your stool softer and eases bowel movements.
   
   
   
3. You have developed the habit of holding back your needs to go to the toilet, for whatever reasons.
   
   
   
4. Certain medications can cause constipation. If you have just started any kind of medication and realize irregularity in your bowel movements, check with your doctor. Another probable reason for constipation is antacid. The antacid you are taking to neutralize your stomach acidity may have caused it.
   
   
   
5. Your diet comprises too much of processed and refined foods. Frozen foods, canned foods, fast foods and foods made from white flour are some examples.

Taking laxatives that you can buy easily over the counter is not a smart decision for constipation relief. Unless your doctor prescribed it, you should try to avoid relying on laxatives. When you become dependent of laxatives, you will need higher dosages as treatment for constipation. Too much and too often may also damage the lining of your intestines.

Using castor oil enema is also not advisable and not recommended. Some people used this method as a home remedy for constipation before. There are safer, more hygienic and natural way to treat the problem. It's a matter of changing some eating habits and lifestyle.

Home Remedy for Constipation No. 1 - Eat high fiber foods

Foods that relieve constipation are foods that are high in fiber. The adequate intake (AI) of dietary fiber for adult females is 25g per day and it is 38g per day for adult males. Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding need more. The AI for men and women from 51 years are lessened.

Foods High in Fiber

1. Apples - not only will it relieve constipation, apples will also help reduce bad cholesterol level.
   
   
   
2. Prunes and prune juice - prunes are natural laxatives. Drink a glass of prune juice daily.
   
   
   
3. Bananas - other than relieving digestive problems, bananas are low in salt content, have high potassium content and are helpful for people with high blood pressure.
   
   
   
4. Guava - guava juice could help increase bulk and soften stools.
   
   
   
5. Broccoli - waste produce will move more efficiently.
   
   
   
6. Beans - soy contains dietary fiber and a high amount of protein. It may also help reduce bad LDL cholesterol. Other beans are pinto, red beans and lima beans.
   
   
   
7. Whole grains - corns or maize, oats, rye, wheat, rice bran and millet.

Other foods that act as natural remedies for constipation are artichoke, potatoes, berries, apricots, peas, carrots, tomatoes, cauliflower and popcorn.

If you aren't getting enough fiber from your diet, take fiber supplements to get the adequate amount.

Home Remedy for Constipation No. 2 - Drink water

Water overcomes digestive problems, prevent dehydration and of course relieve constipation. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Home Remedy for Constipation No. 3 - Eat yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotic. This live culture in yogurt supports the digestive system both in the small and large intestines and protects the intestinal tract. It helps avoid problems such as gas, bloating and toxicity.

Home Remedy for Constipation No. 4 - Drink apple cider vinegar

Apple cider helps to manage the human waste disposal system so that it can function properly. It's an effective treatment for constipation.

Home Remedy for Constipation No. 5 - Try herbs

Herbs are natural laxatives. They are now mostly available as herbal supplements. The extracts are whole, cut and dried or in the form of liquid extracts, capsules, powder, tablet form and sold as teas.

1. Fenugreek tea - it also helps overcome urine retention. You can buy the tea bags or purchase whole dried fenugreek seeds, add hot water to it and drink.
   
   
   
2. Cape aloe, red aloe or aloe ferox - the yellow bitter sap is a natural laxative. Mix a spoonful of the gel in a cup of lukewarm water and take it one hour after dinner. You can also drink the normal aloe vera juice that is available in the market.
   
   
   
3. Passion flower - helps maintain regular bowel function. It is also a helpful herb to help you overcome stress as it has a calming effect. Take the herbal supplement or buy cut and dried passion flower and make your own herbal tea.
   
   
   
4. Fennel seeds - is an herb that supports healthy digestive system such as preventing IBS bloating, gas and abdominal pain, colic, heartburn, indigestion, and stomach aches. You can get the benefits of this herb by drinking fennel tea.

Other herbs that are good for your digestive tract and bowel movements are ginger, cascara sagrada, Oregon grape root, psyllium seed husk, senna leaves and yellow dock root.

Constipation Help - Get Relief from Constipation

You may have to see a doctor if you have constipated for several weeks even though you have changed to a healthier diet. If you notice there's bleeding in your stool, it may indicate a different problem and not constipation. Another reason to see a doctor is if you have to overstrain each time and feel severe pain.

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