Constipation is an all too familiar condition, often causing pain and discomfort. But, natural solutions exist that may provide relief.
Drink plenty of fluids such as water, juice and clear soups. This can help avoid an emergency condition called fecal impaction that may arise as a result of constipation.
Eat fiber-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains to give your stool more bulk and soften it over time.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an effective home remedy for constipation as it acts as a natural laxative and softens stool naturally. Rich in medium chain fatty acids that stimulate bowel movements more quickly, coconut oil allows the body to eliminate waste more efficiently and thus speeding up its process of waste elimination.
Reducing constipation by increasing metabolism. Use it in place of other dietary fats, or add it to smoothies and juices; available online and in stores.
To promote regular bowel movements and ease painful hard stools, add one or two tablespoons of coconut oil to hot water and consume thirty minutes before each meal. Or try mixing it with fruit juices like pear and apple. When selecting organic, raw coconut oil it will be more beneficial as its digestion is easier than with other options like ghee or lard – plus it does not deteriorate at high temperatures!
Baking Soda
Baking soda, the humble household staple that most kitchens already stockpile, boasts some impressive powers. It can effectively neutralize unpleasant odors, whiten teeth and improve exercise performance – not to mention being an effective natural remedy for constipation as it draws water into your intestines to soften stool.
An effective remedy for constipation is drinking one teaspoon of baking soda mixed with eight ounces of water on an empty stomach once or twice each day until your symptoms have resolved. This should be repeated until all constipation symptoms have vanished.
Consume a diet rich in fiber and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation from returning. If home remedies don’t help, consult your physician who may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription laxatives for you or recommend other treatments such as colon cleansing. Altering lifestyle habits combined with over-the-counter or prescription laxatives is often sufficient to alleviate constipation symptoms.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an aromatic root that adds spice and digestive aid. Additionally, ginger has long been recognized for relieving nausea caused by motion sickness, pregnancy-related morning sickness and indigestion.
Ginger’s main benefit lies in speeding stomach emptying and relieving constipation and gas. Furthermore, ginger boasts anti-inflammatory properties which may help alleviate symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Add ginger to your daily meals or sip a warm ginger tea; for an added zest add lemon juice and honey for extra flavor!
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) tea contains menthol, which relaxes stomach muscles and encourages the bowel to move stool along. Peppermint can also be used to calm an upset stomach, improve digestion, reduce menstrual cramps, alleviate nausea and gas, as well as treat menstrual cramps with its natural antibiotic and antifungal properties, while its natural antibiotic and antifungal properties may treat digestive infections.
Lemon water can be an effective natural constipation remedy, as its citric acid helps stimulate digestion and facilitate regular bowel movements.
If these home remedies don’t help, it may be wise to consult a doctor in order to ascertain the source of your constipation. Diet may be involved or it could even be as severe as an obstruction in your bowels; either way if your constipation lasts weeks or months it should be addressed right away – the earlier it’s treated the more likely it is that it will go away completely.