Many herbs and ingredients serve as natural treatments for constipation. These have been tried-and-tested to be generally safe for adults; however, it may be prudent to consult a physician if symptoms persist.
Maintaining regular bathroom habits and limiting consumption of foods that cause constipation may help naturally alleviate it. Drinking plenty of water and adding fiber-rich food sources could also prove effective.
Lemon Water
Lemons contain vitamin C, which softens stools and facilitates regular bowel movements. Lemon water has become an alternative solution to traditional laxatives.
According to Ayurveda, lemons help stimulate the digestive system. Consuming warm lemon water first thing in the morning may aid digestion and prevent constipation.
Lemon-containing beverages like juice and tea may help ease other health conditions, including arthritis, asthma and heartburn. Studies have demonstrated that drinking one cup of lemon juice on an empty stomach may reduce symptoms associated with acid reflux such as burning sensations in the oesophagus.
Lemon juice can be acidic, and those taking acid-blocking medication should avoid drinking it. Furthermore, lemons contain bacteria which could enter your body through slices that have been cut open and left sitting out; to minimise your chances of inadvertently intaking harmful microorganisms it’s best to squeeze your own fresh lemons or request one with your water at restaurants in order to limit potential risk.
Olive Oil
Constipation is an age-old condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often manifesting itself by not eliminating feces regularly or difficulty emptying the colon. Left untreated, constipation can become serious health concerns. Laxatives may temporarily relieve its symptoms, but this may come with unwanted side effects; using natural ingredients instead can provide safer and more effective relief.
Olive oil can help lubricate the colon and make passing stools easier, as well as stimulate gall bladder activity and digestion in general. Olive oil may also stimulate gall bladder contractions and digestive track movement to enhance bowl movements. Olive oil may be taken alone or added to foods or warm beverages like lemon water or coffee in moderation to make its digestion simpler.
Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) should be your top choice when it comes to selecting an olive oil variety, as this type is minimally processed and contains more antioxidants than others. Research has proven its anti-inflammatory and free-radical-fighting abilities as well as its ability to massage abdomens for constipation relief in adults.
Prune Juice
Prune juice has long been used as an effective constipation remedy. Packed full of soluble fiber and full of potassium and magnesium, prune juice also contains laxative properties via its presence of sorbitol (55) (55).
One prune contains roughly one gram of fiber while one serving of prune juice contains three. Prunes also contain probiotics which promote gut health and aid with constipation, while adding olive oil in your morning cup of prune juice can facilitate easier defecation (58).
Olive oil increases absorption of soluble fibers, giving you more benefit from what you eat. Other soluble fiber-rich foods are:
Stewed Apricots
Fruits rich in cellulose (such as grapes), sugar and organic acid are proven natural laxatives. Consume one bowl of fresh grapes daily or drink half a glass of juice to ease constipation. Kiwis also offer high fiber content that promotes regular bowel movements. Baking soda has long been used as an effective remedy against constipation as it re-alkalizes your stomach, neutralizes acidity and relieves constipation while providing relief from stomachaches – adding one teaspoon to quarter cup of warm water can bring considerable relief.
Consider adding natural laxatives to your diet, and see the difference! Or try our Apricot pattern: it features an adorable summer top/dress with two versions and features an eye-catching split bodice and retro collar!