Natural Constipation Home Remedies

Constipation is referred to difficulty in bowel movement, with the symptoms of becoming sluggish, bloated and uncomfortable. Constipation happens when there are infrequent bowel movements, usually less than 3 times a week. However, there are no specific times of bowel movements to determine if a person is constipated or having regular bowel movements.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem face by many people. It is mainly caused by extra absorption of water from food by the colon which created a dry and hard stool. Slow colon muscle contractions is another reason. Other factors which might lead to this problem include lack of fiber and liquids in the diet, not enough exercise, irregular bowel movements, medications and abuse of laxatives.

Here are some home remedies for constipation:

Fruits and Vegetables: Eating fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains and wheat will help in preventing the formation of dry and hard stools.

• Bael Fruit Sherbet: Bael fruit is one of the best natural laxatives. Prepare the sherbet using pulp of ripe bael fruit (about 60g for an adult) . First, remove the seeds and then sieve the contents. Add some milk and sugar to taste it. You can also take it directly without adding anything. Consuming it regularly for 2-3 months helps in clearing the long accumulated faecal matter and also toning up the intestine muscles.
• Pear: Eat a medium-sized pear during breakfast or after dinner helps in easing constipation.
• Guava: Eat 1 or 2 guavas together with the seeds daily to have smooth bowel movements.
• Grapes: Grapes are a good laxative food as they contain cellulose, sugar, and organic acid. Grapes help in cleaning the bowel, toning up intestine muscles and relieves the most chronic constipation. To achieve the desired results, patients have to eat 350g or more of this fruit  daily.
• Raisins: Raisins is an alternative to fresh grapes. Soak the raisins in the water for 1 to 2 days to rehydrate them. Eat this early in the morning together with the soaking water.
• Orange: Eat 1 or 2 oranges before bedtime and early in the morning helps stimulating the bowel movements and thus helps preventing the buildup of food residue in the colon.
• Papaya: Eat half of a medium-sized papaya in the morning to have natural laxative.
• Figs: Eat 4 to 5 fresh or soaked dry figs in the morning to have natural laxative. Dry figs should be soaked overnight in water before eating.
• Raw Spinach Juice: Raw spinach is the most needed vegetable for the digestive tract as it contains the finest organic material for the cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration of the intestinal tract. Dilute 100ml of raw spinach juice with the same amount of water and drink 2 times daily for a few days. This will cure severe constipation.

Plain Water: Water is very important in treating constipation as it helps in producing softer stools and ease the bowel movements. Constipated patients should drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday. Lemon juice or soluble fiber can be added to the drinks. They should avoid high caffeinated drinks which have dehydrating effects, such as coffee, alcohol and soft drinks.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar contains a water soluble fiber called pectin. It helps improving digestion by normalizing the acid level in the stomach. Dilute 2 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar with 8 oz of water, apple juice or grape juice and drink it 3 times a day.

Linseed: Linseed provides roughage and lubrication. Taking 1 tsp of linseed with water before each meal provide beneficial result.

Lime Juice: Drinking hot water added with lime juice and 1/2 tsp of salt is also an effective remedy for constipation.

Exercise: Lacking of exercise is another reason for constipation. Therefore, toning up the muscles through exercising also helps in the treatment of constipation. Outdoor activities such as walking, swimming etc. help strengthening the muscles and thus preventing constipation.