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Constipation debates are probably some of those we avoid in conversations whenever they occur, but they are very common. There are a number of simple and quick home solutions or remedies you can try before running to the drugstore to purchase a solution. In fact, running for quick-fix laxatives does not help as they worsen the problem.
Here are some home-based solutions you can try out:
1. Pure olive oil
Not only is this oil helpful in preparing foods, it can help prevent constipation if taken regularly. It works by stimulating your digestive system and making contents to move better through the colon.
Take a spoonful of olive oil in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach. If you have already eaten, wait for a while and then take the oil. It can be mixed with lemon juice to improve flavor, but lemon juice also helps tackle constipation.
2. Lemon juice
At the smell of fresh lemon, your stomach responds as much as the nose. The juice contains citric acid that stimulates the digestive system and can even flush out toxins and undigested material from the wall of your colon...interesting. Squeeze and mix with warm water - water adds in fluids needed by the stomach.
3. Molasses
Black-strap molasses, which results after the third boiling of pure cane sugar juice, can ease chronic or occasional constipation problems. The crystallized substance contains adequate vitamins and minerals, specifically magnesium, which helps in treatment of the constipation.
Those who do not find the taste of molasses unpleasant can start slow by adding a teaspoon of it in warm water or tea. You can then increase to putting 1-2 teaspoons to make the solution work.
4. Coffee
It serves you well as a natural remedy for constipation because it stimulates the digestive system. You can try 1-2 cups. If you take too much then you will have to visit the toilet several times later because coffee is diuretic, which dehydrates the body and thus causes constipation by hardening stools. So avoid much intake of coffee per day.
5. Moving around
It might be surprising but moving around can help stuff in your body to move too. Exercising has already been linked to helping lower the chances of getting cholesterol accumulation in the blood as well as helping in stretching muscles. How about if it helped the colon muscle to move? Wouldn't that help move stuff through the colon?
Wait for an hour after heavy meals, before you exercise. Research on what specific stretches can help you get in better health by increasing aforementioned movement.
6. Take more and more natural fibers
Many natural foods are better than junkies and artificial foods because they contain fibers and roughages. Fibers do not get digested. They are present in stool. However, they absorb water from the surrounding and swell, making stools soft and bulky, thus able to pass through the colon easily. Make sure not to drink too much since some like beans can actually cause constipation under such situations. .
Some of natural foods that have fibers include beans, apricots, whole grain bread, berries, broccoli, plums, pears, and apples, nuts, potatoes (with the exception of fries though) and black beans.
7. Flax-seed oil
It works as a home remedy for constipation by coating the intestinal walls and thus increasing bowel movements. You can mix it with orange juice, which contains fiber (orange juice with pulp has most fiber content). Drink and wait for about five hours before drinking again.
8. Aloe
It seems the effects of aloe will reach beyond the skin! Not only does it help with minor cuts and burns, it can soothe the tummy. Instead of the commercial aloe juice, get some Aloe vera gel from the plant which is more concentrated. Mix 2 tablespoons (not more) with fruit juice and drink in the morning.
9. Baking soda
It works as a home remedy because it is a bicarbonate. It not only works for constipation but also tummy aches by encouraging air to get out, and hence relieving one from pain that could result from pressure. It is an alkali and thus reduces stomach acidic conditions and helps things pass through the gut.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a quarter cup of warm water and drink all.
10. Epsom salt
Epsom salt draws water from surroundings and hence softens stools up making it easier for it to pass. Second, it contains magnesium (table salt has lesser amount of magnesium) that contracts bowel muscles, making it easy for stool to pass. Mix 2 teaspoons with one cup of water or juice and drink it all.
11. Prunes or prune juice
It acts as a natural home remedy for constipation because it contains high amounts of fiber and also has sorbitol. The latter is a natural carbohydrate and thus softens stools. It draws water while passing through intestines, softens stools, and adds bulk to it. Too much of sorbitol can make stools too soft and cause gas.
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. Take a glass in the morning and another one in the evening. Be careful though - too much sorbitol can cause gas and make stool too soft. Letting the first glass go through the system before taking another one helps avoid diarrhea. Alternatively, eat a lot of prunes.
12. Dandelions
Dandelions act as home remedies to constipation. Dandelions is a gentle laxative and a detoxifier. It can help if suffering from constipation due to in-activeness or the consumption of a lot of processed foods.
Dry dandelion leaves and then put 1-2 teaspoons in a mug. Pour a cup of hot water over the leaves, cover and steep for 6-10 minutes. Consumer three times a day.
13. Yogurt and bacteria sources
Good bacteria gotten from yogurt and other foods can help reduce constipation and its effects if it occurs. Eat a cup together with breakfast and then throughout the day with snacks or on its own.
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