We all try to avoid talking about our intimate bodily functions, particularly our toilet habits. But constipation is nothing to be embarrassed about; in fact, it is extremely common. When you realise how common it is to suffer from this painful condition, you can start to feel better about treating it.
But before you rush to the pharmacy to pick up some laxatives, take a look at a more natural way to relieve constipation. Medication for constipation often comes with side effects, and it doesn’t prevent the problem from coming back. Natural remedies for constipation allow you to feel better and return to your normal life feeling happier and healthier.
Drink a Glass of Lemon Water in the Morning
A simple drink of warm water with lemon juice (natural, of course, not lemonade) in the morning will help to stimulate your digestive system, which will lead to less frequent buts of constipation. The water also helps to dilute the lemon juice and get you hydrated in the morning, which is also a benefit when you want to stop constipation.
Take Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of life’s natural laxatives and it can be extremely helpful in relieving constipation and getting things moving in your digestive system. It is simple to get the benefits from this remedy. Simply eat one spoonful of olive oil every day before breakfast, since this remedy works best when you consume it on an empty stomach.
Drink Coffee?
The caffeine in your morning cup of coffee naturally helps to straighten out your digestive system. People who regularly drink coffee in the mornings report that it gets them moving in the digestion department. But make sure that you do not drink too much coffee, either in the morning or throughout the day. Coffee makes you go to the toilet more often and this can dry out your stools and result in constipation.
Move Your Body
One of the best ways to get your digestive system moving is to get yourself moving. Sitting down all day is not going to do much to help your system get rid of toxins and waste. By stretching, taking part in gentle exercise, walking, swimming or running, you help your digestive system and also help your health in general.
Try Aloe
You can drink aloe juice or if you have a plant then use the concentrated juice from the leaves. But water this down as it is strong. It is a good idea to put aloe gel into orange juice or your normal breakfast drink in order to rehydrate as well as get the benefits of the aloe.
Get Your Yogurt
It is important to keep your gut healthy and to supply it with good bacteria. This helps your digestive system function and to expel toxins, keeping things moving. Yogurt is a good source of good bacteria.
Eat Dried Fruit
In particular, you should stock up on prunes and on raisins. These fruits are highly effective in the fight against annoying constipation. They contain high levels of fibre, and they are also high in dihydroxyphenyl isatin (prunes), which helps the colon to work, and tartaric acid (raisins), which allows food to pass more quickly through the body.
Try Acupressure
Another way to try and sort out your constipation issues is to use acupressure, which is similar to acupuncture but it involves no needles. The pressure point for constipation is on the reverse of your forearm around five finger-widths higher than the wrist. Apply gentle pressure for around three minutes each day.
Use Powerful Herbs
Always pay attention to the directions on herbal supplements, as these natural laxatives can be very powerful and may result in too much lost salt if you take too much. The two main herbs to relieve constipation are cascara sagrada and senna. These are made into a variety of different supplements and you can also take them solo as a tincture.
Relax, Don’t Force It
Whatever you do, try not to force a bowel movement as this can harm your digestive system and result in conditions like haemorrhoids or even fissures in the anal region. On the other hand, do not avoid going to the bathroom when you feel the urge. If you are always trying to keep it in, you are making a siren call for constipation to come visit.
