How to treat Constipation through easy Home Remedies

Today, we shall share some effective home remedies that can be practiced in the comfort of your home to help treat Constipation. Earlier, we had discussed the benefits of using Ginger to treat diarrhea.

Let us understand —What is constipation and How it turns chronic?

Constipation is when you have irregular or less than three bowel movements a week. This signifies that your digestive system is not functioning properly. It is definitely not trivial and needs your attention and care.

Interestingly, Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) issues in the United States, affecting about 42 million people, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). In a recent 2015 study, it has been found out that the count of people reporting to U.S. emergency rooms for constipation has been shooting up.

Yes, it is that common!

Bowel habits differ for every individual. Some pass stool twice or thrice a day. Some may have a bowel movement twice or thrice a week. You can term it as constipation if you have fewer than three bowel visits in a week. So, what happens is that your stool remains inside and gets hardened with time. This gives further creates many issues. Passing becomes a challenge and is often accompanied by pain. It may also cause Hemorrhoids or Rectal Prolapse and this can cause a tear in the anal lining too. When this continues for long, your constipation can turn chronic in nature and more difficult to deal with.

Risk Group

Constipation can affect anyone at any age but you are at a higher risk if you are:

A Female
Pregnant
60 and above
under medication (taking too many medicines)
Having a sedentary lifestyle
Recovering from a surgery
Eating less fibrous food. Binging on junk
Consuming less water
Having Irregular meals

Signs and Symptoms of constipation

Watch out for these symptoms and treat your constipation before it gives you nightmares. Constipation can cause stomach pain and cramps too!

As discussed above, when you have less than 3 bowel episodes per week you are a sufferer of constipation

When you try really hard without any results – If you are having difficulty pushing the stool out or the stool is large and painful to pass, it means you are being constipated.

If you are passing dry poop, darker and hard.

Have you started noticing your Belching, bloating problems? Do you pass smelly or foul gas? You can blame constipation for it.

When every bowel habit becomes a mammoth task – When you feel the urge to strain and the straining causes pain due to pressure on anal muscles.

Constipation gives one a feeling of incomplete evacuation and this can easily be read as a common sign of the problem excluding when you have episodes of Diarrhea.

How to cure constipation naturally

Lemon and Honey

Lemon helps flush out the waste and toxins from your digestive system. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes the system and besides that adds great taste too. Honey is also believed to have a laxative effect on the digestive system. So, boil some water. Squeeze half a lemon and add a teaspoon of honey and have it regularly first thing in the morning.

An apple a day keeps constipation away

You may have come across the famous saying — “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. However, with its numerous benefits on the digestive front, we can safely declare — “An apple a day keeps constipation away”. Apples have high fiber content (both soluble and insoluble fiber) Consuming apples regularly can alleviate the effects of constipation by inducing smooth bowel function. Always have apples with their skin on as the skin contains a lot of fiber too.

Add Ghee or clarified Butter to your Diet

Now, Ghee stimulates the digestive system and greases it well. It helps soften the hardened stools and allows you to pass it easily without any discomfort. Take a spoon full of ghee when you have your meal. Remember to have fresh ghee or clarified butter and check the expiry of products before using.

Baking soda

Baking soda helps to push the stool out. It reacts with the acids in the stomach and acts as a laxative to facilitate bowel movement easily. You can add a teaspoon of Baking soda to a cup of warm water and have it.

Power of Prebiotic and Probiotic

Apples, Bananas, onions and garlic, green vegetables like beans or french beans, the artichoke is some Prebiotic fiber-rich food items. They are extremely beneficial for people who are constipated. So, include more fiber in your regular diet. Also, have yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir regularly as it can induce helpful bacteria into the system.

Prunes

Prune or prune juice is highly effective against constipation. Prune contains sorbitol which has natural laxative effects on the digestive tract. Prunes can actually be very helpful. According to the University of California, San Francisco, people have even benefited from simply having a handful of prunes or consuming prune juice. Children particularly who don’t like the taste of prune can have prune juice mixed with another juice of their choice for additional benefits.

Triphala

Triphala is a combination of three powerful herbs Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. These powerful ingredients detoxify the body and act as a natural laxative while improving overall digestion of an individual. It increases blood circulation, aids in weight loss and also helps in treating piles or hemorrhoids. You can easily get Triphala powder from any herbal store or purchase online. There are some companies that manufacture Triphala juice and tablets too. You can have it during bedtime for a pain-free and smooth bowel experience. So, grab one for yourself to keep constipation at bay!

Dates, Figs, and Raisins

Dates contain many essential vitamins, iron, calcium, sulfur, phosphorous, copper etc. They can be soaked overnight for a laxative effect.

Figs both dried and fresh have a laxative effect and should be included daily for treating constipation.

Apricots are the rich source of essential vitamins like A and C, potassium and other minerals. It also acts as a natural laxative. Dried Apricots especially are the rich source of fiber and can help significantly in treating the issues related to constipation. ,

Papaya

Yes, this delicious fruit can aid in relieving constipation. It contains an enzyme namely Papain. Papaya especially the partially unripe papaya contains a lot of enzymes and is helpful in treating constipation and Hemorrhoids. It helps to bulk-up the stools and induces easy movement of bowels. You can have it regularly for better results.

Note: Pregnant women should be extremely careful while consuming ‘unripe papaya’. It can cause severe complications and can induce labor.

Okra or Ladyfinger

This is my personal favorite. Okra soothes the intestinal tract and helps eliminates waste and toxins from your body as it absorbs a lot of water. It is rich in fiber and other vitamins. The slimy nature of this vegetable calms down the acids in stomach and hence aids in relieving Constipation, Hemorrhoids and Acid Reflux. You can chop off the ends of okra, run them through cold water and cook them a little using a steamer for best results.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are rich source omega 3 fatty acids and contain about 6 to 12 percent mucilage. This is one age-old remedy for treating constipation. Mucilage gives it a slimy feel and helps in easing the bowel movement. ‘Ground flaxseeds’ are rich in soluble fiber and lignans, a type of phytoestrogen. Flaxseeds help bulk up the stool and make bowel movements regular. Mix half on teaspoon of flax seeds initially in a cup of water and have it twice a day. You can also increase the quantity up to 2 teaspoons depending on the severity.

Remember, do not take an excess of flaxseeds as it can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Fish oil and castor oil

Fish oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids an helps in the digestive process. It is a natural laxative. However, please be careful and use fresh fish oil for consumption. It is readily available in the stores and steer clear of ones that are stale. Use it in moderation as excess of fish oil can cause Bloating, Diarrhea and Nausea.

Castor oil is a powerful laxative and should be taken with caution. Do not take an excess of it . A little goes a long way!

Note: Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that can put one at bleeding risk. People who bruise easily or are undergoing treatment for any disease should talk to their healthcare provider first as it can interfere with certain medicines, like blood thinning medications.

Senna

Senna acts a laxative as it contains Sennosides. It also acts as a blood purifier. It is very popular for relieving constipation.

Senna can be taken every night to ease the symptoms and regularize the bowel movement.

Note : Kindly consult your healthcare provider before starting any herbal medication to rule out the possibility of any adverse reactions or effects. Pregnant women should not take this as it can act adversely.

Black Strap Molasses

Apart from its benefits for hair and skin, Black Strap Molasses can regulate your bowels as it has a laxative effect. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, copper, magnesium etc.

You can take it on empty stomach every morning. Mix a spoon of black strap molasses to a cup of warm milk and have it.

Note : If you are diabetic, kindly do not practice this remedy.

Aloe Vera

Being a suffer of IBS myself, i can vouch for the benefits of Aloe Vera. This juicy plant has numerous benefits for the skin, hair and stomach. It has an amazing effect on your digestive tract as it helps to alkalize and calm down the stomach acids, soothes and regulates bowel movement.

You can have Aloe Vera juice or gel in the morning on an empty stomach for best results.

Note : Please do not use aloe if you are sensitive to it or if it causes cramping.

Oatmeal

This is a healthy alternative for breakfast for those who are suffering from Constipation woes. It contains essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, selenium, B-vitamins. The insoluble fiber in oatmeal close to 5 grams of fiber per cup of oatmeal aids digestion and helps in easy bowel movements.

You can have oatmeal of our choice to induce fiber and gain maximum benefits.

Exercise

Exercise is extremely important as it helps in blood flow and makes muscles flexible. When you exercise, you also eliminate a lot of toxins through your sweat so drink plenty of water, stay hydrated by having Coconut water and keep Constipation at bay.

We hope that these remedies give you a ray of hope and help you in curbing the symptoms of Constipation.

Do share your feedback on what worked for you.

Take care!