Natural Remedies for Constipation

Natural remedies for constipation are designed to work with the body. They help the body to perform its natural function of waste elimination. Without a properly functioning waste elimination system, our bodies become toxic. Natural remedies have few if any side effects, in comparison to conventional medicines that use chemical methods. Some conventional laxatives are harsh to the system and may result in dehydration and mineral imbalance. They can also cause stomach upset and loose bowels. We want laxatives to work on our constipation but not in unpredictable ways.

Constipation is generally caused by one or more of the following behaviors: poor eating habits (including too much junk food or a lack of fiber), prescription medications, inadequate water intake, lack of exercise, an overgrowth of some type of unfriendly organism like bacteria or yeast. In addition to leading to hemorrhoids, constipation can also result in a great deal of abdominal pain and discomfort as well as other chronic health conditions like candida, acne, weight gain and allergies.

When choosing natural remedies for constipation, select brands that have as few ingredients as possible. Many products that claim to be natural are not. Check the ingredients to make sure that what’s inside is really a natural remedy. Natural herbs and other ingredients listed at the bottom of a label, instead of the top, are just for window dressing.

Here are some popular natural remedies for constipation:

1. Fiber and Diet – The best way to get your fiber is from food. If you eat right, cut out the junk food, and include high fiber foods in your diet, like fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds constipation may go away naturally rather quickly. Include plenty of water in your diet too, as this aids the natural digestive process by assisting the feces to move smoothly through the colon.

2. Exercise – A body that is in balance is better able to regulate itself, including being able to rid itself of waste. Regular exercise helps boost your metabolic rate, and motility throughout the body, which means that you’ll be less likely to be constipated. Exercise is crucial for healthy peristaltic muscles, the muscles that move waste through the colon.

3. Don’t Delay the Call – Don’t ignore your body. If you feel the urge to use the bathroom, do so. Delaying the call of Nature is one common cause of constipation because it causes the stool to become dry and hard.

4. Psyllium seed – This is a bulk laxative. Psyllium enlarges when it is placed in water. Mixing psyllium seed with a drink causes it to swell up in the intestines and end constipation. Psyllium contains vitamin K. People on anticoagulants should consult a doctor before taking this natural remedy as it could cause blood clotting issues.

5. Dandelion – Dandelion works on the body as a mild laxative but take this remedy according to package directions. High doses of dandelion supplement can interfere with people taking Lasix, a diuretic drug. The leaves and roots are the parts of the weed that are used for natural constipation remedies.

6. Fennel seed – This common food spice can be used as a natural remedy for constipation. Boiling fennel seed in water produces a helpful infusion.

7. Probiotic – Probiotics are natural supplements that contain live friendly bacteria that are helpful to the digestive process.

8. Apples— An apple a day does keep the doctor away. Apples are a natural remedy that contain a high concentration of fiber. Eating two apples or more can loosen those bowels in no time.

9. Cascara Sagrada. This is probably one of the most popular and effective herbal remedies for constipation. It is an herb that aids the bowels natural peristalsis action to move more freely.

10. A great colon cleanser called Oxy-Powder®. will get your bowels moving quickly and easily. Not only that, it will help remove any unfriendly organisms you may be inhabiting and promote a healthier colon environment.

Some of the other common natural remedies for constipation may include acupressure, aloe vera, slippery elm, red raspberry, senna (a plant which acts on the lower bowel), dried prunes and figs.

Additionally, constipation can sometimes be the result of another problem in the body. For example, if your thyroid is not functioning properly or you have a deficiency in magnesium or dysfunction in your gallbladder, constipation is a common occurrence in all of these instances and should be ruled out as possible contributors.

There is a difference between occasional constipation and chronic constipation. Even though herbal remedies are natural remedies, it isn’t wise to use them indefinitely. Although occasional help with an herbal formula is beneficial and harmless, if used too frequently some of them can lead to dependence. The best way to prevent constipation is by eating a healthy diet, drinking lots of water, cleansing the colon and getting adequate exercise.

As always, you should consult a knowledgeable alternative health physician before self-medicating even with natural remedies for constipation. Other medication you may be taking can cause a drug interaction in combination with some natural remedies and even herbs from nature can be incompatible with certain health conditions.