Constipation

Constipation is an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem that causes less than 3 bowel movements in a week. This irregular bowel movement is caused mainly due to unhealthy diet, improper lifestyle and lack of physical exercises, which in turn causes slow movement of stools through the colon.

Hard stools, nausea, abdominal pain, straining during bowel movements, etc. are some symptoms of constipation. Stress, dehydration, low fiber diet, laxative abuse, hormonal imbalances, etc. are other causes of constipation.

Constipation has to be treated immediately, or else it results in other serious complications like anal fissures, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, etc.

However, there are many ways to treat constipation but choosing the natural ways are the best and most effective for treating constipation.

Epsom salt is one such natural remedy that acts as a laxative to clear constipation. Here in this article, we will know about Epsom salt for treating constipation.

Let’s get started…

How Does Epsom Salt Treat Constipation?

• Epsom salt is an FDA – approved laxative that helps to relieve your constipation naturally. It is composed of minerals – magnesium and sulfate, which are well known to soothe the aching muscles or body pains.
• When it is taken internally, it works as an osmotic laxative that increases the water in the intestine, softens the stool and thereby cleanses the colon to remove wastage.
• The magnesium in this salt helps to promote the contraction of bowel muscles and thus excrete the stool easily.
• It acts as a detoxifying agent that helps to cleanse the colon and enhance regular bowel movement.

How to use Epsom Salt for Constipation?

Instead of using stimulant laxatives, you can use Epsom salt for a faster and gentle way to relieve your constipation. You will get bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours after using Epsom salt, so stay near to bathrooms.

Method – 1: (Epsom Salt – Internal Intake)

Epsom salt can be taken internally for treating constipation. Here is the recommended dosage to take the Epsom salt for constipation.

• For adults and children (12 years or above) – dissolve 2 to 4 teaspoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of water (prefer warm water) and drink immediately.
• For Children (6 – 11 years) – dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of water and drink it immediately.
• If you’re unable to tolerate the taste of Epsom salt then try adding some fresh lemon juice into this Epsom salt water and drink it.

Note:

• Never ever exceed more than 2 doses of Epsom salt daily and also avoid the usage of Epsom salt for more than 1 week continuously without consulting your doctor.
• If the first dosage of Epsom salt doesn’t work then you can repeat the same process after 4 hours to get relief from constipation.
• Or you can mix Epsom salt in the fruit juice and drink it.

Method – 2: (Epsom Salt – External Application)

The external application like bathing will also help you to relieve constipation. Soaking in this warm Epsom salt water will relax the gut muscles and absorb magnesium through the skin to soften the stool to enhance the bowel movement.

Here are few ways of following Epsom salt bath for treating constipation.

• Dissolve 5 cups of Epsom salt in your bathtub filled with warm water. Stir well and soak in this water for 10 – 15 minutes. After that, rinse your body thoroughly with water. Repeat the same process regularly to get rid of the problem.
• Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and ginger powder and 2 cups of Epsom salt in your bathtub filled with warm water. Stir well and soak in this water for about 30 minutes to get rid of toxins and constipation. Repeat it once a week and thereby thrice a week until you cleared the problem.
• For children above 6 years of age, mix 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in lukewarm water filled in their bathtub. Soak them for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse off with normal water. Dry their skin and apply some olive oil or castor oil or hemp oil onto their abdomen and massage gently on 2 – 4 inches from the belly bottom.

Note: Make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids while using Epsom salt, as it dehydrates the body or electrolyte imbalances.

Choosing the Right Epsom Salt:

Epsom salt which you’ll find in the pharmacy is not meant for human use. So, you should be careful while choosing the Epsom salt. The package should be marked as USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and also check that in the drug facts box should indicate that it met the standards of U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

You can easily find this Epsom salt in many health food (or) drug stores (or) in online stores.

Do Pregnant Women use Epsom Salt for Constipation?

Internal intake of Epsom salt is not suggested for pregnant women, as it would harm the unborn baby. So, if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant then consult your doctor before using this salt for treating your constipation.

It reduces the body absorption of calcium and causes bone problems to your unborn baby. Epsom salt bath is not that much harmful and you can enjoy this warm mineral salt water bath to get rid of constipation along with pregnancy pains.

Breastfeeding or nursing women can use Epsom salt for constipation with some precautions. So, consult your doctor before using the Epsom salt.

Diet Tips While using Epsom Salt for Constipation:

• Drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids to stay hydrated, prevent electrolyte imbalance and also to flush out the toxins from the body easily.
• Include more of fiber in your diet and fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and green leafy as a part of your diet to get all essential nutrients into the body.
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol, caffeinated and carbonated beverages, as they dehydrate the body and worsen your constipation problem.
• Avoid drinking more than 2 glass of Epsom salt in a day, as it results in diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, etc.

Tips and Suggestions:

1. Always prefer to use plain varieties of Epsom salt while consuming it, rather than using any scented varieties.
2. Children over 6 years old can use Epsom salt but children under 6 years old should not use this Epsom salt both internally and externally.
3. People who are suffering from kidney problems, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, magnesium restricted diet and having any sudden changes in your bowel habits for few weeks then consult your doctor before taking this Epsom salt for constipation.
4. Remember that usage of Epsom salt will give a temporary relief from constipation and more you depend on laxatives, which in turn make constipation even worse.
5. Do some regular exercises along with doing yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to get reduce your stress and also to have proper digestion and bowel movement.
6. Consult your doctor if you didn’t get any relief from this constipation after using Epsom salt, for proper diagnose and treatment, as certain medications or health problems will cause this problem.
7. Don’t take any medicines 2 hours before or after using this Epsom salt, as it may interact with certain medications. Also, avoid this salt while taking certain medications like antidepressants, antibiotics, diuretics, blood pressure medicines, supplements, antacids, etc.

Try these Epsom Salt methods for treating your constipation. Do you know any other successful Epsom salt methods for constipation? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Are you having less than 3 bowel movements per week or your stool is hard to pass? Then you’re suffering from constipation.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a common digestive disorder that was caused due to an unhealthy lifestyle, dehydration, stress, lack of physical activities, poor diet (lack of fiber), age, hormonal imbalance, usage of certain medications, etc.

This makes the feces to remain in the colon and thus makes it difficult to defecate. If not treated on time, then it results in loss of appetite, stomach ulcers, bleeding, anal fistulas, bloating, upset stomach, acidity, depression, etc.

Are there any Natural Remedies to Treat?

Fortunately, there are many natural remedies like olive oil, prunes, apple cider vinegar, spinach, etc. for preventing constipation and thus makes you not to use any over the counter laxatives to get rid of the problem.

In this article, you are going to know about a natural and most widely used ingredient called castor oil for treating constipation.

Let’s get started…

Does Castor Oil Work for Constipation?

We all know that castor oil is natural oil that was extracted from the castor beans. Since from olden days, this oil is used as a stimulant laxative to treat the bowel movement problems but most of the people don’t know how it works and is it safe to use or not.

Here we are providing you the properties of castor oil that help to get rid of constipation.

• Ricinoleic acid is a fatty acid in castor oil that binds to the receptors on the smooth muscle cells of the intestinal walls. Then it causes the muscles to contract and push out the stool to have a bowel movement (which just do as a stimulant laxative).
• It cleanses the intestines and softens the stool to make it come out easily.
• Unlike over the counter laxatives, it works very quickly and effectively in relieving your constipation.
• The usage of castor oil helps to reduce the straining and also improves the symptoms of constipation.
• It lubricates the bowels without the absorption of any moisture from the intestinal walls.

How to use Castor Oil for Constipation?

Here are some best ways of using castor oil for treating your constipation. Have a look at them and follow them regularly to get rid of constipation and its symptoms.

Method – 1: (Castor Oil – Internal Intake)

Taking this oil by mouth is the most common method used to get rid of the problem but be sure with the quantity of the oil. For adults, it’s 15 – 40 ml to get rid of constipation or else it results in diarrhea.

• Consume the castor oil directly with a measuring spoon or cup
• If you unable to taste castor oil directly then you can mix it with 1 glass of water (or) fruit juices (like cranberry, prune, orange, ginger or lemon juice).
• Or simply refrigerate the castor oil for at least 30 minutes to get cool and consume this chilled oil directly.
• Or consume a castor oil-based supplements.

Method – 2: (Castor Oil – External Application)

You can also apply castor oil pack on the skin to enhance the circulation and thereby to improve digestion and move the things easily to have a bowel movement.

• Apply enough of pure castor oil on the abdomen.
• Massage it gently for few minutes and wrap a warm cloth over the applied area.
• Let it sit for few minutes and clear the area with a wet washcloth.
• Wait for another few minutes to have your bowel movement.

Note: Or simply apply a cloth soaked in castor oil topically on the affected area to get rid of constipation.

Best Time to Take Castor Oil for Constipation Relief:

Castor oil works faster than other laxatives, so the best time is during the day rather than night. Other laxatives are taken at night, which works slowly for overnight and enhances the bowel movement in the morning.

This oil gives relief within 2 – 5 hours by stimulating the bowel movement. So, always prefer to take it in the early morning on an empty stomach but not in the night before bedtime, as it disturbs your sleep.

Who can (or) can’t use Castor Oil for Constipation?

Castor oil usage is not recommended for all the people due to its nature. Here is the list of people mentioned for those who won’t take castor oil to treat their constipation.

• Pregnant Women (as it causes the uterus to contract)
• Nursing or menstruating women
• Children under age 5 (without consulting the doctor)
• Limit the usage of people over 60 years of age.
• If you have any allergies (as castor oil has certain ingredients that affect your allergies).
• People having intestinal blockage or gallbladder disease or rectal bleeding
• People who are taking certain medicines like diuretics, bone medicines, antibiotics, blood thinners, heart medicines, etc. (as castor oil interacts with these medications).

What is the Recommended Dosage?

Always ask the doctor for the proper dosage (or) follow the specific dosage instructions on the bottle. If you don’t have any information about it then go with this general rule. Overdosage will cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

• For adults, it is 15 – 40 ml
• For children over 12 years, it is 15 – 25 ml
• For children of 5 – 12 years, it is 5 – 15 ml

How Long to Take Castor Oil?

Castor oil should not be taken (or used) for a longer time. Over certain time of usage, it exhibits some side effects like reducing the muscle tone in the intestine and thus causes chronic constipation. Also, it lowers the amount of potassium (or its absorption) in the body.

So, avoid taking this oil as constipation medicine for more than 7 days unless it is recommended by your doctor. Stop taking the oil to prevent side effects like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and intestinal weakness. Tell your doctor, if you’re suffering from these side effects after the usage of castor oil.

The main thing to remember is to take the castor oil dose at the same time every day to have proper bowel movements.

Castor Oil for Constipation in Babies:

You should not give castor oil for treating constipation in babies or kids, as it causes side effects rather than relieving them from constipation. The best thing is to massage their tummy with this castor oil, which helps to move the things easily and help them to get rid of constipation.

Suggestions:

1. If you’re suffering from chronic constipation then you have to consult your doctor immediately for proper diagnose and treatment to get rid of the problem.
2. Poor fluid and fiber in the diet are the main causes of constipation. So, drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids along with fiber-rich foods in your diet to soften the stool and to make them pass easily through the intestine.
3. If you’re suspecting that constipation is caused as a side effect of certain medications (or) due to certain health problems, then consult your doctor for proper diagnose.
4. Like other laxatives, the usage of castor oil can make you suffer from abdominal cramping and diarrhea. It also reduces the absorption of certain nutrients into the intestines.
5. Lack of physical exercise and poor diet are main causes of constipation. So, exercise regularly to strengthen the intestinal muscles and consume a healthy diet (includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, leafy greens) and avoid the intake of oily or fatty or salty or processed foods.
6. Make a habit of going to the bathroom at the same time every day and also avoid delaying in bowel movement when nature calls, as it will also lead to constipation. Don’t rush and give yourself some time to have a bowel movement.
7. If you’re allergic to castor oil, then avoid the usage of this oil to prevent any allergic reaction.
8. Always buy 100% pure cold-pressed / processed virgin castor oil, which is available in most drug stores and supermarkets.
9. One drawback of castor oil is that you should not have another bowel movement for 2 – 3 days after it works successfully why because it clean out the entire intestinal tract instead of a colon.

Try this Castor Oil to treat Constipation. Do you think anything about constipation I missed mentioning in this article? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Constipation is a common digestive disorder that is experienced by most of us at least once in the lifetime. Whenever a person doesn’t have a bowel movement for 3 days then it is treated as constipation.

The main causes for this constipation are an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of fiber in the diet, fast or processed foods, dehydration, stress, lack of physical activity, usage of certain medications, irregular defecation habit, etc. which hardens the feces and make it difficult to defecate.

Stomach bloating, headache, loss of appetite, depression, acidity, bad breath, mouth ulcer, etc. are some symptoms of constipation.

Instead of taking over the counter laxative, try some natural remedies to treat constipation. In this article, we will learn about olive oil for treating constipation.

Does Olive Oil Work for treating Constipation?

Olive oil is an amazing ingredient that helps to treat constipation effectively. Here are some of its properties that promote regular bowel movement and clears constipation.

• Olive oil acts as a natural laxative that lubricates the bowel and adds moisture to the stool which in turn makes the feces to pass easily through the colon.
• It strengthens the mucous lining of the colon that has become weak or works down due to this constipation.
• It aids in the easy passage of stool through the intestine by stimulating the muscle contraction of the large intestine. It also reduces dilation in the intestine.
• It improves the bowel evacuation speed due to the presence of monounsaturated fats in olive oil.
• The vitamins (E & K), omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and antioxidants in olive oil help to boost up the health of digestive tract, aids in proper digestion and thereby regulate the bowel movements.
• It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that prevent swelling, irritation and bloating in the intestine and thereby allows the stool to pass smoothly.
• It promotes the gallbladder to release more bile and also encourages the production of digestive enzymes to improve digestion.
• Regular usage will not only clear constipation but also clears its symptoms effectively.

How to use Olive Oil for Constipation:

Here are some effective ways of using olive oil for clearing constipation. All you need to follow them regularly without any interruption.

Let’s get started.

Method – 1: (Olive Oil)

Olive oil has a natural laxative property that softens the stool and stimulates the bowel movement to get rid of constipation.

• Consume 1 – 2 teaspoons of olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Don’t drink water or eat anything up to 1 hour after consuming olive oil.
• Follow this remedy till you get rid of constipation.

Note: You can also give 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the morning before giving any foods to your children.

Method – 2: (Olive Oil with Lemon Juice)

Lemon has high acid content and vitamin C that helps to move the things in the colon. So, this combination will prevent dryness in the colon and thereby clears constipation by softening the stool.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Stir well and drink this at night before bedtime.
• Do it regularly till you get complete relief from the problem.

Note: Or orange juice acts as a good laxative. So, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil in 1 glass of fresh orange juice and drink in the morning on an empty stomach to get rid of constipation.

Method – 3: (Olive Oil Laxative Drink with Fruit or Vegetable Juice)

Olive oil in any fruit or vegetable juices which are rich in fiber will add bulk to the stool and stimulate the bowel movements.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil in 1 glass of fresh fruit or vegetable juice.
• Stir well and drink it on an empty stomach (or at night before bedtime).
• Continue doing the same process whenever required.

Note:

• You can also replace this fruit or vegetable juice with milk or coffee or parsley juice.
• Also, mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil in 1 – 2 cups of chopped fruits (apple, raspberries, pineapple, pear, banana, peach or oranges). Consume it daily with an empty stomach to get relief from constipation.

Method – 4: (Olive Oil with Yogurt)

Yogurt is enriched with probiotics which are essential for maintaining good bacteria, strengthening the mucus lining of the colon and enhance proper digestive functioning. This combination helps to treat severe constipation.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil in 1 cup of yogurt and stir well.
• Consume it 2 – 3 times daily till you get relief from the problem.

Method – 5: (Olive Oil Massage)

Massaging your abdomen (the lower one) with olive oil helps to stimulate the bowel movement. The skin absorbs the oil easily and this massaging process will reduce the pain and discomfort that caused by hard stools.

• Pour 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil near the navel on the stomach.
• Massage it gently in circular motions for 5 minutes or till the skin absorbs the oil completely.
• Do this massage process for twice daily till you get relief from constipation.

Note:

• Avoid doing this massage process immediately after eating food.
• You can also treat constipation in your kids by massaging few drops of olive oil on their stomach, which helps to loosen the stressed muscles and reduce the pain.

Tips and precautions:

1. If you’re suffering from chronic constipation, then consult your doctor for proper diagnose and treatment.
2. You can also go with olive oil edema under a supervision of a qualified professional after consulting your doctor.
3. Always prefer to extra virgin olive oil for treating your constipation. Also, avoid over usage of olive oil, as it results in diarrhea or puts you on weight.
4. People suffering from diabetes and other health problem or those who are on medications should consult their doctor before using this olive oil for constipation.
5. Drink plenty of water, use olive oil for cooking, avoid foods that trigger constipation, consume more of fiber-rich foods, stop drinking alcohol, eat food in less quantities in proper time, etc. should be included in your daily lifestyle.
6. Reduce your stress levels by doing yoga, meditation, and other deep breathing exercises.
7. Do some regular exercises to cut down your excess weight and to maintain proper functioning of your body parts and thereby to clear constipation.

This is all about Olive Oil for Constipation. Try these methods to relieve constipation. Do you know any successful olive oil methods for constipation? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Constantly dealing with constipation problem is ridiculous. Almost two among every four are fighting against constipation.

This has become a very common digestive disorder that affects people of all ages and gender.

Constipation can be defined as indigestion of food or difficulty in passing the stools. To be clearer, 3 bowel movements in week is a symbol of constipation that is usually associated with bloating and acidity.

Fast food, unhealthy lifestyle, poor intake of fibrous food, stress and less consumption of water are responsible for improper functioning of digestive tract

Undoubtedly, constipation can have negative effect on your physical as well as mental health conditions.

There are several medicines that are helpful to get rid of this problem but why to spend on artificial laxatives when you have natural solution at comfort of your home.

Here, we have mentioned several food items that are beneficial in permanent treatment of constipation.

Top 10 Easy Home Remedies to get rid of Constipation Naturally:

Method 1: Lemon

Lemon acts a natural laxative, which increases the production of bile that initiates gastro colic reflex. This in turn helps in causing bowel movement. Lemon also removes the harmful toxins present in the body and clears the stool. Honey is also considered as laxative substance that helps in clearing constipation naturally.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lemon
• 1 glass warm water

Steps to follow:

• Take a glass of warm water and add the lemon juice extracted from ½ a lemon.
• Now, add ½ teaspoon of salt along with few drops of honey.
• Then, mix thoroughly and consume this mixture early morning on an empty stomach.
• Regular consumption of this mixture will help you to get rid of constipation naturally.

Method 2: Castor oil

Castor oil is used in clearing the intestine during any surgery. The special property of castor oil acts as stimulant that helps in movement of intestines and flushes out the stool. Thus, castor oil is known as natural laxative.

How to use?

• Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of castor oil in the morning on an empty stomach.
• If you don’t want to consume it raw, then mix 1 teaspoon of castor oil in a glass of fresh fruit juice and take it in morning.

Note:

• Castor oil has various benefits along with some of the side effects such as too much consumption of castor oil leads to abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.

Method 3: Figs

Figs are a one of the most beneficial fruits that are rich in fiber content, which initiates bowel movement. They are known as one of the best substance to maintain healthy digestive system.

Almond is rich in fiber which contributes in clearing the digestive tract and helps in easy digestion.

Both the fresh and dried figs are equally effective in treating constipation.

Ingredients:

• 2 or 3 almonds
• 3 dried figs
• A cup of water

Steps to follow:

• Take a bowl and pour a cup of water to it.
• Then add almonds and dried figs to it and soak for 2 to 3 hours.
• Later, peel off the almonds and grind all the ingredients to make a thick paste.
• Consume 1 tablespoon of this mixture during bed time.
• Regular consumption of this helps to cure constipation permanently.

Note:

• Do not follow the almonds without peeling because our body cannot digest the outer layer of almonds.

Method 4: Raisins

Raisins has high amount of fiber content that acts as laxative and initiates bowel movement. This provides right consistency to the stool and allows it to pass naturally.

Ingredients:

• 12-13 raisins
• ½ cup of water

Steps to follow:

• Take a bowl and pour ½ cup of water to it and add raisins.
• Allow them to soak for overnight and leave it undisturbed.
• Next day morning you can consume the raisins along with soaked water.
• For better results you can follow this method regularly.

Note: Before soaking the raisins wash them gently with water.

Method 5: Olive oil

Olive oil contains fats that smoothens the bowel from inner side and makes stool pass easily. It maintains proper functioning of the digestive system and provides relief against constipation.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Steps to follow:

• Take a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and lemon juice to it.
• Stir it well and consume it in the morning to stimulate bowel movement.

Method 6: Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has pectin, which is water soluble fiber that is helpful in digestion and improving bowel movement. It has laxative property that provides relief against constipation problem.

For more information you can refer Apple cider vinegar for constipation.

Method 7: Spinach

Spinach is a leafy vegetable that contains fibers, which improve bowel movements and are beneficial for improving the digestion process.  The fibers present in spinach are insoluble and they put pressure on the stool to flush out naturally.

Here spinach for constipation, you can learn in detail about How to use Spinach for Treating Constipation.

 

Method 8: Baking soda

Baking soda neutralizes the stomach acid so, it is proved to provide regular bowel movement and helps in constipation. It is well known as natural laxative that smoothes the stool and helps in easy passage of it.

For complete information regarding this you can click on to How baking soda treats constipation.

Method 9: Prunes

Prunes contains high amount of sorbitol that acts as laxative agent and helps in improving the digestion. You can consume prune in any form such as fresh, dried or even prune juice is helpful in getting rid of constipation.

For detailed information you can refer How prunes prevent constipation.

Method 10: Flax seeds

Flax seeds are used in treatment of constipation from the long time ago. They are rich in omega 3 and are perfect in improving digestion. They have laxative property that helps in clearing the stools.

How to use?

• Take a teaspoon of flax seeds powder directly in the morning time.
• You can also add flax seeds powder to your salads or some food items.

Note:

• Do not consume flax seeds without grinding as they may not help you to obtain relief from constipation.

Method 11: Honey

Honey exhibit a mild laxative property that loosens the stool and regulates the bowel movement. It adds moisture and bulk to the stool and makes it pass easily from the colon.

• Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in 1 glass of warm water.
• Stir well and drink it in every morning on an empty stomach to get rid of the problem.

Note: Or simply consume 2 teaspoons of honey for twice daily till you get complete relief from the problem.

 Causes of constipation:

We all know that constipation is indigestion of the food but there are certain factors that contribute in causing constipation:

• Lack in fluids: Whenever there is lack of water content in the body it leads to dehydration and makes stool difficult to pass from the body.
• Lack in exercise: Exercise is every important to body, sitting for prolonged time after having meals can be one of the biggest reason for constipation. So, squats are best to gain relief from any of the digestive tract problems.
• Medication: There are certain medicines that dehydrate the body and halt the digestion process. This in turn causes difficulty in the body and leads to indigestion i.e. constipation.
• Change in food style: Consumption of too much of junk food, processed food, alcohol, smoking and consumption of too much of caffeine triggers constipation.

Some other foods those are equally beneficial in treating constipation.

Apart from the above mentioned methods there are certain food items that act as remedy for constipation, which are mentioned below:

• Garlic: The nutrients present in the garlic are helpful in dissolving the bacteria present in the bowel and flushes them out through stool. Thus, consumption of a piece of garlic before going to bed is helpful in treating constipation and improving the bowel movements.
• Aloevera: Aloevera is rich in compounds that are effective in flushing out the toxins from the body. It supports in stimulating bowel movements so, consumption of 1 teaspoon of Aloevera gel in the morning time provides relief against constipation.
• Thyme oil powder: It provides soothing effect to the stomach and improves digestion process. It flushes out the toxins from the body and helps in getting rid of constipation.
• Probiotic foods: The good bacteria present in the probiotics are helpful in proper digestion of the food. It increases the bowel movement and takes less time for digesting the food. So, consumption of Probiotic food helps in fighting against constipation.
• Coffee: Consumption of coffee for constipation is always under debate. Coffee has caffeine that increases the production of urine and leads to dehydration. While in some other cases it improves digestion and helps in clearing the constipation.
• Fibrous food: Fibrous food helps in treating constipation by adding to the stool. It also softens up the stools by adding sufficient amount of water to it and helps in easy passing. You can consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber.
• Water: Water helps in carrying out the digestion process by flushing out the toxins from the body. You can also consume some herbal teas, coconut water, soups and vegetable juices.
• Epsom salt: Epsom salt smoothens the stool and stimulates the contraction of bowel muscles. You can also prefer standard salt in place of Epsom salt. All you need to do is just add a teaspoon of salt to your juice and consume it.
• Broccoli: It has various nutrients, proteins along with high amount of fiber that stimulates the digestion process and helps in removing toxins from the body.
• Oatmeal: Oats are rich in soluble fiber beta glucan that adds bulk to the stool and helps in easy passage of it. Some amount of insoluble fiber present in oats is helpful in making stool smooth and pushes it out easily.
• Berries: Berries are rich in anti-oxidants and fiber that are beneficial in clearing the digestive tract by processing the digestion. Consumption of berries is not only helpful for constipation but it provides the necessary nutrients required by body.
• Nuts: almonds, pistachios, peanuts or even walnuts are rich in fiber content that stimulates the bowel movement and helps in passage of stool easily.
• Apples: There is a common misconception among people that peels of certain fruits are insoluble and leads to constipation. But to make it clear the apple peel has insoluble fiber that adds to the stool and improves digestion process.

Tips and precautions for treating constipation symptoms:

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned above then do not consume it as a remedy because chances are higher that it may worsen the constipation condition.
• Cut down the consumption of tea and coffee because 9 out of 10 members are facing problem of constipation due to heavy consumption of caffeinated drinks.
• Do not delay in going to washrooms, as it may affect the bowel and leads to problems associated with digestive tract.
• If you face any kind of discomfort during the bowel movements such as pain or bleeding, then it might be indication of some severe problem. Consult your doctor immediately for the treatment.
• There are a lot of laxative medicines present in the pharmacy but they may affect the digestion process and leads to diarrhea or stomach upset.
• Taking warm water bath and drinking a glass of warm water on an empty stomach are helpful in preventing the problems of constipation.
• A proper and healthy life style mixed with good food and regular exercise can help in maintaining the digestive tract and prevent constipation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Are eggs good for constipation?

Eggs are neither good nor bad for constipation if consumed in right quantity at right time. Too much consumption of eggs leads to lower fiber in the body and hardens the stool. This causes constipation.

2. Is banana good for treating constipation?

To treat constipation naturally, you can have fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber. Bananas are great source of fiber that stimulates digestion process and leads to clearance of stool.

3. Can gas be a symptom of constipation?

Constipation is usually associated with bloating, vomiting and inability to pass gas. So, this can be a major symptom of constipation.

4. Can constipation be life threatening?

Constipation leads to storage of toxins inside the body, so it is very necessary to flush out the toxins as early as possible. Sometimes, constipation can be life threatening in elders and heart patients if it is left untreated in initial conditions.

5. Why does my poop come in balls?

If your poop is coming in small balls then, it is called as pellet stool. This condition occurs in a person when there is reduced intake of fiber and low consumption of fluids. Usually fiber and water together holds the stool and helps in its easy passage.

6. What is the easiest home remedy for constipation?

There are several foods mentioned in the above article that are helpful in getting rid of constipation but the easiest home remedy is to take a glass of warm water mixed with honey and lemon juice.

Summary:

It is always recommended to follow natural remedies because of the various benefits associated with them. Though everything has some side effects but natural remedies come with the lesser side effects than the artificial medicines.

In the above article we have mentioned various food items that are helpful to you in getting rid of constipation.

Do you know any other method or food that can help in relieving constipation? If yes, please share it in the comment section.

If you have any queries then write down in the comment section below. Our team of experts will clarify them as soon as possible.