Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive disorder that occurs due to lack of fiber intake and dehydration, which in turn makes the feces gets harder. This makes the feces remain in the colon and thus gets difficult to defecate.

If left untreated, these hard stools will result in stomach ulcers, anal fistulas, and bleeding. One can experience severe pain or bleeding during the bowel movement.

Instead of using OTC laxatives, you can try some natural one like apple cider vinegar to treat constipation. Here in this article, we will discuss in detail about how apple cider vinegar prevents constipation.  Let’s get started.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar treats Constipation?

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) acts as a natural laxative that induces the bowel movement and clears constipation.
• It has pectin (a water soluble fiber) that enhances the fiber content for proper digestion and normalizes the acid levels to prevent constipation.
• Alcohols that extracted from the fermented apple will provide acetic acid that helps a lot in easing constipation.
• It has malic acid which eases almost all the digestive problems, including constipation. It also acidifies the intestine and helps for proper digestion and thereby passage of stools easily from the colon.
• It has all essential nutrients (magnesium), beneficial bacteria and enzymes that promote regular bowel movements to prevent the recurrence of constipation.
• It also treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with its antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that eliminate bad bacteria and helps to digest food.

How to treat Constipation using Apple Cider Vinegar:

Here are some best ways of using ACV are explained below. Follow these methods regularly to get relief from constipation.

Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Diluted ACV is very effective in moving the things in your intestine. So, drink ACV till you get relief from the problem.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of organic ACV in 8 oz of warm water.
• Stir well and drink it to get rid of constipation.
• Drink it twice daily (once in the morning and once at night before bedtime) till you get rid of this digestive disorder.

Note:

• Or you can also add 1 teaspoon of raw or manuka honey and 1 tablespoon of ACV in 1 glass of warm water. Stir well and drink it twice daily.
• Also, mix ACV in apple or grape or orange juice and drink it to prevent the problem.
• If you can able to drink ACV directly then drink a shot glass of ACV for relieving constipation.
• Or else, simply take ACV pills or capsules after consulting with your doctor about the dosage and your health condition.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 oz of warm water. Stir and drink it twice daily before meals but not with an empty stomach for treating IBS.

Method – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Psyllium Husk Powder)

This combinational process will cleanse the mucus along the small intestines and colon walls and thereby pull out the toxins and feces from the intestinal tract.

• Add 1 tablespoon of psyllium husk powder (fiber-rich) to enough of organic apple cider vinegar.
• Stir well and let it soak for 2 minutes.
• Drink it to get relief from the problem.

Method – 3: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Flaxseeds)

Flaxseeds are fiber rich foods that make the stool soft and pass away easily from the body. Be sure to drink plenty of water and other healthy liquids while using this method for getting quick and effective relief from constipation.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds in 2 cups of boiling water.
• Boil it for about 10 minutes and strain the seeds.
• Now add 1 tablespoon of raw ACV to this strained flaxseed water.
• Repeat it daily till you get complete relief from the problem.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Always uses raw, organic, unpasteurized and unfiltered apple cider vinegar that has the mother content to get relief from constipation.
2. Drink a lot of water and other healthy drinks to prevent dehydration and thereby constipation.
3. It’s best to consult your doctor if you’re suffering from persistent constipation for proper diagnose and treatment.
4. Avoid over intake of ACV, as it causes some side effects like frequent urination, affect the mineral levels, reduce the bone density, lead to acne or skin rashes, etc.
5. It acts as an acidic beverage that may erode the tooth enamel or irritate the throat and mouth. So, it’s best to drink the ACV mix through a straw and rinse off the mouth after drinking to reduce the acidity.
6. Direct intake of ACV will make you feel queasy or gassy. So, dilute or consume it with food to reduce the acidic levels and to prevent the side effects.
7. Include more of fiber and other healthy nutritious food in your daily diet and avoid the intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages to prevent the recurrence of constipation.
8. Exercise regularly and consume 6 small meals instead of 3 big ones for proper digestion and sleep for at least 7 hours to get relief from constipation.
9. We also recommend to add probiotics into your diet. Flourishing intestines with good bacteria actually helps to treat constipation in long term. It is difficult to get required amounts of bacterial strains from natural probiotics. That is why it is important to take probiotics supplement to achieve the right amount of dosage.

Try these Apple Cider Vinegar methods for treating constipation. Do you know any other effective ACV methods for constipation? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Constipation is a common digestive disorder that is caused due to difficulty in passing the hard stools and thereby remains the feces in the colon. It results in stomach ulcers, loss of appetite, bloating, acidity, depression, diabetes, liver disorder, etc. if not treated on time properly.

Lack of fiber and other nutritional diet, stress, lack of physical activities, certain medications, laxative abuse, etc. are some causes of constipation. Dry stool, lessen bowel movements, dehydration, etc. are some symptoms of constipation. There are some many natural remedies available for treating constipation.

Spinach is one among those natural remedies that is filled with fiber content and thereby aids in proper digestion and passes the stools to prevent constipation. In this article, let’s take a look at the amazing properties and methods of using spinach for clearing constipation.

How Does Spinach treat Constipation?

• Spinach helps to clear the intestine and thus improves bowel movement, as it acts upon the intestines and stomach channels to enhance regular bowel movement.
• It has rich content of fiber that makes the intestine to digest food easily and add bulk to stools to prevent constipation.
• It aids in proper digestion and promotes the movement of food through the intestine and thereby results in the free flow of feces from the body.
• It has an excellent source of magnesium (gut health promoting mineral) that helps for the growth of good colonic bacteria and thus draws water into the flush things through the intestine.
• Consumption of raw spinach will provide various components that help to cleanse, reconstruct and regenerate the intestinal tract.
• It not only regularizes bowel movement but also relieves your from the symptoms of constipation like diabetes, clears body heat to prevent loss of appetite, increases metabolism for a quick and proper breakdown of food, etc.

How to Treat Constipation using Spinach:

Here are some excellent ways of using spinach for treating your constipation. Let’s get started.

Method – 1: (Spinach Juice)

Drinking spinach juice regularly will help you to get complete relief from constipation and other digestive disorders.

• Take few spinach leaves and rinse them thoroughly.
• Place these leaves in a blender and blend it thoroughly to make it juice.
• Then take out the juice and pour 100 ml of raw spinach juice in a glass.
• Now add equal quantity (100 ml) of water to the glass and stir well.
• Drink it twice daily till you get complete relief from chronic constipation.

Note: Or simply include spinach in your diet either in the form of raw or cooked or boiled and consume it to get rid of constipation.

Method – 2: (Spinach Soup)

Intake of spinach soup will help to clean your intestine and thus regulates bowel movement.

• Start the process by chopping the bunch of spinach.
• Place this chopped spinach in a pot/pan and pour 2 cups of water in it.
• Let it boil for 2 – 4 minutes and turn off the heat.
• Drink this spinach soup for 2 – 3 times daily till you get relief from constipation and its symptoms.

Method – 3: (Spinach Stalk Drink)

The stalk of spinach helps to treat diabetes by improving digestion and enhance regular bowel movement.

• Thoroughly wash and chop a handful of spinach stalk and place it in a pot.
• Pour 2 cups of water in it and let it boil for 5 – 8 minutes.
• Drink this liquid throughout the day for 2 days and then continue to drink this for 3 – 4 times a week.

Tips and Precautions:

1. It is advised to consume spinach 3 – 4 times a week till you regularized your bowel movement. Also, remember that consumption of more spinach will worsen the problem and causes constipation.
2. People who are suffering from diarrhea, kidney problems (kidney stones or infections), pregnant and children should consult their doctor before taking spinach for constipation.
3. The high amount of oxalic acid in spinach binds with calcium and iron. It makes the body absorb less of nutrients. So, to combat this problem, one should take vitamin C whenever you eat spinach.
4. The intake of too much spinach (too much fiber) can contribute to stomach upset, gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, etc.
5. For best results, drink 1 full glass of water every time you consume spinach, which helps the body to process fiber properly.
6. A gut imbalance can cause or worsen the constipation. Apart from eating spinach, adding probiotics to your diet can be very helpful in treating constipation quickly. Natural probiotics don’t have the enough bacterial cell count to flourish the imbalanced gut. So, we recommend taking probiotics in supplement form.
7. Include drinking plenty of water and consume 6 small meals rather than 3 big meals as a part of your diet to get rid of constipation.
8. Do some regular exercises, reduce your stress levels, get plenty of rest, avoid late night eating, etc. has to be included in your lifestyle.

Try this spinach as a constipation treatment and share your experience with us in the below comments box.

Constipation – occurs due to lack of proper fiber intake and dehydration which makes the feces to remain in the colon and gets harden. Thus it becomes more difficult to defecate. However if it is not treated on time, then it lead to stomach ulcers, bleeding and anal fistulas.

Other than using over the counter laxatives, try some natural one to get rid of constipation naturally with less cost and no side effects. Baking soda is one such natural DIY laxative that helps to move the hard stools or trapped feces.

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient that lies at the heart of home remedies. It works well for constipation and other digestive problems. Here are some of its properties mentioned that explains you on how it works to cure constipation.

• Baking soda acts as a natural antacid that helps to re – alkalizes the stomach and neutralizes its acid content for proper digestion and thereby regular bowel movement.
• It encourages the air to pass comfortably which in turn helps to relax the intestinal and digestive system.
• It effectively cleanses the colon for free flow of feces and relieves you from constipation.
• It acts as a natural laxative that loosens the bulky stools to pass it easily with less painful.
• It pulls water into the digestive tract and promotes muscle contractions to relieve the pain and ease the bowel movement.
• When it gets ingested then it brings salt, carbon dioxide and water into the digestive system and this reacts with the stomach acids that help to cleanse the colon and cure your constipation and its symptoms.

How to use Baking Soda for Constipation:

Discover these amazing ways of using baking soda for constipation. All you have to do is to follow these methods regularly without any interruption.

Method – 1: (Baking Soda)

Baking soda alone is very effective in treating the constipation due to its mild laxative property.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda in ¼ cup of warm water (or normal water).
• Stir well and drink it immediately for moving up the things.
• Prefer to drink it in the morning on an empty stomach to break down the left over food and help it to pass more easily through the colon.
• But remember to drink plenty of water while using this method to prevent constipation.
• Repeat the same process once again after 4 hours, if you didn’t get any sign of bowel movement.

Method – 2: (Baking Soda Bath for Constipation)

Baking soda bath helps to relieve rectal pain that was associated with constipation. It also relaxes the anal sphincter to produce a bowel movement.

Steps to be followed…

• Fill the bath tub with warm water and add 2 ounce of baking soda in it.
• Stir well and soak yourself for about 20 – 25 minutes.
• Dry your skin and repeat this bath regularly to relax the anal sphincter and to get rid of the constipation.

Method – 3: (Baking Soda with Apple Cider Vinegar)

Both baking soda and apple cider vinegar have mild laxative property that helps to treat constipation along with other digestive problems.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
• Stir well and consume this mix for once or twice daily, depends upon your severity.
• Do the same process regularly till you got complete relief from constipation.

Note:

• Or you can also add a pinch of sea salt in the above mix to enhance the bowel movement. But avoid overtaking it, as it causes diarrhea.
• Alternatively, add 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water. Stir well and drink it regularly to prevent constipation.

Method – 4: (Baking Soda with Lemon Juice)

Lemon has citric acid that helps to stimulate the intestine and flushes out the toxins (or impurities) that build up in colon walls. Baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity of lemon juice to prevent any excess acid that left in the digestive tract that causing pain and discomfort.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and juice of half a lemon in 8 oz glass of water.
• Stir well till the fizz stops and drink it to relieve from all intestinal problems including bloating, constipation, upset stomach and gas.
• Drink this mix whenever you’re suffering from constipation to get relief from it.

Note: Or you can also add a pinch of salt to this mix before drinking to prevent constipation.

Tips and Precautions:

Here are few tips to follow for clearing constipation.

1. Do some skin patch test before using baking soda to know whether it causing any allergic reaction like irritation or burning sensation on the applied areas.
2. Drink plenty of water and consume fiber rich foods daily to get rid of constipation.
3. Avoid over usage of laxatives or baking soda, as it reverses the condition and causes diarrhea or other digestive problems that in turn worsen gastrointestinal issues.
4. Exercise regularly, consume healthy and easy to digest foods, sleep for at least 6 hours, don’t stop the urge to have bowel movement, have some warm water baths, do some yoga, etc. to get relief from constipation now and then.
5. Consuming too much baking soda will cause some side effects like constipation, vomiting, ruptured stomach, muscle weakness, frequent urination, muscle spasms, diarrhea, irritability, etc.
6. Baking soda is high in sodium content so consuming too much can raise some health problems. Also, people who are having high blood pressure, kidney or heart diseases, strictly follow low sodium diet, etc. should avoid using baking soda for constipation.
7. Consult your doctor if you’re not getting regular bowel movements after using these natural remedies, for immediate treatment and medication to get relief from constipation.
8. Be sure to avoid calcium rich food or supplements like milk, yogurt or cheese while using baking soda for constipation.

Stop worrying in silence and have regular bowel movement with this baking soda. Hope you’ll find relief from baking soda and tell me your experience with us.

If you’re having any trouble with regular bowel movement then it is termed as constipation. It is a very common digestive disorder affecting people of all ages that causes difficulty in passing stools along with bloated abdomen, acidity, loss of appetite, depression, headache, ulcers (if not treated properly).

Poor (low fiber) diet, not drinking enough of water or fluids, stress, usage of certain medications, laxative abuse, lack of any physical activity, etc. are some causes of constipation. However, the problem is very embarrassing and frustrating aside from discomfort. There are many natural remedies available at your home to treat this problem whenever you suffer from it.

Prunes (or dried plums) are one of the effective natural remedies that widely used for treating constipation and keeps you stay regular by helping the body to function properly. Here we are presenting the various benefits of prunes to know how it works for preventing constipation.

• These are rich in insoluble fiber and soluble fiber (1 prune has 1 gm of fiber) that soaks up large amounts of water to add bulk to stool and pass it easily which in turn decreases transit time.
• It provides laxative effect due to sorbitol (draws water from the intestine to move the stool) or fructans content.
• The skin of prunes contains a chemical called dihydrophenylisatin, which acts as a gentle stimulant laxative.
• It is rich in potassium (protects colon walls by strengthening from harmful bacteria), vitamin A and other essential nutrients that activate the enzymes in your digestive tract to dissolve feces, helps stool to pass through colon and thereby rectum.
• Many studies state that this small, dried fruit is a nature’s remedy for constipation. Using prunes or prune juice is more effective in preventing constipation rather than over the counter medicines or fiber supplements like psyllium.

Now, we are going to know about 5 best and effective methods of using prunes for constipation. Let’s get started.

Method – 1: (Prunes with Other Dry Fruits)

It is an easy, simple and cost-effective method that gives more effective results rather than daily prescribed laxatives by producing normal bowel movements.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 cup each of raisins, figs, dates, currants, pitted prunes and prune juice concentrate.
• Blend it thoroughly to make a thick paste and store the paste in refrigerator.
• Consume 2 tablespoons of this paste for twice daily whenever you suffer from constipation to get rid of the problem.

Note: Or you can prepare jam by adding 1 cup of prunes, figs, and apricots (cut into pieces) in a saucepan. Cook it by adding 2 cups of water and stir till the water gets evaporated. Put it in a jar after it gets cool. Refrigerate and consume a tablespoon of this jam by placing on rice cake or whole wheat bread to clear constipation.

Method – 2: (Prunes with Orange Juice)

Orange juice is another effective remedy used for treating constipation and exhibits laxative property when mixed with prunes.

Steps to be followed…

• Place chopped prunes, water, and orange juice in a small saucepan.
• Bring it to boil and cover it to simmer for 30 minutes.
• Prunes absorb most of the water and the remaining water will become like syrup.
• Then transfer the hot prunes along with syrup into the bowl.
• Now pour cold milk over the pruner and consume this regularly to get rid of the problem.

Method – 3: (Prunes)

Eating prunes alone is very effective and safest way of treating constipation.

Here are few ways of consuming prunes…

• Consume at least of 3 prunes as a quick snack to cure constipation.
• Drinking 1 glass of prune juice a day or adding prune juice to any of the smoothies and take it as breakfast.
• Mix chopped prunes to your pancakes, muffin batter or simply sprinkles it over your salads, cereal or oatmeal.

Method – 4: (Stewed Prunes in Lemon Juice)

Lemon stimulates the digestive system and flushes out toxins and undigested material by cleansing the colon to prevent constipation.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 cup of prunes and 1 ½ cups of water in a soup pot.
• Stir well and heat it to bring a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer it for about 20 – 30 minutes.
• Leave for few minutes to get cool and consume this with a few lemon slices.
• Regular intake will help you in clearing constipation and its symptoms.

Method – 5: (Prunes with Applesauce and Bran)

This process increases the dietary fiber which in turn used for proper and regular bowel movement.

Steps to be followed…

• Combine 1/4 cup each of applesauce and prunes and 1/2 cup of bran in a large bowl.
• Stir well and consume 1 – 2 tablespoons of this mix every evening followed by a glass of water or juice.
• Regular intake will help you a lot in preventing the constipation problem.

Dosage:

Recommended dosage of prunes for constipation is 50 grams (or 7 medium sized prunes) which is more effective than 11 gms of psyllium. Prunes produce more spontaneous and regular bowel movement. Always remember that 3 – 12 is the range in which you have to eat prunes per day to get rid of constipation as per your frequency or severity.

Tips and Precautions:

1. You will raise your risk for constipation by increasing fiber without taking enough fluids. So, increase your fluid intake by drinking water, fruit juices and other liquids that add fluid to colon and bulk your stool to make your bowel movement soft and easy to pass.
2. Both prunes and prune juice is effective for relieving constipation but prefer prune only, as they contain more of fiber and sorbitol rather than prunes juice.
3. It contains oxalates and if taken in large quantities then it inhibits the body’s ability to absorb the calcium level. So, people those suffering from gallbladder or kidney problems should not eat prunes in excess.
4. If you don’t like the taste of prunes, then drink prune juice ice pops or sip prune juice that mixed with another fruit or vegetable juices to hide the taste. For adults, 1/2 cup of prune juice and for children, 1 – 2 oz prune juice is suggested.
5. Prunes are only temporary solution. If you take them for extended periods then your bowel movement can become depended on it. So, if you are looking for a long term solution then you have to improve your gut health. If there is a gut imbalance then it can lead to poor bowel movements. You can resolve this issue by taking probiotics – they will recolonize the intestines which ultimately improve your digestion power and bowel movement frequency. If you want to know which probiotics are more effective then Click Here.
6. Also, it causes bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and gas, if consumed in excess. So, be sure to check the severity of your problem and then consume as per it.
7. Consult your doctor if your bowel movement didn’t get regularized for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Include prunes in your diet to notice regular bowel movement. Do you know any other methods of using prunes for constipation? Then share it with us.