What Is A Natural Remedy For Constipation

Consider Taking Magnesium Supplements

Getting enough magnesium in your diet might also help relieve constipation. Oral magnesium supplements function as osmotic laxatives. That means they pull water into your digestive system, which helps soften your stool.

You can purchase magnesium capsules at health food stores and pharmacies. You can also get magnesium from food sources. Talk to your doctor before talking magnesium if you have a history of kidney problems. Conveniently, most foods that are high in magnesium are also high in fiber. For example, whole grains and dark leafy greens are good sources of both.

When To Seek Medical Help:

You must call your healthcare provider and seek medical help if you

• Experience pain in your stomach
• Nausea and vomiting

• Did not pass a bowel movement in three days1

You must not rely on home remedies alone for the treatment of constipation. You should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for the condition if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.

Home Remedies For Immediate Constipation Relief

• Last updated: 11.12.2021

If you are looking for home remedies for immediate constipation, then the following examples are suited for everyone:

• Warm chicken soup
• Osmotic laxative.

The remedies in this list are easy-to-make, and you can use them in the comfort of your home. Follow the guide to get the most out of them and use the benefits to improve digestion.

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Is Oil A Natural Remedy For Constipation

Various oils are considered decent home remedies for constipation relief. They can act as a natural laxative and/or their fat content can slick the inside of the bowels, allowing for easier movement. Here are a few to consider:

• Castor oil: Castor oil is an old school stimulant laxative, which can help you out if youre constipated. These days, however, its not exactly top-of-mind for constipation relief, and thats for the best. There are far better laxatives available today that produce fewer side effects, such as cramping, vomiting, bloating and dizziness.

Still need more help? Heres how to make yourself poop fast.

Constipation Relief Through Prevention

As a rule, eating more high-fibre foods can prevent constipation. Be aware though, that if constipation is a result of Colitis or Crohns disease, increasing fibre intake could have a detrimental effect if in doubt, speak to your GP before making any changes to your diet.

There are two different types of fibre soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in the intestines to form a gel-like substance which helps food move along the digestive tract. Insoluble fibre is not dissolvable and moves through the intestines without being absorbed, and adds bulk to bowel movements and helps to relieve constipation.

Read Also: How To Ease Constipation In Toddlers

Eat More Fiber Especially Soluble Non

To treat constipation, doctors often tell people to increase their dietary fiber intake.

This is because increasing fiber intake increases the bulk and consistency of bowel movements, making them easier to pass. It also helps them pass through the digestive system more quickly 01386-6/fulltext” rel=”nofollow”> 14).

In fact, one 2016 review found that 77% of people with chronic constipation benefited from supplementing with fiber .

However, some studies have found that increasing fiber intake can actually make the problem worse. Others report that dietary fiber improves stool frequency but may not help with other symptoms of constipation, such as stool consistency, pain, bloating, and gas .

This is because different types of dietary fiber have different effects on digestion.

There are many different dietary fibers, but in general, they fall into two categories: insoluble fibers and soluble fibers.

Insoluble fibers â present in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains â add bulk to stools and may help them pass more quickly and easily through the digestive system.

Soluble fibers â present in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and peas, as well as some fruits and vegetables â absorb water and form a gel-like paste, which softens the stools and improves its consistency.

Non-fermentable soluble fibers, such as psyllium, are the best choice for treating constipation (

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Bottom line: Exercise may reduce the symptoms of constipation in some people.

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Natural Constipation Remedies To Empty Your Bowels

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Pull Out The Heating Pad For Faster Relief

It turns out, using a heating pad for constipation might actually help you go. For a 2016 study out Japan, constipated women wore hot compresses on their lower backs for five hours daily for two weeks, which resulted in an uptick in bowel movements and quality of life when compared to those who didn’t use heat.

What Helps Relieve Constipation

What helps constipation depends on its cause, severity, and duration.

In some cases, an over-the-counter product like Miralax, an osmotic laxative that draws water into the colon, or Colace, a stool softener that boosts the water content of your poop can help.

For many, simply tweaking diet and other lifestyle factors can bring relief. Here are a few suggestions.

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What Are The Primary Causes Of Constipation

There are many different causes of constipation. The most common cause is dietary, specifically not having enough fiber intake. However, there are many other causes and contributing factors when considering constipation, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, certain medications, increasing age, and not getting enough exercise. Here are the most common causes, according to our medical experts.

Unbalanced Diet: Refined and processed foods, fried foods, and others that cause occasional constipation, when consumed excessively, can lead to chronic constipation.Dairy: Cows milk and dairy products are largely responsible for the epidemic of constipation we face in this country. Contrary to popular belief, our bones wont crumble without them. In fact, studies show excluding them can actually make our bones stronger.

Medications: Certain medications may cause chronic constipation. Be sure to read the side effects on labels. Medicines like aluminum-containing antacids, high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, anti-seizure medication, opioids like codeine and morphine, antihistamines like Claritan and Zyrtec, iron supplements, and anti-nausea medications can wreak havoc in your digestive system and cause constipation symptoms. ~Dr. Struble

Inactivity and Lack of Exercise: Staying active and fit is one of the best ways to prevent and relieve occasional constipation.

How To Insert A Rectal Suppository

a. Get prepared

• Try to pass the stool to empty the colon.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

• Carefully remove the suppository from its wrapper.

• If it is necessary to cut the suppository, use a single-edge razor blade.

• Use a disposable glove, if desired or olive oil for lubrication.

b. Get ready to insert the suppository

• Dip the tip of the suppository inside water.

• Remove clothing from the lower half of the body.

• Find the correct position. Either stand up or lie down on one side.

c. Insert the suppository

• Relax the buttocks muscles and open the cheeks.

• Push it in about 1 inch for adults, or 1/2 an inch for infants.

In children above age 5, push the suppository half to one inch, depending on their size.

d. Relax and clean up

• Lie or sit still for 10 minutes after inserting the suppository.

• Dispose of all materials, including the suppository wrapper, and Wash your hands thoroughly with running water.

But, before you come to these kinds of treatments why cant you try home remedies for constipation which are equally effective?

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Natural Constipation Remedies For Relief

When discussing the top natural remedies for constipation, its best to break it up into foods to eat, foods to avoid, supplements that help and practices that can make a surprising difference in constipation relief.

Its very common that when adapting eating strategies to get rid of constipation and following a constipation diet, the digestive system will improve. Combine this with supplements and mind-body practices, and your gut will thank you!

1. Eat These Foods for Constipation Relief

2. Stop Eating These Foods that Can Make Constipation Worse

3. Take These Supplements that Help Relieve Constipation

4. Use These Mind-Body Practices that Help Prevent Constipation

Feeling A Little Backed Up

Constipation can be an uncomfortable problem to have. But many people experience it from time to time, especially while pregnant or taking certain medications.

There are many potential causes of constipation. There are also many treatment options. Adjusting your lifestyle habits or reaching for home remedies may be all you need to treat occasional constipation.

Take the time to learn about some of the best natural remedies for constipation.

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Constipation Remedies And Treatments

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Eat more fiber. Eating more fiber makes your stool more weighty, helping it to move through your intestines faster. It helps with constipation symptoms. It also lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, lowers the risk of colon cancer, and may help control blood sugar levels. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts. You can also take a fiber supplement to add more to your diet.
• Exercise more. Exercise promotes healthy, regular digestion. Strong abdominal muscles play a role in improving your digestive process. Fitting in a bit of exercise every day may help your constipation symptoms.
• Drink more water. Increasing your intake of liquids may improve constipation, especially when consumed in combination with a higher-fiber diet.
• Avoid dairy products. Several studies show a connection between the consumption of dairy products and constipation. Some people believe this may occur in people with an intolerance to dairy, while others believe it has to do with certain components found in milk.

Take Laxatives

A laxative is a type of over-the-counter medicine that can help you with bowel movements. There are a few different options:

Use Enemas

You should use enemas for constipation only after trying other remedies.

Drink Coffee

Take Probiotics

Probiotics are supplements that introduce more “good” bacteria to the gut. This can help to balance the digestive system.

What Herbs Are Good For Bowel Movements

14/ Dandelion

‘Bitter tasting herbs such as dandelion root increase the production and flow of bile, which is a natural laxative. Take care, however, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.’ Hannah Charman, medical herbalist.

15/ Chamomile

‘Chamomile is a wonderful herb for the digestive tract because it helps to calm and soothe the nervous system we need to be relaxed to be able to go.

Chamomile flowers can used infused in water or milk to make an herbal beverage. Use one teaspoon of dried, or two teaspoons of fresh, flowers per mug.’ Harris

16/ Lemon balm

‘Herbs like Lemon balm work on the gut-brain axis, so are great for when constipation is linked to stress and anxiety.’ Charman

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How To Relieve And Avoid Constipation Naturally

Nov 08, 2019Cedars-Sinai Staff

Backed up? For otherwise healthy people, constipation can be a frustrating and uncomfortable situation, but it isn’t usually cause for alarm.

While over-the-counter laxatives are always an option, many people prefer a more natural remedyor better yet, want to avoid needing one altogether.

“Your gut is a muscle, and it needs to move.”

If you’re seeking to relieve or avoid constipation without using medications, a few tweaks to your diet and lifestyle can help. Here, Kelly Issokson, a registered dietitian at the Cedars-SinaiInflammatory Bowel Disease Center, shares expert advice to help get things moving naturally.

The Best Smoothies For Constipation Relief

Smoothies can be helpful for constipation as a vehicle for consuming a variety of potentially helpful ingredients, like kiwi, ground flaxseeds and just fiber-containing fruits or veggies in general, like berries and greens, says Freuman. Especially since many people find it easier to drink adequate portions of these foods than to eat them.

The University of Michigan recommends this constipation-combating mix: 1/3 cup aloe vera juice 1 peeled kiwi ½ cup papaya ½ cup plain or vanilla kefir and ½ cup ice. Add up to 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup for some added sweetness.

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Home Remedies For Constipation Relief

Dietary changes, drinking water, exercise, and taking supplements are among the natural ways to relieve symptoms of constipation. Identifying the factors contributing to constipation can help you decide which remedies are best. A combination of the following remedies may be necessary to treat the problem.

What I Can I Do Besides Taking Medications To Treat My Constipation

This is one of the most common questions I get from patients, and it makes studies of adding fiber to the diet with fruits and vegetables so appealing. What makes it hard to recommend specific treatment plans is that there is not much good data to help doctors suggest a particular plant or fiber regimen, like we would recommend standardized doses of medications.

An intriguing new study entitled “Exploratory comparative effectiveness trial of green kiwifruit, psyllium, or prunes in US patients with chronic constipation” in the American Journal of Gastroenterology seeks to directly compare different, entirely natural ways to treat chronic constipation. Prunes and psyllium are well-regarded ways to treat chronic constipation. Not surprisingly, all participants were able to achieve the primary goal of increased bowel movements. It seems that kiwifruit achieved this benefit with fewer side effects.

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Eat Prunes Or Drink Prune Juice

It’s true what they say about prunes and prune juice: They do make you go.

A 2019 study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that eating prunes can help improve the frequency of bowel movements in people who don’t have enough fiber in their diet.

Prunes may get their laxative effect from a dose of fiber and sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol.

The drawback, though, is that if fiber or sugar alcohols irritate your gut, prunes could wreak more havoc .

Speaking Of Dried Fruit How About Dates

Dates are excellent sources of dietary fiber, containing about 6 grams per half cup. Plus, some dried fruit, like dates, prune and apricots, also contain sorbitol, a natural laxative, says Freuman. All of that makes dates fab for constipation relief. One small UK study found that folks who ate just seven dates a day for 21 days experienced a significant increase in bowel movements compared to when they were not dining on dates.

Unsure how to incorporate dates into your diet? Try chopping them up for a sweet salad add-on or blending them into your plant-based smoothies.

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Another Natural Remedy For Constipation

• By Christopher D. Vélez, MD, Contributor

It may seem like a basic question, but what is constipation? The term can describe many types of problems with moving your bowels. Constipation can mean stools that are hard and pellet-like or of reduced volume. It can also describe excessive straining, not having a daily bowel movement, or feeling like you cannot get all the stool out. All of these are descriptions of constipation, yet the symptoms are different.

Offer Your Kitty Enough Water

PetMD states, Since dehydration contributes to constipation, drinking more water and staying well-hydrated helps prevent constipation.

One of the major causes of constipation in cats is lack of water intake! Most cats do not like to drink water which causes dehydration and congestion in felines.

In case your cat does not consume enough water then you can feed her broth or simply mix water with her kibble.

You can place water bowls in each room it can encourage her to drink plenty of water in a single day.

Fun Fact: A feline need roughly 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight on a daily basis.

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Increase Fibre In The Diet

Following a diet rich in fibre may help relieve and prevent constipation. You can talk to your dietician or healthcare provider and plan a diet including a variety of fibre-rich meals. Also, you need to gradually add a little fibre to your diet to ensure your body gets used to digesting it. Some familiar sources of fibre include

• Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans and soybeans
• Whole grain foods like whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal and bran flake cereals
• Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, collard greens and green peas
• Almonds, peanuts and pecans
• Fruits like apples, berries, oranges and pears.5