Excellent Natural Remedies For Constipation

Constipation is a widespread problem among children as well as adults. The problem presents itself with difficulty in defecation.  Constipation can be due to several reasons. Diet plays an important role in the control and prevention of constipation. Constipation is not a disease but a symptom which could have varying causes.

Finding out the cause for constipation is important in the effective treatment of this problem. Hormone changes in the body can cause constipation. Sometimes intake of medicines can be the reason for constipation as a result of the side effect caused by the medicine.  Toxic substances and presence of heavy metals in the body too are reasons that can trigger off an episode of constipation.

Treatment methods include effective changes in dietary habits. The patient may be administered laxatives to relieve the pain. Sometimes surgery could also be necessary. In order to cleanse the colon enemas may be necessary. Depending on the cause, treatment methods for constipation vary.

Constipation in is very common among children. It can be triggered when babies move from breast milk to formula milk and from formula milk to solid food. At times, toilet training or starting school could also lead to constipation. In elder people, constipation can be due to certain diseases, medications, lack of fibre intake and lack of physical exercise.

There are a number of natural remedies for constipation that can be tried on children in order to relieve their symptoms. Natural remedies do not have any side effects and hence be given freely without ant cause for worry.

Home Remedies for Constipation

Apples for Treating Constipation

An apple a day can surely keep the doctor away. This proves right at least in the case of constipation.  For people who are prone to constipation, eating an apple or two a day will surely offer great relief. Apple has a laxative effect and will relieve the pressure in the bowel movement.

Apple juice can be administered to kids and babies in order to relieve constipation. You can add one ounce of apple juice along with one ounce of water for babies. The sugar in apple juice helps to bring water into the intestine thereby softening the stools.

Lemon Juice and Salt for Treating Constipation

Lemon juice is the most common treatment for constipation. For instant results, make lemon juice and add a teaspoon of salt before consuming it. Lemon juice eliminates toxins from the body and helps in efficient waste removal. Lemon is also a great stimulant of liver and helps in dissolving uric acid, making stools softer and easier to pass through the rectum.

Pear for Treating Constipation

Pear is high in fibre and hence very good for relieving constipation. People suffering from chronic constipation can be put on a diet consisting only of pear for a few days so that their symptoms subside. You can add pear juice or take a pear in the morning or after dinner if you are prone to constipation.

Guava for Treating Constipation

Guava is high in Vitamin A and C.  Consuming guava along with the seeds every day in an empty stomach will reduce your chances of getting constipation. Guava is mildly laxative and also helps in roughage to the diet. This helps in smooth evacuation of bowels.

Olive Oil and Orange Juice

Oranges are good for helping smooth bowel movement. They contract the colon muscles which push the bowels down and prevent accumulation of residual food in the colon. Oranges can be taken as it is or can be made into juice for children. For severe constipation, you can add half a glass of olive oil to half a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and consume it. Olive oil makes the intestinal walls smooth, making bowel movement easy. Oranges are also high in fibre which helps to remove constipation problems.

Papayas for Treating Constipation

Papaya is a very popular laxative used for curing constipation. Papaya when combined with dry figs gives the best results for combating constipation. Add papaya to the diet every day in order to prevent constipation problems. Soak some dry figs overnight and add it along with papayas to enjoy greater benefit.

Spinach for Treating Constipation

Spinach is one food that has abundant benefits for the entire digestive tract. Spinach consumed raw can clean the intestinal tract and encourage regeneration and reconstruction of tissues in the intestinal tract.  For problems related to constipation, take half a juice of spinach juice and add equal amounts of water and drink it two times every day. Spinach juice taken every day for a few days will give sure cut results for even severe constipation.

Grapes for Treating Constipation

Grapes are known to have multiple benefits to the stomach. Apart from toning the stomach and intestines, the sugar, organic acids and cellulose present in grapes give it great laxative properties and help in treating constipation successfully.

For curing constipation, take around 300 grams of grapes every day. You can also use raisins in case grapes are not available. Soak raisins in water for 2 days so that it swells to its normal size. Take this in the morning along with soaked water.

Prunes for Treating Constipation

Dried plums are a great home remedy for constipation. Drinking one glass of prune juice in the morning and before bedtime will cure your constipation in hours. Prunes can also be eaten as it is. You may add a glass of apple juice in between for the double benefit of these two foods.

Along with these home remedies, it is important to drink a lot of water when you have constipation. Dehydration can cause constipation leading to dry stools and increased pain. Drinking more than 2-3 litres of water is recommended for people who have chronic constipation problems.

Sedentary lifestyle is another causative factor of constipation. Keeping yourself active will allow easy and fast passage of food through the colon, thereby preventing absorption of water from the stools. Keeping yourself active will prevent constipation problems and hence one must include active workouts like aerobics, running, sports, swimming, dancing etc. not just for preventing constipation, but also for attaining overall health. Exercise must be done only after an hour after you have taken meals.

Photo Credit: constipationremediesfast.com