Did you know constipation is a common problem? Yes! 16 people out of 100 suffer from this problem, and many have it in the chronic stage. Constipation is a problem when passing stools becomes difficult because they are hard. Home remedies for constipation are the best way to handle it.
It is necessary to diagnose and treat it early so that it doesn’t cause any more issues like piles, hemorrhoids, etc. Smooth and comfortable feces is a sign of a healthy body. Let us have a look at the best treatment for constipation you can try.
Causes Of Constipation:
There are several reasons for constipation; some of them are as follows:
- Change in your daily routine can affect your digestion. Travelling is one such situation where since you eat foods out of place, it may result in constipation.
- If you are no physically active, the rate at which your body metabolizes calories reduce, resulting in constipation.
- Consuming oily foods dehydrate your body, thereby becoming a contributing factor in causing constipation.
- Chemotherapy and cancer treatments sometimes cause constipation.
- Dehydration or drinking less water dehydrates your body, and hence it is always necessary to drink water instead of sodas or alcohol.
- Excess absorption of water from your food by Colon can cause constipation.
- Irritable bowel syndrome. Medications that are high in aluminium, antidepressants, anticonvulsants can result in constipation.
Symptoms Of Constipation:
If you are wondering, what are the symptoms of constipation, then check out this list:
- Irregular bowel movements are a predominant sign of constipation, where some people go for stools as less as three times a week.
- If it is difficult for you to pass stool, then it means your seat is hard and has a lack of lubricant, resulting in the discomfort.
- The hardened stool is another symptom since the water from your food is absorbed, resulting in hard stools.
- Loss of appetite occurs since digestion is improper.
- Bloated stomach.
- Straining while passing the stool.
- Stomach pain.
How Can You Prevent Constipation:
- Drink plenty of water since keeping your body hydrated helps you deal with digestive issues.
- Eating plenty of foods that are a rich source of fiber such as whole wheat, green veggies prevent constipation.
- Avoid eating junk food as much as possible as they contain excess food, sugar, and are oily that create stomach issues.
- Staying active is another way you can maintain an active metabolism. You can follow Yoga as a form of regular workout.
- Probiotics produce all the necessary enzymes that help cure constipation.
Best Home Remedies For Constipation:
1. Herbal senna Tea:
Senna tea is a herbal laxative and one of the quick home remedies to cure constipation readily available in the market. It helps speed up your bowel movements by nerve stimulation in your gut with the help of plant compounds called glycosides. (1)
Ingredients:
- Spoonful dried senna leaves.
- A cup of water.
- Spoonful honey to taste.
Preparation:
- Boil a cup of water and add the dried senna leaves to it.
- Switch off the stove and let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the leaves, add some honey, and mix well.
Precaution: Although senna tea is considered safe for most adults, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid it.
See Also: How To Get Rid Of Constipation During Pregnancy
2. Probiotics:
Studies show that an imbalance of gut bacteria can be a significant cause of chronic constipation in many patients. Therefore to improve balance and thereby prevent illness, probiotic foods are one of the perfect home remedies to relieve constipation. Yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are some examples of foods containing probiotics for constipation. Supplements can also be used that are available in the market. (2)
3. Soluble Fiber:
Fiber is an essential part of your diet that adds bulk to your stool, making it soft. So, fiber for constipation can be a quick and natural remedy. Some of the foods you can add to your diet that contain high amounts of soluble fiber are barley, oats, and bran. There are supplements available in the market, too, for convenience. (3)
Precaution: Consult your doctor before you start taking any fiber supplements since they cause digestive distress for some people.
4. Water with honey:
Honey is one of the readily available products you can find in any home that can combat constipation. It is considered one of the natural laxatives for constipation. Taking three spoonfuls honey three times can help you out. (4)
Ingredients:
- One spoonful honey.
- A glass of water.
Preparation:
- Add spoonful honey to a glass of warm water.
- Mix the contents well and drink it on an empty stomach.
Precaution: Remember to take honey in limited quantities; else, it may cause effects like nausea and diarrhea.
5. Nuts:
Fiber is available abundantly in nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, which make them one of the best constipation remedies.
- One ounce almonds have 3.5 g fiber.
- 1 ounce walnuts have 1.9 g fiber.
- One ounce pecans have 2.7 g fiber.
Precautions: Consume raw or roasted nuts instead of fried as they can contain calories in high amounts.
6. Avoid Dairy:
Intolerance to dairy can be another reason for constipation as it causes adverse effects on your gut. So, a quick constipation remedy for kids or adults alike is to avoid dairy products like milk protein from your diet and see if there is an improvement.
Precautions: Make sure you replace milk products with foods that are rich in calcium so that you do not have a deficiency.
7. Have Plenty of Water:
Lack of water in your body can be a reason why you may feel constipated. One of the simple yet best remedy to get rid of constipation is to drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water in a day. Being a natural laxative home remedy for constipation in kids, water is very safe to use for pregnant women and adults alike.
Precautions: Be sure to drink water throughout the day and not during the meals.
8. Prunes:
Prune, in the form of a fruit or juice, acts as a natural laxative that makes your stools soft and increases their frequency too. Prunes help relieve constipation fast for adults, kids, and pregnant women alike. (5)
Ingredients:
- 5 to 6 prunes.
- One cup of hot water.
Preparation:
- Take slices of prunes into a blender along with the cup of hot water.
- Blend it thoroughly till it becomes smooth.
Precautions: Make sure you drink lots of water when you add prunes to your diet. And drinking excess of prune juice may cause tummy distress.
See Also: Tips Avoid Constipation In Kids
9. Flaxseed:
The soluble and insoluble fiber in flaxseed add much-needed bulk to your stool, making it a natural cure for constipation. It is a safe and nutritional option for kids and adults too. Using ground flaxseeds in cereals, dishes and salads is also a healthy way to include it into your diet. (6)
Ingredients:
- Freshly ground flaxseeds.
- A glass of water.
Preparation:
- Add the flaxseeds to the water and let it rest overnight.
- Drink the water early in the morning for the best results.
Precautions: Pregnant ladies are advised to consume flaxseeds in moderation.
10. Aloe Vera Juice:
The soothing properties of aloe vera make it the best constipation treatment at home. Taking it early in the morning can help you relieve the signs of constipation. (7)
Ingredients:
- Two spoonfuls aloe vera gel.
- A glass of water.
Preparation:
- Add the aloe vera gel and water to a blender.
- Blend it till the contents form a clear liquid.
- You can use a few drops of lemon for taste.
Precautions: Pregnant women need to consume aloe vera juice in moderation as it results in uterine contractions. Keep it away from kids as it results in painful stools.
11. Olive Oil:
Olive oil helps a kid’s growth as it has nutrients such as vitamins and fatty acids. It can either be taken individually or with a dash of lemon juice that works as a home cure for constipation and early prevention too.
Ingredients:
- A spoonful olive oil.
- Half teaspoon lemon juice.
Preparation:
- Mix a spoonful olive oil and lemon juice.
- Take the mixture early in the morning on an empty stomach for effective results.
12. Lemon:
Lemon juice in a glass of warm water is all you need to kickstart your bowel movements offering a quick constipation relief. The citric acid in lemon flushes out all the toxins from your digestive tract by acting as a natural stimulant.
Ingredients:
- Two spoonfuls lemon juice.
- A glass of warm water.
Preparation:
- Take a glass of warm water and add two spoonfuls lemon juice.
- Mix the contents and drink it early in the morning.
13. Epsom Salt:
Pure mineral compound magnesium and sulfate make Epsom salt a quick remedy for constipation. This remedy works by drawing water into the intestines resulting in softer stools making excretion a more natural process.
Ingredients:
- A cup of Epsom salt.
- A tub full of warm water to soak.
Preparation:
- Mix Epsom salt in a tub of water and mix it well.
- Soak your body in the water where magnesium is absorbed into your body through the skin.
Precautions: Make sure you don’t consume Epsom salt orally.
14. Sesame Seeds:
Made up of oily composition, sesame seeds have been known to be an instant Indian home remedy for constipation. By adding sesame seeds to your diet, they help lubricate your intestines, making your stool soft and relieves you from constipation. The calcium and iron-rich sesame seeds can be used by sprinkling them on salads or with jaggery.
Precaution: Pregnant ladies need to consume sesame seeds in moderation as it may cause side effects.
15. Figs:
Figs are a fruit that is a rich source of fiber that acts as a natural treatment for constipation. The laxative properties of this fruit help people suffering from chronic illness. Consume fresh figs with the skin as it contains most of the fiber. You can also make a paste by soaking dry figs.
16. Papaya:
Papaya has vitamins A and C, beta carotene, along with minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus that help treat digestive disorders. The natural healing properties of this fruit make it a natural laxative, making it the best home remedy for constipation. Consume this fruit at night so that your tummy feels clean and clear in the morning. Papaya is also considered a power food for kids.
Precautions: Raw or semi-ripe can be harmful to pregnant women, and they may cause contractions in your uterus.
17. Ginger tea:
Ginger helps boost your immunity, and drinking it in the form of tea acts as a laxative, making it a constipation solution at home. Drinking this tea in moderation helps ease constipation in both adults and kids.
Ingredients:
- Spoonful freshly grated ginger.
- A cup of water.
- Spoonful honey to taste.
Preparation:
- Take a bowl and boil a cup of water.
- Add the grated ginger and let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the contents into a cup and add some honey to taste.
Precautions: Try to take it in moderation; if taken in excess, it may cause heartburn.
18. Apple Juice:
We all know how the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps a doctor away.” Apples have high fiber content along with pectin acts as instant constipation relief. Try eating apple along with the skin as it contains all the essential fibers, antioxidants, and vitamins. It is also considered one of the best baby constipation home remedies
Ingredients:
- 2 or 3 apples.
- A pot of water to boil the apples.
Preparation:
- Slice the apples into wedges and remove the seeds.
- Add the slices to the boiling water till they become soft.
- Slowly remove the apple slices and add them to the blender.
- Blend the contents until it forms a mush.
- Strain the contents into a glass.
19. Coconut:
Coconut water and milk obtained from coconut are rich in natural fiber that improves intestinal health. Drinking coconut water early in the morning is considered one of the best foods to relieve constipation fast. Coconut milk can also be included in your diet.
20. Caffeinated coffee:
The caffeine in your coffee can help stimulate your digestive muscles, thereby resulting in a smooth bowel movement. The diuretic nature of it can cause constipation if taken in excess. So stick to only a cup of coffee only in the morning, making it the best constipation treatment for adults.
Precautions: Pregnant women should limit their intake to 200 mg per day as it may cause side effects. Taking excessive caffeine can cause dehydration.
21. Exercise:
Being inactive physically is one of the primary reasons for constipation. Exercise is an effective alternative to keep your bowel functioning properly. Workout in a relaxed and breezy environment can be considered one of the perfect home remedies to cure constipation. Two rounds of brisk walking can help contract your intestinal muscles naturally that makes your digestive system work effectively. (8)(9)
See Also: How Does Yoga Helps For Constipation
When Is The Right Time To Visit A Doctor:
You need to consult a doctor immediately if you have the following conditions:
- If there is prolonged constipation for more than three weeks.
- And, If there is persistent stomach pain with painful stools.
- If there is blood in your stool.
- If this is your first time being constipated so that it doesn’t form a prolonged illness.
Constipation is a problem faced by many regularly. If not treated on time, it may result in severe problems like hemorrhoids and piles. With the home remedies for constipation mentioned in this article, it works wonders for your problem. But pregnant women and kids should consult a doctor before trying these remedies.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are mere suggestions and not a replacement for doctor consultation. Consult a doctor before you try using any home remedies, and this website is not responsible for any side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What Exercises are Functional to Heal Constipation?
Ans. Exercise and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is essential to cure constipation. It supports maintaining proper metabolism, which is very good for the digestive system. Some helpful exercises are –
Cardio exercises like walking, running, etc. are very good to control constipation.
Some poses in yoga are perfect for constipation –
- Cat and cow pose
- Pelvic floor exercises
Breathing exercises: the right amount of oxygen in the body helps keep circulation healthy and, in turn, helps heal any ailment quickly. It is also perfect for the constipation problem.
2. Are Probiotics Helpful for Constipation?
Ans. When some home remedies don’t work, probiotics are the best. Here are some of the best probiotics.
- The best natural probiotic is yogurt. It has a live culture that enriches gut enzymes that help in smooth digestion. It is also perfect for a robust immune system and promotes weight management.
- Pickles are also natural probiotics that help indigestion. Homemade pickles have active enzymes that are rich in probiotics.
- Kimchi and another form of fermented vegetables help balance gut flora, which again aids in digestion.
3. What Diet Should be Followed to Avoid Constipation?
Ans. Maintaining a good and healthy diet is essential and essential for a strong gut.
- Avoid Red Meat
- Drink plenty of water
- Consume water-rich foods like cucumber, Zucchini, etc
- Consume foods rich in fiber like beans, apples, prunes, Spinach, figs, etc.
- Avoid Dairy products as they irritate the stomach and, in most cases, causes more constipation.
- Oranges are also rich in fiber and very good to help heal constipation.
A healthy food outcome a happy stomach. Foods help heal stomach problems and aides a healthy digestive system.
