Natural Remedy Constipation

By Dr. Shrey Lakhotia, BDS
Natural remedy constipation

Americans spend a little less than $1 billion dollars a year on laxatives.

As you may know, laxatives can be habit-forming, and long-term use can make constipation worse. That is why this information on natural remedies for constipation is so important.

Herbal Remedies

Aloe Vera gel or juice

Aloe Vera has a variety of health benefits including its soothing action on the stomach and can act as a natural remedy for constipation.

When it is available, pure Aloe Vera gel has a higher concentration of Aloe and so is superior to Aloe juices found on the market. However, drinking just the juice may also produce good results.

The latex of the Aloe plant is a powerful stimulant laxative that can be habit-forming. However, the gel from the center of the leaf is safe.

Dosage: 8 ounces of Aloe juice or 2 Tbl. Aloe gel
When taking Aloe gel, stir it into some fruit juice for a morning beverage

Flaxseed oil

Flaxseed oil coats the walls of the intestine & stool to help stimulate a bowel movement.

It can be taken with orange juice, since oranges are rich in fiber.

Directions: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil with 1 glass of orange juice.

Olive Oil

Pure olive oil stimulates movement in the colon, helping in the passage of stools and making this another possible natural remedy for constipation.

Dosage: One Tbl. olive oil with one tsp. lemon juice, for taste.
Directions: It is best to be taken in the mornings before eating anything.

Drinks

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid. This helps to stimulate peristalsis, plus helps in removing toxins and undigested fecal matter that may be adhering to colon walls.

Dosage: 8 ounces of lemon water per day
Juice one lemon, then add it to 8 ounces of warm water, stir and drink

Blackstrap molasses

Blackstrap molasses has a good amount of minerals and vitamins and can be yet another natural remedy for constipation. It is specifically high in constipation busting magnesium.

Dosage: 1-2 tablespoons.
Directions: Start from a tsp. of blackstrap molasses. Stir this into 8 ounces of tea or warm water.

Coffee and tea

Caffeine naturally stimulates the colon to move stool along. Taking 1-2 cups can be helpful. However, be careful not to overdo.

Caffeine functions as a diuretic that stimulates increased urination. Getting rid of too much water from the body can cause dehydration, a major cause of constipation.

Baking soda water

This neutralizes excess stomach acid and may help to relieve constipation.

Directions: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with ¼ cup of warm water and drink it quickly.

Prune juice

This works as a natural laxative because it contains a high amount of both fiber and sorbitol and is one of the more preferred natural remedies for constipation.

Sorbitol softens the stool. It also draws water into the colon, which helps to increase the bulk of stool. A bulky stool is what naturally stimulates peristalsis.

But be careful. Too much sorbitol can cause gas and make stool too soft, resulting in diarrhea.

Dosage: Drink a small glass of prune juice in the morning and one at night.

Foods that Relieve Constipation

Yogurt and kefir

Healthy gut flora is vital to prevent constipation. A cup of yogurt or kefir or a glass of Kombucha Tea are filled with probiotics.

Dosage:1 or 2 cups of plain yogurt, or 3 or 4 ounces of Kefir.
Directions: Eat a cup of yogurt with breakfast, and then on its own or with snacks throughout the day. Kefir is delicious any time.
Kombucha Tea, drink 4 to 32 ounces daily

(Paul Schneider here, developer of this website.
Here are two videos I made where I explain how to economically make your own Milk Kefir and Kombucha Tea)

A fiber rich diet

Fiber is the part of plants that is not readily digested. It adds bulk to the stool and is sponge like in its ability to swell up and hold water.

This helps to keep stool from drying out. Foods high in fiber include seeds and nuts, pears, apples with their skins, plums, berries, bran cereals and whole grain products, and various types of beans.

Lifestyle Modifications

Developing a time to go

Setting a specific time for going to the bathroom can help to regulate bowel movements as well.

Set aside 10-15 minutes, 1-3 times a day for giving your bowels a chance to move. Stay calm even if nothing happens. Eventually the bowel can develop a rhythm for defecation. Be careful not to strain to make something happen.

Exercise

Besides other benefits, exercising helps to tone up abdominal muscles, and positively affects the smooth muscles lining the colon.

However, it is best to wait an hour after eating a large meal before exercising.

Listen to nature’s call

The longer one avoids going to the washroom the more water is absorbed from the stool, and the harder it becomes.

The brain sends the signal that it is time for a bowel movement, but there may be only for a brief window to take advantage of this.

Not responding to the urge to go is one of the major causes of constipation. Ignoring this urge habitually can even cause a lessening in urges to go.

Assume a correct toilet position

Squatting over the toilet can help relieve constipation as it’s a natural position for passage of stools. It helps to relax certain muscles and straightens the path for defecation.

Some choose to place a small stool in front of the toilet to help them assume the more correct position of placing knees into close proximity of the chest.

Is This the Most Effective Natural Remedy?

Magnesium is well known for its ability to counter constipation Magnesium functions as an osmotic laxative that draws water into the colon, which helps to hydrate stool.

A moist stool is bulkier, which helps to stimulate peristalsis.
A moist stool tends to be soft and slippery, which helps to relieve constipation.
Taking 300 to 400 mg. of a magnesium supplement each day may be one of the best long-term remedies for constipation. Taking this amount of magnesium is generally considered safe for long-term use.

Magnesium is a nutrient needed by the body. However, 80% of Americans don’t get enough in their diet.

That is why taking a magnesium may result in numerous health benefits.