Many people find that natural constipation relief is both healthier and faster acting than prescription medication.
Nearly everyone will suffer from constipation at some point in their lives if they haven’t already. If you’re lucky, it will just be a mild case that you can quickly remedy, but some more unfortunate people suffer severe constipation regularly. Of course, there are prescription drugs available to treat the condition as well as other techniques such as enemas, but it’s much better if you can find constipation relief at home with natural remedies.
Remedies for natural constipation relief
With that in mind, here are some methods of obtaining natural constipation relief.
Hot lemon water
Squeeze the juice of half a fresh lemon into 6-8 oz of hot water and then drink it. For most people, this is all they need for constipation relief.
If it doesn’t work for you, try these other natural remedies instead:
Eat prunes
Prunes contain sorbitol, a natural laxative, and fiber.
They are often even more effective than fiber at relieving constipation.
One word of caution: if you suffer from IBS, you may want to avoid eating prunes because sorbitol is a sugar alcohol.
Drink coffee
Coffee is known for giving your brain a jolt, of course, but it’s also great for doing the same to your intestines too and stimulating bowel movements.
Don’t overdo the caffeine though because too much can also lead to dehydration which can have the opposite of the desired effect and itself cause constipation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well known for its health benefits and for boosting your immune system. What’s not so well known is that it’s also excellent as a natural laxative when taken in large quantities.
Many vitamins can be dangerous when you take too high a dosage of them, but that isn’t the case with vitamin C. Any extra that your body doesn’t need it flushes out when you urinate.
An excellent way of using vitamin C for natural constipation relief is to dissolve a quarter of a teaspoon in water and then drink it. Repeat this process half hourly until your constipation is relieved.
Stomach massage
A gentle massage of your abdominal area is another excellent way to remedy any constipation problems.
When massaging, make sure you do so in the direction of movement within the large intestine.
Begin the massage above your right leg and gently progress directly upwards until just past your belly button. Then continue in a horizontal line across to the other side of your abdomen. Next, massage directly downwards towards your left leg.
Repeat this massage motion for several minutes, taking care not to press too hard.
Add fiber to your diet
There are two different forms of fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber absorbs water and slows down digestion. It helps create a softer and more consistent stool.
Insoluble fiber bulks up your stool and helps it move through your digestive system faster.
Both types contribute towards healthy digestion, so make sure you eat plenty of foods that contain each.
If you’ve been eating mainly foods that contain insoluble fiber, for example, try adding more foods containing the soluble form to your diet, and vice versa.
Drink plenty of water
As mentioned earlier, dehydration can lead to constipation. Therefore, you should make sure you drink enough water to remain hydrated at all times.
If you’re suffering from constipation, try drinking carbonated water for faster relief as studies have shown it to be more efficient. You should avoid sugary carbonated drinks though.
Exercise and constipation relief
There is mixed scientific opinion as to whether more exercise makes you more regular. However, studies have shown physical exertion can reduce the symptoms of constipation.
Exercise is also good for your overall health too, of course, so if you’re leading a sedentary lifestyle, increasing your level of activity is recommended.
Even something as simple as going for regular walks can make a difference to constipation sufferers.
Summary
When suffering from a health problem, the easy option is to turn to prescription pills. There are often natural treatments that are just as effective, if not more so, and these natural remedies are far healthier.
Try using the above methods of providing natural constipation relief rather than rushing for prescription laxatives. Your body will thank you for it.