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5 Constipation Home Remedies That Really Work

Dr. Sreelekha Daruvuri

3 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Our daily lifestyle involving exercise, and diets heavily influence our gut health. While age, gender, and overall health also have an impact, what you eat plays a significant role. It is said that it is considered abnormal if a person has a bowel movement less than three times per week. Yes, we’re talking about constipation – a condition that we’ve all experienced at least once. Constipation causes bowel movements that are difficult to pass and are infrequent. This causes the individual to experience straining when in the bathroom along with other gastrointestinal discomforts. This article will not only dive into the causes and symptoms of constipation but will also detail 5 home remedies for constipation that really work that you can try.

Causes of constipation

There are various different causes of constipation, and these can differ from individual to individual. These causes range from underlying medical conditions or medications to dehydration and insufficient dietary fibre. Constipation can also be caused by the following:
– Stress
– Lack of physical activity
– Hormonal changes
– Certain cancers
– Gastrointestinal infection

Symptoms of constipation

– Hard, dry stools
– Foul smelling stools
– Difficult or painful to pass stools
– Stomach cramps, nausea and bloating
– Feeling of not full relieving bowels
– Less than three bowel movements a week

Treatment for constipation

Depending on the severity of the condition, constipation can be treated through various methods.
– Drinking more fluids
– Consuming a high fiber diet
– Increasing body movement through exercise
– Stool softeners
– Laxatives

5 Constipation Home Remedies That Really Work

They’re all diet related – so we can see the importance and relationship between diet and gut health.

(1) Drink water: We know it’s annoying to hear that often, but water is extremely powerful in treating constipation because dehydration is one of the most common causes of the condition. Staying hydrated is key for gut and overall health. This simple and natural remedy for constipation should work in a day or two. It has also been said drinking sparkling water is more effective in constipation relief. Remember you should be drinking atleast 2 litres of water a day.

(2) Eat prunes: You can also drink prune juice! it has been said that these wrinkly things are nature’s remedy for constipation. This natural medicine has sorbitol which has a laxative effect. Having 50 f of prunes twice a day should help ease out your bowel movements. It is important to remember however, that individuals diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or are on medications for chronic conditions, should speak to a professional before using prunes as a remedy for constipation.

(3) Eat raisins: These, also very wrinkly food, has tartaric acid in them making them an excellent source of high fibre content. Raisins have an acquired taste, and having it coexisting with flavored yoghurt is a perfect solution.

(4) Drink lemon juice: The citric acid present in lemon juice is a great stimulant for your digestive functions. This natural constipation remedy also flushes out other toxins from your body making it a very healthy refreshing drink. One glass a morning should suffice in helping you regularize your bowel movements.

(5) Eat figs aka anjeer: Known to help with instant constipation relief, figs can be soaked in warm water and consumed. It contains a lot of fibre and is often given to those that are younger. It helps with overall digestive health as well and can be eaten long-term.

If you’re having trouble with bowel movements for more than a week or the condition has become painful, associated with bleeding and is affecting normal day life, speaking to a gastroenterologist or a general physician is necessary. Do not self-diagnose and definitely do not self medicate as some medications can aggravate constipation symptoms even more. They will be able to identify the root cause of your constipation – chronic or acute – and will target treatment specifically for you. Medications and/or treatment provided will help treat the accompanying symptoms of constipation effectively.