Natural Remedies for Constipation

Is there relief for constipation other than prune juice?

Constipation is quite painful, and anyone who suffers from it on a daily basis knows how important it is to find a natural treatment that can help remedy the painful symptoms. Here are several natural remedies to help relieve your pain.

Constipation mainly strikes women and those over 65 years of age, as well as pregnant women, surgical patients, and people suffering from certain conditions like multiple sclerosis. Some medications can also cause constipation. It’s a growing epidimic, and many people, approximately 3 million, suffer daily from the bloating, cramping and discomfort that constipation brings. There are natural remedies, but it often starts with your diet. Nutrition is key to a good digestive system.

Natural remedies for constipation

Fluids- Often drinking plenty of water can help flush your system out. Also, fruit and vegetable juice, clear soups and broths and herbal teas (avoid alcohol or caffeine if you suffer from chronic constipation)
Probiotics - such as yogurt can help with digestive problems, as well as constipation
Fiber - you’ve heard this several times - get fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains (sprinkling flaxseed over your meal) - drink plenty of liquids or fiber will act as a constipating agent
Natural Laxatives - these should only be used for a short period of time (no more than a week), as they can cause severe side effects like irregular heart rhythms, impairment of liver and kidney, severe diarrhea, muscle weakness through depletion of potassium - Senna, Aloe, Cascara sagrada, Rhubarb and Buckthorn
Acupressure - applying pressure to the muscle between your thumb and forefinger with your other hand (do not do this if you are pregnant)
Biofeedback training - often after a women has a baby, she loses control of her pelvic floor muscles. Those who are obese or have an enlarged prostate can also suffer from this problem. However, training can help.
Magnesium - it can be found in whole grains, nuts, green leafy veggies and seeds, as well as supplements
Consuming prunes or prune juice (mixed with apple juice if you don’t like the taste) may help
Exercise - like yoga or walking - often moving around can help get your bowels working
Peppermint has been known to relax the smooth muscles of the GI tract
Don’t hold it - go when you feel the urge