Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation

Constipation is one of the day to day health related problems that we all face at one or the other time. The word itself generates a sort of discomfort among many, but is mostly left to either get better with time or people look at the drug stores for a quick fix. These so called quick relief laxatives actually worsen the problem as they do not address the root cause.

Constipation quite simply refers to a state where the bowel movements are delayed or are difficult to pass. Various reasons like stress, lack of exercise, and certain medications may trigger this. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions like thyroid disorder, irritable bowel syndrome and in rare cases some cancers, but is most commonly triggered when we go wrong about the diet.

Whatever may be the cause, it is important to address the problem at an early stage to prevent it from aggravating. And in most cases there is little or no need of medical intervention. There are many effective home remedies to relieve constipation. Here are some to help you out:

Olive oil - Consuming a tablespoon of olive oil, first thing in the morning before food is helpful.  It acts as an excellent laxative and keeps the bowels moving. You can also add lemon juice to the oil to neutralize the taste.

Lemon - Squeeze half a lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and take it as the first morning drink. Citric acid of lemon acts as a stimulant for the stomach and also helps in detoxifying the system.

Blackstrap molasses - Black strap molasses contain a high percentage of many vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, copper, selenium and vitamin B6, but the mineral that we are looking for is magnesium. It helps in improving bowel movements and relieves constipation. Take a tablespoon of black strap molasses on an empty stomach every day and see the results. You may increase the quantity to 2 tablespoons but make sure that you do so gradually.

Triphla powder - This ayurvedic herb is a great laxative. Just a teaspoon of triphla powder in a glass of lukewarm water with little honey can do wonders to help you get rid of constipation. You may take it every day but be careful with the quantity. While a teaspoon is good, taking too much of this herb may sometimes be harmful.

Flaxseed oil - Flaxseed oil coats the inner lining of the intestines and also increases the frequency of motions. The best way to take flaxseed oil is to mix it with vitamin C rich foods like orange and lemon for better results. Make sure that you take only one tablespoon of it with a glass of orange or lemon juice. Since it takes time to get working, you may take it at night before retiring to sleep.

Aloe vera - Aloe vera gel is mild on the tummy and helps it perform better. Taking a glass of lukewarm water with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (preferably fresh), would not only make the skin glow but would save you from painful motions as well.

Oregon grape - This herb is mostly known for its effects in treating infections but it is also very effective in treating constipation. One teaspoon of this herb with a glass of lukewarm water is quite effective in making the system work. Take it just before the meals for best results.

Fiber – A diet rich in fiber is essentially at the center of everything that you do to fix the problem. Our body plays better with a fibrous diet than it does with one that is high in refined products. Dietary fiber holds water and swells; this softens the stools while adding bulk to it and as a result one gets smoother motions. Salads, whole grains, fruits, raw vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and whole legumes are good sources of dietary fiber.

Water - One thing that is common to almost all the suggested remedies is water. It is important to take sufficient water every day as it helps in flushing out the toxins and keeps the stools soft and in motion. Include healthy drinks like buttermilk, clear soups, fresh juices etc. in your daily diet and maintain a fluid intake of approximately 8 glasses a day, or even more when you are constipated.

It is also very important to be active as it strengthens the muscles and improves the body functions. Leading a sedentary life with less or no activity affects the internal functions and may even lower the intestinal movements making it difficult to push the stools. So, get active and choose your foods wisely to get rid of constipation.