How to Get Rid of Constipation – 10 Natural Home Remedies
Have you been feeling a bit backed up lately?
Let me tell you, you are definitely not alone.
You’d be surprised how many people deal with constipation on the regular.
I’m talking millions.
Constipation has many causes from what you eat to your lifestyle to various medications
or underlying health conditions.
Yeah, there’s a lot of stuff that can lead to this painful experience.
It can be a real pain in the butt!
Not only are bowel movements infrequent, but stool is also a real challenge to pass.
And while there isn’t a standard for how many bowel movements one should have, if you’re
going less than 4 times per week, this isn’t normal and can be dangerous to your health,
so you’ll want to address this issue immediately.
Constipation can really bog you down and have a seriously negative impact on your life.
This includes both your physical and mental health.
In this video, we’ve compiled 10 natural ways to help relieve your constipation.
Let’s get moving!
Number 1 – Drink More Water
When you’re dehydrated, your body starts reaching for water from any place it can,
and this includes your colon.
And well, this leads to constipation.
The very first thing you’ll want to do is increase your intake of fluids, specifically
water as many beverages can actually further dehydrate your body.
I can’t state enough how important it is to stay hydrated throughout the day.
It’s essential for proper digestion and muscle function.
If you aren’t a huge fan of drinking flat water, you can also go for carbonated water.
Either will help you rehydrate and get things moving again.
Number 2 – Try Epsom Salt
You’ve probably heard of people enjoying a bath with Epsom Salt.
It’s very relaxing.
But did you know that it’s also an effective remedy for constipation?
That’s right!
It’s fast and easy.
Just mix 2 tablespoons of this salt in a cup of water or juice and throw it back.
You should have a bowel movement within 4 hours.
You might be thinking that this is contradictory to point #1 since salt causes dehydration.
But, what happens is that Epsom salt absorbs water from its surroundings and softens stool;
and the magnesium found in this salt aids in the contraction of the intestinal muscles.
Give it a try!
Number 3 – Eat Prunes
Some people love them, and some, ahh, not so much.
But in either case, prunes or prune juice have long been used as a remedy for constipation.
What makes this fruit effective is its high contents of fiber, and also sorbitol, a carbohydrate
that takes quite a while to digest.
But that’s just it.
As it moves through the intestines, it absorbs water, helping soften stool.
By eating a couple of prunes every day or drinking a glass of prune juice in the morning
and in the evening, you can feel a bit better knowing that you will be much less likely
to develop constipation.
But don’t overdo it!
Too much of this stuff can leave you with other digestive complications, such as gas
and diarrhea.
No fun!
So take it easy with this fruit.
Number 4 – Have A Cup of Coffee
Most people like coffee anyway, and if you’re one of them, this will be easy.
Since caffeine is a natural digestive stimulant, a single cup in the morning usually helps
to get your bowels going.
In fact, caffeinated coffee has the same effect on your gut as a meal!
Further, the soluble fiber in coffee can also improve your gut flora, helping to prevent
constipation altogether.
Do note though, that coffee is a diuretic, which means it can cause increased urination,
leaving your body with less water that would otherwise help soften stool.
Basically, don’t overdo it.
Have a cup a day to comfort any symptoms of constipation, but don’t reach for that next
one later in the day.
That will only make the problem worse.
Number 5 – Try Oils and Gels
Another great natural remedy to relieve constipation is drinking olive oil on an empty stomach.
It stimulates the digestive system and lines the intestines, resulting in smoother bowel
movements.
Whenever you’re constipated, grab a bottle of extra virgin olive oil and take 2 tablespoons
on an empty stomach in the morning and then again in the evening.
Now, perhaps you’re not a big fan of olive oil.
No problem.
You can enjoy the same benefits by adding 2 tablespoons of either ground flaxseed or
chia seed to a glass of water.
Number 6 – Take Baking Soda
You probably have a box of this powder at home.
And if you watch this channel, you’re already aware of many of its highly touted uses.
Abracadabra… this stuff is like magic!
And yup, it also helps with constipation.
Who would’ve guessed?!
So grab a box and scoop out a teaspoon of it.
Mix it into a cup of water and chug.
This mix neutralizes stomach acid and helps move things along.
Baking soda also encourages the release of air while also reducing any discomfort and
pressure.
And if that’s not enough, it’s even been shown to ease heartburn and indigestion.
See, I told you this stuff is like magic!
But while both magic and baking soda are great, the latter can leave some people with a less
than desired experience as it can have adverse effects.
Oh, and if you’re on a low-sodium diet, you’re probably better off avoiding it because
it’s high in sodium.
Number 7 – Increase Your Magnesium Intake
Magnesium facilitate the movement of food through the digestive tract by relaxing the
muscles and drawing water into the intestines.
There’s a good chance that if you are backed up and can’t pass stool, your diet lacks
this mineral.
Start eating more leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, avocados, and bananas.
If that doesn’t work or you’re not into any of them, you can also find magnesium in
a supplement form.
Check out your local health food store.
Most pharmacies are likely to carry it too.
And make sure you get Magnesium Citrate.
It’s a cheap and easy way to get your daily dose.
Number 8 – Sip Some Ginger Tea
Deelish!
A true marvel of nature, ginger!
Make ginger tea by simmering ginger root chunks in water for 20 minutes, and enjoy this delicious
beverage and its many benefits.
It boosts immunity, decreases stress, and fights respiratory infections.
Those reasons are plenty to make this root a staple in your diet.
But there’s more!
Ginger has also been shown to support the digestive system with its smooth, natural
warming qualities and anti-inflammatory properties.
And there’s even more!
Ginger stimulates the release of gastric and pancreatic enzymes that further help speed
things up.
So, if those bowel movements just aren’t happening, drink some ginger tea 2 to 3 times
a day.
Number 9 – Fill Up On Fiber
Fiber-rich foods not only help relieve constipation but also help prevent it.
But the catch is that you have to consume fiber regularly.
Oatmeal is a great choice.
It’s delicious.
Ok, maybe it’s a bit bland, but if you add a few strawberries, some bananas, or pretty
much anything you like, it will achieve ‘delish’ status instantly.
You can also get your fix of fiber by replacing all those processed foods and instead, eat
more whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits and veggies.
Ok, but how does fiber actually help with constipation?
Fiber increases the bulk and consistency of bowel movements, and the result, it’s much
easier to pass stool.
And, it speeds up passage through the entire digestive system.
It’s a win-win!
Number 10 – Eat Probiotic Foods or Take Supplements
These live beneficial bacteria occur naturally in the gut.
They promote healthy gut flora that stimulates regular bowel movements.
It’s also been shown to remedy constipation by producing short-chain fatty acids, helping
with bowel movements and the passing of stool.
To increase your beneficial gut bacteria, eat fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and
sauerkraut.
Or you can take a probiotic supplement.
I think you can agree that constipation is uncomfortable.
But if you made it this far in the vid, you now know that it can have several possible
underlying causes.
The good news is that all of these natural home remedies can help in most cases.
If you’ve tried everything and you are still constipated, it’s important to see your
doctor who can help you figure out the cause and help you treat it.
Thanks for watching!
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