Constipation is a health issue that can be traced to medications, medical conditions or simply ignoring nature's call. Though over-the-counter laxatives will help your bowels move, they can also produce aggressive, unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea. Home remedies for constipation are much gentler on your digestive tract, allowing the condition to relieve itself in a natural fashion. If your constipation is due to pregnancy, make sure to consult a doctor before trying any home remedies.
Increase Fiber Intake
Increasing your fiber intake can help your bowels move more easily. Fiber-rich prunes, in particular, have been used as a home constipation remedy for decades. Other foods that fit into this category include high-fiber cereal, oatmeal, raisins, figs and dried beans. Mixing a tablespoon of flaxseeds into hot cereal or yogurt several times a day is also a good way to add bulk to your stools, allowing them to pass more quickly.
Exercise
Exercise can soften the stools and stimulate the bowels. According to "1,801 Home Remedies," taking a daily walk aids your digestive system and allows food to move more easily through the intestines. If you're mildly constipated, go on a 20- to 30-minute walk to get things moving. Continue the daily walks after the constipation passes to make sure it doesn't return.
Drink Coffee
Coffee's high caffeine content stimulates the bowels and encourages bowel movements. Drink a cup first thing in the morning. If you don't drink coffee, you can try a mug of hot tea with lemon juice, which is also a natural laxative.
Brew Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea has a mild laxative effect that promotes regularity. Simply drink a cup of the tea three times per day until your constipation passes. To make dandelion tea, pour 8 oz. of boiling water over 1 tsp. of dried dandelion root and let it steep for about five minutes. You can find dried dandelion root in most health food stores.
Take Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the most traditional home remedies for constipation. Be careful with it, however. Too much castor oil can make you sick. According to "1,801 Home Remedies," for best results, take 1 to 2 tsp. on an empty stomach and wait up to eight hours for results. Castor oil can be slow-working, so be patient.
References
- "1,801 Home Remedies"; Editors of Reader's Digest; 2004
- MotherNature.com: Constipation
