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12 Natural Home Remedies To Relief Constipation Quickly
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There is no doubt about it: When you gotta go, you gotta go. But what happens when you can’t?
Most of us learn very young not to talk about our bowel movements. We have no problem walking into the office and saying how we have a cold, a sore throat, or almost any other kind of health problem, but we certainly don’t talk about how we haven’t been able to poop for days!
Symptoms Of Constipation
Although everyone has a different “poop schedule”, most doctors agree that if you are experiencing two or fewer bowel movements each week, you are suffering from constipation. Common symptoms of constipation include:
- A feeling of being “backed up”
- A lack of interest in eating
- Straining to go but with little or no results
- Very hard stools, sometimes causing rectal bleeding
- Very tiny stools (usually hard, marble sized pellets)
- Feeling as if you did not completely empty your bowels
- An inability to pass stools without using manual pressure (such as your fingers)
What Causes Constipation?
Most times, constipation is simply a lack of fiber in the diet. Foods that cause constipation include chocolate, dairy, fried and processed foods, and drinks high in sugar.
However, there are other causes, including irritable bowel syndrome, lack of exercise, overuse of laxatives, pregnancy, travel, aging, and some types of medications or supplements.
In some instances, constipation is caused by another health condition such as hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, or diabetes. If you are suffering from any type of health problem, and you experience constipation regularly, speak with your doctor.
In rare instances, constipation is caused by something more serious such as Parkinson’s disease, a spinal cord injury, colon cancer, or rectal prolapse. If you have tried everything, including the natural remedies listed here, and you still experience constipation on a regular basis, please consult your doctor.
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Over-The-Counter Laxatives
Constipation can, literally, be a real pain. Cramps, bloating, nausea, and even vomiting, are all signs of constipation. Most people turn to over-the-counter laxatives for relief, but these are often very harsh on the body and not necessary. These kinds of laxatives stimulate the colon to move things along. This doesn’t solve the underlying problem. Commercial laxatives have numerous side effects, including:
- Blocking the body’s ability to absorb nutrients
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Interfering with certain prescription medications
- Increased constipation if not taken correctly
- Rectal irritation
- Addiction (being unable to have a bowel movement without a stimulant)
- Increased thirst
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Abnormal heart rhythms
The truth is there is really no need to resort to these chemical methods that can become addictive. There are numerous ways to find relief naturally — many times using items you have in your home right now.
Want to know more? Keep reading and discover 12 natural home remedies to relief constipation quickly:
1. Lemon Juice And Water
Lemon has tons of health benefits, and you might have already heard about many of them. You can use the lemon internally as one of the home remedies for stuffy nose or as a supportive food to help your body fight cancer. Or you may apply this fruit externally for terrific benefits when it comes to improving nails, skin, and hair. Yet, the chances are high, that one of the benefits that wasn’t mentioned was relief from constipation. Lemons contain high levels of citric acid, which is a natural stimulant for the digestive system. Not only does lemon juice and water encourage your body to move things along, it also helps to flush out undigested material and toxins from within the large intestine.
To use this method: Simply squeeze the juice from one organic lemon into one cup (eight ounces) of warm water. Drink this each morning for quick relief and to prevent future bouts of constipation.
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2. Evacuate With Epsom Salt
This is perhaps one of the oldest remedies for relief from constipation. Epsom salt is not actually salt at all, but magnesium sulfate flakes. Epsom salt packs a powerful one-two punch when it comes constipation relief. First, this Epsom salt draws water to itself, making your stools softer and easier to pass. The magnesium naturally stimulates the bowel muscles, making everything move along easily and painlessly.
To use this method: Add two teaspoons of Epsom salt to one glass (eight ounces) of water or juice, and drink it down immediately. You should see results within about four hours. If you don’t find relief within that time frame, you can take one more dose. Do not take more than four teaspoons in a 24-hour period. This method also works for children, but use only half a teaspoon of Epsom salt for children 10 and under.
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3. Do It With Dandelions
If you think dandelions are just weeds you have to pull for a beautiful lawn, think again! Not only are dandelions a very effective detoxifier, they also have a gentle but effective laxative effect. Try this if you suffer from constipation due to age, or if you haven’t been able to exercise due to an illness or injury.
To use this method: Boil one and a half cups of pure water. Add one to two teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves. You can dry (organic) leaves from your own dandelion plants, or you can buy dried leaves in most health food stores. Cover and allow to steep for five to seven minutes. Drink two or more cups each day.
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4. Lube It With A Little Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is much more than just a tasty dip and healthy source of fat. It can also help relieve constipation quickly. Consuming some olive oil on a regular basis can also prevent future problems. When you think of olive oil going through your entire digestive tract, soothing things as it travels along, you can almost picture how this natural substance works!
To use this method: First thing in the morning, before you eat, swallow one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. If you forget, wait at least two hours after you eat. If the thick texture makes it a bit hard for you to swallow, add a squeeze of lemon juice. Lemon juice is also a natural laxative, so this might be the perfect combination to help kick start your colon.
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5. Move Yourself To Keep It Moving
If you want to keep your bowel movements moving, you need to move your entire body. Our modern lifestyle tends to increase constipation. We sit on the bus or subway or drive to work; we sit behind a desk most of the day; we drive home; we sit and watch TV, go to bed, repeat. When we get exercise, the body naturally stays supple and flexible, muscles expand and contract, and we stretch and move our internal organs as well as our limbs. When you think about it, it only makes sense that moving our bodies will make our bowels move as well.
To use this method: You don’t have to run a marathon for this to work. You don’t even have to hit the gym. Mild to moderate exercise, such as walking, dancing, or bike riding for 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week, should be enough to keep your bowels moving and prevent any further episodes of constipation.
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