5 Home Remedies for Constipation

 

 

Constipation treatments don't always have to involve drugs. Learn about more natural alternatives.

 The symptoms of constipation are usually the same for everyone. If you aren't having as many bowel movements as you normally do, or if your stool is hard, dry, or painful, you're probably experiencing a bout of constipation.

Fortunately, the condition is rarely a sign of serious disease and usually can be cleared up without drastic measures. In fact, there are several home remedies for constipation that can help alleviate the discomfort.

While signs accompanying constipation such as abdominal pain, bloody stool, or unexpected weight loss should be brought to a doctor's attention, for run-of-the-mill constipation bouts, these non-drug constipation remedies just might do the trick.

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FISH OIL

Fish oil, derived either from diet or in supplement form, is a rich source of these fatty acids. Specifically, cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna, and herring contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish oil supplements also contain EPA and DHA.
Another downside to using this constipation remedy is that fish oil can cause gas and bloating, and in some cases diarrhea. And it is important to know the source of fish oil before using it as a constipation remedy, as some fish may contain heavy metals such as mercury and other contaminants.

CASTOR OIL

Castor oil is a yellowish liquid that can be used as a home remedy for constipation because of its laxative property. castor oil should be cautiously administered as a constipation remedy. It should not be taken at bedtime, due to its quick effects. Another downside to this constipation remedy is that it tastes bad, so it is recommended that the castor oil be chilled and mixed with a sweetener such as orange juice. Castor oil is generally considered safe, but it can lead to overdose if taken in large amounts.

FIBER

One of the best known home remedies for constipation is fiber. The recommended dosage - 20 to 35 grams per day - can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber is also a convenient constipation remedy since most people already have these items in their homes.
The one downside to using fiber as a constipation home remedy is that it can actually make constipation worse if you don't drink plenty of water with it. For the fiber to help alleviate constipation, it needs fluids to help move it through the digestive system. Fiber derived from supplements especially must be taken with water in order to avoid worsening constipation.

HERBS

Herbal therapy is one of the oldest forms of constipation treatments - numerous cultures around the world have used herbs to cure constipation for thousands of years. This tried-and-true constipation therapy is generally divided into two categories: bulk-forming and stimulant laxatives.
Commonly used bulk-forming herbal laxatives include flaxseed, fenugreek, and barley. If you opt for flaxseed as a constipation remedy, you should remember that flaxseed oil is different from the actual flaxseeds, which are available as whole or crushed seeds; flaxseed oil is not a constipation remedy. Stimulant herbs for constipation include senna, Cascara segrada, and aloe.

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PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are the bacteria inside our intestines that promote digestion. Examples of probiotics are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Sacchromyces boulardi, and they are available in supplement form and some foods, such as yogurt. Some studies have shown that probiotics are an effective non-drug cure for constipation