When you get constipated, it really is no laughing matter. It can be painful, annoying and sometimes even debilitating. Constipation can be caused by a number of things, including stress, not drinking enough water or a lack of physical activity and most people will suffer from it at some point. If you do find that you are constipated, dashing to the drug store for a strong laxative may not be the best solution, because your body can become reliant on them. Instead, try something more natural like one of our ten home remedies for constipation that really work.
1. Guavas
Guavas can be a great help when you are constipated; they contain insoluble fibre in the seeds and soluble fibre in the pulp. Guavas also assist with a process known as peristalsis, which are wavelike contractions that move food through the digestive system.
2. Coffee can help
Surprisingly, just a cup of coffee can get you moving in the mornings. It not only perks you up, but caffeine is also a stimulant for the digestive system. You shouldn’t drink too much coffee though, because it is also a diuretic, which will make you urinate and can lead to dehydration that will just worsen constipation.
3. Castor oil
Castor oil is another one of effective home remedies for constipation. One or two teaspoons of castor oil, preferably on an empty stomach, will stimulate both the large and the small intestine and improve bowel movements. If you don’t like the taste, then try mixing it with some fruit juice. You should notice an improvement within just a few hours.
4. Figs
Figs are packed full of fibre and they act as a very efficient natural laxative. One good way to benefit from them is to boil a few figs in milk and then drink the mixture just before you go to bed. This works even better than commercial laxative syrups.
5. Exercise
It’s not just your diet that can affect your bowel movements; a lack of physical activity can also cause constipation. Many people now spend far more time sitting than they do active, which can cause the system to become clogged up. Constipation can be uncomfortable, but if you get up and move around, this can get your bowels moving too.
6. Oranges
Oranges are more than just a great source of Vitamin C they also contain a large amount of fibre, and they are another one of wonderful home remedies for constipation. Try eating one orange in the morning and another at night for a gentler way to get the digestive system working properly again.
7. Flax seed
Flax seed is another one of well-known home remedies for constipation that work, and it can be effective for mild cases, right the way through to severe ones. As well as it being high in fibre, flaxseed also coats the walls and of the intestines and increases the number of bowel movements. To use flax seed as a natural laxative, you can simply add one tablespoon of ground flax seed to a smoothie or fruit juice.
8. Raisins
Raisins are another one of fibre packed home remedies for constipation. Soak a handful of raisins in a bowl of water overnight and then eat them on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Natural remedies like these are perfect for women who are pregnant because, unlike some commercial laxatives, there are no side effects to worry about.
9. Molasses
Blackstrap molasses, which is raw sugar cane juice that has been boiled to concentrate it, is also one of very good home remedies for constipation. To prepare blackstrap molasses for consumption, add a tablespoon to some hot water or hot milk. As with all our natural remedies for constipation, don’t take too much, because it can have a pretty powerful laxative effect!
10. Lemon Juice
Squeeze two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink first thing in the morning, and the citric acid of the lemon juice will stimulate your digestive system and the water will rehydrate you and provide the fluids that you need to get things moving again.
