Natural Cures For Constipation

Of course, we all know what constipation is. Haven’t we all spent agonizing moments in our failed attempts to make motion? As per the strict definition of the term, you’re constipated, if you’ve a bowel movement fewer than three times a week.

Constipation occurs if the stools become hard, dry, small in size and difficult to eliminate. This may result in physical discomfiture like pain and straining while trying to make motion and the feeling of getting bloated and sensation of a full bowel, when you fail to eliminate the stools.

Understanding constipation

Constipation is not a disease, it’s a symptom. And you�ll experience it at some point in your life. However, not making bowel movement everyday doesn’t constitute constipation, as the frequency can vary. For some people, it’s normal to eliminate stool three times a day, for some three times a week is the norm! Mostly constipation is a temporary condition and not serious.

However, it may turn to chronic constipation and can be really troublesome. The cause remains poor diet and lifestyle. In the US, constipation causes 2.5 million people to visit physicians every year! Women and adults beyond the age of 65 are the most affected. (1)

Causes of constipation

Common causes of constipation are changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel; lack of physical activity, especially in the elderly; not enough fiber in the diet; milk; dehydration; medications; abuse of laxatives; ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement; specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke; irritable bowel syndrome; problems with the colon and rectum; and problems with intestinal function.

Preventing constipation

Eating a high-fiber diet; drinking a lot of liquids, like water and juices; remaining physically active; avoiding medicines for pain, blood pressure, iron supplements and the like; avoiding an overdose of laxatives are some of the ways you can prevent constipation.

Natural cures for constipation

Although, it’s best to prevent constipation, but if you get saddled with it, go in for natural cures rather than over-the-counter prescriptions for the simple reason they’ve no side effects and are not habit-forming. Let’s see what these natural cures are:

a. Aloe ferox(2):

This succulent and popular medicinal herb of South Africa has been used since times immemorial for its beneficial effect on digestive functioning and as a natural laxative and remedy for constipation. It’s also widely used for digestive complaints and for inflammatory digestive and bowel disorders.

b. Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion (2):

Dandelion contains bitter ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the liver and digestive system. Not only does it aid digestion by stimulating the release of bile from the liver, but it also acts as a mild laxative. Besides this, dandelion also enhances liver and gall bladder functioning and helps decrease high blood pressure due to its diuretic properties.

c. Passiflora incarnate (2):

Since Passiflora relaxes and relieves muscle tension, it helps cure chronic constipation and other digestive complaints resulting from stress, tension and anxiety.

d. Fruits:

Bale fruit (3) is the best fruit as a laxative, since it cleans and tones up the intestines and gives relief from constipation. Guava (3), if eaten with seeds, provides roughage that gives relief from constipation. Prunes are not only rich in many nutrients, but they’ve a lot of fiber as well, which assists in curing constipation. Other beneficial fruits are pears, grapes and papaya.

e. Bran cereal (3):

Especially recommended for infants, toddlers and older children, this is an effective relief for constipation.

f. Honey in milk (3):

An effective remedy is to drink a glass of milk twice a day added with a little extra sugar or some honey.

Natural cures are the best way to treat constipation. However, before you opt for any, it’s always wiser to consult your physician first.

References