Safely and Naturally Relieve and Prevent Constipation

Safely and Naturally Relieve and Prevent Constipation

by Tony Isaacs

Constipation is not a very pleasant subject, but for many people it is an even more uncomfortable condition.  The most common symptoms of constipation are irregularity or difficulty in elimination of hard fecal matter.  With the use of a healthy diet and natural remedies, constipation can usually be beaten and avoided.  Here are some tips on naturally relieving and avoiding constipation.

One tried and true natural laxative is prune juice.  Start with one cup of prune juice and if you do not get the desired results, drink more. The best form of prune juice is unfiltered juice which still contains much of the natural fiber. You can also eat prunes and raisins may do the trick as well.  Prunes and prune juice work faster on an empty stomach. 

If you don't like prunes, try dried figs.  Dried figs contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which flush out your intestines. Five figs supply at least 20 percent of your daily fiber requirement, more than almost any other fruit. Nibble on four or five figs at the first sign of constipation and drink at least one glass of water. If needed, eat a couple more every three hours until you get results.

Bale fruit may be the best laxative of all fruits. It cleans and tones the intestines and relieves constipation.

Slippery elm forms a slick mucilage that acts as a stool softener and helps make bowel movements easier.

The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food. One should take at least 350 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. For maximum results, find seeded grapes and consume the entire grape, seeds and all.

Watermelons also have a laxative effect, especially when consumed in large quantities.  As an added benefit, watermelons help flush and prevent kidney stones.

Raw honey is a mild natural laxative. You can supercharge it, and many other natural laxatives remedies, by adding a couple of tablespoons of blackstrap molasses.

One home remedy for constipation can be made with tomato juice, carrot juice and sauerkraut juice.  Mix one cup tomato or vegetable juice, 1/4 cup carrot juice and 1/2 cup sauerkraut juice.  Pour this over ice.  You may add pepper sauce (such as sauces made from cayenne pepper) for a spicier drink.

Apply mineral oil to a cotton swab, insert gently you-know-where and work it around a bit to help lubricate and dissolve the hardened matter.


Other Tips and Suggestions:

* Increase your fiber intake by switching from refined foods to less-refined foods whenever possible. One excellent grain choice is barley.

* Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables.  Apples, ripe bananas, oranges, guava, pears and rhubarb all contain plenty of fiber and are natural laxatives. Likewise, beans, peas, cabbage and spinach are vegetables help prevent and relieve constipation.

* Exercise boosts your fitness level and promotes regularity. When you are active, so are your bowels -- and the more sedentary you are, the more slowly your bowels move.
 
* Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause constipation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications could be causing your constipation

* Consuming at least eight glasses of water a day not only improves your general health, but also helps moisten the intestines so that the bowels move easily.

* Coffee often causes one to have a bowel movement.

* One tablespoon of olive oil in the morning will stimulate digestion and lubricate mucous membranes.

* Constipation in toddlers, infants and older children may be relieved by giving bran cereal.

Sources included:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/home-remedies-for-constipation.htm
http://www.tbyil.com/Constipation.htm
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Constipation.html
http://www.curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1610386#i