Home Remedies for Constipation

Find out about Acute and Chronic Constipation Treatment Naturally

Home remedies for constipation are really needed nowadays. Fact !!

Did you know that for example that constipation is the number one gastrointestinal disorder in the United States of America?

This means in reality that the majority of us will have experienced a bout of constipation at least once and for those who are more unfortunate it may be a long term problem, otherwise known as chronic constipation.

Please click on any / all of the links below to navigate straight to at section of the page, or just start reading from here and work your way down.

• What is Constipation?
• Preventing Constipation?
• Home remedies for constipation – Herbal and Supplements
• Home remedies for constipation – Homeopathic
• Other Home Solutions
• Share your Wisdom and Read what others have to say

What is Constipation?

In a healthy person our waste products travel through the digestive can now from start to finish in a predictable and regular cycle and on average this takes between 6 to 24 hours depending upon what it is we have been eating and our own particular metabolism.

If this matter passes through the intestines too slowly then stool becomes difficult or even impossible to pass and for some people they may not even get the urge to even go to the toilet in the first place.

It is said that a healthy person will generally have between one and three complete bowel movements in a 24-hour period. Now it is important that you don't get hung up on this as it is just a rule of thumb and everybody's normal can vary.

The thing to look for is a change in what is normal for you or if you are getting problems such as painful passing of stools or abdominal cramps etc. This would be a sign that you have constipation to a degree that you need to do something about.

However, if you only go every other day and you have been doing this for the past 20 years without any ill effect and you are still fit and well, then there is probably no reason for concern.

The good news is that constipation is rather easy to avoid and there are many home remedies for constipation that can help to alleviate the problem should it occur.

One Word of Caution

There can be many causes of constipation, some as simple as not eating enough fiber or drinking enough fluid.

However, if you find that you are suffering from frequent or long term constipation then you should have a check-up with your physician as it could be symptomatic of some other problem which he can investigate and diagnose so that you can take the appropriate action.

It is of no use sticking a band aid on the problem if the underlying cause remains unaddressed.

Preventing Constipation

It is well known that prevention is better than cure and this is certainly the case with constipation. Not only because it is painful and uncomfortable, but because long term constipation can lead to other problems.

It is also true that if laxatives are used on a frequent or long term basis, the bowels will become reliant on them. This means that you then need to take them all of the time for your bowels to work at all, and over the years you will find that you need more and more, stronger and stronger ones.

However, in the end, your bowels may lose tone altogether and you can end up in your later years with fecal incontinence. Not something to be recommended.

The good news is that for most people, unless there are other medical factors occuring, constipation is relatively easy to prevent.

Drink Enough Fluid

The colon will absorb fluid back out of the bowel in an effort to make the liquid matter turn into a formed stool.

If there is not enough liquid in it to begin with, it is inevitable the firm stool becomes too firm. In other words hard and dry and thus difficult to pass.

Eat Healthily

Junk and processed foods are notoriously bad for our health in so many ways, digestive problems being only part of the picture.

Eat as much fresh and unprocessed food in your siet as possible, and ensure that you get planty of fiber. Do remember though, that fiber absorbs fluid so you need to drink plenty of fluids for this reason also.

Exercise

Many people do not realise that exercise is part and parcel of maintaining healthy bowel action. If you lead a sedentary life you will definately be more prone to constipation. Exercise stimulates the desire to pass stool.

In otherwise healthy people, these measures will keep constipation at bay.

Home remedies for constipation – Herbal and Supplements

Psyllium

I would say that this is probably one of the first home remedies for constipation to think about as not only is it very effective, it is also cheap and easy-to-use.

Psyllium refers to the husks of the seeds of the plantago plant (Ispaghula) which are well known and well documents as a healthy stool bulking laxative since it is so rich in fiber.

Interestingly it has also been shown in studies to have an effect on reducing cholesterol levels and also reducing and maintaining blood glucose levels so when consumed, has multiple benefits.

This should always be taken with plenty of water but if you just follow the instructions on the container then you will be fine.

Psyllium Husk 500mg 500ct by NOW Foods

Ground Flaxseed

This is also one of the best home remedies for constipation and works in a similar way to the psyllium in that it provides fiber to bulk up the stools.

You need to take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily with 8 to 12 fluid ounces of water each time.

EFA Gold 90 Soft Gel Caps By Beverly International

Cascara Sagrada

This herb is one of the home remedies for constipation that should not be used long-term.

However, it can be extremely useful in a tincture form to take half a teaspoon (250 mg) 2 to 3 times a day for the relief of acute constipation.

In other words it is really only for short-term use but is one of the home remedies for constipation that is effective at these times.

Cascara Sagrada 450 mg 100 caps Now Foods

Magnesium

Although you wouldn't automatically think of minerals for relieving acute constipation, magnesium is indeed one of the home remedies for constipation because it improves gut motility and retains water in the colon.

For the relief of acute constipation 250 mg taken 2 to 4 times daily is helpful but again this should not be used on a long-term basis.

Magnesium Chelate 100mg elemental 250 tab by Source Naturals

Probiotics

taking a product that contains at least four billion active organisms on a daily basis helps the whole digestive system to get back into balance and this includes elimination so is one of the more surprising home remedies for constipation

DuraFlora® Bacillus coagulans 5 billion cells 120 cap by Source Naturals

Triphala

This is one of the home remedies for constipation made from blended fruits and is useful for those with chronic and long-term constipation.

It should be taken according to the manufacturer's instructions on the label.

Home remedies for constipation - Homeopathic

Nux Vomica

This homeopathic preparation is one of the home remedies for constipation that works extremely well for the relief of acute constipation. A 30c potency taken twice daily will help to relieve acute constipation.

These people feel that they cannot pass stool at all or if they do, it is never "complete".

It is particularly suited to people who get toxic headaches and feel hung-over when they are constipated and they may be very irritable with it at times.

It also tends to work well for people who work too hard and eat and drink too much and relax too little.

You might also be interested to know that this can help someone whose bowels have become reliant upon laxatives. This remedy will help to wean them off the laxatives and get their bowels working normally again.

Hyland's Nux Vomica, 30X, 250 Tablets (Pack of 3)

Alumina

This is one of the home remedies for constipation that is suited for somebody who goes for many days without passing any kind of stool at all and then when they do it is extremely hard and dry.

It is possible sometimes that these people strain to pass any kind of stool, even one that may be soft. It is also noted that the people that respond to alumina often have memory problems to some degree or another.

BOIRON USA - Alumina 30c

Bryonia

This is one of the natural remedies that is helpful when the person has absolutely no desire to pass stool and then when they do it is dry and hard

The person will probably be very thirsty, feel irritable and possibly be suffering from a headache also.

Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Bryonia Alba, 30C Pellets, 80-Count Tubes

Calcarea Carbonica

This is suited for the lethargic, sluggish and low energy person who is prone to chronic and long-term constipation. They do not tolerate exercise well.

They usually feel the cold and have chilly hands and feet and they may be prone to feeling anxiety and stress when work gets too much and they feel overwhelmed

Boiron Calcarea Carbonica 30, Pellets, 80 ct.

Lycopodium

This is one of the really good home remedies for constipation when the person has lots of gas and bloating in addition. There may even have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome although this is not always the case.

They tend to crave sweet foods and often their symptoms will be worse in the late afternoon but by early evening they feel better again.

Boiron Lycopodium Clavatum 30, Pellets, 80 ct.

Sepia

Sepia is one of the home remedies for constipation that tends to be indicated more often in hormonal issues such as premenstrual syndrome or menopause.

If you notice that these times are when you're constipation tends to crop up then it is possible that this remedy will suit you.

Hyland's - Sepia 30c, 160 pellets

Sulphur

Sulphur is one of the home remedies for constipation that is helpful if you have diarrhea alternating with it. Sometimes the rectum and anus can become inflamed and sore and this will be experienced as burning sensations.

Boiron Sulphur 30, Pellets, 80 ct.

Other Home Solutions

Massage

You can try massaging your own abdomen which may induce intestine or contractions which in turn can get things moving again.

The best position for this is to lie down on your left hand side with your knees bent and then massage your abdomen with the flat of your Palm using gentle but firm pressure.

Reflexology

A visit to a reflexologist can be particularly useful as reflexology is one of the brilliant home remedies for constipation and sometimes can work extremely quickly (within minutes of the treatment sometimes)

A reflexologist will work on the areas correspond to the colon, the liver and gall bladder. If stress is a factor regarding the constipation, then she will also work on the area that corresponds to the solar plexus.

And if the constipation is chronic and long-term then you may find you concentrates on the entire Foot or hand to address the whole body.

It is possible to learn how to work these areas yourself if you do some good research.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the great and yet underrated home remedies for constipation. Some mild-to-moderate aerobic exercise such as a brisk walk for 30 min will help to stimulate intestine or contractions.

If we work this into our daily routine, then this is a really easy preventative measure to take.

However, I have known it work for acute constipation. The person goes and takes some moderate exercise and by the time they come home they are ready for the bathroom.

Training

It is possible that you need to retrain your bowels if they have "forgotten" how to behave normally.

This is very easy to achieve although it takes some persistence. Sit on the toilet at the same time every day even if you don't feel the need to go and stay there for a few minutes.

Early morning or straight after some exercise are good times to try this but let things happen naturally.

Do not push or strain as you will only end up creating other problems such as hemorrhoids or varicose veins. Instead, use the time to breathe deeply and relax. (I think this is probably why many people take a newspaper into the bathroom with them as it facilitates the relaxation process which in turn facilitates the passing of motions)

There are many more home remedies for constipation that I have not been able to cover here as I think the page is probably long enough as it is.

However, the remedies that I have discussed here are those that I personally have the most faith in and have seen work for many people over the years.

When treating constipation, it is also useful to understand how and why you are becoming constipated so that you can avoid in the first place. Chronic long-term constipation is no fun and actually the over use of laxatives will lead to even more problems in the future.

This is why, as I said earlier, as well as using home remedies for constipation, you should get checked out by a physician in case there is an underlying cause that needs addressing.

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