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What are the Different Home Remedies for Constipation?

S. Ashraf
S. Ashraf

Constipation is a health problem that happens when bowel movements are either not frequent enough or become more difficult and involve straining or pain. At some time, almost everyone will experience a bout of constipation. The most common cause of constipation is poor health habits, so home remedies for constipation mostly center on addressing the diet and lifestyle changes an individual can make to bring about a bowel movement as soon as possible and to avoid the problem in the future. Over-the-counter medicines can be used as possible home remedies for constipation as well. In most cases, problems with constipation do respond to home treatment involving diet or exercise changes or the use of a mild laxative.

A diet lacking in enough fiber is the most common cause of constipation. Home remedies for constipation that include following a high-fiber diet can be very effective. The soluble and insoluble fiber found in fruits, whole grains and vegetables will help the body form a soft stool and move it through the intestines more quickly. Fresh fruits such as pears, oranges, papaya, apples, and bananas are known to help constipation; dried fruits such as figs, prunes and raisins are very high in fiber and work on the bowels as well. Adding whole-grain breads or bran cereals to the diet also is an effective home treatment for constipation.

Prunes are an effective natural laxative.
Prunes are an effective natural laxative.

Dehydration is a very common cause of constipation, and increasing fluid intake is one of the more helpful home remedies for constipation. Keeping well hydrated by drinking enough water and fruit juices helps the colon soften stools and move them out of the body more easily. Drinking warm water or other warm liquids in the morning can help with constipation. An extra two to four glasses of water a day, in addition to the usually recommended six to eight glasses, is one of the most frequently suggested home remedies for constipation.

Dietary fiber, like that found in beans, can help with constipation.
Dietary fiber, like that found in beans, can help with constipation.

One of the most beneficial lifestyle changes an individual can make when dealing with constipation is to increase his or her exercise level. Doctors don’t have a clear understanding of why a lack of physical activity can bring on constipation, but it is commonly seen in people who either do not exercise or are unable to exercise. Walking, running or other kinds of exercise are generally effective ways to deal with constipation.

Two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey mixed into a glass of water can help to relieve constipation.
Two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey mixed into a glass of water can help to relieve constipation.

Other than diet and lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medicines are also useful home remedies. A gentle stool softener or mild laxative can relieve the symptoms of constipation. Doctors recommend caution in using these, because individuals can become dependent on them.

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    • Prunes are an effective natural laxative.
      Prunes are an effective natural laxative.
    • Dietary fiber, like that found in beans, can help with constipation.
      By: Marco Mayer
      Dietary fiber, like that found in beans, can help with constipation.
    • Two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey mixed into a glass of water can help to relieve constipation.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey mixed into a glass of water can help to relieve constipation.
    • Fresh papaya can be helpful for constipation.
      By: tashka2000
      Fresh papaya can be helpful for constipation.
    • Bananas are known to help constipation.
      By: Celso Diniz
      Bananas are known to help constipation.
    • Leafy greens and strawberries can help alleviate constipation.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Leafy greens and strawberries can help alleviate constipation.
    • Constipation sufferers should drink plenty of water to promote bowel movements.
      By: anyaivanova
      Constipation sufferers should drink plenty of water to promote bowel movements.
    • Oranges may relieve constipation.
      By: Dionisvera
      Oranges may relieve constipation.
    • Occasional constipation is generally no cause for concern.
      By: Africa Studio
      Occasional constipation is generally no cause for concern.