Natural Remedies for Constipation

Irregularity can make life miserable to say the least. Not only is it painful and uncomfortable, it is unhealthy for your body. This is especially true if you have chronic constipation. Toxins can invade your bloodstream, causing or complicating many different types of health problems.

Over the counter medications for constipation or chronic constipation can make things even worse. Finding natural remedies for this problem would be much better for you and your intestines.

There are a few things you can do to get things back in order. These natural remedies for constipation won't make you run to the bathroom every ten minutes, either.

Drink More Water

The first suggestion is: drink more water. When you are dehydrated you may become constipated. Water is a natural cure for constipation that is commonly overlooked. The next time you are irregular try drinking a lot of water. You may be feeling back to normal within hours.

Exercise

Exercise is another constipation remedy that is commonly overlooked. When your body does not get enough exercise things stop working properly including your digestive system. Lots of exercise and plenty of water are great natural remedies for constipation that are available at no cost.

Prunes and Potassium

Prunes and Potassium are another source of natural remedies for constipation. Potassium helps to strengthen the walls of the colon. This helps the organ function properly.If your body does not get enough potassium from your diet the colon walls become weak making things clog up. The drawback to using extra potassium in your diet to regulate yourself is that it may take quite awhile for it to take effect.

Just about everyone knows that prunes are natural remedies for constipation that have been used for generations. Prunes give pretty fast relief to the condition but you may get a little gassy if you overdo it. These natural remedies for constipation contain potassium as well which will help your colon function properly in the long run.

Cup of Coffee a Day

Believe it or not that cup of coffee may actually be good for you! Caffeine increases intestinal peristalsis and can act as a laxative. Many individuals use that morning cup to help with "regulation."

Fiber

Doubling your intake of fiber may be another solution. You should be eating five servings of fruits and vegetables, three servings of whole-grain foods, and one serving of beans daily. Be sure to drink a lot of water when increasing your fiber intake as fiber absorbs a lot of water.

Colon Massage

Massaging your colon, which is the final section of the digestive tract, where constipation occurs, is a simple, completely natural, and highly effective method of helping your elimination.

Here's how:

Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor with knees bent.

Beginning in the abdominal area on the right side just above your hip, use the finger tips of both hands to press as deeply as is comfortable, then move your fingertips in a circular, massaging motion.

Continue upward to just below your ribs. Using the same circular pressing motion, move across your abdomen just above your belly button. Continue to massage down to your left hip.

Next, move to the right side about 3 inches and down about 1 inch. Repeat the entire massage for the right side. Message for 5-20 minutes per day.

The reason for the colon massage is that you are helping to push through the fecal matter that's stuck in the colon as well as restoring circulation and muscle tone.
 

Cayenne Pepper

One of the remedies for constipation that I have never tried to this day is cayenne pepper. This home remedy aids in digestion. The convenience of using cayenne pepper is that it can be added to nearly every meal within reason.

Not found of spicy foods? Then consider cayenne pepper in pill form. You can find this spicy home remedy in capsules differing in strengths so you can determine how much you take in per dose. Just take the supplement after each meal and feel its warming effects.

More Natural Constipation Remedies

Other natural healing remedies for constipation include: Citrus peel in a drink of hot water, healthy oils such as Olive, canola and other monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, Cascara Sagrada, Triphala, Aloe, and Acetylcholine.

Many pregnant women seek different types of natural constipation remedies. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother your doctor may advise you to avoid taking cayenne pepper or supplements. Water, prunes, potassium, and exercise are much better for the mother to be.

Author Credit:
Easy access to medical and health topics featuring articles
about illnesses and cures including natural remedies for constipation.

Copyright 2006 © Renee Johnson