Natural home remedies for constipation If your first instinct when you’re constipated is to reach for the laxatives, chances are you don’t need one. The best way to get “regular” again is to eat more fibre, drink more fluids and exercise. Fix it with fibre Start off the day with a high-fibre bran cereal. Some brands contain as much as 14 grams of insoluble fibre, the kind that adds bulk to stool. If you’re new to the whole fibre thing, start off with a smaller serving to prevent gas, bloating and cramping. Flaxseeds are high in fibre and also contain heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Take one tablespoon of the ground seeds two or three times a day. You can also add it your morning cereal or smoothie. As you increase your intake of fibre be sure to drink lots of water—at least 8 glasses a day. Loosen up with a hot cup Herbal or decaffeinated tea, or a simple cup of hot water with lemon juice will also help to get things moving. Dandelion tea has a mildly laxative effect. Steep one teaspoon of the dried root in one cup of boiling water. Drink one cup three times per day. Tastes awful but it works Castor oil has a compound that when digested stimulates the small and large intestines. Swallow one to two teaspoons quickly on an empty stomach and give it eight hours to work its magic. Tastes nasty but it works! Wrinkled fruit to the rescue Prunes are one of the oldest home remedies for constipation. High in fibre, prunes also contain a compound called dihydroxyphenyl isatin, which kicks the colon into action. Raisins are also high in fibre as well as tartaric acid, which has a laxative effect. Get up and go There’s a reason the evening walk used to be called the daily constitutional. Regular exercise helps your body move food quicker. Aim for a daily walk at the very least. Relax and don’t wait Never force a bowel movement. You can give yourself hemorrhoids or anal fissures that eventually narrow the anal opening, causing constipation. Never ignore nature’s call. If you do, you’re asking for a case of constipation.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 21:19:24 +0000
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