Effective and Natural Constipation Relief

Constipation is one of the most common problems affecting a large number of people across the world. It is most common in western countries where people do not have time for home cooked meals and diets mostly consist of refined sugar and carbohydrates, with minimum water intake.

The need to defecate varies from individual to individual but if you’re passing hard stool less than three times a week, you are most likely suffering from constipation. It is among the many conditions that can be cured solely by alternative medicine, such as constipation natural remedies.

While there are no permanent affects of constipation, it can make you feel uncomfortable and bloated. You will find yourself straining during bowel movements and will have the urge to pass stool throughout the day, without actually doing so. In some cases, people also experience acute stomach pain.

Irrespective of what laxative advertisements tell you, you really don’t need any medicine to deal with constipation because natural remedies will be enough – they will also make you feel more fresh and energetic. Here are some simple constipation natural remedies:

First, think about your fluid intake. What kind of fluids are you drinking throughout the day? Most people take a lot of soda, coffee and alcohol instead of plain water, resulting in dehydration. Increasing your fluid intake will make the stool softer making it easier to pass.

Second, are you taking enough fiber? Fiber comes from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You are most likely to be constipated if your diet includes only burgers, fries and other junk food. Instead, replace it with fruits like apples and plums. Having a small salad before every meal will help the body regularize your bowel movements and will also help you stay fit. Other constipation natural remedies that use fiber are psyllium husk supplements, which can be taken with water or milk and flaxseed, which can be used in food while cooking.

There are also some herbal teas and herbal laxatives that are sold over the counter such as rhubarb and senna. They shouldn’t be used for more than a week at a stretch but it has been found that people get addicted to them, ingesting them for long periods of time. Instead, it is much better to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Another home remedy is acupressure, which if used correctly can work for some people. The point for constipation is large intestine 4. Look for an acupressure point diagram on the internet to better understand this. Once you have located the point, apply gradual pressure with your thumb and middle finger. The pressure should not induce pain or be uncomfortable. Please avoid this if you are pregnant.

If you exercise regularly and take a well balanced diet, you will never have to experience constipation. However, because of the current economy and lifestyle, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to enjoy a simple home cooked meal. One of the simplest constipation natural remedies is having 4-8 glasses of water every day and a fruit such as apple. Remember the old adage – an apple a day keeps the doctor away? It is true in case of constipation!