Constipation Cures

Constipation is a common stomach problem. A drastic change in the frequency of bowel movements or difficulty in eliminating dry and hardened stools is known as constipation. Some people experience bowel movements 3 times a day while for some, experiencing bowel movements thrice a week is quite normal. Pain and difficulty in eliminating the hardened stools is the main sign of constipation. Over-the-counter laxatives can affect your health seriously. Pain and discomfort due to difficulty in evacuation of the bowels can be easily relieved by including certain foods in your regular diet. Certain traditional and natural remedies help eliminating the cause of constipation. Thus, they help get rid of the symptoms quickly.

Constipation

Causes

• Insufficient supply of water and liquids to the body resulting in dehydration
• Lack of dietary fiber in diet
• Excessive consumption of over the counter laxatives
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Frequent long distance traveling affecting diet and sleeping pattern
• Certain medicines
• Excessive consumption of dairy products (this may cause diarrhea too)
• Third trimester of pregnancy
• Lack of magnesium
• Ignoring the situation when the urge arises.

Natural Cures

• Herbs: Psyllium husk provides the essential fiber and helps in eliminating a number of digestive disorders. Drinking at least 7 - 8 glasses of water is absolutely essential if you want to reap all psyllium fiber benefits. Otherwise it may even worsen the symptoms. Herbal teas made from various herbs like cascara sagrada, rhubarb, senna, buckthorn act as stimulant laxatives. But remember, though these herbal medicines are available as over the counter medicines, excessive use of these herbs may result in chronic diarrhea, low levels of potassium, resulting in kidney or liver dysfunction, muscle weakness, irregular heart beats, etc. These herbal products may be harmful if used for more than a week. They are meant to be short term constipation cures.
• Liquids: Drinking plenty of water can solve the problem of hard and dry stools. You are supposed to drink at least 7 - 8 glasses of water a day. Along with water, you may include other healthy fluids in your diet. For example, milk, buttermilk, soups, milkshakes, fruit juices, etc. all help relieve constipation. Those who notice worsening of symptoms after consumption of milk, may avoid it. Eating fruits is more beneficial than enjoying fruit juices because fruits provide you the necessary fiber.
• Diet: While treating constipation, cause of the condition should be taken into consideration. In majority of the cases, dietary alterations help get rid of the problem. A high fiber diet is an invariable part of chronic constipation treatment. You can include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Dietary fiber helps soften the stools. This is one of the best natural remedies for constipation relief.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria present in your intestines. These microorganisms are known as 'friendly bacteria' as they enhance the process of digestion. Probiotic supplements help improve the digestive health which in turn improves the overall health. Study reports say that these supplements work great for constipation.
• Magnesium: Low magnesium levels can cause constipation. Okra, peas, oat bran, broccoli, whole grain products, pumpkin seeds, barley, cornmeal, wheat flour, tomatoes, etc. are rich in magnesium. Consumption of these foods can help relieve constipation.
• Triphala: Consumption of triphala powder promotes easy bowel movement. Triphala is also good for colon cleanse. The main advantage of triphala is that the person does not get habituated to it.

Whenever the urge to visit the toilet arises, it should not be ignored. This can result in hardened stools as more water gets absorbed from the stools. Pregnant women generally have to face the problem of constipation during the last trimester. Water, other healthy liquids, fiber rich diet, prunes, oils and regular exercise act as natural constipation cures during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking any natural laxatives. For others, along with a balanced diet, regular exercise is essential to have normal bowel movements. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise can result in constipation.