Natural constipation remedies can help make life a lot easier for a person who has this condition. Constipation symptoms can cause a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort. Simple dietary changes and alternative treatments can bring constipation relief. But before trying natural constipation treatments, see a physician to make sure there is not an underlying cause for the condition.
Natural Constipation Treatments: Food
Certain foods can help improve the digestive process and bring constipation relief. Prunes can help soften stools. In Natural Stomach Care, Anil Minocha and David Carroll recommend boiling a half dozen prunes on low heat for an hour to make a stew. Eat the prunes each morning with breakfast and drink the juice during the evening.
Fiber is another natural cure for constipation because of its ability to stimulate the gut to extract stored water from the stomach into stools causing them to swell and soften. This makes it easier for the waste material to pass through the digestive tract. According to Natural Stomach Care, people who regularly eat fiber have more bowel movements than those who don’t. Foods that are high in fiber include apples, cabbage, peaches, okra, and rolled oats.
Drink water and juices to relieve the discomforts of constipation. It is important to stay hydrated because the liquid will provide the fluid needed to keep the stools soft making them easier to pass. According to the National Institutes of Health, drinks that contain caffeine should be avoided because they can cause dehydration.
Constipation Relief: Alternative Methods
Alternative treatments can also offer relief from constipation symptoms. A stomach massage can help loosen up the abdominal muscles and stimulate a bowel movement. Gently caress the abdomen enough to stretch the skin and manipulate the joints and muscles.
Acupuncture, which has long been a part of traditional Chinese medicine, is another alternative treatment that is sometimes used as a constipation treatment. A qualified acupuncturist will insert small needles in various points throughout the body. According to Mayo Clinic, acupuncture may help ease the pain associated with constipation.
Homeopathy, a holistic approach to medicine, is also used to treat constipation. A doctor who specializes in this field may offer herbs and other natural laxatives to help soften the stools.
The article titled How to Stop Constipation in Toddlers offers information about natural treatments that can be effective as a cure for constipation for children. The article titled IBS Remedies provides more information about treatments for digestive problems.
Sources:
Anil Minocha and David Carroll, Natural Stomach Care, Avery Publishing Group, August 2003
MayoClinic.com, *”Constipation (Alternative Medicine)” (accessed May 27, 2010)
Jennifer Graham - Jennifer Graham is a Writer/Producer for a video production company. She helps create videos that raise awareness to health related ...
Join the Conversation