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(Health Secrets) Constipation is not a very pleasant subject, but for many people it is an even more uncomfortable condition. With the use of a healthy diet and natural remedies, constipation can usually be beaten and avoided. Here are some tips on naturally relieving and avoiding constipation.
One tried and true natural laxative is prune juice. Start with a half cup of prune juice and if you do not get the desired results, drink more. The best form of prune juice is unfiltered juice which still contains much of the natural fiber. You can also eat prunes, and raisins may do the trick as well. Prunes and prune juice work faster on an empty stomach.
If you don’t like prunes, try dried figs. Dried figs contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which flush out your intestines. Five figs supply at least 20 percent of your daily fiber requirement, more than almost any other fruit. Nibble on four or five figs at the first sign of constipation and drink at least one glass of water. If needed, eat a couple more every three hours until you get results.
Other remedies:
Bael Fruit, a mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine, may be the best laxative of all fruits. It cleans and tones the intestines and relieves constipation. Look for it in health food stores.
Slippery Elm forms a slick mucilage that acts as a stool softener and helps make bowel movements easier. Find it in health food stores too.
The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food. One should take at least 350g of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. For maximum results, find seeded grapes and consume the entire grape, seeds and all.
Watermelons also have a laxative effect, especially when consumed in large quantities. As an added benefit, watermelons help flush and prevent kidney stones.
Raw honey is a mild natural laxative. You can supercharge it, and many other natural laxatives remedies, by adding a couple of tablespoons of blackstrap molasses.
One home remedy for constipation can be made with tomato juice, carrot juice and sauerkraut juice. Mix one cup tomato or vegetable juice, 1/4 cup carrot juice and 1/2 cup sauerkraut juice. Pour this over ice. You may add pepper sauce (sauces made from cayenne pepper) for a spicier drink.
Apply mineral oil to a cotton swab, insert gently you-know-where and work it around a bit to help lubricate and dissolve hardened matter.
Other Tips and Suggestions:
* Increase your fiber intake by switching from refined foods to less-refined foods whenever possible. One excellent grain choice is barley.
* Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables. Apples, ripe bananas, oranges, guava, pears and rhubarb all contain plenty of fiber and are natural laxatives. Likewise, beans, peas, cabbage and spinach are vegetables that help prevent and relieve constipation.
Evidence is mounting that taking probiotics daily reduces incidence of constipation. Probiotics are live microbial organisms that should be naturally present in the digestive tract. However, pesticides from food, chlorine in water, antiobiotics, and other environmental assaults have reduced the levels of friendly bacteria in almost everyone, leading to a population with chronic constipation.
Probiotics also contribute to health by suppressing potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune function, and supporting healthy digestion. Probiotics help in the production of Vitamin K, a vitamin required for bone health.
In one study, either a strain of Lactobacillus or a placebo was taken by people with chronic constipation. Those taking the probiotic showed significant improvement in severity of constipation, frequency and stool consistency.
