If you've landed on this page, it's probably because you are looking for a constipation home remedy.
Almost everyone has suffered from constipation at some point in their lives. This problem is embarrassing, but, all too common.
What is constipation?: Constipation refers to the consistency of bowel movements, not the frequency. Some people have bowel movements three times a day, others three times a week. Both are normal as long as the stool is soft and easy to pass. A person is constipated if they have small, hard, dry stool which are difficult and oftentimes painful to pass. 1,3
Laxatives can be habit-forming and may have dangerous side-effects including dehydration and damage to the nerve endings of the large intestine. Mineral laxatives can affect the absorption of vitamins A,D,E and K. 9.
Be sure to check with your doctor about any prescription medications you may be taking, as constipation is a common side effect of many medications.5,10
Warning: Consult your doctor if constipation is accompanied by severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever or there is blood in the stool. Discontinue use of any of these home remedies for constipation if you experience severe pain, cramping or diarrhea.
Chronic constipation is frequently a sign of irritable bowel syndrome. Find more information about treating irritable bowel syndrome at digestive health supplements.
I'm sure you will find a constipation home remedy that will help you!
Exercise is of course very important for bowel regularity. Moving yourself, can also help your bowels move. Try taking a walk if you experience difficulty. 5,9,10,11
Drinking a cup of hot liquid (coffee or tea) may activate the gastrocolic reflex which stimulates a bowel movement. This is especially effective first thing in the morning. 10
Sometimes it just requires retraining. Holding stool can cause constipation, so at the first sign of an urge, run to the bathroom. Try sitting on the toilet for 15 minutes each day after a meal.5,9,10
Numerous studies have shown that probiotics supplements, probiotic foods and probiotic yogurt can ease constipation, especially in the elderly.15
Of course, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and getting sufficient fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. 2,5,10
Eating all those fruits and veggies can be hard! Sometimes you need a little extra fiber boost. Try a fiber containing bulk-forming agent for help. COLON CLEANSE STRAWBERRY-12 oz-STRAWBERRY-Powder
Psyllium Husk Seed Powder is the active ingredient of several over-the-counter laxatives; however you can also purchase psyllium seed on your own and eat it. The suggested dosage is a teaspoon of psyllium seed mixed with water at every meal.5 Make sure you are drinking plenty of water when taking psyllium seed as it is a bulk-forming agent.
Magnesium: Low magnesium is often associated with constipation. The suggested upper dose for supplementation is 350 mg/day. If you have heart of kidney problems, check with your doctor before taking magnesium. 4 I highly recommend Natural Calm Raspberry-Lemon 16 ozHealth Care Products). Natural Calm is an excellent, excellent magnesium source. Click to learn more magnesium facts.
Flax seed also works the same way, take 1 tablespoon of flax seed 2-3 times/day. Again, be sure you are drinking plenty of water. 2OMEGA-3 Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil is another remedy. The oil is a lubricant. A recommended dosage is 1-2 tablespoons after lunch or dinner. Take this with lots of water. 1
Eat a whole foods diet and limit refined, processed foods. Of course, this is just generally good advice and not specific to constipation. One of Michael Pollan's Food Rules is "Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food."e Pretty good advice!
Squeezing half of a fresh lemon in a glass of water before meals is a safe and effective constipation home remedy. 2 More about the benefits of lemon juice.
If you are really desperate, cascara A.K.A. Cadcara Sagrada is very effective and can get things going fast.2,5 Follow package directions and do not take cascara for longer than 2 weeks. 2Only use cascara under the care of a physician if you are pregnant. 8. Cascara has been approved by the AAP for breastfeeding mothers. 6, however, it may cause diarrhea in the infant. 7
Another, *only if you are really desperate* constipation home remedy is Senna Leaf Tea.2,5 Again do NOT do this for longer 2 weeks. 2Only use senna under the care of a physician if you are pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, senna is found in breastmilk, however, the AAP considers this compatible with breastfeeding.6,7
With both cascara and sennaonly use only products which specify the dose on the label and stick to the recommended dose or lower. 6 They are both very effective constipation home remedies, but too much of a good thing is bad!
Kiwi, papaya, and figs are all excellent for easing constipation. 5The papain in papaya helps digest proteins.5 In a New Zealand study, seniors put on a diet containing 2-3 kiwis a day became more regular. 5 Figs are not only tasty, but full of fiber.
Beets and carrot juice are a great and healthy constipation home remedy. The beets can be eaten raw and finely chopped or shredded. Carrot juice can be drunk several times a day.
Of course prunes and prune juice also work.
Honey is not only sweet; it is very beneficial. Put 1-3 tablespoons of honey in a glass of warm water and drink up! It really works! 3 Honey can also be mixed with raw vinegar in a cup of hot tea. Learn more about apple cider vinegar and honey.
Fennel seeds will also help. Studies have shown fennel seeds lessen the time it takes for food to move through your system. This makes fennel a superb constipation home remedy 5
Try a belly massage. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent. Breath in and out very deeply a few times. Then rub your belly in small circles with a clockwise motion. 5 You can also do this using a massage oil made of black pepper, marjoram and rosemary essential oils. 1
Castor Oil is of course one of the oldest home remedies for constipation. That's because it really does work. 2 The dosage is 1-2 teaspoons on an empty stomach. 2 Do NOT take castor oil if pregnant as it will stimulate contractions and may bring on labor.
Garlic will also help. It is rich in potassium (which promotes the contraction of muscles) and reduces inflammation. 2. For help with constipation, raw is most effective! Learn more about garlic cures.
Many constipation home remedies have the unpleasant side effects of increasing gas. To combat this, drink ginger or peppermint tea. Learn more about the health benefits of ginger.
Infant and Kid Tips: It is normal for an exclusively breastfed baby over the age of 6 weeks to have infrequent bowel movements. f I've had a baby go as long as 10 days before!
Once that baby gets a little older though, problems can result. Sometimes toddlers develop what is known as encopresis which is when he/she holds large amounts of stool. When this happens, liquid stool may leak out around the hard stool. This often happens as a result of aggressive toilet-training.1 It is normal for many toddlers to master urinating in the potty long before they feel comfortable pooping in it. The older the child is when he potty-trains, the more common this seems to be. If this is your toddler, give him a diaper to wear when he needs it and take comfort knowing that he will NOT still need a diaper the night of his senior prom!
Do not use any herbs like senna, cascara or aloe juice with your child without consulting a pediatrician first.
A great constipation home remedy for children is a prune juice or date drink. Mix prune juice with club soda or soak 6 dates in hot water, allow to cool, puree and serve over ice.1
Belly massage seems to be an especially effective constipation home remedy for children and infants.
. Natural Calm is an excellent, excellent magnesium source. Click to learn more 
