Home Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is a very common condition that affects people of all ages. If you are looking for a cure for constipation, home remedies often work. Constipation can happen for a number of reasons often linked to your diet or stress. If you have suddenly started being constipated you should consult your doctor as it can be a sign of a more serious illness. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out illnesses such as hypothyroidism and other problems associated with the large and small intestines.

The good news is that you can deal with this problem very easily once you know how. You need to start as soon as you begin to suffer as failure to deal with blockages can lead to a never ending circle of problems. You could cause piles if you strain too often when going to the toilet. If you already have piles you may be subconsciously causing your constipation in an effort to avoid pain.

Causes of Constipation

Inadequate fluid intake or dehydration
Inadequate amounts of fibre in your diet
Inattention to bowel habits or ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Lack of physical activity (especially in older adults)
Irritable bowel syndrome
Changes in lifestyle or routine, including pregnancy, aging and travel
Illness
Frequent use or abuse of laxatives
Specific diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, thyroid disease and Parkinson’s disease

Symptoms of Constipation

A sensation that the bowels haven’t completely emptied
Bloating of the abdomen, and possibly a “rumbling” noise
Gas
Indigestion
Infrequent bowel movements
Hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
Loss of appetite
Pain or pressure in the abdomen
Some bleeding as a result of straining

Regular drinking water is highly beneficial for cleaning the system. Normally 6-8 glasses of water are recommended for digesting and dissolving food nutrients.
Drinking a glass of hot water is also known to stimulate bowel movements but this may not suffice in severe cases of constipation.
Take 2 tbsp of blackstrap molasses before going to bed to relieve constipation. Molasses is too high in calories to use it as a daily preventative, but on an occasional basis, it can help to get you moving. It has a pretty strong taste so you may want to add it to milk or fruit juice.
Physical activity is known to help reduce the risk of constipation. Walking a few kilometres after dinner is highly beneficial as it helps in the digestion of food.
Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation should adopt an exclusive diet of this fruit or it’s juice for a few days, but in ordinary cases, a medium-sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the desired effect.
Sometimes, a little extra dietary fibre is all you need to ensure regularity. Fibre is the indigestible parts of plant foods and adds mass to the stool and stimulates the colon to push things along. Fibre is found naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains and beans.
And finally, people sometime suppress the urge to have a bowel movement because they’re busy or have an erratic schedule, or because they don’t want to use public bathrooms. If at all possible, heed the call when you feel it.