Constipation can be a real problem for most people who do not drink water adequately. Moreover, our diet plays a very important part in the way we keep things “moving”. If we lack fiber in our diet, expect to suffer from constipation all the time. Although laxatives can be used to aid constipation, it is not recommended to use it daily or regularly as the body may develop dependence from it. There are actually natural remedies you can try at home. You do not need to spend much as most of these remedies can be found in the kitchen, groceries and supermarkets.

1.                  Prune Juice

Prune juice is a very classic remedy for constipation. Prunes contain high amounts of fiber as well as sorbitol, a natural stool softener. Sorbitol helps absorb fluids, thereby making the stool softer. Drink a maximum of two glasses of prune juice a day, one in the morning and another at night. Be careful when drinking prune juice as it may cause diarrhea when taken in large amounts. Make sure to give ample time for the juice to be absorbed by the intestines before drinking another glass. You can also eat dried prunes if you do not like drinking the juice.

2.                  Warm lemon water

Lemon water is often used for detoxification. Incidentally, it can also help stimulate the digestive system and get things moving. The citric acid flushes out the toxins in the body including the undigested materials sticking in the walls of the intestines. Just slice a piece of lemon and add the juice in a cup of warm water. Drink at least once a day until constipation is relieved.

3.                  Coffee

Coffee is not exactly good for the health but it is also not bad either. A cup of coffee cannot only help you perk up; it can also stimulate the digestive system, thereby causing you to poop when you have difficulty doing so.

4.                  Get up and get moving

This is probably the cheapest way to relieve constipation. When you lead a sedentary lifestyle, your bowel movement could somewhat be irregular. In order to get your metabolism going, it is important to stay physically active and fit as much as possible. Being active ensures that circulation is better and that internal processes such as digestion is improved.

5.                  Get enough magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral when it comes to digestion because it promotes contraction of muscles in the digestive system. You can increase your magnesium intake by taking magnesium supplements or by eating foods rich in magnesium. Dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, lentils, beans, whole grains, avocadoes and mackerel are some examples of food containing high amounts of magnesium.

Moreover, when you have the urge to go, never delay it or suppress it. Delaying bowel movement will cause waste products to stay longer in our colon. In addition, if we delay bowel movement, we may lose the urge to go for a long time. As result, our stools may become impacted making it harder to expel them.

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