How to Use Natural Remedies For Constipation

Constipation is both common and annoying. Most adults will experience some degree of constipation at some point in their lives. Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements (generally less than 3 per week) as well as pain or difficulty with defecation. Left untreated constipation tends to start a vicious cycle where constipation symptoms continue to worsen. There are numerous OTC medications available to treat constipation; however, there are also a number of natural cures for constipation that should be tried first.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink plenty of fluids every day. Water is an excellent choice because it's plentiful, inexpensive and healthy. Staying well hydrated is among the best natural cures for constipation.

• 2

  Consuming fruit juices such as prune, apple or orange regularly can help to stimulate the bowels to move and serve as natural cures for constipation.

• 3

  Engage in daily exercise to speed up your intestinal motility and decrease bowel transit time. Exercise remains one of the best natural cures for constipation when done on a regular basis.

• 4

  Develop a schedule by defecating on a regular basis around the same time every day; ideally in your own bathroom. Consider doing so after your largest meal of the day to take advantage of your natural gastrocolic reflex.

• 5

  Add more water soluble fiber to your diet. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, bran and whole grains are great natural cures for constipation. They help produce bulkier stools which move through the large intestines faster.

• 6

  Minimize starches such as potatoes, white bread and pasta which can promote constipation.

• 7

  Consider a daily bulking fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucel if dietary measures are inadequate to relieve constipation.

• 8

  Use the sugar alcohol sorbitol to help reduce constipation. This sugar substitute helps to retain fluid in the large intestines and serves as a natural cure for constipation.

• 9

  Select an enema as a last resort when constipation fails to respond to these other natural cures for constipation since it only addresses stool in the rectum and not in the intestinal tract.

• 10

  Be aware that certain common supplements such as iron and calcium can cause constipation. Use them only if necessary and at the recommended doses.