Laxative Home Remedies

As an alternative to the sometimes violent effects of taking actual laxative medication for constipation, many people seek home remedies to gently help their bowel movements progress. Fortunately there are many such home remedies that will help move things along without keeping you running back and forth from the restroom!

Prunes

• The most popular home remedy for softening stool is prunes, or prune juice. Other fruits including mangos, peaches and plums have a similar laxative effect.

Fiber

• Another laxative home remedy is eating foods with fiber. Oatmeal, whole grains or beans are all high in fiber and have a gentle laxative effect.

Coffee

• Coffee also helps speed things along. It acts as an effective laxative home remedy because it acts as a diuretic and helps push water through the digestive system.

Dairy Products

• For most people, dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt also have a laxative effect, but this is not true for everyone.

Vegetables

• All sorts of vegetables are helpful when experiencing constipation, particularly because of the high water and high fiber content of vegetables. Celery, asparagus, tomatoes, carrots and broccoli are helpful.

Apple Juice

• Some experts say apple juice also has a laxative effect.