10 Natural Home Remedies for Constipation in Adults

Constipation is a very common problem; in fact, it is estimated that up to 12% of the world's population suffer from it. In the United States alone, nearly USD $725 million is spent on laxative products, even though there are several natural remedies for constipation.

The term constipation refers to hard or infrequent stools. There can be a number of reasons for constipation, from a lack of fiber in one’s diet to an inadequate fluid intake. Generally, eating well, drinking plenty of water, and enjoying a moderately active lifestyle are sufficient to ensure that you don’t get constipated. If, however, you are already constipated, there are a few things that you can do to relieve it. Listed below are 10 natural home remedies for constipation in adults.

  1. Grains, cereals, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fiber and should be present in your daily diet. Fiber helps ease bowel movements, preventing constipation.
  2. Prune juice is rich in fiber and is an effective home treatment for constipation. Often, prune juice is combined with a bit of apple juice or apple sauce to increase its palatability.
  3. Drinking plenty of water - about 8 to 10 glasses every day, is one of the easiest ways to help cure constipation. However, do check with your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems as these conditions affect your ideal fluid intake.
  4. A fresh fruit smoothie made out of apples, peaches, and pears is an effective (and delicious) remedy for constipation.
  5. A bowl of hot breakfast cereal such as cream of wheat will aid digestion and prevent constipation.
  6. Warm lemon juice, made with equal portions of lemon juice and water can help to relieve constipation.
  7. Cutting down on foods that cause dehydration such as caffeine and alcohol also reduces constipation.
  8. Orange juice mixed with equal parts of olive oil often provides quick relief from constipation.
  9. A glass of warm milk with two tablespoons of castor oil is a well known home remedy for constipation. Do not increase your dose as this will cause severe abdominal cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. Castor oil can induce labor and so this treatment method is not recommended for pregnant women.
  10. Enemas can also be administered at home to soften hardened stools. It is not advisable to use enemas on a regular basis. The repeated use of enemas can result in an electrolyte imbalance while the improper usage of enemas can cause bowel ruptures. It is important to discuss correct administration methods as well as the required frequency with your health care provider

While there are many drugs, laxatives, and medication available for treating constipation, preventive methods are a better option. Regular exercise helps stools move through the intestines and so you should follow a regular exercise schedule. Swimming and bicycling strengthen and tone abdominal muscles and so these are very effective exercises for constipation. Keep in mind that you need to increase your fluid intake when exercising as this will make up for your loss of bodily fluids through perspiration.

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