Constipation is a very common digestive disorder and can affect people of all age groups. Sufferers of constipation experience difficulty with bowel movements and excessive strain during bowel evacuation. Other symptoms include bad breath, headaches, depression, acne, mouth ulcers, dark circles under the eyes, acidity, arthritis, high blood pressure, bloating, and insomnia. Some of the main causes of constipation include improper diet, inadequate water intake, irregular bowel movements, lack of physical activity, weak abdominal muscles, and stress.
Dealing with constipation requires proper treatment. There are many simple home remedies to improve the functionality of your digestive system and get rid of constipation. These remedies are easily accessible and very powerful, with no side effects.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for treating constipation:
Lemon
You can use lemon to treat constipation at home. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of warm water and add a pinch of rock salt and honey. Drink this lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also drink this lemon solution in the evening. Take this remedy daily, and within a few days, your constipation problem will become history. This is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for treating constipation that you can use at home.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds have many healing properties and contain fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds also have a laxative property that can be very helpful in treating mild to severe cases of constipation. Put one tablespoon of flaxseeds in a glass of water and let it soak for two to three hours. Drink this water daily before bedtime. The next morning, your bowel movements will be much better. Additionally, you can simply consume two to three tablespoons of flaxseeds, followed by water.
Castor Oil
Castor oil can also be used to treat constipation at home. There is a special compound present in castor oil that stimulates the small and large intestines and improves defecation. Simply swallow one to two teaspoons of castor oil on an empty stomach. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Within a few hours, you will notice a significant improvement in your condition. This remedy should not be used for an extended period as it may cause side effects.
Dietary Fiber
Most often, the cause of constipation is a lack of fiber in the diet. Dietary fiber is a type of material that binds water in the intestine. This adds bulk to the stool, and water softens the stool. To address the issue of constipation, it is essential to consume foods high in fiber, such as beans, potatoes, carrots, brown rice, prunes, wheat germ, fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, all types of nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, broccoli, peas, and so on. At the same time, you can take fiber in the form of dietary supplements.
Water
People suffering from constipation should drink an adequate amount of fluids, ranging from eight to ten glasses of water per day. For better results, try drinking water that has been stored overnight in a copper vessel. This will stimulate bowel movements and provide you with good results within a few days. Along with water, you can also drink fresh vegetable and fruit juices throughout the day. At the same time, you should avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine, as they can cause dehydration and worsen your condition.
Spinach
Spinach is indeed a good remedy for the digestive system, especially for treating constipation at home. Raw spinach contains various components that can cleanse and restore the entire digestive tract. To get rid of constipation, it is necessary to include spinach in your diet. You can eat it in any form, raw or cooked, depending on your preference. In case of severe constipation, it is recommended to drink a mixture of half a glass of spinach juice and half a glass of water twice a day. Within a few days, you will experience significant relief.
Molasses
Molasses is one of the best natural laxatives and can get your intestines working. To treat constipation, you should consume two tablespoons of molasses before bedtime. If you don’t like the taste of molasses, you can mix it with milk, fruit, or prune juice and drink it. You can also mix two to three tablespoons of molasses with an equal amount of peanut butter and consume it in the morning. Since molasses is high in calories, it should not be consumed for an extended period.
Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in fiber and is a good food for the overall condition of the digestive system. With regular consumption of cabbage, it thoroughly cleanses the stomach and intestines. The soft element present in cabbage has laxative properties, stimulates bowel movements, and prevents constipation. For the treatment of constipation, it is recommended to take a cup of cabbage juice twice a day before meals. At the same time, you can eat fresh or sautéed cabbage.
Grapes
Grapes are also very useful in treating constipation at home. Grapes contain cellulose, sugar, and organic acids that create a laxative effect. People suffering from constipation are advised to eat a small bowl of grapes or half a glass of fresh grape juice per day. You can also soak some seedless raisins in milk and boil for a few minutes, then drink this solution in the evening. This remedy can prevent constipation in young children. If fresh grapes are not available, you can use raisins by soaking them in water for one to two days. Then consume the soaked raisins along with the water on an empty stomach in the morning.
Fig
Figs are beneficial in treating constipation because they contain a large amount of fiber and act as a natural laxative. Individuals suffering from chronic constipation should include figs in their diet to achieve the desired result. For the treatment of constipation, both fresh and dried figs can be used. Fresh figs should be eaten with the skin on, as it contains a large portion of dietary fiber and calcium. Boil eight to nine figs in water and drink this decoction before bedtime. Also, soak four to five figs in water overnight and eat them on an empty stomach in the morning.
Conclusion: You can use the aforementioned home remedies for constipation. Always remember that you should try different remedies to find out what works best for you. However, if the problem of constipation persists even after using various home remedies, it is necessary to consult a doctor.