12 Natural Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is a very uncomfortable condition that is literally able to back up your system and throw your whole physical and mental well-being off balance. Basically it makes you feel sluggish, fatigued and irritable.

Over-the-counter (OTC) synthetic pharmaceuticals may help your constipation, but you might be concerned about side effects and any other ingredients you don’t want to put into your system. As an alternative, there are many herbs and dietary remedies you can easily try which could surprise you. Some might even be in your kitchen cabinet right now offering easy fixes that may have you out of discomfort sooner than later.

These 12 natural remedies for constipation might help your current challenge as well as keep you mindful of how to make sure it doesn’t come back any time soon. As with any natural remedy, it is believed that your body will embrace these applications more optimally. A way better choice than being tricked, shut down or distracted by Big Pharma options that often work on one level as opposed to addressing your whole system.

Sparkling Water

Whether it is plain seltzer or carbonated spring water some studies suggest a better outcome than straight water when used to re-hydrate, especially for constipation. If you often get constipated chances are you’re not drinking enough H2O which allows your stool to stay soft enough to pass. When you are dehydrated your stool absorb what little water you may have to offer which results in hard stool that is difficult to pass.

The European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hematology published research by Italian scientists that concluded,

“In patients complaining of functional dyspepsia and constipation, carbonated water decreases satiety and improves dyspepsia [digestion difficulty], constipation and gallbladder emptying.”

Carbonated water was also associated with relieving constipation in the elderly, one of the most afflicted populations. The Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing reported on research that stated,

“The study results suggest that the intake of carbonated water is an effective method for the intervention of constipation in elderly patients with CVA [cerebrovascular accident].”

Feel the Fiber

It has been shown that a good amount of fiber can bulk up stool and create a strong bowel movement.

Medical News Today reports on the two forms to look for:

Insoluble fibers – Found in wheat bran, vegetables and whole grains. They add bulk to your stools and are thought to help them pass more quickly and easily through your digestive system.

Soluble fibers – Found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils and peas, as well as some fruits and vegetables. They absorb water and form a gel-like paste, which softens your stools and improves the consistency.

The Coffee Fix

Caffeinated coffee consumed black with no additives (no sugar, milk, cream or flavoring) has had some beneficial effects for some struggling with constipation.

A study by researchers from The Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands concluded that,

“Coffee stimulates gallbladder contraction and colonic motor activity.”

Another study by researchers at the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA and published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hematology showed how,

“Caffeinated coffee stimulates colonic motor activity. Its magnitude is similar to a meal, 60% stronger than water and 23% stronger than decaffeinated coffee.”

Needle It Out

If you have a problem with needles, although you may think otherwise, it probably won’t apply to acupuncture. Acupuncture uses hair thin needles that when inserted do pinch slightly but are nowhere near what a conventional needle feels like. When it comes to constipation, acupuncture may hold some merit.

A study titled ‘Acupuncture for the treatment of functional constipation’ published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (10/15/16) concluded that,

“Compared with medication, acupuncture was more effective and had a lower adverse effect rate in the treatment of FC. A short treatment course of two weeks was sufficient for a good effect.”

Runner Ups

The list for constipation remedies is long with many coming from centuries of observational studies. These are the top runner ups of easy to find fixes that just may get you out of the bloated discomfort this condition may be putting you through.

• Sesame seeds
• Raisins
• Prunes
• Castor oil
• Lemon water
• Exercise
• Probiotics
• Magnesium

There is no need to suffer when these 12 natural remedies for constipation could be all you need to feel better. Choose one and go from there until your symptoms are clear. In the meantime, say away from processed foods, stick to an organic plant-based diet and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation from happening again.