Constipation is something that we all experience from time to time, and luckily, for some, it is something that passes (no pun intended) quickly.
For others, constipation may last way too long, way beyond comfort, but there are home remedies that may help your constipation relief.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation is when the stool – or waste – moves very slowly through your digestive tract, making elimination from the rectum difficult.
Your bowel movements may be difficult and/or occur less often than usual. When you are finally able to have a bowel movement, the stool may be dry and hard, particularly after three days or more. This can also make the removal of waste painful.
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There can be many reasons that constipation occurs. They include:
- Changes in activities and what you eat
- Colon cancer
- Eating disorders
- Excess calcium in the blood
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Laxatives (too many)
- Medications (such as antacids, antidepressants, iron pills, or narcotics)
- Nerve and muscle issues in the digestive system
- Neurological conditions (such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease)
- Not enough fiber or water in your diet
- Pregnancy
- Resisting the urge to poop
- Stress
- Too much dairy
- Underactive thyroid
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Symptoms of Constipation
The following are symptoms you may experience during constipation:
- Bloating
- The feeling of not eliminating wastes completely during bowel movement
- Fewer bowel movements
- Small or hard stools
- Strain to have a bowel movement
Home Remedies for Constipation Relief
Constipation, for many, usually passes in a short time. To make that time run its course even more quickly, here are some remedies you can try at home to help ease your constipation:
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- Add fruit and vegetables to your diet
- Drink More Water – two to four extra glasses per day are suggested
- Drink warm liquids in the morning – such as caffeinated coffee for example
- Eat more fiber – such as more bran cereal and prunes
- Do more exercise – at least 30 minutes per day
- Go take a poop – even take a laxative if it will help (but be careful, especially if taking laxatives previously may have been the culprit of your current constipation)
- Avoid Dairy Products – cutting back on milk and other dairies will help
- Senna – Senna, a laxative, relieves occasional constipation in children and adults
- Castor oil – take a dose during the day (you can chill in the refrigerator or mix with fruit juice to mask the taste).
- Medicine – lubricants, stool softeners, stimulants, and other laxatives may help ease your constipation
This list just represents a few remedies. There are many others to try at home that will assist with your
