Constipation Home Remedies
March 17, 2009
As a child my mother watched my bowel movements like a hawk and I wondered what a weird fascination to have. Growing up I realized that as a child I was constantly constipated and till this day I dread the day I don’t have a bowel movement. My biggest fear was during my pregnancy when everyone including my doctor was concerned about my poor bowel movements.
It was during my pregnancy I researched the causes and cures for my problem. Some of the contributing factors to constipation are lack of water and fiber in your system, change of lifestyle (pregnancy, change of time zones due to travel etc), few medications and even milk. Constipation is common in children and elderly people.
Diets high in fats like eggs, cheese and red meats cause constipation as they are low in fiber. So eating healthy proportions of foods rich in fiber like fruits and vegetables helps increase your bowel movements.
As always you must drink lots of liquids. Water and fresh fruit juices are always recommended. Stay clear of fizzy and aerated drink, coffee, tea and caffeine drinks as they dehydrate your system. Alcohol is another culprit. .You may choose to drink green tea instead.
In most cases a hectic schedules leaves you with little or no time to take care of yourself and hence you ignore the signals that your body sends you and put of visiting the toilet until you have sometime. This leads to indigestion, acidity and eventually constipation.
Lack of exercise or general movement may cause a stiff bowel as well. The idea here is to exercise for atleast 20 minutes daily. Simple power walking or cycling takes care of your bowels.
Home remedies for Constipation
If you are constipated for over 3 days I would advise visiting your doctor. However if you haven’t had a bowel movement for a day drink a glass of warm water and try walking briskly for a few minutes.
Alternatively you can also use a hot water bottle on your stomach. There are several over the counter laxatives available, however I do not recommend medicating yourself without a prescription.
Do not use prescriptions that were given to you on earlier occasion either as the symptoms and causes of your constipation may not be the same as in the past.
Mix 1 spoon of honey with the juice of 1 lime in a glass of warm water and drink up.
Aloe Vera juice is a heavenly drink. It’s pure, natural and helps with constipation. This is highly recommended for pregnant women.
If your child is constipated do not take it with a pinch of salt. A hard stool may cause damage to the child’s rectum while forcing the stool. Inform your doctor if your child does not have a bowel movement at least 5 times a week.
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