Constipation-Uff! Those trying times!

Alternatives
Home Remedies

If you suffer from constipation, you know what we are talking about. No jokes! Actually nothing could be more nagging than this. In spite of abundance of ways to prevent and cure constipation, many of us suffer from this irksome problem.

However, over the counter laxatives ease out the situation and we rarely bother about the root cause of the problem or finding its solution.

Commonly called constipation, this medical condition is a common disturbance of the digestive tract that causes obstruction in bowel movement. It produces toxins, which find their way into the bloodstream and are carried to all parts of the body. This can cause many diseases and disorders. Appendicitis, arthritis, high blood pressure, and even cancer can be a result of chronic constipation.

SYMPTOMS

• The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in bowel movements.

• Coated tongue, foul breath, ulcers in the mouth, loss of appetite, acidity, heartburn, content fullness in the abdomen etc.

• Headache, depression, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, dark circles under the eyes, and pimple on the face.

PREVENTION

• Drink a lot of water, at least six to eight glasses a day.

• Include fruit, vegetable juices, soups or other fluids in your daily diet.

• Eat green and leafy vegetables.

• Opt for unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals, oatmeal, bran, honey, lentils and nuts, dried or fresh prunes, figs, raisins etc.

• Eat well-cooked food and chew well. Avoid hurried meals.

• Certain foods, like milk, may constipate one person but not another. So, use your own judgment. Likewise, if certain vegetables such as beans, cauliflower, and cabbage, give you trouble, avoided these.

• Eat small meals at regular intervals. Don’t skip meals.

• Avoid oily, spicy, and junk food.

• Regular exercise is a must if you want to avoid drugs to cure the constipation. Even a small walk after meals helps.

• Yoga is especially helpful in improving digestive system.

• Check your stress level. Stress, anxiety and nervousness can cause constipation.

• Some accompanying symptoms of constipation, such as passing blood in stool, could be an indication of a more serious problem. Consult your doctor.

• Check your medications and supplements as some antacids, drugs, supplements can cause or exacerbate constipation.

REMEDIES

• Psyllium husk is a safe and proven herbal laxative.

• Fruits such as bale fruit, prunes, figs, and papaya provide fast relief. These fruits also help clean and tone-up intestines.

• Eat half medium-sized ripe papaya every morning to cure constipation.

• Both fresh and dry figs have laxative qualities. Soak 4-5 dry figs in water overnight and eat in the morning on an empty stomach.

• Guava when eaten with seeds provides relief from constipation.

• Other Fruits like, pears, grapes, orange juice, are also good laxatives.

• Spinach is one of the best cures for constipation. Eat raw spinach leaves or have it in juice or cooked form. It is a sure shot solution for constipation.

• Honey is also a good laxative. Mix one tablespoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water. Have it empty stomach in the morning or before bedtime.