Home :: Constipation

Constipation - Home Remedies To Cure Constipation

Constipation is difficulty in passing stools or the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools as a result of food moving slowly through the large intestine. Most people experience constipation from time to time, but usually lifestyle changes and better eating habits can help relieve the symptoms and prevent recurrences. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the specific type of constipation.

Constipation can give rise to many different ailments, including appendicitis, bad breath, body odor, coated tongue, depression, diverticulitis, fatigue, gas, headaches, hemorrhoids (piles), hernia, indigestion, insomnia, malabsorption syndrome, obesity, and varicose veins. It may even be involved in the development of serious diseases such as bowel cancer. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually the causes. In most cases, constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.

Constipation Symptoms and Signs

Constipation symptoms can vary between sufferers. Some of the common signs and symptoms includes :-

• Bad breath
• Body odor
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Stomach pains/stomach cramps

In severe cases ("fecal impaction") may feature symptoms of bowel obstruction ( vomiting , very tender abdomen) and "paradoxical diarrhea", where soft stool from the small intestine bypasses the impacted matter in the colon .

Causes of constipation

Some of the common causes of constipation are:-

• Lack or poor diet.
• Eating too much of concentrated protein.
• Inadequate exercise.
• Lack of fluids
• Constipation may also begin when you change your baby from breast milk or baby formula to whole cow's milk, and when your switch from baby food to solid food. 

Some medications can cause constipation, including cough syrups, pain medications that contain codeine, some antidepressants, iron supplements, blood pressure and heart medicines, calcium supplements, and some antihistamines.

Vitamins and nutrients to cure constipation

Home remedies for constipation treatment

• Drinking a glass of warm milk before going to bed helps in easy evacuation in the morning. In case of severe constipation, mix two teaspoons of castor oil in the milk.
• Alfalfa extract contains chlorophyll, which aids in detoxifying the body and cleansing the breath. Fennel seed tea also is good for freshening the breath.
• Drink a solution of 1/2 tsp honey in 1/2 cup warm water 2-3 times a day to cure constipation.
• Children should also get plenty of liquids to drink everyday, especially clear liquids such as fruit juices and water.
• Drink a glass of warm water with 1 tsp honey and juice of 1/2 a lemon in the morning before you eat or drink anything. Helps to cure constipation.
• Aloe vera has a healing and cleansing effect on the digestive tract and aids in forming soft stools. Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice in the morning and at night. It can be mixed with a cup of herbal tea if you wish.
• Mix 1 cup tomato juice, 1/4 cup carrot juice, and 1/2 cup sauerkraut juice and drink, this will relief constipation.

Considerations and prevention tips

• Consume plenty of foods that are high in pectin, such as apples, carrots, beets, bananas, cabbage, citrus fruits, dried peas, and okra. Pectin is also available in supplement form.
• Drink more water. This is important when adding fiber to the diet. Drink at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water every day, whether you are thirsty or not.
• Use spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafetida as they make the food easy to digest.
• Reduce intake of foods with sugar and white breads and foods prepared with white flour.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits, bran and vegetables.
• For quick relief of constipation, drink a large glass of quality water every ten minutes for half an hour. This can work wonders to flush out toxins and relieve constipation.
• Get some exercise. Physical activity speeds the movement of waste through the intestines.
• Sleeping hours should be regulated and efforts should be made to have a sound sleep.