Constipation can be agonizing if not placed under check. There are home remedies for constipation that have little or no side effects and may work better than any drugs prescribed by a physician. Eating a low fat, high fiber diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, exercising and drinking a lot of water are alternative remedies to constipation.
What is constipation?
Talk of constipation and everyone thinks of very hard stool. Rarely do people associate loose stool with constipation even though medically the term applies to both. Constipation refers to the incomplete evacuation of the large intestines brought about by irregular bowel movement. It affects both children and adults and may be brought about by different factors. When severe, constipation not only leads to pain but can also lead to complete bowel obstruction.
Causes of constipation
a)Medication side effects – Some drugs are known to cause constipation especially antidepressants, antihistamines, aluminum antacids and also diuretics used to control dehydration. Use of these drugs without sufficient intake of water may lead to constipation.
b)Diet – Eating of a low fiber diet and or highly processed food and drinking of very little water or no fluids at all can also lead to constipation.
c)Some Diseases – Constipation may also be a sign of some diseases such as diabetes, colitis,hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, colon cancer and hypercalcaemia among others.
d)Psychological – Withholding of stool either due to the discomfort caused by pain or public restrooms may also lead to constipation.
e)Congenital – Weak abdominal muscles may also cause chronic constipation. Anal fissures and pelvic floor dysfunction are other congenital causes.
Home remedies for constipation
a)Fruits – Eating fruits containing high fiber content such as guavas, pears, pawpaw, oranges, mangoes, dates, figs and grapes can ease constipation.
b)Aloe Vera – Taking Aloe Vera juice twice a day significantly eases bowel movement and therefore remedies constipation.
c)Drinking enough water – Our bodies require between six and eight glasses of water for normal physiological function. This may be all that you need to stop constipation!
d)Exercise – Walking and jogging for between 4 to 5 kilometers a day may ease constipation. Other forms of exercise are also important.
e)Epsom salts – Using a ¼ teaspoonful of Epsom salt in half a glass of water remedies constipation.
f)Castor oil – Use of 2-4 teaspoonfuls of castor oil remedies constipation but may also cause dehydration and loss of minerals. Almond oil and linseed also functions the same way by improving bowel lubrication.
g)Salty water – Taking of warm salty water relieves constipation and works for many people.
h)Vegetables – Just like fruits, vegetables contain roughage which increases bowel movement and therefore relieves constipation.
