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Natural Cure for Constipation

Constipation is a very common gastrointestinal ailment that affects men, women and children of all ages. It refers to a condition, where a person passes hard stools, experiences infrequent bowel movements or undergoes immense strain, while passing stools. It is usually a temporary problem and can be caused by various factors, like an inadequate intake of fluids, lack of sufficient physical activity, following an unhealthy diet, using certain medication, and so on. However, at times, constipation can also indicate a serious problem like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colon or rectum problems, diseases like thyroid or Parkinson’s, intestinal obstructions, anal hemorrhoids, and similar other conditions. Although it is a very common problem, it can cause a lot of discomfort, which is why most people prefer to adopt various methods to get rid of constipation. One of the main causes of constipation is the lack of sufficient water. The lack of fiber usually plays a big role in constipation. Therefore, it is important to drink at least 12 to 15 glasses of water each day, to soften the stools and ensure that the body is well hydrated.

These methods also include going through a constipation treatment recommended by a doctor. A treatment of constipation may include the use of over-the-counter medicines or laxatives, which could be addictive. Therefore, many people prefer opting for home remedies for constipation, which have fewer side effects.

Home Remedies for Constipation

Given below are some foods and natural remedies that can help in treating constipation:

Fruits: Eating plenty of fruits like papaya, figs, oranges, pears, guavas, apples (with the skin) and grapes are a great way to cure constipation, as these fruits have a natural laxative effect on the digestive system.
Vegetables: Including a salad made of fresh vegetables like radish, carrot, tomato, beetroot, is a great way to improve the digestive system and treat constipation. It is also important to eat a lot of green vegetables like spinach, kale or cabbage to cure constipation.
Grains: Cereals like wheat bran, brown rice, oat meal and whole wheat that are high in fiber should be regarded as a natural remedy for constipation.
Honey and Lime: A home remedy often recommended for constipation is warm water with a dash of either honey or lime in it. In fact, drinking a liter of warm water with honey the first thing in the morning is a very effective natural treatment for constipation.

Treatment for Constipation

If you have ordinary case of constipation, going on an exclusive fruit diet for about a week is the best way to start your treatment. For long-running and stubborn cases, go on a short fast for 4 or 5 days to eliminate the contents of the bowels and toxins and purify the blood stream. If you are weak, take orange juice during fasting. Once this all-fruit diet or the short fast is complete, start a balanced diet consisting of sufficient amount of raw foods, ripe fruits and whole grain cereals. A few cases might need the further periods or short fasts at an interval of two months or so depending on the progress being made. Cleanse your bowels daily with a warm water enema for a few days when the treatment commences.
Take a cold friction bath daily in the morning to cure constipation. An alternate hot and cold hip bath taken before going to bed is also helpful. Fresh air, outdoor games, walking, swimming, gardening and other exercises play an important role in strengthening and activating the muscles and thus prevent constipation.
Yogic asanas like bhujangasana, shalabhasana, yogamudra, dhanurasana and paschimotanasana provide relief from constipation as they strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles and stimulate the peristaltic action of the bowels.

If the condition does not improve even after making the required dietary and lifestyle changes or after trying out various remedies for constipation, it is best to consult a doctor, for a proper medical treatment for constipation.