“Potty problems” are something we
avoid in our everyday conversations. While you may be more than willing to
share how much your sore throat is torturing you, rarely do you go into the
office and announce that you haven’t pooped in five days. However, constipation
is not something to be embarrassed about, and if you’ve had it (and we all
have) than you understand that it is no laughing matter-in fact it can be
downright debilitating. Before running to the drugstore for a quick-fix
laxative (which often worsen the problem) try some simple home remedies to
relieve your discomfort, and keep it from coming back.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a yellowish liquid
that can be used as a home remedy for constipation because of its laxative
property. One study in Nigeria found that oral castor oil helped children with
chronic constipation to move their bowels. An upside to castor oil for
constipation is that it works quickly.
For that same reason, however,
castor oil should be cautiously administered as a constipation remedy. It
should not be taken at bedtime, due to its quick effects. Another downside to
this constipation remedy is that it tastes bad, so it is recommended that the
castor oil be chilled and mixed with a sweetener such as orange juice. Castor
oil is generally considered safe, but it can lead to overdose if taken in large
amounts.
Go natural (aka fiber, fiber, and
more fiber)
You’ll hear people talk a lot
about how a natural diet helps relieve and prevent constipatfiion. An overall
healthy diet just improves everything, and our bodies know how to process
fruits, veggies, grains and roughage more than the refined or artificial foods
that don’t pass as easily. To get more specific, natural foods tend to contain
boatloads of fiber-that magical word that signifies the end of toilet suffrage.
In short, fiber is material that cannot be digested, and it acts like a sponge.
It draws water from its surroundings, making it swell, which softens stool and
adds bulk to it, which in turn helps it pass. Like coffee, some kinds of fiber
(like beans) can contribute to constipation, so always drink plenty of water.
Some good fiber-filled foods include- Beans, Apricots, Whole grain bread,
Berries, Broccoli, Plums, pears, and apples, nuts, Potatoes (skip the fries
though).
Figs (Anjeer)
Either dried or ripe, are packed
with fiber and act as a great natural laxative.
How to use: For relief from
constipation, boil a few figs in a glass of milk, drink this mixture at night
before bed. Make sure the mixture is warm when you drink it. Using a whole
fruit for this purpose is much better as compared to syrups that are available
commercially.
Cup of Coffee
The bitter-tasting constituents
in coffee, and all bitter-tasting foods, stimulate the digestive tract. If you
don't like coffee, try an herb called Oregon grape. The root of this plant and
some close cousins such as barberry have been used safely since ancient times
to overcome occasional constipation. Mix 1/2 teaspoon Oregon grape tincture in
water and sip slowly before eating for best results.
Oranges
They are not only a great source of Vitamin C but also have a large amount of fiber content.
How to use: Eating two oranges
every day, once in the morning and once in the evening can provide great relief
from constipation.
Epsom Salt
Drink a dose of Epsom salt. The
main ingredient in Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, which is a laxative. It
helps to draw water into the bowel and soften the stool so it can move through
your intestines. Look for Epsom salt powder, which can be mixed with water and
easily dissolved. Talk with your doctor before taking Epsom salt if you're on
any kind of medication, since it contraindicates with certain medicines. If the
Epsom salt causes nausea or vomiting, cease using it and talk to your doctor
about other options.
Fenugreek powder
Fenugreek is a seed that acts as
a laxative because it contains so much fiber. When it comes into contact with
water, it expands, increasing the volume in the bowel and stimulating the
intestines to contract and pass the material. No studies have been conducted to
give conclusive evidence that fenugreek works. Talk with your doctor about
dosing. The average dose is 10 to 30 grams taken three times daily, but it
depends on the severity of your constipation, your body type, and other factors.
Side effects can include gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Spinach (Palak)
This has properties that cleanse,
rebuild and renew the intestinal tract. How to use: You can have about 100 ml
of spinach juice mixed with an equal quantity of water twice daily. This home
remedy is the most effective method to cure even the most stubborn cases of
constipation.
Comments
Post a Comment