Constipation
Remedies: The Good, the Bad, and the Natural
Constipation—generally
defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements—is
not considered a disease of the digestive system or the
colon. Instead, constipation is usually a symptom and sign
that a person should make changes in his or her lifestyle
to improve the function of the colon. This is why constipation
remedies are often based on improving one’s diet,
fluid intake, and exercise program. If these constipation
remedies do not work, there are other natural options, including
herbs, to relieve constipation.
In
addition to encouraging more frequent and easier to pass
stools, constipation remedies also help the secondary symptoms
of constipation such as abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.
Like acid reflux pain,
chronic constipation is one of the most common stomach problems
in the United States (it affects more than 4 million Americans
at any given time), people are urgently seeking constipation
remedies from pharmacies, supermarkets, health food stores,
and their own kitchens.
The
most commonly used of these constipation remedies is probably
the least healthy option—over-the-counter laxatives.
Consumers spend about $725 million on laxatives every year
in the United States, in spite of their very undesirable
side effects. The worst side effect of laxatives is dependence.
Over time, laxatives can damage the nerves and muscles in
the colon, and the body will become dependent on laxatives
to have a bowel movement at all.
Due
to the side effects of laxatives, healthier constipation
remedies are becoming the rule rather than the exception.
The following are some natural and herbal constipation remedies
that have been effective for many people:
- A
high-fiber diet (20-35 grams of fiber a day)
- Increased
exercise
- Avoiding
diets high in fatty foods like cheese, eggs, and meats
- Consuming
prunes, prune juice, and dates
- Certain
strains of friendly bacteria
(probiotics)
- Abdominal
massage
- Licorice
root
- Dandelion
root
- Flaxseed
- Psyllium
seeds
- Rhubarb
root
- Aloe,
Buckthorn, and Senna (but do not overuse these herbal
constipation remedies, as they are strong)
Other
common constipation remedies are bulk-forming laxatives,
stool softeners, and lubricants. Bulk-forming laxatives
(fiber supplements that come in the form of pills or drink
mixes) are typically considered safe but they must be taken
with a lot of water. Some individuals also say they experience
bloating and abdominal pain from bulk-forming laxatives.
Stool softeners work by drawing more water into the colon.
Lubricants, such as mineral oil, are constipation remedies
that lubricate the stool. All in all, keep in mind that
chronic constipation could be the sign of a more serious
condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), especially
if the constipation is accompanied by acid reflux, abdominal
pain, and other digestive symptoms.
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