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Constipation Remedies – How to Get Rid of Constipation

By Diane Hanson

Constipation is a common digestive problem that affects millions of people worldwide. If the bowels do not move regularly or are not completely emptied, you have constipation problems.

Stomach pains, hard tools, difficulty in bowel movements, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nausea, pain in the lower legs and vertigo are some symptoms of constipation.

Since constipation can lead to many diseases, you must know how to cure constipation before it gets chronic and serious.

Constipation Treatments

1. Hyperosmolar Laxatives

Hyperosmolar laxatives are indigestible compounds that remain within the colon and hold the water that is already in the colon, making the stool soft.

The most common types of hyperosmolar laxatives are lacunose, orbital, and polyethylene glycol. These prescription laxatives has few side effects and are safe for prolong use.

2. Lubricant Laxatives

Lubricant laxatives contain mineral oil which resides within the intestine. It coats the particles of stool and controls the removal of water from the stool, making the stool softer.

However, it should only be used for the short-term treatment of constipation as mineral oil has many disadvantages. Be aware that lubricant laxatives can attract fat-soluble vitamins from the intestine. If it is used for long periods, it can result in Vitamin deficiencies.

3. Stool Softeners

Stool softeners are also known as emollient laxatives. They have a wetting agent called decussate which helps water in the colon to go through and merge with stool, making the stool oft and easier to pass out.

They can be used in the long-term constipation treatment and it takes around a week's time or more for decussate to be helpful. If you have no effect, the dose should be increased.

Stool softeners are generally used when stool has to soften for short duration. For instance, after childbirth, surgery, or heart attack.

4. Saline Laxatives

Saline laxatives contain magnesium hydroxide, magnesium citrate and sodium phosphate which are non-absorbable ions. While in the colon, these ions help water to be strained into the colon and help soften the stool.

Saline laxatives act fast but it is not advised to use them regularly as dehydration may occur. Milk of magnesia is the most regularly used and stronger of the saline laxatives.

What You Can Do to Cure Constipation Naturally

1. Get up early in the morning and go for a walk daily. It is also good to exercise regularly for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily. Exercise increases the natural contractions of the intestine to promote regularity of elimination.

2. Fast at least once in a week in order for your colon to rest and restore itself. Use our juice detox recipes to help you do a 3-day juice fast.

3. Establish a regular bowel movement and stick to it because schedules work well with your body's natural body clock. To get rid of constipation, do not delay or ignore the urge to go to the toilet.

Ideally, you should have a bowel movement for meal you eat. If you do not have a bowel movement daily, and you eat 3 meals a day, those meals will decay in your colon.

4. To get rid of constipation, include fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables or oatmeal in your diet. Insoluble fiber gives bulk and soluble fiber turns into soft texture like gel in your intestine to prevent hard and dry stool that are difficult to pass.

And, don't forget to drink plenty of water after that or your risk even more constipated.

5. You might also want to try herbal remedies for constipation such as aloe vera. Aloe Vera helps to heal and clean the digestive system when taken twice a day.

Triphala is another valuable herb for digestive problems. It is a combination of of three herbs, namely, Amla (Emblica officinalis), Harada (Terminalia chebula) and Behada (Terminalia belerica).

Triphala not only works as a mild laxative but also helps in improving the peristaltic movements in the gastro intestinal tract.

With these constipation natural remedies, you should have no problem moving your bowels regularly.

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