Natural Remedies and Prevention of Constipation


Constipation is a problem that affects many Americans every day. Constipation is mainly due to poor eating habits, insufficient exercise, not getting enough fiber and not drinking enough water. Constipation is quite uncomfortable and most everyone knows when they have it. Common symptoms include:

Straining to have a bowel movement

Hard stools - pellet like stools

Not having a bowel movement every day

Not totally emptying your bowels each time you have a movement

If you eat right and adopt a healthy lifestyle, you need not every suffer from constipation, but what can you do in the meantime?

One way to help get things moving is to increase your intake of potassium through eating foods it naturally occurs in. You remember your grandmother telling you to eat prunes to relieve constipation, right? Well that is because prunes are high in potassium!

Potassium works wonders on the walls of the colon and helps to stimulate peristaltic action which makes your bowels move. It also helps to clean out layers of mucus and dried fecal matter that have built up along the colon walls.

Other foods that contain potassium include: tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, kale, sesame seeds, wheat germ, brewers yeast, pineapple and cauliflower.

Another natural remedy for constipation is Aloe. This herb that works so good on your outsides can also help your insides too! Aloe and its cousins buckthorn, frangula and senna have natural laxative chemicals and can be very powerful constipation cures It is recommended you take any of these herbs with caution and not for extended periods of time.

Psyllium has long been used to help relieve symptoms of constipation as it is loaded with soluble fiber. Make sure you take psyllium with lots of water.

Flax seed is used in may packaged products that treat constipation. You can buy the flaxseeds and crush them yourself. Take one or two tablespoons a day with lots of water. You will need to make sure you get at least 8 glasses of water a day when using flax.

Rhubarb has laxative properties and is high in fiber. Since the properties that give it it's laxative qualities are similar to those in senna, this can be very powerful so use with caution!

While using natural remedies for constipation is much better then taking laxatives, the best thing to do is to practice prevention by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, getting adequate exercise and drinking lots of water.


More Resources

Living with Aromatherapy
Places Suitable for Use of Aromatherapy Products: living room, bedroom, study room, kitchen, bathroom, office, conference room, KTV, hospital, car and other enclosed spaces.Aromatherapy· When someone at home is down with influenza, light an aromatherapy diffuser to prevent mutual contagion.
Addressing The Cause And Finding A Cure: Why Cause is Everything When It Comes To Low Back Pain
There is an epidemic, at least in the States when it comes to treating back pain. Most doctors do just that.
Nature, An ADHD Natural Treatment
My mother's warning; "You are going to rot your brain out..
Natural Remedies and Prevention of Constipation
Constipation is a problem that affects many Americans every day. Constipation is mainly due to poor eating habits, insufficient exercise, not getting enough fiber and not drinking enough water.
An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part I - The Twelve Healers
What are Bach Flower Essences?Pioneered by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930's, a flower essence is a liquid preparation imprinted with the etheric pattern of a particular flower.
Bois De Santal: The Source of Tranquility
The near extinct bois de santal has a sensual and exotic scent that gives an elevating experience for those who use it. The oil extraction process of the sandalwood is lengthy; the tree has to be about 30 years old before the process can take place.
Bodily Attributes!
The revolution is indeed underway. Money married to desire, imagination and necessity has produced a technological revolution which will see incredible changes and potential.
Serotonin Kills Pain - And May Be Available From Your Subconscious
Serotonin is not just for depression--it's potent for pain relief as well. Here's a drug-free way you may be able to increase your supply of this natural painkiller.
Hinoki: Natural Essences in Abundance
Living in a hectic urban landscape, do you look forward to a return to nature, where the richness of plant essences can soothe your fatigued spirit? With the refreshing fragrance of hinoki, an ancient plant that emanates a rich store of natural energy, you would feel immersed in an oasis of comfort even in the midst of the urban jungle.HistoryHinoki is rich in ancient history.
The Effects of Stress
Stress can affect you in four different ways:The Physical Effects of StressThese result in a physically perceived overload. These are present in many forms.
Chelation and Clathration
Chelating is the process of removing toxic materials, metals and minerals from the body by use of certain chelating agents. These are substances that bond with the toxic materials resulting in capsulation of those toxic materials within the chelating agent that then flashes away through the natural excretory process of cleaning the body waste.
Allergy Control: Reducing Airborne Allergens in Your Home
Those who are plagued by allergies are always struggling to diminish those irritants that cause watery eyes, runny noses and rashes that sometimes translate into full-blown hives. These and other symptoms can be brought about by a number of contaminants that infiltrate the very air that people breathe within their own homes.
Alternative Medicine and Therapies - What, Why and How of it
Alternative Therapies and alternative medicine has been gaining ground along with conventional treatments. Alternative therapies have been practiced for thousand of years especially in the east commonly known as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Treating Arthritis - Naturally
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.
An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part II - The Seven Helpers
The 12-7-19 Method of Bach Flower ClassificationDr. Edward Bach, developer of flower essence therapy, classified the original 38 essences he used in his practice according to the 12-7-19 method: the Twelve Healers, the Seven Helpers, and the Second Nineteen.
Air Fresheners, Or Are They?
For years I've prided myself on believing that I take a very natural approach to the wellness of me and my family. However, I recently ventured into the aromatherapy market and found out, much to my dismay, that I was wrong.
Feeling Helpless in the Face of Pain?
Here Are 4 Ways That Visualization May Be Able to Ease You Back into ControlUsing visualizations to reduce pain may be unlike anything else you've tried. It not only gives you the chance to feel better, but does so in a way that may be able to relieve your sense of helplessness.
Magnetic Energy and DNA
Magnetic energy has been in use for reducing pain and for normalizing body functions for hundreds of years. Recently a new technology has emerged that will move the magnetic healing fields in a new direction.
Arthritis Diet Myths- Dont Be Fooled By These Food Fables!
One of the most popular myths I hear from my patients is that eating golden raisins soaked in gin will cure arthritis. There is no good research to support this notion.
Parasites: The Missing Diagnosis?
Parasites, commonly thought of as only affecting those in developing countries, actually affect 1 in 6 people in North America and are the most common disease condition in the world. For many chronic conditions this can be the missing diagnosis.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be one sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or other serious problems. Other symptoms of poor dental health may include persistent bad breath, toothache, and receding gums.
How To Use Senna For Constipation Relief
It is known that Egyptians used senna tea to relieve constipation. This tea is used for medium and chronic conditions of constipation.
Alternative Medicine & Herbal Preparations
Alternative medicine is gaining more attention every day. The idea that one can heal their body, prevent physical symptoms and even treat them - naturally - is very appealing.
Revolutionary Medicine: Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain Sufferers
Stripped from the scenes from science fiction novels and films, shockwave therapy is a newage alternative to chronic pain sufferers. Utilized not only on humans for over 25 years for urologic and orthopedic conditions, shockwave therapy has even been introduced to veterinary and equine medicine as well.
4000 Year Old Secrets of Green Tea
The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea for over 4,000 years. But recent studies are just starting to unlock these ancient secrets of green tea.
How to Beat the Winter Blues
Those who revel in the winter season delight in visions of family-filled holidays, ice skating and snowball fights as soon as the weather starts to turn cold. But for those who suffer from the winter blues, the winter season brings with it a promise of long, dark weeks, dreary skies and weather that keeps you indoors.
Alternative Approaches to Pain Relief
Pain. The great leveler.
Kill Your Stuttering/Stammering Demons
Apparently one percent of British people suffer from the speech impediment called stuttering. Only people who stutter can ever really know how difficult life can become when you are unable to speak fluently in all situations.
How to Sense Low Levels of Asbestos in Your Daily Environment. (Part II)
Most people find it difficult to believe that a tiny dust material, too small to see, can cause such havoc with the human body. As a construction worker, I may have an advantage in identifying the materials which shed this residue, but this also tends to make me more vulnerable to it's effects.
Moles, Warts & Skin Tags Remedy
Are you worried about your moles, warts, and skin tags? Are scared about the idea of removing them surgically using laser, knife or some acid?Moles and warts are skin infection caused by specific wart viruses, producing bumps on various parts of body or the soles of feet. Here are some remedies for removal of moles, warts and skin tags.
Learn How to Do A Successful Gall Bladder Flush
To do a Gall Bladder Flush you will need the following ingredients:3 quarts of apple juice, fresh or from the dairy case, not w/preservatives1 cup olive oil, cold expeller pressed is best, virgin not light.1 cup of coke (optional but makes the oil taste less annoying)1 lemon, to be juiced at mixing timeUltra Phos dropsOxymag caps or PowderPROCEDURE:1.
Athlete Foot Remedies
Athlete foot is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. The medical term for foot fungus is tinea pedis.
How To Find Your Way To Healthy Longevity
As the old saying goes, are you "a picture of health"? You may have a problem answering this question, but it's important to know just where you stand on this issue. I guess we all would like to be the healthiest person we can be but it's not always possible.
Hypnosis Way of General Indications of Deceit
When the subject is changed, he's in a better, more relaxed mood. The guilty wants the subject changed; the innocent always wants a further exchange of information.
Quantum Biology and Its Uses for Aromatherapy
Bel'Air has brought in cutting edge medical technology from Europe and America, in the form of "Quantum Xrriod C.I System", to allow distributors to understand their health conditions using the most advanced medical therapeutic method.
Holistic Medicine
Holistic Medicine involves natural treatment options like holistic nutrition, herbology, environmental medicine, energy work, mind-body medicine, anatomy, and many other holistic medicine practices.Holistic medicine allows an individual to be treated naturally and establishes a positive balance between body, mind and spirit.
Preventive Medicine - Ayurveda
It should not be hard for anyone to imagine that man sought medicine to maintain life and gain knowledge since the time of his being pre-hominid and eating plants while learning which ones killed him. Your puppy or kitten will show this when it goes outside for the first time and eats grass to help its gastrointestinal processes.
Homeopathy: A Natural Health 101 Article
What It IsIn Homeopathy, extremely dilute preparations are given to a patient to spur the patient's immune system into action and re-balance the body's "vital force". The preparations are extremely dilute--often going well beyond Avogadro's Limit--but are "succussed" or rapped firmly onto a padded surface to, as Homeopaths believe, send healing vibrationationl energy throughout the remedy.
Food Combining for Indigestion
I'd like to share with you some basic food combining rules as set forth by the late Dr. Herbert Shelton many years ago.
Snoring: A Common Sleep Disorder
Sleep consumes as much as one-third or more of the average human's life. Even if people hope for restful sleep, many types of sleep disorder reduce the quality and quantity of sleep.