What Are The Best Natural Treatments for Constipation?

Lee Jacobs | Education | Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Natural treatments for constipation present a safe, effective and healthy alternative to the over the counter and prescription medications made to treat this common problem. These home remedies are easy to use and are part of an overall holistic health regimen, since they support digestive health naturally. Constipation isn’t normally a serious problem, though if left untreated it can lead to fecal impaction, systemic toxicity, hemorrhoids and other health problems; so it’s a problem which is definitely best avoided.

The best of these natural treatments are easy to use and prevent recurrence of the problem by supporting better digestive function and good health in general. While constipation is usually a minor problem, it can lead to some serious health issues if it is allowed to proceed untreated.

These problems can include impaction of fecal matter, hemorrhoids and even systemic toxicity. In people with a healthy GI tract and good digestion, a bowel movement is something that normally happens every day. If you go more than a day without one on a regular basis, you are more than likely constipated.

There are plenty of treatments available for constipation, but there can be side effects; and these treatments often address the symptom rather than the cause, so constipation often quickly recurs. By contrast, natural treatments for constipation treat the system as well as the cause, producing a more lasting cure.

Getting enough fiber in one’s diet is the best and easiest natural treatment for constipation. It seems intuitive enough, but most of us don’t get nearly enough fiber. If you’re prone to the condition, changing your diet to one rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and seeds can make all the difference. Foods which are especially good include oatmeal, bananas, peaches, flaxseed and any fresh vegetables. Increasing fluid intake by getting more water and fresh fruit and vegetable juices is also a good home remedy for constipation which can treat and prevent the condition.

There are also foods and other products which those especially prone to constipation should avoid. These include refined sugars, refined flours, dairy products (except for yogurt), meat, alcohol and excessive amounts of caffeine, along with any fast foods (these should be avoided anyway). Replace these constipation culprits with higher fiber natural foods, drastically reducing or completely eliminating them from the diet. Regular physical activity also naturally helps to prevent and treat constipation as well as supporting good digestive health.

Replace these foods with healthier alternatives as much as possible, entirely if you can. The foods to avoid include: foods made with refined sugars or flours, meat, alcohol, caffeine, dairy products (with the exception of yogurt; though cheese especially should be avoided). Fast foods are another no-no for in order to prevent constipation and any number of other health reasons.

By treating constipation naturally, a person is able to, not only correct the bad habits that led to the original bout of constipation, but can safely avoid its recurrence. Natural treatments for constipation have been safely and effectively used for generations to treat this common discomfort and are completely without risk or side effects. In making simple diet and lifestyle changes, constipation can be corrected, as a host of other conditions can also be avoided in the process.

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