How to beat constipation without the use of medicine?
Kind of an embarassing question, I know. I have always thought coffee usually makes you have to “go” but it seems that ever since I started drinking it every morning, it’s done the opposite. Maybe it’s something else completely? I haven’t been eating any differently, although I do tend to eat a lot of crap (no pun intended). Could that be the issue? What’s a natural way to take care of this problem? I just want to have a regularly scheduled poop! Is that so much to ask for?
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Water, mineral oil, Epsom salts.
Drink a spoon of mineral oil every evening, a spoon of olive oil every morning, increase intake of water and fiber, take a hot yoga class and drink more natural fruit juices
That’s what I don’t understand, I drink lots of water and fruit juices…
Same thing happened to me when I started drinking coffee a lot.
I just went to the chemist though and now eat lots of fibre.
Caffeine is a diurectic… it draws fluids out of your body, and dehydration contributes to constipation. For every caffeinated and/or alcoholic beverage you consume, it is good to compensate by drinking an equal amount of water… in addition to the 64 ounces the average adult is recommended to consume.
Yogurt is great for regulating the digestive tract, in addition to a high-fiber diet. My preference is Stonyfield Farms. Dietary fat also helps lubricate the digestive tract, so if you are on a particularly low-fat diet, try adding some healthy fats. Avacado have good fat and fiber.
If you are desperate at this moment… go to McDonald’s for lunch… works every time.
Personally I found when I get sick I get constipated since my body needs fluids than normal but I usually don’t increase my fluid intake, so have you had a cold or anything?
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, raspberries and blackberries are two of the best.
@hearkat I never thought of it that way. It must have slipped my mind that coffee dehydrates. It’s starting to make sense now! Thanks for that helpful info.
Lots of fruit and salad do it for me.
Not to water down Hearkat’s theory or anything (sorry hearkat ;-) but the notion that caffeine is a potent diuretic appears to be a myth.
Natural solutions:
1. Lots and lots of water
2. More water
3. Exercise (the bouncing, moving kind such as running, walking, ball sports, etc.)
4. Generous fiber intake
5. More water
Have I stressed water intake enough?
The best natural product can be found in most health food stores.
Psyllium Seed Husks.
Start with a teaspoon or two stirred into orange juice and gradually increase as needed. The reason you want to increase gradually is so your body can adjust.
If you don’t get any gassiness, increase as needed. This very gentle and natural. It basically increases bulk and the fiber absorbs water. It doesn’t sound that tasty, but it basically does not have any flavor at all. It dissolves best in OJ but it also helps if you increase your fluid intake during the day.
You can add prunes and/or prune juice to breakfast.
Increase foods that are high in fiber (whole grains & beans).
Avoid eating constipating foods such as white rice & white potatoes.
You said you drink lots of water & fruit juices – make sure you’re drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of water a day. And try to eat fruit with skins rather than juice as much as possible.
When you first feel the urge “to go” try to go as soon as possible (rather than holding it in).
You might want to try occasional colon cleansing.
A) Oatmeal and dried fruit in the morning
B) Any baked good with flax seed in the morning
C) Try probiotic yogurt to regulate your body
D) Try to avoid cheese
If these things don’t work then simply start adding a fiber supplement like Citrucel or Miralax to your day – drinking it in the morning before you start running around should make a big difference.
More fibre dear, and lots of exercise. That should jiggle the intestines to activate!
No need to do anything drastic. Eat more fiber; oatmeal every morning and several servings of fruit a day will go a long way in helping your bowel movements along. And plenty of water to lubricate your inner workings.
There’s this tea you can buy at most grocery stores—It’s called “Smooth Moves”, it’s an herbal tea. Drink it before you go to bed and when you wake up you’ll have to go. It’s nothing extreme but it does get things moving. I’ve used it and the only negatives are that I got some mild cramps. But it worked, so I can look past them. I would recommend it!
@hearkat The mcdonalds trick works everytime.
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