Constipation affects not just the elderly but even middle-aged people and the younger population. It is a medical condition that affects all age groups and is defined by having fewer than three stools in a week. Severe constipation is defined as having less than one stool in a week.
People may experience constipation for various reasons, including their diet, eating habits, lifestyle choices, a medical condition, or the medications they consume. Constipation can be highly uncomfortable and cause mental and physical discomfort.
Thankfully, there are numerous remedies for constipation that can provide immediate relief. This guide will walk you through each of them.
1. Castor Oil
Oil from the castor bean is a natural laxative that will provide constipation relief since it stimulates bowel movement. Take about one to two teaspoons of castor oil. Give about eight hours for a bowel movement to occur.
2. Fiber-Rich Foods
Consuming fiber-rich food can aid in weight loss and a healthy digestive system. It can also prevent you from experiencing constipation in the long run. This is because the food dissolves with the water in your system and creates bulkier and softer stools. Such foods include oatmeal, flaxseeds, fruits, beans, and vegetables.
3. Coffee
Drinking caffeinated coffee can also provide immediate constipation relief because it contracts the muscles in the intestines. This pushes the stool towards the rectum. However, coffee can be dehydrating, so make sure you drink plenty of water along with the coffee to prevent worsening the condition.
4. Tea
Warm liquids can help the digestive system and provide relief from constipation. Certain teas can be particularly effective since they also allow an upset stomach. These include ginger, peppermint, chamomile, green and black teas.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can help flush toxins from the body and help with constipation. To stimulate bowel movement, you can mix freshly squeezed lemon juice in green tea or warm water.
6. Aloe Vera
Although aloe vera is used externally and applied on burns and cuts, it can be equally effective with constipation. You can take a tablespoon or two of plain aloe vera or mix it with juice or smoothies.
7. Milk
While consuming too many dairy products actually leads to constipation, it can also help relieve it. Consider drinking one cup of warm milk to enhance bowel movement. You can also add clarified butter to it to make it more effective in providing immediate constipation relief.
8. Fennel
This natural and mild laxative helps stool move smoothly towards the rectum. Consider mixing roasted fennel seeds to warm water and drinking it.
9. Honey
This is filled with enzymes that can aid in digestive health. You can have a tablespoon of plain honey or add it to your tea, coffee, or warm water.
Final Words
Following the right diet with high-fiber food and drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation from developing. You can also follow these home remedies for immediate constipation.
However, before you make any drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle, be sure to check in with a medical professional for advice first. To make an appointment with a licensed medical practitioner at Health One Family Medicine, you can call at (469)262-5762 or visit our website https://www.healthonemedicine.com/.