Preventing Constipation the Natural Way
Do you frequently suffer from constipation? It may feel embarrassing to talk about but constipation is normal every now and then and almost everyone has suffered through it at one point in their lives. The reality is, there are natural ways to combat constipation and prevent the discomfort it brings.
Here are some tips to help you avoid constipation:
Drink lots of water. Water has many miracles for our body. It is, after all, the most important requirement of our daily existence. Take in the right amounts of fluid to help your digestive system easily ease out your bowels. Carbonated sodas and alcohol are not counted since these fluids can have dehydrating effects to your body.
Eat enough fiber. Fiber is the most important food nutrient that helps us pass bowels easily. Examples of foods rich in fiber are whole grains, leafy vegetables, dark-green vegetables, cooked beans and starchy vegetables. Ample portions of such for breakfast and lunch will ensure a healthy bowel movement. Just make sure to drink lots of water because if fibrous foods are not accompanied by enough amounts of water, they can actually cause constipation.
Get enough exercise. Exercise helps us have healthy bowel movements. When your heart is pumping hard, it gets your digestive tract rolling. An immobile and low-activity lifestyle is generally unhealthy for you and one of the side effects is constipation. If you’re not used to exercising, do it in small sets and gradually increase the frequency.
Try an olive oil treatment. Olive oil is a nice, safe lubricant for your digestive tract. You can drink directly a tablespoon of olive oil like a cough syrup or pour it in a serving of whole grain or leafy salad. However, olive oil is high in calories (around 120 calories per tablespoon) so make sure to limit your intake of other high-calorie foods so you don’t increase your calorie intake for the day beyond your normal requirement.
Drink honey and lemon juice. There is no scientific evidence to back up the effects of honey and lemon juice but the solution actually works quite well. Just mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of lemon juice to 8 ounces of water and drink this sweet mixture. You can drink this everyday as long as you desire and just follow it up with a glass of water.
Keep stress in check. Unhealthy stress harms our body in a lot of ways including making us constipated. Find ways to simplify your life and put things in perspective. Maintain a positive outlook and declutter your life. When your mind convinces your body that everything is going well, then your bowels will move easily.
Avoid too much fat. Fatty foods cause constipation. Avoid eating too much cheese, meats and other fatty, low-fiber foods to promote a healthy bowel movement.
Check your medication. Medications have their side effects and one of these can be constipation. The best way to know is to talk to your doctor and understand the side effects of any medication you’re taking.
Constipation is a normal occurrence and we all suffer from it every once in a while. However, when you are constipated for unusually long stretches of time or if you are frequently constipated, it may be time to check with your doctor and make some changes in your lifestyle.
Published at: 06/26/2015
