18 Home Remedies for Constipation

Stay hydrated throughout the day to optimize digestion and muscle function. Drinking enough water keeps the body and all the systems that contribute to bowel movements healthy and hydrated. Increasing fluid intake can help resolve constipation.

People have long turned to prunes and prune juice to relieve constipation. Prunes are full of fiber and sorbitol, a carbohydrate digested slowly by the body. As it moves through the intestines, prunes collect water, helping to soften fecal matter. Drinking a glass of prune juice in the morning and then again at night or including a few prunes in one's daily diet can maintain bowel regularity. Eating too many, however, can cause other digestive issues, such as gas and diarrhea.

Caffeine is a natural stimulant for the digestive system, so enjoying a morning coffee can help prompt a bowel movement. However, coffee is also a diuretic and can increase urination, which removes water that would help soften stools. While a cup or two of coffee each day can ease constipation, any more could exacerbate the issue.

Oil stimulates the digestive system and lines the walls of the intestine for smoother bowel movements. Olive oil taken on an empty stomach can help constipation. Mixing a teaspoon of flaxseed oil or aloe vera gel into orange juice with pulp (for extra fiber) can also encourage this process. Two tablespoons of oil in the morning and again later in the day can ensure continued relief.

Probiotics encourage a healthy bowel and good gut flora, which encourages regular bowel movements. Found in yogurt and kefir, probiotics contain good bacteria that can help prevent constipation. A person already experiencing this ailment can try eating more yogurt or turn to a probiotic supplement.

Another home remedy for constipation is baking soda mixed with water. Drinking the mixture neutralizes stomach acid, helping things pass through the gut more easily. Baking soda is made up of bicarbonate, which relieves pain and pressure and encourages the release of air. One teaspoon of baking soda in a quarter cup of warm water can also ease heartburn and indigestion. Note that, in rare cases, ingesting baking soda can have side effects. It also contains a lot of sodium and should be avoided by people on a low-sodium diet.

Eating magnesium-rich foods facilitates the movement of food through the digestive tract by relaxing the muscles and drawing water into the intestines. Green leafy vegetables are a great source of magnesium, and so are beans, lentils, avocados, bananas, seeds, nuts, and oily fish, such as mackerel. Like caffeine, too much magnesium can have an opposite effect, but moderate amounts may help.

Fiber helps keep digestion regular so consistent consumption of fiber-rich foods helps prevent and ease constipation. Refined or artificial foods are harder to process than natural ones, in part because they generally contain less fiber. Replacing them with beans, whole grains, and fruits such as plums, pears, apples, and apricots, and berries can improve digestion.

Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate helps fight constipation. Two teaspoons of Epsom salts mixed with one cup of water or juice typically causes a bowel movement within four hours. The salt draws the water from its surroundings and makes stools softer, while the magnesium helps the bowel muscles contract.

Gentle exercises can retrain the way the body processes food. Physical activity benefits the muscles and joints and stimulates the colon, encouraging the bowels to start moving again. Ideally, avoid eating any significant amount of food an hour before or after a workout.

Herbal laxatives with glycosides stimulate colon activity and encourage fluid secretion, which can ease constipation. Glycosides send more electrolytes into the colon to assist digestive system function. After an oral dose, a bowel movement usually occurs within six to eight hours. These natural laxatives come from plants such as ascara, aloe, frangula, and senna and are available over the counter at pharmacies and health stores. It is best to talk to a doctor before trying this herbal remedy. A common side effect is abdominal cramping.

The low-FODMAP diet is low in fermentable carbs that often contribute to stomach pain and digestive problems. Choosing low-FODMAP foods with high dietary fiber can curb constipation and prompt healthy, frequent bowel movements. Fresh fish, seafood, rice, wheat pasta, eggs, and yogurt fall into this category. Many fruits and vegetables make the list, too; broccoli, corn, sweet potatoes, blueberries, grapes, and oranges are some of the healthy options to consider for reducing constipation.

Studies show an allergy to cow's milk can lead to chronic constipation, particularly in children. Cheese and milk also commonly cause digestive system issues. People with lactose intolerance benefit from reducing their dairy intake, as can those with regular constipation. It may not be necessary to completely stop eating dairy, as there are valuable nutrients and probiotics in cheese and yogurt. People who eat multiple servings of dairy a day can try cutting back until symptoms stop.

Enemas and suppositories encourage easier bowel movements. Homemade enemas are water-based and may contain sodium-phosphate, milk sugars, molasses, or soap to push fluid into the digestive tract and soften the stool. Health care professionals often use enemas made of a dilute saline solution. Suppositories have a similar result but work by irritating the intestine, causing it to contract and expel the stool. Some suppositories promote salt and water secretion to free up blocked stool, as well. Again, it is important to ask a doctor about the safety of these options for your constitution before trying them

Ginger tea is a natural wonder; the warm beverage boosts immunity, reduces stress, and battles respiratory infections while also protecting the digestive system. Ginger's anti-inflammatory effects and natural warming quality are beneficial for digestive health. A dose of ginger also stimulates the release of gastric and pancreatic enzymes that speed up stomach emptying. Doctors recommend drinking ginger tea two or three times a day if the bowels have been sluggish.

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Establishing a regular bathroom schedule can significantly impact your digestive health. Try to visit the restroom at the same time each day, ideally after meals, to take advantage of the natural rhythm of your body's digestive process. This habit can help train your bowel to have regular movements, easing the discomfort associated with constipation.

When nature calls, answer. Delaying a bowel movement can lead to harder stools, making them more difficult to pass later on. This habit can exacerbate constipation and increase discomfort. Listening to your body's signals and responding promptly can help maintain a smoother digestive process and prevent the buildup of stool. According to a Harvard Men's Health Watch, you should not delay urine release either. Holding it can lead to bladder stretching, making it harder to go, and kidney stones.

About 97% of Americans focus too keenly on low-fiber foods. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains contain fiber that improves digestion, potentially reducing constipation. The experts at Cedar Mount Sinai recommend reducing your intake of foods high in fat and sugar that may slow your digestive system down. Reducing your intake of these low-fiber foods and replacing them with high-fiber alternatives can enhance your digestive health. Fiber adds bulk to your stool and helps it pass more easily, reducing the likelihood of constipation.