Constipation Relief At Home

Everyone’s bowel movements are different, and what’s considered “normal” can vary widely. Some people might have a bowel movement three times a day, while others might only go three times a week. Many things can affect your ability to go, like what you eat, your health conditions, and changes in your daily routine.

Sometimes, people need a little help to get things moving. That is where laxatives come in – they are medicines that can stimulate bowel movement. But if you’re looking for alternatives, there are some natural remedies that may give you immediate constipation relief at home.

Through this blog, you’ll explore 12 natural options that could help encourage bowel movements. Whether you’re looking for quick or long-term solutions, we’ve got you covered.

12 Home Remedies for Constipation Relief

    Drink Plenty of Water
    Increase Fibre Intake
    Exercise Regularly
    Use Probiotics
    Drink Herbal Teas
    Eat Prunes
    Use Coconut Oil
    Try a Low-FODMAP Diet
    Flaxseeds
    Drink Coffee
    Avoid Dairy
    Drink Lemon Water

Let’s discuss these 12 home remedies for constipation in detail.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking enough water is essential for preventing constipation. Adequate hydration helps to soften stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive system. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid sugary drinks that can exacerbate dehydration.

In addition to water, other hydrating fluids like herbal tea, low-sugar juice, and broth can also contribute to your daily hydration needs.

2. Increase Fibre Intake

When it comes to treating constipation, doctors often recommend increasing your fibre intake. This is because fibre helps make your stool bulkier and softer, making it easier to pass through your digestive system.

There are two types of fibre:

Insoluble Fibre: Insoluble fibre, found in foods like wheat bran, veggies, and whole grains, adds bulk to your stool and helps it move through your system more quickly.

Soluble fibre: Soluble fibre, found in foods like oat bran, nuts, seeds, beans, and fruits, absorbs water and makes your stool softer and more manageable.

By including a mix of both types of fibre in your diet, you can help regulate your bowel movements and find instant constipation relief.

3. Exercise Regularly

Exercise Regularly for constipation relief fast

Regular physical activity stimulates bowel movements and improves digestion. While exercise may not necessarily increase the frequency of bowel movements, it can improve overall symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging can be beneficial.

However, it’s essential to note that intense exercise may worsen symptoms in some individuals, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

4. Use Probiotics

Probiotics can help balance the gut microbiota and improve bowel regularity. Foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, & other fermented foods are rich in probiotics. Alternatively, probiotic supplements can be taken to enhance gut health. These beneficial bacteria help digestion and can alleviate constipation.

5. Drink Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas, such as senna, peppermint, and ginger tea, are also known as the best natural laxatives for constipation relief. Senna tea helps with bowel movements, while peppermint and ginger teas can calm the digestive system and help with regularity. Drinking a cup of herbal tea before bed can provide fast constipation relief at home.

6. Eat Prunes

Prunes are high in fibre and contain sorbitol, a natural laxative for constipation. Eating prunes or drinking prune juice can significantly improve bowel movements. Prunes can be eaten as a snack or added to cereals, salads, & smoothies. The recommended amount is about 4-6 prunes per day for effective constipation relief.

7. Use Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil for quick constipation relief at home

Coconut oil can help lubricate the intestines and ease the passage of stools. Taking one to two tablespoons of coconut oil daily can offer quick constipation relief at home. You can consume it directly, mix it into smoothies, or use it in cooking. Coconut oil’s medium-chain fatty acids promote overall digestive health.

8. Try a Low-FODMAP Diet

A low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet helps you figure out which foods are causing your constipation. FODMAP stands for a bunch of tricky sugars that can be hard for your body to digest. To try this diet, you’ll start by cutting out foods like:

Wheat
Onions
Garlic
Sugar alcohols
Honey
High fructose corn syrup
Fruits with pits (like cherries, avocados, or apples)
Dairy products
Beans and legumes

9. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are high in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help ease constipation. Ground flaxseeds are more effective than whole seeds and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, yoghurt, or baked goods. Start with one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds per day and gradually increase the amount as needed for natural medicine for constipation.

10. Drink Coffee

Drinking coffee, especially caffeinated coffee, can help stimulate your digestive system and increase your urge to go to the bathroom. Coffee contains small amounts of soluble fibre, promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and preventing constipation.

However, coffee can have different effects on different people, and those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may experience worsened symptoms. If you have IBS, try avoiding caffeine.

11. Avoid Dairy

If you’re experiencing constipation, it could be due to a dairy intolerance. When people with an intolerance consume dairy, it can slow down their gut movements, leading to constipation. This is especially true for children with a cow’s milk protein intolerance and adults with lactose intolerance. If you suspect a dairy intolerance, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

12. Drink Lemon Water

Lemon juice stimulates the digestive system naturally and helps ease constipation. Drinking a glass of warm lemon water in the morning can provide instant constipation relief at home. The acidity of lemon helps stimulate the production of digestive juices, enhancing bowel movements.

When to See A Doctor?

Constipation occurs when:

You defecate fewer than three times per week.
Your stool is hard, dry, or large.
It’s painful to pass stool.

If left untreated, constipation can lead to complications like haemorrhoids. If diet and lifestyle changes don’t help, consult a doctor. They may prescribe a laxative, but use it carefully, as it can be harmful if not taken properly. If you experience additional symptoms like blood in your stool, bloating, fatigue, weight loss, or abdominal pain, consult a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Sometimes constipation can also be a sign of serious bowel problems such as bowel cancer, especially if it alternates with symptoms of diarrhoea. Absolute constipation – where no stool or gas passes from the bottom is another serious problem, which if occurs can mean a blockage of your bowel perhaps due to adhesions or cancer, and this is a medical emergency. This is often accompanied by pain, vomiting and abdominal distension.

Conclusion

Constipation can be effectively managed and relieved with various home remedies. From dietary adjustments to herbal teas and natural supplements, these methods offer immediate, fast, instant, and quick constipation relief at home. However, if you have a condition like Colitis or Crohn’s disease, increasing your fibre intake might actually make things worse. So, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 . What are the quick natural ways to treat constipation?

Try these for quick constipation relief at home:

Exercise can help stimulate bowel movements.
Try a natural remedy like prune juice or probiotics.
Get into a squat position on the toilet to make pooping easier.
Use a colonic massage to help stimulate your bowels.
Try a suppository to help soften your stool.
Use an enema to help loosen up your stool.
Take a stool softener to help you pass your stool more easily.
Try a lubricant laxative to help your stool move through your gut more smoothly.

2. Can bananas help with constipation? 

Bananas can have both positive and negative effects on constipation, depending on their ripeness and individual factors. Unripe bananas can actually make constipation worse, but ripe bananas might help relieve it. It also matters what else you’re eating and drinking and if you have any underlying health issues, like IBS.

3. What are the warning signs that constipation is getting serious?

Blood in the stool
Severe abdominal pain
Bloating and swelling
Vomiting
Difficulty passing urine
Severe straining during bowel movements
Feeling like the bowels are blocked
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhoea (in some cases)
Feeling like you are not able to empty your bowels completely.

4. What are safe methods for constipation relief for pregnant women?

Pregnancy often comes with digestive challenges, including constipation. Increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, and gentle exercise are safe methods for constipation relief for pregnant women. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements or trying new remedies during pregnancy to ensure they are safe for both the mother and the baby.