Constipation is an uncomfortable feeling that can ruin the day. The stomach feels full and uncomfortable and no matter how hard a person tries, having a bowel movement is difficult and painful. This is the time for quick constipation remedies so the body can feel relieved and ready to complete daily activities.
Causes of Constipation
Constipation will probably affect everyone eventually. Constipation affects a fifth of people worldwide, and it is more prevalent in developed nations. The major cause of constipation is eating foods that upset the stomach, not consuming enough fiber in the diet and not hydrating the body properly. If a person does not drink enough water, eats highly processed foods, and relies on soda or coffee to quench thirst then their body cannot adequately process foods. The result is the body not being able to evacuate properly since fecal material gets hard, larger and compacted as it moves through the bowels.
Lack of exercise is another cause of constipated. Physical activity keeps the body moving in more ways than one. A person should get at least thirty minutes of exercise daily, even if it is just walking around the block.
Quick Constipation Remedies
While taking over-the-counter or prescription medications may relieve the symptoms of constipation, they often come with side effects. A person with constant constipation should consult with their physician to ensure that the constipation is not the result of a more serious problem. Someone who only gets constipation now and then can try easy remedies to get the body moving again.
There are some old-time remedies that have been used for generations to cure painful bouts of constipation.
•Prunes and prune juice – for many people, especially babies and toddlers, eating a couple of prunes or drinking prune juice will eliminate constipation. Young children and babies often get constipation from milk and dairy products, and drinking a couple of ounces of prune juice daily can help keep them regular. Many children like the sweet taste of prunes so getting them to eat them is not difficult.
•Apples – an apple will help to clean out the intestines, and when combines with prunes the two work together to loosen bowels and end constipation. Combining apple juice and pear juice has the same effect.
•Beets – anyone who has ever juiced too many beets when making fruit juice can testify that beets are a natural laxative. Eating just a couple pieces of beets in the morning will encourage the bowels to move before the day ends. This is a common, effective home remedy for constipation.
•Castor Oil – used for generations, castor oil is still probably the best remedy for constipation as it will stimulate the intestines so the body can work to move the bowels. One or two teaspoons in fruit juice is usually enough to work, but taking too much can cause diarrhea so caution should be used when taking castor oil.
Other quick constipation remedies include eating foods that are high in fiber such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Adding high fiber cereals to the diet will help prevent constipation. Drinking hot coffee, tea or plain water may stimulate the bowels making it easier to have a bowel movement. Aloe Vera juice will also stimulate the bowels, but may cause slight cramping.
Curing Constipation with Enemas
While it may not be the most pleasant experience, knowing how to relieve constipation can be quickly cured with an enema, which will quickly clean the intestines and relieve the bloating feeling.
The caffeine in a coffee enema will stimulate bile secretion so that the small intestines can be properly cleansed. Ground coffee should always be used when taking a coffee enema, not instant coffee. Salt from an Epsom salt enema pulls moisture from the body into the bowels making it easier to have a bowel movement. Mineral oil or glycerins are two quick constipation remedies that work very well. Use two tablespoons of mineral oil or glycerin in two quarts of water for effective relief.