Herbal remedies for Constipation - Good Health Tips

Constipation is a problem that afflicts many people, occurring when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent.
 According to statistics, about one in ten people has problems with irregular bowel movements.

What causes constipation?

Most causes of constipation are not dangerous and are result of health negligence or certain changes in the body.
Some of these causes are:

• Low fiber intake through diet (fruit and vegetables)
• Low water intake
• Use of certain medications (diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines)
• Impaired function of the thyroid gland
• Irritable bowel (if constipation is accompanied by cramps and gases)
• Pregnancy
• Decreased physical activity
• Some iron supplements and calcium
• Retention of stool out due to laziness or fear of pain
• In rare cases, cancer of the colon

Natural remedies for constipation

Doctors will usually prescribe laxatives for constipation, but there are also many alternative solutions to treat constipation, like

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that relaxes the entire body, from the muscles to the digestive system. Since many people have a lack of magnesium in the diet, supplementation with magnesium tablets will be of double benefit.
Also you can increase your intake of foods rich in magnesium such as almonds, peanuts, spinach and bananas.
Mineral waters being advertised as a means to "deblocking" work just because they contain a lot of magnesium.

Fiber

One of the most common causes of constipation is a diet full of processed foods that are low in fiber. Sandwiches, hot dogs, sausages, sweets, cheese, ice cream, snacks and pasta will surely lead to constipation. To resolve this problem, add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Fruits that help with constipation

Examples of fruits and vegetables with the highest proportion of fiber are: apples, oranges, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, spinach, beans, raspberries, pears, plums.
 You do not even have to remember these names because any fresh fruits and vegetables has at least three times more fiber than pasta or sandwich.

Liquids

Increased fluid intake along with fiber from fruits and vegetables enhances the effect of fiber against constipation. Low fluid intake can cause constipation.

Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that live in our intestines. Although known by preventing diarrhea, these bacteria also help in constipation, since are responsible for regular digestion and expulsion of harmful bacteria that produce toxins.
It is important to note that not all probiotics are same. Some have millions, some billions of good bacteria. Probiotics are found in yogurt.

Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol, which the human body metabolizes slowly and can be consumed by diabetics, since it does not require insulin secretion.
Sorbitol metabolizes slowly and reaches the colon usually half reworked therefore leads to a softer stool.  Sorbitol is used as a sweetener in many chewing gums and other products.
Sorbitol can be found naturally in fruits such as apples, pears , peaches and plums. It is not recommended for those who have irritable bowel.

Physical Activity

Although there are conflicting results from studies (some say it helps, some no ) we decided to specify the exercise as a method of treatment in constipation.
People who spend a lot of time sitting, suffer from constipation. Therefore they should exercise at least 30 minutes a day .

Prunes - herbal remedy for constipation

The European plum is among the oldest European folk remedy for constipation and hemorrhoids. It effectively cleans the intestines and does not create addiction (which is often the case with the various medicines).

Most important thing for people is to get the “right” the dose of prunes.
Too many prunes will cause a violent reaction - cramps and diarrhea, and too little - nothing.
Usually, it is recommended to take 5-8 prunes during one day, in order normalize the stool and to say good-bye to the boring constipation.