5 home remedies for constipation

If you are constipated, you don't always have to take medicines. In this article, you will learn about natural alternatives to strong medications. When constipation becomes regular, it requires prompt intervention. The definition of normal bowel function varies from person to person. Whether you go to the restroom 3 times a day or 3 times a week, the symptoms of constipation are usually the same.

When you are constipated, your feces are dry, hard, and painful

This does not have to mean any serious illness and it is usually possible to improve your condition without using harmful preparations. There are several home medications that greatly reduce discomfort. When you have symptoms of constipation, such as stomach ache or if you lose weight unexpectedly, you usually think about taking a senna supplement, but in this article we'll suggest some other solutions.

Fish oil

Omega-3 acids play a very important role in many processes in the body, including in digestion. Studies have shown that omega-3s significantly reduce constipation in Crohn's disease and ulcers. Fish oil, consumed together with fish, or as a food supplement, is a rich source of these fatty acids. Coldwater fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna and herring contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Dietary supplements also contain EPA and DHA acids.

Like other food supplements, fish oil must be taken with caution. High levels of omega-3 acids can increase the risk of bleeding, which is particularly important for those who have problems with blood clotting or weak blood vessels in the nose. If you suffer from these ailments, avoid taking omega-3. It may have effects similar to medicines for reducing blood clotting. It's also worth noting that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can interact with medications for diabetes, lowering cholesterol, certain steroids, and non-steroidal painkillers.

In some sensitive people, fish oil in large amounts can cause abdominal pain and flatulence, and even diarrhea. It's worth checking carefully where the fish oil comes from. Some fish are high in heavy metals such as mercury.

Castor oil

Castor oil is a yellowish liquid that can be used as a home remedy for constipation. One of the researches conducted in Nigeria shows that it is very helpful for children with constipation. Its plus is that it works very quickly.

It should not be used at night, as the laxative effects appear very quickly. The big drawback of castor oil is that it's unsavory. To get rid of its flavor, mix it with fruit juice. It is a safe product, but it must not be used too often and in too high doses.

Fiber

Fiber is one of the best home remedies for constipation. The recommended dietary fiber intake of 20 to 35 grams a day can be met by consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products. Fiber preparations are found in every house today.

Its downside as a remedy for constipation is that if you forget to drink it with enough water, it can make your condition worse. Fiber must first increase their volume in contact with water. Remember to drink it especially when you use pure fiber in supplements.

Herbs

Herb therapy is one of the oldest treatments for constipation - some of the preparations we use today were developed hundreds of years ago. Treatments for constipation can be divided into two types - increasing feces volume and stimulating bowel movements.

Preparations that increase the volume of the bowel contents are linen, fenugreek and barley. Whole linseed as well as skimmed linseed and linseed oil (containing omega-3 fatty acids) help with constipation. Herbs that improve bowel function include senna, cascara sagrada and aloe. 

You should remember that constipation herbs (especially aloe and senna) can cause intestinal cramps. Herbal medicine specialists recommend using slightly weaker preparations (like alder buckthorn), if constipation is not very intense. Treatment with herbs can also be associated with side effects and interacts with some herbs. Before using them, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Probiotic

Probiotics are bacteria that live in the bowels that improve digestion. The most important probiotics are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Sacchrome boulardi. You will find them in some food products, such as yogurts. Some researches show that probiotics are one of the best ways to fight constipation. You will find probiotics in capsule form and in natural yogurt form.

At the moment, there is no 100% evidence that probiotics treat constipation. Recently, Polish researchers have been dealing with them, who failed to confirm that probiotics work for constipation, but they are still worth using. Sometimes the years of use by patients are confirmation.