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Constipation: 10 natural laxatives that work wonders

Constipation: 10 natural laxatives that work wonders
Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. © Shutterstock

Constipation, if not acute, doesn't warrant a visit to the doctor's chamber. Here are the best home remedies for this condition.

Written by Editorial Team |Published : June 15, 2019 11:12 AM IST

A June 2019 study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology has redefined constipation based on the common symptoms that experts agreed upon. According to the researchers of this study this gastrointestinal condition is characterised by abdominal discomfort, pain and bloating; rectal discomfort; infrequent bowel movements and hard stools; sensory dysfunction; flatulence and bloating; foecal incontinence. The necessity of redefining arose from the revelation that there is a drastic difference between public perception about constipation and doctors' understanding of the condition and formal diagnosis rules.

The redefinition of constipation will help many identify their condition better and take the necessary actions on time. In most cases, this is a chronic condition, not acute. So, very few people visit the doctor to treat it. Instead, they wait for constipation to resolve on its own or pop a laxative for quick fix. However, there are certain natural laxatives that work best for this gastrointestinal ailment.

Here are 10 of them.

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Lemon (nimbu) juice

[caption id="attachment_672030" align="alignnone" width="655"]Lemon-juice Lemon juice can help in quick and easy passage of stool. Shutterstock[/caption]

It acts as a cleansing agent for the intestines, the salt content helps in quick and easy passage of stool. This juice also is a great way to detox your body. Here are more reasons to add lemons to your diet.

How to:

  • All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the solution.
  • Drink this juice on an empty stomach to relieve constipation.

Mango

[caption id="attachment_672031" align="alignnone" width="655"]Mango This delicious fruit will enhance stool frequency, shape and consistency. Shutterstock[/caption]

Rightly known as the king of fruits, mangoes will improve your poop time for sure, thanks to its polyphenols. Snack up on mangoes every day in this season and it will work as a wonderful laxative. This delicious fruit will enhance stool frequency, shape and consistency. It will also positively impact your microbial composition and work on intestinal inflammation.

How to:

  • Munch on a mango, weighing about 300g, every day.
  • You can pair mango with milk or include it in your fruit salad too

Triphala powder or churna

[caption id="attachment_672032" align="alignnone" width="655"]Triphala powder It is a great laxative and helps to regulate digestion. Shutterstock[/caption]

This consists of three fruits amla or Indian gooseberry, haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) and vibhitaki (Bellirica Myrobalan). It is a great laxative and helps to regulate digestion and bowel movements.

How to:

  • You can either have one teaspoon with warm water or.
  • Mix the powder with honey either before going to bed or early in the morning on an empty stomach.

Raisins (kishmish)

[caption id="attachment_672034" align="alignnone" width="655"]Raisins Raisins work wonders for pregnant women, without the side-effects of medication. Shutterstock[/caption]

They are packed with fibre and act as great natural laxatives. This remedy also works wonders for pregnant women, without the side-effects of medication. Here are more reasons to eat raisins.

How to:

  • Soak a handful in water overnight.
  • Have them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Guavas (amrood or peru)

[caption id="attachment_672035" align="alignnone" width="655"]Guavas Guavas help with the mucus production in the anus and with peristalsis. Shutterstock[/caption]

They have soluble fibre in the pulp and insoluble fibre content in the seeds . They also help with the mucus production in the anus and with peristalsis (a series of contractions within the intestinal lining that helps the passage of food in the stomach). Don't forget about these health benefits of guavas.

How to:

  • Cut guava into thin slices before having.
  • Add a little salt and ground coriander to the slices for taste.

Figs (Anjeer)

[caption id="attachment_672036" align="alignnone" width="655"]Figs Figs act as a great natural laxative. Shutterstock[/caption]

Either dried or ripe, figs are packed with fibre and act as a great natural laxative.

How to:

  • For relief from constipation, boil a few figs in a glass of milk, drink this mixture at night before bed.
  • Make sure the mixture is warm when you drink it.
  • Using a whole fruit for this purpose is much better as compared to syrups that are available commercially.

Flaxseeds (Alsi)

[caption id="attachment_672037" align="alignnone" width="655"]flaxseeds Being rich in fibre, flaxseeds help you overcome constipation. Shutterstock[/caption]

They are known for their fibre content, and can very well help you when it comes to constipation.

How to:

  • You can mix flaxseeds in your cereal every morning.
  • Or just have a handful with warm water early in the morning. More reasons they are great for health.

Castor oil (Arandi ka tel)

[caption id="attachment_672038" align="alignnone" width="655"]Castor-Oil Castor oil has properties that can kill intestinal worms. Shutterstock[/caption]

This has been used for centuries as a sure shot remedy for constipation and has properties that can kill intestinal worms.

How to:

  • If drinking a spoon of castor oil alone is not something you'd like to do, you could add a tablespoon of it in a warm glass of milk.
  • Have this mixture at night before bed to relieve constipation. Did you know castor oil is great for your skin too?

Spinach (Palak)

[caption id="attachment_672039" align="alignnone" width="655"]Spinach Spinach can renew the intestinal tract. Shutterstock[/caption]

This has properties that cleanse, rebuild and renew the intestinal tract.You can also reap in these 10 amazing health benefits of palak.

How to:

  • You can have about 100 ml of spinach juice mixed with an equal quantity of water twice daily.
  • This home remedy is the most effective method to cure even the most stubborn cases of constipation.

Oranges

[caption id="attachment_672040" align="alignnone" width="655"]Oranges Oranges are rich in fibre and can help you get relief from constipation. Shutterstock[/caption]

They are not only a great source of vitamin C but also have a large amount of fibre content.

How to:

  • Eating two oranges every day, once in the morning and once in the evening can provide great relief from constipation.
  • Eat them without peeling off the white threads for added effect. Here's how oranges keep you healthy.

Diet tips to avoid constipation:

In order to avoid and cure constipation, it is essential that you maintain healthy food habits. Here are a few changes you could make in your diet to cure constipation:

  1. Avoid foods that contain white flour like maida, white sugar and other processed foods.
  2. Eat light regular meals, and make sure you eat at least 3-4 hours before you go to bed. Regular meals not only keep constipation at bay.
  3. Include fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
  4. Adding condiments like jeera, haldi and ajwain in your food while cooking it is a great way to help digestion.
  5. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Make sure you have a glass of warm water every morning and before you go to bed.
  6. Constipation is an entirely curable and manageable condition, all you need to do is keep some of these home remedies in mind and you should be well on your way to a happy morning.