Natural Remedies For Constipation

Ok so let’s talk crap literally. Constipation isn’t a subject that is generally discussed, but today, we’re breaking that mould.

Now, most of us know the feeling. The uncomfortable feeling of fullness down there. You may also be experiencing cramps, or swelling in the abdomen area. You go the toilet”¦nothing. If anything, you may pass small or hard stools, leaving you with the feeling of not being ‘finished’ and quite frankly it can hurt!

Constipation isn’t nice, and well, let’s be honest here it’s not pleasant and really just a pain in the bum! (literally at times!)

But why does it happen and why me?

What is Constipation?

Constipation is when your bowel movements (doing a poo/ crap/ turd/ shit – whatever you want to call it!) are less frequent and basically, you have trouble passing them because they are hard and dry. Normal bowel movements can range from a couple of times a day to even just once or twice weekly. It varies greatly between individuals. As a rule of thumb, if it’s been more than four days since your last bowel movement, you should address it pretty soon. No, I don’t mean by saying, ‘Good morning Bowel’, but by taking some evasive action to get something happening down there moving things along so to speak.

What Causes Constipation?

Unfortunately, constipation doesn’t discriminate between life stages or age. Infants often may experience some constipation when they change from breast milk to formula, or from a liquid diet to a diet incorporating solids for the first time. The elderly may also be more prone to constipation.

Constipation may also be caused by some medications, which is a rather unpleasant side effect, but manageable, don’t freak out just yet!

More common causes of constipation include inadequate water intake, not enough fibre in your diet, inadequate exercise (if you were needing that nudge to lace up your walking shoes, well here it is!), also interruption to normal routine including travel and stress.

What are Some Natural Remedies for Constipation?

Before you go reaching for the laxatives just take a moment. There are many natural remedies for constipation that are readily available and chances are you will have some of these items already in your house that are suitable for children and adults.

1. Fruits and Vegetables, beans and grains

Being an awesome source of dietary fibre, fruits and vegetables are right up there on must-haves if you’re suffering from constipation.

If your diet previously only included a low amount of fruits and vegetables, slowly increase your intake. Going berserk chowing down on bulk vegetables and overloading on fruits, etc. may cause a gas build up in your digestive system. That would mean more pain and discomfort nobody’s got time for that!

Some great fruits to include in your diet when you are suffering from constipation are prunes, pears, grapes, kiwi fruit and pears.

Yes, Grandma’s remedy of chewing on some prunes (which you were tricked into eating with some story of how delicious they were when you were a kid) or giving prune juice was spot on the money! Thanks, Gran!

Remember that old schoolyard ditty? ‘Baked beans are good for your heart, baked beans make you fart, the more you fart the better you feel – so eat baked beans for every meal!’ Well as crude as it was, there is truth in those lines. Beans are a wonderful source of fibre and including it into your diet will benefit your ‘predicament’.

Opt for wholegrain type of bread and cereals to be included in your diet as well to also increase your fibre intake.

2. Yoga

In addition to dietary changes, yoga poses have also been credited as being beneficial to improving your ability to move the blockage. This does mean you will have to move your body in ways you are not maybe used to, but it’s worth a try for some relief.

3. Acupressure

Another alternative option for relieving constipation is acupressure. Acupressure can be used to relax the abdomen and stimulate the digestive tract to get things moving again. Here is one method of acupressure for constipation that specifically relieves pain and discomfort.

• Find a comfortable place to lie down on your back.
• Three finger-widths below the navel is a pressure point called CV-6 or the Sea of Energy Point.
• Close your eyes and relax by taking deep breaths.
• Press all of your fingers on the CV-6 pressure point, gradually increasing the pressure and holding them there for two minutes.

4. Exercise

Just get moving! Exercising just 10-15 minutes a couple of times a day can assist in banishing that constipation from your life. Increased breathing and heart rate stimulates the natural contraction of intestinal muscles. Which is what you want to happen to get that bad boy out!

If you have an infant who is constipated, move their legs in a motion that resembles riding a bike for a few minutes (or as long as they will tolerate), this can also help with getting the obstruction on its way out.

If there is no result from these methods, always consult your doctor for further advice and to rule out any further medical conditions.

If you become concerned about any symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention, we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice.*

*SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information. All information provided is correct at time of publication.

If you become concerned about any symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information. All information provided is correct at time of publication.