How to alleviate constipation

Posted by sanjay on Saturday 18 Apr 2009

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Constipation is a common disorder in which the bowels move slowly or not at all. It also defines a condition where the stool is hard and difficult to expel. If the stool remains in the body too long, it becomes hard and dry, causing constipation. This allows toxins to accumulate in the body; if they should enter the bloodstream, disease may occur.

Causes of constipation
• Poor dietary habits
• Ingesting too much food made from white flour, rice, bread, cheese, sugar, or meats
• A poor general lifestyle, such as drinking too much alcohol, smoking too much, being sedentary, partaking of the wrong types of foods, or not getting the proper amounts of vitamins & minerals.
• Overeating
• Excess consumption of tea, coffee, and other stimulants
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• Diseases, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
• Irregular bowel movements
• Weak abdominal muscles
• A lack of exercise
• Stress/anxiety/worry
• Medication
• Obesity

Symptoms of constipation
• Infrequent or irregular bowel movements (fewer than 3 each week)
• Hard or difficult to pass stools
• Bad breath
• A coated tongue
• Poor appetite
• Dark circles under the eyes and a puffy face
• Acne
• A feeling of fullness
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Depression

Helpful tips to follow in order to avoid constipation

Exercise several times a week. The best exercises are the ones that work the abdominal muscles, such as walking and swimming. Get plenty of fresh air. Chew food thoroughly. Drink plenty of liquids, especially water and fruit juices. Eat fiber-rich foods, such as bran and whole-grain cereals. Eat unrefined foods, such as bran, honey, green vegetables, fresh fruit, and milk.

Drink water stored overnight in a copper container. Stop using tobacco products. Reduce alcohol consumption. Get plenty of sleep.

Home remedies for constipation

Pears – eat pears or drink pear juice twice daily. Grapes – eat daily. Raisins – soak in water for 24 hours, then ingest both the raisins and the water. Oranges – eat 3 times a day. Papaya – eat 1 daily with breakfast. Figs – soak 4 or 5 figs in water overnight and then eat them the next morning with breakfast.