For some, constipation can be a serious malady. Constipation describes any irregular or non-existent bowel movements. For many years, people have believed that the normal frequency of bowel movements should be once per day – but this is not always the case. There is no pattern of bowel movements that fits everyone – each individual body has different needs. For some people, it may be normal to have a bowel movement 2-3 times per day – for others the normal pattern is 2-3 times per week.

So how do you know if you are constipated, or if your body is simply carrying on it’s normal function? The signs of constipation include bloating, discomfort, and stools that are hard, dry, and lumpy and are usually hard to pass. For most of your life, you have probably been inundated with ads for laxatives. Laxatives, however, are not always the answer. These ads often refer to “once a day” as the norm for everyone – however, if your normal frequency is naturally less than this, you should not try to force your body to defecate more frequently.

The main risk with laxatives is that once you begin taking it once a day to force your body to defecate, your body can become dependent on the laxatives and your system will be more likely to get off-balance. So, you should check with your physician before beginning a regular regimen of laxatives – and you should also take into account, not only the frequency of your bowel movement, but also the factors listed above.

Home Remedies for Constipation

Before the world was filled with so many medications, people relieved the symptoms of constipation in more natural ways. Home remedies for constipation can include the following:

• Aloe Vera juice – helps to heal and clean the digestive system when take twice a day
• Apple Pectin – brings fiber into the body which helps relieve constipation
• Folic Acid – constipation can be caused by a lack of folic acid
• Corn Syrup – add one tablespoon to 8 oz of water (one tablespoon can also be added to baby’s bottle to relieve constipation)
• Sugar – add extra sugar to a glass of milk and drink twice daily
• Honey – add honey to a glass of milk and drink twice daily
• Lemon juice – drink with warm water 2-3 times daily
• Triphala Churna – consists of the herbs Harre, Bahera, and Amla – ground into a powder and taken with warm water or milk at bedtime

Diet

Diet plays a very important part in the relief of constipation. Many home remedies for constipation involve adding certain foods to your diet or eating certain foods regularly to maintain regular bowel movements.
Foods to add to your diet include:

• Liquids – dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation
• Fiber – 25-35 grams of fiber should be consumed daily. Some foods that are a good source of fiber include pinto beans, wheat bran cereal, banana, prunes, apples
• Fresh fruits – Fresh fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. Fruits such as apples, prunes, figs, and bananas help lessen the chance of constipation
• Fresh vegetables – Fresh vegetables are also an important part of a healthy diet. Vegetable such as green vegetables, cabbage, peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes help lessen the chance of constipation

Foods to Avoid in Your Diet:

• Dairy products – Many dairy products, such as cheese and milk can cause constipation in some people
• Beans, cabbage, and cauliflower should be avoided by people who are prone to constipation
• Fried foods should be avoided by people who are prone to constipation
• Red meat can cause constipation

As with many illnesses, the onset or the symptoms themselves can be relieved by a healthy lifestyle – including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Not only does exercise keep your joints and muscles working properly, regular exercise also helps to keep your entire system working properly.