What is good to take for constipation?

Constipation is no laughing matter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t crack a few jokes along the way. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of bowel movements and discuss what you can do when things aren’t moving as they should be. So grab a cup of coffee (it’s a natural laxative!) and let’s get started!

The Scoop on Constipation

Before we dive into remedies, let’s define what constipation actually is. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just having infrequent bowel movements. Rather, it’s characterized by hard stools that are difficult or painful to pass.

There are many different causes of constipation including poor diet, dehydration, medications, stress and lack of physical activity.

So now that we know what we’re dealing with here, let’s talk about some options for getting things moving in the right direction.

Fiber: Nature’s Broomstick

First up on our list: fiber! A high-fiber diet promotes regularity by bulking up stools and keeping them soft.

Foods like fruits,vegetables, nuts,and seeds are all great sources of fiber. If your diet isn’t providing enough fiber (hint: if you’re not regularly visiting the porcelain throne), consider supplementing with psyllium husk or flaxseed.

Pro-tip: Start slowly when increasing your intake; too much too fast could cause bloating and gas – something everyone wants to avoid!

Get Things Moving with Magnesium

Moving along… Let’s talk about magnesium! It has been shown to relax smooth muscle cells in the intestinal wall which helps facilitate movement through your digestive tract.

Magnesium-rich foods include leafy green veggies (do yourself a favor: add spinach or kale leaves instead of lettuce next time you hit up Subway), almonds,cashews, avocado, and dark chocolate (yes, really).

Supplementation is also an option, but it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine.

Get a (Chia) Pet

Have you heard of chia seeds? These tiny seeds pack in tons of fiber and are great for getting things moving! They absorb water which creates a gel-like substance that helps soften stools. Soak them overnight in almond milk or coconut water for the best results

Plus they’re versatile: add them to smoothies or yogurt, sprinkle over oatmeal, or use as an egg-substitute in baking recipes.

Beware: Eating too many can cause gas…which won’t help with our constipation problem!

Do-Si-Do With Water

Let’s not forget H2O – dehydration can be a common cause of constipation.

Pro-tip: Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day – more if you’re active – spread out throughout the day, not just guzzled all at once.

Want more flavor in your life? Add some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to make sipping that much easier.

As an added bonus, drinking warm beverages like tea (peppermint tea has been shown to relieve bloating), or hot water plus lemon can stimulate bowel movements by warming up the digestive tract.

Let’s Talk About Coffee Baby!

Oh coffee…how we love/hate thee. But did you know that one cuppa joe can get things moving thanks to its stimulating properties?

Caveat: if caffeine makes you jittery, this remedy isn’t going do anything except have us pacing around nervously while still no closer solving our backup issue…

For those who tolerate it well: drink away, but keep intake moderate because consuming too much caffeine could lead to dehydration– causing another bout o’constipation!

Aloe Plants Are Not Just For Sunburns

You may know aloe vera as a topical treatment for sunburns, but it can be ingested orally as well. A small study found that consuming a solution made from aloe and cactus improved bowel movements in some patients.

It’s also available in juice form, however; we recommend drinking only the recommended serving size of 2-4 ounces per day to prevent any potential side effects.

Supplements To Get Things Moving

If changing your diet is not an option…there are plenty of over-the-counter options available at your local pharmacy or natural health store including: psyllium fiber supplement which bulks up stool ensuring they’re easily passed.Pro-tip: Mix with water quickly because it turns into gel very fast…

One more thing; magnesium supplements have been shown effective in moderating constipation symptoms so consider adding this to our list!

Smooth Moves Daily!

Before we wrap up, let’s put all our remedies together and create “the ultimate remedy.”

Combine:

1 tbsp each chia seeds, flaxseed meal (a ground-up version), oat bran
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 cup coconut milk,
and 5 drops of peppermint oil

Mix until smooth and consume daily – hopefully you won’t feel like singing “Constipation Blues” anymore…

When to See Your Doctor

Despite trying these lifestyle changes, if constipation lingers , its best to talk with healthcare provider about additional testing options or prescription medications.

In Conclusion…

We’ve gone through some tried-and-true solutions including dietary changes such as increasing fiber intake or adding supplements like magnesium, along with hydration tips plus caffeinated beverages without resorting to caffeine suppositories…

Remember everyone’s body is different – start slowly when applying new life-style habits including one listed above can aid greatly for relief of constipation.

There’s no need to suffer; try a few of these options and get things moving in the right direction.

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