How to Relieve Constipation
Constipation can be caused by different factors, like diet, medication, lifestyle, or health conditions. Whatever the reason, this common problem can affect your quality of life as well as make you feel very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are certain things you can try in order to feel better.
5-Minute Crafts will show you some easy ways to relieve constipation by triggering the need to poop.
❗ Important: This article has been created for informative purposes only and does not replace professional advice. Visit a doctor immediately if your constipation remains for more than 1 week, or if you have other symptoms along with it, like fatigue, cramping, spasms, or dizziness.
1. Drink plenty of water.
Water is important to maintain normal bowel movements. If you feel constipated, drink a large glass of water to encourage your intestines to pass the stool.
✅ Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, which is about 2 liters. This will allow you to stay hydrated and may help you prevent constipation.
2. Have a cup of caffeinated coffee.
Caffeinated coffee can be an effective home remedy to relieve constipation for some people. This natural drink can stimulate your digestive system, increasing the need to poop.
Coffee also has soluble fiber, which may improve the levels of gut bacteria and, as a result, prevent constipation.
❗ If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you should avoid caffeine in your diet as it can worsen your digestive symptoms.
3. Eat a portion of high-fiber food.
A serving of food with a high fiber content along with lots of water can trigger a bowel movement by pushing your stool through your digestive system. If you feel constipated, try foods like oats, whole-grain cereal or bread, pears, strawberries, and avocados.
4. Try coconut oil.
According to health experts, 1 or 2 tablespoons of coconut oil per day can work as a lubricant for your intestines, allowing you to prevent constipation. Moreover, it’s believed that this natural ingredient may have a laxative effect.
💡 Ask a doctor if this home remedy might be useful for you. If you don’t like the idea of having a spoonful of oil, you can make a salad dressing by mixing it with vinegar, or you can add it to your coffee.
5. Poop in a squatting position.
Place a stool in front of the toilet and rest your feet on it whenever you go to the bathroom. A squatting position, rather than a sitting position, can help you poop more easily.
6. Eat some prunes.
Prunes have sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol that has laxative properties. Therefore, prunes and prune juice can be great options to relieve constipation. Try this natural remedy by eating 7 medium-sized prunes (50 g) twice a day.