Constipation is a condition where hardened faeces cause difficulty in emptying the bowels.
The bowel condition plagues everyone once in a while.
Constipation is usually caused by the slow movement of material through the colon due to dehydration, poor bowel habits, low fibre diets, abuse of laxatives, or hormonal disorders.
When things get hard, literally, here are six ways you can overcome constipation.
Water
Dehydration can make you become constipated. As a precaution, it’s important to drink enough water and stay hydrated.
When you’re constipated, try finding relief by drinking some carbonated (sparkling) water to help you rehydrate and get things moving again.
Lemon
The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a stimulant for your digestive system. It can also help flush out toxins and undigested material that may have built up along the walls of the colon.
Mixing the juice with water not only lessens the intensity of the lemon flavour but helps get you the fluids you need to get everything moving normally again.
Probiotics
Probiotics may serve as a preventive measure for chronic constipation.
People who have chronic constipation have been shown to have an imbalance of bacteria in their gut.
Probiotic foods may help in improving this balance, thereby preventing constipation.
Coffee
Caffeine intake in moderation is a natural stimulant for the digestive system.
Coffee is a diuretic and makes you urinate more frequently, and if you drink it in excess, it can cause constipation by dehydrating your body and drawing out water that would normally soften your stool.
Fibre
Our bodies know how to process fruits, veggies, grains and roughage more than the refined or artificial foods that don’t pass as easily.
Natural foods tend to contain large amounts of fibre.
Fibre is material that cannot be digested so it acts like a sponge. It draws water from its surroundings, making it swell, which softens stool and adds bulk to it, which in turn helps it pass easily.
Like coffee, high fibre foods like beans can contribute to constipation, so always drink plenty of water when you eat it.
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