A person who has no more than three bowel movements per week is generally considered to be constipated, a condition that limits bowel movements and causes the stool to be small and hard. To fight constipation, many sufferers prefer to use natural laxatives rather than harsh over-the-counter medications. The most popular natural laxatives are foods rich in fiber, like psyllium husks, prune juices, and bran.
1. Sugar-Free Gum:
For those who like chewing gum, keep chewing. The sorbitol, a widely used sweetener, in chewing gum and sweets acts as a laxative. Be careful, as large amounts can cause stomach problems. One 21 year old woman suffered from diarrhoea and stomach pain for 8 months according to BBC News.
Many sugar-free chewing gums contain a sweetener called sorbitol. Sorbitol is a laxative which is poorly absorbed by the small intestine – a warning to all gum chewers. An article in this week’s British Medical Journal (BMJ) warns of the dangers of excess sorbitol intake and this should be a caution to all the people who use it as a stress relief.
The warning comes after doctors came across two patients who had chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and dangerously excessive weight loss. After lengthy investigations which could not identify why the patients were losing so much weight and had chronic diarrhea and pains, a detailed analysis of eating habits put the problem down to eating too much chewing gum with sorbitol.
2. Water:
This is the most natural laxatives in my opinion. Without water, your body would not function. It makes up approximately 80% of your weight and helps moisten the intestines.
Water is the most overlooked laxative. It softens stools and prevents dehydration. If you are constipated, drink 8 glasses of water a day.
Please Note:
Any foods with a high water content can become natural laxative. Perhaps the best-known example is watermelon, but lettuce actually has more water than a melon. Other choices are apples, grapefruit, broccoli, tomatoes and cucumber.
Of course, foods are not the only way to get the water necessary. Simply drinking water is the best way to keep the body hydrated. So drink up!
3. Exercise:
Lack of exercise can cause constipation, especially in those who are bedridden. Walking and becoming healthy is the best advice I can tell you. Be active, stay active and do not sit all day. In fact take breaks in between where you take a stretch, run an errand etc.
4. Prunes:
They are the wrinkled purple and sweetened fruits that are high in potassium and vitamin A. They are often seen as a home remedy for constipation. Moreover, it is one of the healthiest fruits you can ever eat. In addition to relieving constipation, the fruit lowers cholesterol, reduces the risk of cancer and heart diseases. But its high soluble fibre is what makes it the key to digestive tract.
Recommended intake: 5 prunes a day- 3 grams of fibre
5. Coconut water:
Coconut water is similar to tree sap. It is sweet with increasing semen and promotes digestion and the clearing of the urinary path. Additionally research has found coconut water to have a positive effect on cholesterol. It helps prevent the formation of atherosclerosis. This is not all that coconut water can do for you. It reduces fluid pressures in the eyes and reduces the risk of glaucoma and can create a laxative effect. A person drinking coconut milk may have abnormal bowel movements and relieved constipation. Do not drink too much as you may experience loose stools in the end.
6. Legumes, Beans & Peas:
They are low in fat and cholesterol. Moreover they are high-fibre, improving digestion. One suggestion I would make is to combine one of these 3 with grain. This combination makes complete proteins with all amino acids existent. This should also be included in a child’s meal as well as most children do not eat vegetables.
7. Aloe Vera:
This is one of the oldest medicinal plants known to our mankind. Most of the aloe vera leaf is filled with gel which has 99% water in it. The rest of the leaf contains 18 amino acids, 75 nutrients, including 20 minerals, 12 vitamin and 200 active plan compounds.
The gel has been used for many things throughout the centuries, including for treating wounds, skin infections and many other skin conditions. The dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has also been a source of oral laxative.
8. Nuts:
High in fibre, nuts make the list as well. Nuts like almonds are high in omega tree fatty acids as well and are healthy. However, one should be forewarned not too eat too much as they are fatty and high in calories.
4 to 8oz of nuts eaten in one swoop should help to stimulate the bowels and get you going in no more than twenty-four hours usually much less. You may experience gas almost immediately after eating 4 to 8oz. To stop the gas, we recommend Bismuth products like Pepto Bismal. Or you can take other products to stop gas such as Beano or Gas X. The gas will cease or lessen and you will still experience relief – the ultimate goal.
9. Whole Grains:
Since whole grains contain a large amount fiber, they are also natural laxatives. Brown rice, which can be prepared in many different ways, is one of the whole grain foods, that is a natural laxative. For cereal lovers, whole grain cereals will work as natural laxatives. Oatmeal and whole grain breads are also good whole grains that will keep the bowels moving in the right direction.
10. Beets:
Beets, amongst other vegetables such as Cabbage are excellent at producing bowel movements. This could even be more helpful if eaten raw. You should not worry if you notice reddish urine and stool. If you are in serious trouble and need to get bowel movement as soon as possible, choose beets.
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