Ijeoma Okoro: Feeling Constipated? 6 Natural Remedies for Fast Relief Just in Time for the Holidays!

The holidays are finally here. That time of the year where we travel to visit our loved ones and leave our fitness plans back at home. This is the time where we splurge on food and show no remorse. But the thing is, what good will all that food be, if we can’t dive in an enjoy it?

Let me paint a picture;

It’s 8AM on the 23rd of December. You wake up and rush to the kitchen where you’ve stored a truckload of foodstuff to conjure into some great tasting meals. By 4PM you’re done with creating 4 dishes that could make Chef Jamie Oliver weak in his knees. You can’t wait to taste this food and have your friends taste it too.

Just as you’re done with the dishes and are about to settle down, you hear & feel a rumble in your stomach. You then rush off to the loo, and one hour later you’re still sitting there with no action. This has been happening to you for some days now and you need to find a solution ASAP. After all, whose going to enjoy all those meals if not you and your friends (necessarily in that order).

Here’s some advice for you;

Dsyschezia, popularly known as constipation, is a common cause of painful defecation. It can be a rather uncomfortable topic to discuss, but being that everyone experiences them, there is a need to share information on the best ways to deal with it. So today, we are going to discuss the causes of constipation, some great remedies and more!

Causes
Constipation occurs due to certain factors mostly caused by the victim. They include;

1. A change in your usual diet or activities
2. Lack of fiber
3. Excessive use of laxatives
4. Withholding excretion
5. Stress
6. Negative reaction to medication
7. Underactive thyroids

Natural Remedies for Constipation
Constipation can be so overwhelming you need to find a solution ASAP. Here are some natural remedies that you can use to reduce and stop it.

1. Water
Some of the things that characterize constipation are dry and hard feces. To help with this, drink at least 8 cups of water daily to aid digestion and reduce constipation.

2. Fruits, Vegetables and Fiber
Eating lots of fiber can help prevent and relieve constipation. Fruits and dark leafy vegetables are rich in fibers that help with the digestion process. As insoluble fiber travels through your intestines, it traps water and increases the moisture incorporated in your feces. This makes the process of excretion a lot easier.

Fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, lemon, papaya (pawpaw), banana, orange, carrot, pumpkin leaf (ugwu), cabbage etc. help prevent and give relief to constipation because they are rich in fiber. Be sure to eat the fruits with the peel.

Other foods rich in insoluble fiber includes wheat bran, whole grains, cereals etc.

3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation. It works by increasing movement in your intestines, helping the excretion process happen much smoother. I would advise you take this on an empty stomach, and if you suffer from constant constipation, then do this more often. I know, castor oil is not the best tasting oil in the world, so you can add some orange juice to improve the taste.

Dosage
– Adults: 15 – 60ml
– Children: Kids above 13 years should take 5 – 15ml

4. Just let it go
Sometimes, your holding back from using the toilet can lead to stomach cramps and constipation. If you feel nature calling, just answer and save yourself a world of discomfort.

5. Baking Soda
This has bicarbonate which causes sporadic release of gas. Taking baking soda will help in relief from constipation and make sure you’re first in line for that plate of food.

Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with about 1/4 of warm water. Stir until the soda has dissolved, drink it fast, and wait for the magic to happen.

6. Establish a Routine
This might sound weird, but you could try creating some ‘poo time’ for yourself. I know a few people who ensure they use the loo every morning before they leave for work, and you could try it out too to avoid getting constipated at all.

Note
– When adding fiber to your diet, increase the amount you eat gradually to avoid gas and bloating.
– Pregnant, breastfeeding and menstruating women should not use castor oil.
– Castor oil is a temporary treatment for constipation and is not meant to be taken long term.
– Avoid using baking soda if you have ulcer and hypertension.

These notes are based on my experiences, observations and research. Please see a doctor if;

– You have blood in your stool
– You have severe pain with bowel movement
– You are experiencing constipation for the first time
– Your constipation has lasted more than two weeks

I hope I was able to help. Share what your quick relief remedies are for constipation.

Photo Credit: Dreamstime/Atholpady