What is Constipation?
There could be various definitions, but I see constipation as a
situation where elimination (i.e passing stool) takes longer than 2 to 3
days, and comes hard creating stress at the anal region. Many of us do
not consider constipation as a problem, but it definitely is one of
those warning signs that all is not well inside. A healthy person taking
in food , fruits, and sufficient water is expected to eliminate
naturally at least ones or twice a day, better still every other day.
When it goes outside this regularity, and continues for up to 2 or 3
days, then there is need to do something fast. One secret with
constipation is that the longer it gets to eliminate, the longer it
would want to stay. So it is always advised to act fast, before the
stool hardens more and becomes more difficult to eliminate.
Some years back, I remember drugs and
laxatives were used in most cases to ease constipation, but as knowledge
increased, it is now understood that nature does it better if you make
the right material available, definitely, there would be no need to use
pharmaceutical drugs and laxative in order to eliminate. Incidence of
constipation do occur amongst children, teens, youth, adult and the
elderly. It is however more common amongst the elderly and inactive
people. Most cases of constipation amongst children are definitely due
to diets, low water or fluid intake and too much refined carbohydrates.
This is however not the case with the elderly.
My Experience.
Talking about constipation is something
you rarely hear people discuss freely with friends, why ? Definitely
because they consider, that it is not a problem. I have heard serious
cases of constipation some 3 years back and in most cases I tried most
remedies and they rarely work. After series of efforts and with final
victory over constipation, I therefore want to state practically that
there is no single remedy that really works, it depends on what caused
your constipation. It is important to identify your own cause or source
of constipation.
Here are a few known causes:
1. Inactivity: This is a
major cause of chronic constipation especially in the elderly. If you
will experience regularity, then daily exercise must be part of your
regular routine. Walking is particularly beneficial in this regard.
2. Too Much Refined White Carbohydrates: These includes white bread, noodles, transfats,
3. Poor Hydration:
Intake of sufficient water especially at the right time is a must if you
will enjoy regularity. Water therapy is particularly beneficial. By
this I mean taking at least 5 – 6 glasses of water upon waking up in
empty stomach. Depending on body weight, and allowing it to work for at
least two hours before breakfast everyday. It is important to state also
that, There is a scientific way to take water. I see a lot of people
take plenty of water with meals. This is ignorance, Water is better
taken at least 30 minutes before a main meal and not during the meal or
immediately after. This habit dilutes and disrupts the hydrochloric acid
production and concentration to help digest the food. Clean Pure Water
is a critical point in overcoming constipation, irrespective of age or
gender. I have also observed that women after child bearing seem to be
more prone to constipation than the men, the reason for this is unknown
to me. My investigation and consultations reveals however that the women
complain more of constipation than their male counterparts. Children
and young people should be encouraged from home to observe the Water
Therapy wherever they may be. This ritual helps keep at least 60% of
what we call diseases away.
4. Lack of Probiotics:
Our traditional culture of including fermented foods like yoghurt, some
non gluten grains like millet sorghum , cabbage, soya beans etc are
gradually disappearing from our tables and this is one habit sponsoring
constipation amongst us. There is always an imbalance in our gut
created by lack of probiotics. Click here to read: probiotics and its health benefits
5. Lack of Raw Food:
The role of raw food in our in relieving constipation and boosting our
immune system cannot be overemphasized. Fruits are more in this
category. Do not overdue it anyway due to sugar in some fruits. Fruits
are particularly beneficial especially those of the citrus family and
cruciferous vegetables like onions, and cabbage.
My 14 Latest Natural Remedies Against Constipation: Read also:natural-foods-and-tips-against constipation
1. Cold Pressed Olive Oil with Lemon Juice:
Check out when my stomach is virtually empty and just take a teaspoon
in empty stomach mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice, preferably first
thing in the morning and allowed to work for at least two hours before
breakfast. The breakfast must be rich in protein to enable the body push
out the waste and use the protein rich food to build new cells.
2. Garlic and ginger water:
Crush some garlic and a few slices of raw ginger. Mix with water in a
bottle and allow to stay for at least 3 days. Thereafter, take at least 3
tablespoons first thing in the morning if you are weighing up to eighty
or less quantity depending on your body weight.
3. Lemon water with Honey:
This is already a popular remedy for constipation but still works. This
is mostly beneficially to people that are overweight and trying to
loose weight. If you already have a normal weight or need a weight gain.
This remedy is definitely not for you. Constipation however is common
amongst the overweight individual.
4. Water Therapy: At
least 6 cups first thing in the morning upon waking up. Always ensure to
have your dinner not later than 7.30pm the previous day. This habit
will give you the best result when applying the Water Therapy.
5. Garlic and Honey:
This one is definitely new and effective to me. Just a large clove of
garlic dipped in honey and chewed in empty stomach first thing in the
morning. This must be allowed sufficient time to dissolve the stool in
the intestine. About two hrs is usually okay for me. Thereafter, follow
with a protein rich meal.
6. Bananas: Raw bananas
are great for bulking the stool for easy passage and I have personally
used it and it is very effective. This also includes using ripped
plantain raw. You must not forget that they work best in empty stomach
not when the stomach is already filled the offensive foods.
7. Apples: Apples,
especially green apples are effective for constipation too. Especially
in empty stomach. The reason we do not get result most times results
from the fact that we do the right thing wrongly. Green apples contain
vitamin C which helps devolve some free radicals feeding constipation.
8. Vegetables: We all
are aware already that vegetables are good in combating constipation,
but there is a secret unknown to many people. It is the fact that their
chronic constipation was actually caused by vegetables with insufficient
water intake, particularly popular vegetables here like Ugu (pumpkin
leaves) They cause chronic constipation if not eaten the right way and
given sufficient water follow up.
9. Fermented Millet:
This is very effective. I ferment millet and use for pap or swallow as
in eba or foo and constipation cannot stand this one, as this goes down
to the colon supplying proteins, B vitamins and fibre for the clean up.
More importantly life cultures to help repopulate the gut. You can use
it to thicken your soup in some cases and still get minimal result.
Best for me is to use for swallow or pap.
10. Good Sleep: If constipation becomes chronic, try a good night sleep, you will be surprised that sleep may fix the problem.
11. Take Sufficient Meal Rich in protein and Fibre:
Many at times, we become so health and diet conscious, we measure
everything, calorie and the like. I did some of these things and they
actually contributed to my constipation. Release yourself when you are
hungry and eat satisfactory and the stomach will have no option but to
release the stool.
12. Lime Juice with Honey and Water: This is also great for me in empty stomach, occasionally, I let it go with green tea. It works well too.
13. Oats: Make your
oat to have more water and take with either black eye cowpea or other
beans, as a main meal after taking some raw fruits and watch your colon
bringing all the garbage out. If you do not make your oat with
sufficient fluid, you may get the opposite result.
14. Use the Staircase or take at least 30 minutes Walk: Where inactivity appears to be the problem, I go for a 30 minutes walk after applying one of the above remedies.
If you do nothing and allow the
constipation for too long, then what we call a disease is already on the
way, because the colon failed to function well. You could go for some
bitter herbs mixtures, like those containing Aleo Vera. They are great
for constipation too. The aleo vera will also deliver a beautiful
skin in addition and settle gum issues as well.
With all the above remedies, No constipation can withstand with moderate exercise.
If your constipation however continues
after trying one or all of the above, then quickly see your Doctor for
thorough examination to rule out more serious disease.
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