Natural Laxatives and Stool Softeners for Constipation Relief
It is important to have bowel movements regularly so that the body can get rid of waste from food and fluids. Constipation or irregular bowel movements may be unpleasant or painful problem. Being constipated can make you feel uncomfortable, bloated, heavy, and sluggish. Laxatives, also known as purgatives are forms of drugs, compounds or foods that have the ability to induce bowel movements, especially in the case of constipation. You can use the power of the natural laxatives to soften the stool and stimulate a bowel movement. Nature provides us with a large number of natural laxative foods that acts as stool softeners and break up internal obstructions.Best Natural Laxative Foods for Relieving Constipation
Natural laxative foods from your local grocery store can be a first line remedy for constipation relief. Natural laxative foods have been known to restore balance and regularity to the digestive system and bowel movement. The following foods possess a natural laxative effect, which can help relieve common symptoms of constipation, as well as many other intestinal ailments. Incorporate more of these foods that are natural laxatives and stool softeners, into your diet and get rid of your constipation symptoms naturally.Cabbage: Cabbage is one of the best and most popular natural laxative foods. This natural laxative rids the body of toxins while aiding in relieving constipation. Presence of roughage in cabbage helps to get rid of constipation. Raw cabbage eaten as a salad everyday is extremely beneficial for people suffering from chronic constipation.
Prunes: A classic yet effective stool softener home remedy is to consume prunes. Prunes are natural laxative and a stool softener, for hard dry stools, which can be used by both adults and children to treat constipation. Prunes contain sorbitol, which has a natural, laxative effect in the body. Prunes also contain a lot of fibers. You can eat them raw or dried. If you are looking for the best natural laxative and stool softener for relieving chronic constipation, then prune juice is the best choice. It will assist you to have regular bowel movement.
Pear: Pear juice is also is one of the best natural laxatives as well as a good colon cleanser. When your child is constipated just let it drink pear juice at least a few times during the day, as it might act as stool softener for relieving constipation.
Apples: Apples are very high in pectin. Apple pectin not only stimulates intestinal bacterial enzyme activity to aid in digestion but is also a soluble fiber that aids in healthy bowel elimination. Raw apple cider vinegar is also touted as a good natural laxative. You can drink water with a few spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar in it in the morning, as it serves as a gentle natural laxative for getting relief from constipation.
Grapes: Grapes and grape juice are also one of the best laxative foods for constipation treatment. They contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose, which make them a natural laxative and stool softener. This laxative fruit is able to relieve the most chronic constipation. Take at least 12.5 ounces (350gr) of grapes a day to get rid of hard stool problem.
Figs: Figs are one of the highest fruit sources of calcium and fiber. This makes them a natural laxative. Figs help digestion by cleansing and soothing your intestines. Soaking a few figs in water overnight may provide a natural stool softener that's all ready for you in the morning.
Horseradish: One of the best natural ways to get rid of constipation for pregnant women is having a high amount of fiber in your diet. Horseradish is a natural laxative food, which contains a good amount of dietary fiber, that regulates and balances your metabolic technique. A tablespoon of horseradish may be put in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Wait five minutes prior to drinking. Drink this home laxative 3 times every day to have regular bowel movements.
Beets: Beets are organic laxatives that contain an enzyme that could contribute to speeding up your exits. The beets need only several hours to stimulate the bowel movement. Beets are among the top natural laxatives for constipation relief, especially if you have them in raw condition.
Bananas: Bananas are supposed to be one of the most inexpensive laxative foods as it contains both the fibers and bulk forming quality, which help easy bowel movement. Cooked bananas are much more effective as a laxative than raw ones.
Melons: A melon can be used as natural laxative to relieve constipation. Melons actually proceed directly to the intestines when consumed. Melon pulp strengthens the walls of the intestines and act positively against constipation.
Berries: Berries are a great source of insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber absorbs water, makes stool bulkier to help bowel movements pass more easily. Berries are also high in vitamin C, which among other things promotes healthy, regular bowel movements.
Raisins: Raisins are an excellent natural laxative. Raisins contain a compound called tartaric acid, which acts as a natural laxative. Soaked raisins are a traditional remedy for relieving baby constipation. Soak raisins in lukewarm water, smash them and feed the syrup to the baby. If your infant has a mild case of constipation, this remedy works well.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed is one of the best natural laxatives that improves digestive health and relieves constipation. It contains a good balance of both soluble and insoluble fibers, which regulate bowel functions and prevent constipation. Flaxseeds are a good dietary food which not only helps in proper bowel movement but also gives nutrition to our body.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a stimulant laxative that helps relieve constipation by softening the stool. Drink aloe vera juice regularly if you have chronic constipation. The aloe vera juice that is obtained fresh from the plant is the best for use as a laxative that works quickly to soften stools and return normal bowel function.
Senna Herb Laxative: Senna leaf has been used widely for its mild purgative abilities. Senna herb is considered a stimulant laxative because the senna stimulates the muscles of the bowel wall to increase contractions, to produce a bowel movement. It is used for colon cleansing, as an herbal slimming tea, and as a natural laxative for treating constipation. Senna herb is an active ingredient in commercially available laxatives. You can use Senna leaf to prepare laxative tea. This herbal tea acts as a mild laxative and stimulating bowel movements without causing discomfort.
Natural laxatives are a much healthier way to cure constipation than the over the counter ones. The above discussed laxative foods are natural and hence they are very safe to use. The healing properties of these natural laxatives are really beneficial and they can be used by children and adults. These naturally available laxatives and stool softeners will help relieve constipation and its associated symptoms, but the best thing to do would be to prevent constipation.
Drinking enough water can help prevent constipation in most people. Water has an exceptional ability of preventing the feces from becoming hard in the colon. In order for all the fiber to pass through your system easily, make sure to drink plenty of water every day; at least 6 8-oz. glasses per day.