I recently watched a movie named Piku, which focused on the father and daughter relationship. It also raised the delicate topic of constipation. Constipation is a very big problem which is normally ignored by many people. But people should not ignore the problem, they should rather take action against it, fight it and get rid of it. I know it isn’t as easy as reading this, but hey, it’s not that difficult either. If constipation is ignored, it leads to many more digestion related problems like bad breath, mouth ulcers, acidity, acne etc. This usually happen because of indigestion, lack of liquid intake (specially water) and lack of exercise. But here are few remedies in addition to drinking a lot of liquid and working out, that would help you cure the problem called constipation.
1. Almond oil: Oil is usually considered to be unhealthy, which is not true. Oil is very beneficial and essential for the body. The question is how you use it. If you use oil to deep fry stuff, it would never be healthy. But if it is taken in small quantity regularly, it is helps our body in a lot of ways. Almond Oil has laxative properties, it simulates the digestive system and hence helps to get the digested food move through and out of the body. Just add a spoonful of almond oil to a cup of warm milk and drink it before sleeping at night. You will observe that in a few days, your constipation problem does not exist.
2. Raisins: Raisins are packed with fibre and thus are great laxatives. All you have to do is soak some raisins in water overnight and eat them early in the morning on empty stomach.
3. Prunes: Prunes is a very classic remedy for constipation. This tasty fruit is rich in fibre which acts like a natural laxative. Prunes also contain sorbitol which is a natural carbohydrate which does not ingest easily. It draws a lot of water while passing through the intestine and adds bulk to the stool. Beware though, it is advisable to eat prunes in controlled quantity as excess eating might lead to causing loose motions.
4. Lemon: Lemon and other citrus fruits make me feel hungry, even if I smell them. The citric acid in the citrus fruits like lemon, simulate the digestive system and flushes out the toxins from the body. It is advisable to consume the lemon juice directly, but diluting it with water also works just fine. This dilution does not hamper the intensity of lemon, it just reduces the strong lemony taste and make it more easily consumable.
5. Fennel: Fennel seeds are very helpful in improving the bowel movement and digesting the food, thus reducing constipation in the body. All you have to do is grind dry roasted fennel seeds and eat a spoonful (with or without water) after your every meal. This would work wonders to aid your digestion. And you thought that fennel seeds only work as mouth freshener.
6. Honey: Honey is a natural laxative and thus helps to digest your food. It prevents and treats constipation. Just have a spoonful of honey three times a day and your constipation would be gone in no time. You can also add honey to a glass of warm water and lemon juice and drink it after every meal. This will regulate your digestion.
7. Yogurt or probiotic: The lactobacillus bacteria is one of the most important good bacteria which aids digestion. It ferments the carbohydrates and produces lactic acids. The lactobacillus helps to prevent the constipation in our digestive system or to reduce its severity should it still occur. All you have to do is eat a cup of yogurt or in case you don’t like to eat yogurt you can try the probiotics. It also increases the immunity of our body.
So here were a few tips to improve your digestion and aid the constipation. Include these remedies in your lifestyle along with regular exercise and you will notice that you have cured your constipation in no time.