It happens. You had a few days of careless eating or stress or inactivity, and now you’re constipated. Here are some solutions from the kitchen…
Please note that these easy-to-take, inexpensive, nonchemical constipation relievers should not cause any side effects if taken in moderation…which means it’s best not to partake of more than one remedy at a time.
Dip into a hot dog topper: Raw, organic sauerkraut and its juice can help your system as an excellent laxative. It contains friendly bacteria that aid digestion. Eat one-half to one cup a day to relieve minor symptoms of constipation. Heat destroys the important digestive enzymes, so make sure you eat it raw. Raw sauerkraut is available at health-food stores, or here’s a recipe to make your own.
Pucker up and hydrate: The most natural time to move your bowels is within the first few hours of the day. Drinking water on an empty stomach stimulates peristalsis (the wavelike muscle contractions that move food forward). So, before breakfast, drink the juice of half a lemon in one cup of warm water. While it may help cleanse your system, it may also make you pucker a lot. If you find it hard to drink, sweeten it with a little honey.
Go “fig-ure”: Take seven dried figs, and soak them overnight in a glass of room-temperature water. In the morning, drink the water and then eat the figs. Be sure not to embark on any road trips immediately.
Caution: Constipation may be a symptom of disease or lead to major health problems. It is important to consult a medical professional before starting any self-help treatment.
