Twice as many women as men suffer from constipation and its side effects — abdominal pain, bloating, hard stool and hemorrhoids. Long-term laxative use worsens the problem by halting digestive contractions. Prevention…
First thing every morning, drink eight ounces of warm water with two teaspoons of lemon juice to improve flow of bile, a laxative digestive fluid.
Sit on the toilet for two minutes at the same time each morning, even if you can’t move your bowels, to help train your nervous system to go on schedule.
Avoid cow’s milk, bananas and fried foods…eat high-fiber whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Ask your doctor about nonconstipating alternatives if you use an antacid, iron supplement, antidepressant or blood pressure drug.
When you are constipated, try the remedies below, one at a time, in the order listed. If one does not help within a week, switch to the next. All are sold in health-food stores (see labels for dosages).
Flaxseed oil, which lubricates stool.
Triphala tablets, an herbal formula that stimulates digestive contractions.
Dandelion root capsules to promote the flow of bile.
Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) — supplements that restore the digestive tract’s normal balance of flora.
Constipation can signal an underlying medical problem, such as a thyroid disorder, uterine prolapse (uterus dropping into the vagina) or colon cancer. If natural remedies don’t help, see your doctor.
