Everyone has an occasional bout of constipation…and some bouts are more troublesome than others, so it’s nice to have a little help. Store-bought chemical laxatives can kill friendly bacteria and lessen the absorption of nutrients. They can also become habit-forming…and eventually cause constipation. Who wants to pay good money for that? Here are two natural (and less expensive) solutions…
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.
If lemon and water is not for you, try this: 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.
Note: 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.
More help with digestion…
- A Natural Solution for Heartburn, Gluten Intolerance, Flatulence—Even Arthritis
- Surprising Foods That Can Upset Your Stomach
- Eat Right to Sleep Tight