Constipation
Constipation is a condition wherein there is a difficulty in bowel evacuation, usually caused by dry and hardened stools that made it difficult to pass. Chronic constipation may lead to more serious condition as a result of the toxins not released from the body. Appendicitis, arthritis, cataract, colon cancer, high blood pressure is some of the causes of constipation.
Symptoms
Constipated individuals mainly suffer from difficulty, irregularity or infrequency in elimination of the hard fecal matter.
The patient may start suspecting constipation if they experiences loss of appetite, dark circle under the eyes, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, halitosis, heart burn, insomnia, mouth ulcer, nausea, pain in the lumbar region, pimple breakout and varicose veins.
Causes
Faulty diet and lifestyle lead to several diseases or conditions including constipation. Eating refined and processed foods lacking in nutrients, dehydration, drinking strong tea and coffee, excessive meat consumption, and irregular meal interval all leads to constipation.
Delayed and untimely defecation, frequent use of purgatives, abdominal muscle weakness due to lack of physical exercises, and emotional stress and strain are some of the causes for constipation.
Home Remedies
Bael fruit: Bael fruits are excellent laxatives. Eat raw bael fruits before dinner for 2 or 3 months for chronic constipation. For adults, take 60 gm of this fruit. Eating all kinds of fruits, except bananas and jackfruit, will ease oneself from constipation.
Pear: Ear medium-sized pear during breakfast or after dinner, or drink pear juice for a few days.
Guava: Eat 1 or 2 guavas everyday to achieve normal bowel movement.
Grapes: Grapes are good laxatives with its cellulose, sugar and organic acid content. Not only that, they also they also tone up the stomach, intestines and relieve the most chronic constipation. Eat at least 350 gm of grapes daily to achieve the desired results.
Raisins: When fresh grapes are not available, soak raisins for 24-48 hours. This will enlarge the size to that of grapes. Eat a handful early in the morning, along with the water in which they have been soaked.
Orange: Take 1 or 2 oranges after waking up or before bedtime. Orange juice helps prevent fecal accumulation in the colon.
Papaya: Papayas also acts as laxatives in the stomach. Eat half of medium-sized papaya during breakfast.
Figs: Soak 4-5 dry or fresh figs overnight in a little amount of water. Eat the soaked figs in the morning.
Spinach: Raw spinach contains the finest organic material for the cleansing of the intestinal tract. Mix 100 ml of spinach juice with an equal quantity of water. Take it twice daily to cure the serious cases of constipation within days.
Lime: Mix lime juice in a glass of hot water then add half-teaspoon salt.
Copper: Store water in a copper container overnight then drink it first thing in the morning.
Linseed: Mix a teaspoon of linseed with water and take it before each meal. Linseed acts a lubricant for constipated individuals.
Diets
A diet consisting of fresh and natural foods always brings benefit to the health. Eat a lot of unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals, bran, honey, lentils, green and leafy vegetables, fresh and dry fruits, and milk products in the form of butter, ghee, and cream.
Although what people eat directly affects one’s health, it is how and when you eat it that makes it more effective. Chew food properly when eating meals. Avoid skipping meals and taking it irregularly.
Foods to avoid when having constipation are: sugar and sugary foods, products made of white flour, rice, bread, pulses, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, fleshy foods, preserves, white sugar, and hard-boiled eggs.
Other Treatments
Take plenty of fresh air by doing outdoor activities such as walking and swimming. This will also tone up the muscles, which will not only make you look good but also helps prevent constipation.
