Constipation Remedies
Constipation is a common digestive system problem in which one experiences infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, or straining during bowel movements. Because frequency of bowel movements vary from person to person, what may be normal for one person may constitute constipation for another. The general rule of thumb is that if you are passing hard and dry stools less than three times a week, you probably have constipation.' Almost everyone experiences constipation at one point or another during their lives. A poor diet is typically the cause of constipation. Most of the time constipation is temporary!
1 YEA
[YEA] 12/06/2006: Lydia from Miami, FL writes: "I have been constipated for the past thirteen years due to meds and my years of suffering from anorexia and especially bulimia. I only eat healthy food and I HAVE tried everthing and wasted a lot of money to help my situation between doctors' visits, medicines and supplements. Lately the thing that is proving to be helpful is acidophilus (in the millions), All brand fiber cereal (I find it delicious) and magnesium (750mg/day) I have accepted mine as a hopeless case; however, this may help somebody out there!"
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2 YEA[YEA] 04/24/2006: Lisa from West Plains MO writes: "I tried Donna's suggestion on acupressure and it works!!! I rub not only my stomach but where my colon is. Also I found taking 2 tbsp. of molasses morning and night followed by acv in tea and then the acupressure works every time for me. I don't have to sit on the crapper for 15 minutes anymore."
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1 YEA[YEA] 05/16/2007: Wanda (s00ver@yahoo.com) from East Bay, CA writes: "Have had some digestive challenges lately. Last night, used ACV in water just prior to a bowl of oatmeal. About an hour later, I swallowed a garlic capsule. This morning after swishing peanut oil for about 20 minutes, I drank the juice of one lemon mixed with about a TBSP of baking powder and water. My nose began to run. After a breakfast of French Toast, bacon, and strong coffee, there was an almost immediate cleansing. I'm not sure which concoction did the job, or if it was the harmonious work of them all. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks and kudos for the good advice. I feel blessed."
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9 YEA[YEA] 09/29/2007: JM from Cebu, Philippines writes: "I have been suffering from constipation and dyspepsia for years and am "used to it". I tried all sort of "fiber" products including all kinds of oatmeal, yogurt etc. some works only when u take it and when u stop ..back to heavy feeling again. When i started taking ACV (i took it for a mistaken lymph node but its actually a boil) i feel lighter, constipation is gone every after meal....and i lost 2lbs for a week..it's really a MIRACLE...lots of benefits...I can't stop thanking this website..more power.."
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[YEA]08/13/2007: Gary from Claxton, Georgia replies: "re: Constipation Remedy -- I was wondering if Lynette from Edward, Il would share what amounts of ACV, water, liquid garlic, cayenne pepper and black strap molasses she uses in her remedy."
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1 YEA[YEA] 03/23/2008: Maureen from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada writes: "An 89 year old family member was suffering from constipation and felt miserable. He did not own a juicer so I decided to try something. I bought a jar of unsweetened applesauce and the same size can of pear halves in water. I blended the pear halves with a tiny bit of water and mixed them with the applesauce. We both had a small bowl of the very tasty apple pear sauce. The next morning I had a very good bowl movement as I usually do but there was a difference. I phoned the family member and asked if he had relief. He did not. He said he had a pain in his stomach and felt awful. Later on around noon he got the sudden urge to go to the bathroom and emptied out completely. He did not quite make it to the bathroom which caused a problem but he felt like a million dollars as he said after he emptied out. Because of how it affected him, we waited one week then we agreed for him to take two tablespoons a day to keep him regular.
Another family member decided to try the apple pear sauce because she was having side effects of constipation from medication she started taking. It took 2-3 days for it to work for her but it did a great job when it kicked in.
Do on delay when you get the urge to go to the bathroom or even an inkling to “go” :)"
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1 YEA 1 WARNING![YEA] 12/31/2007: Vladimir (meditating@sympatico.ca) from Montreal, Quebec, Canada writes: "Hi. I started taking Bentonite Clay after reading about it on the internet and especially on http://www.eytonsearth.org/ I don't know whether it is because of it or because of the other supplements I take but I am less constipated and sleep better. I also believe it contains many minerals and they're natural (not processed). I am taking a table spoon of a very dense Bentonite Clay and water solution every night before going to bed. I would recommend it. It would be also interesting to hear other people's experiences with Bentonite Clay."
[WARNING!]03/29/2008: Joyce from Glasgow, Scotland replies: "I digested Psyllium and Bentonite clay for a colon cleanse. This was to ruin my whole life and caused immediate gastritis and triggered rosacea/rhinophyma. The onset of syptoms were abrum, immediate and extremely severe. I now have blepharitis and meibominaitis as a result. I was very stupid and digesting this product has ruined my whole life. DO NOT TAKE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
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COCONUT MILK AND GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES
[YEA] 07/12/2006: Marcel from Diamond Bar, CA writes: "I half cooked a bunch of leafy vegetables with coconut milk. Coconut milk adds flavor to my cooking. I added some fresh herbs like basil, ground pepper, garlic, and onion. I did not add salt as I stopped using it salt since 1980. When done, I ate it alone the whole day. In one day, I tripped to the bathroom 3 times and really did a good job on emptying my guts. My bowels looked greenish, long formed and at about 1 1/2 inch in diameter. The bowel was greenish because the digestion was fast and did not have a chance to change color to brownish. I felt good and light all day long. The green leafy vegetables can be Kale, spinach, water lily (kangkong). I will try other green vegetables with the coconut milk and see its effect."
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1 YEA[YEA] Ami from Harlingen, TX writes: "If you want a simple way to solve your constipation problem eat a bowlful of 100% bran cereal for breakfast each day.Or you if that doesn't taste to your liking them try cutting back on dairy products especially cheese, and yogurt. Then try adding more leafy green veggies such as salads and spinach(salad). Also cut back on certain fruit products such as apple juice and apple sauce. Then and more fiber to your diet. It works!"
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1 YEA[YEA] Deirdre from LA writes: "Flax seed oil capsules soon after waking with a glass of water works wonders. You may have to experiment with the brand to find the best one for your body"
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2 YEA[YEA] 12/12/2006: Kegan from Illinois writes: "Have you ever stopped to think about chinese people how with every meal no matter what meal they have hot tea?? well the reason behind it is, when you eat food's that have fat or oils in them you usually drink COLD bevarages after right?? Well that causes the fats to sit and harden, causing many problems constipation, clogged arteries, many! So when you eat something, try to drink something hot along with it and see what happens.....bet you will poop right on time and won't be constipated."
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1 YEA[YEA] 11/15/2005: Gail from Powell, Wyoming writes: "I struggled with severe constipation for years, and it was getting worse. I tried many natural products and had always tried to stay away from harsh laxatives. I had a colonoscopy several months ago just to see if there was anything wrong. I did have 2 pre-cancerous polyps but no blockage. I had resorted to taking Golytely twice a day per my physician's recommendations, with poor results. (Golytely is used as a bowel prep!) My chiropractor said I should try honey, 2 teaspoons, three times a day. I thought, yeah, right! It works! (Do not give honey to babies, it can cause botulism in infants)."
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1 YEA[YEA] 07/12/2007: Atisha from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia writes: "Hi all, I have been drinking honey & lemon concoction in water warm on an empty stomach for the past 6 days. This is my 6th day & i had noticed my bowel movement has been regular since the duration of consuming the concoction. It's amazing. Try it!"
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3 YEA[YEA] 07/19/2006: Colleen from Vancouver writes: "My six year old son was constipated, and instead of using over the counter medication/remedies I tried the lemon and olive oil. He only took it 2 times (mid morning & after lunch), and he had a regular bowel movement before the night. The sour from the lemon was a bit too much for him, so i put a pinch of salt in the mix, which was suggested in someone's feedback."
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6 YEA[YEA] 12/18/2007: fauna from lynnwood, wa writes: "I love love love, what magnesium has done for me. I was constipated for the last 30 years of my life. I was in a lot of discomfort and even excluded myself from social gatherings because of gas and bloating. Once a week was the norm most times less. I feel like I have wasted a lot of my life because of this problem. I added magnesium to my diet because of a problem I am having with my teeth, and what do you know, regular, like clockwork bowel movements. I have also added oatmeal to my diet, but by using the magnesium regularly, I feel so much better. Those who rely on laxatives are really missing the boat on this one, and should strongly rethink how they treat their bodies. Even though I should be laxative dependent, I never stooped to that way of life, but I know that a lot of women rely on laxatives to produce bowel movements. I feel freed by this information and only wish I had had it 30 years earlier."
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MAGNESIUM CITRATE, DIETARY SUGGESTIONS
[YEA] 11/07/2007: Nat from Brooklyn, New York writes: "Thank you for a good work.
We have been trying some of the suggestions on your site and have found them helpful in many areas.
Your site showed that magnesium citrate (600 Mg) was very helpful for overcoming constipation. It is very good especially when implemented together with some other things. Here is how it seemed to work best. In the morning, one takes three magnesium citrate tablets (one hundred mg in each) with a glass of tap water mixed with a few drops of Ume Plum vinegar (which has salt in it) available from Eden foods. Maybe any vinegar mixed with salt might also work well. The mixture should not be overly salty, just pleasantly salty. Vitamin C – 300 to 1000 - can also be taken together with the magnesium citrate. A short while after that one takes a glass or two of plain cold water from the tap. Let it run for short while. Then a little after that (or even right after that), one takes boiled hot water mixed with one or two tablespoons toasted bran (Kretchmers sells toasted bran), (regular raw bran might also work well), and about the same amount, or a little bit less, toasted wheat germ, adding some more plum vinegar (or maybe any vinegar with salt) to the mixture to make it pleasantly salty. Stir and sip or drink this mixture. One may need a spoon to eat the bran and wheat germ that has settled to the bottom. (At times, a papain tablet and a betaine hydrochloride tablet can be taken with the magnesium citrate, though it may not be necessary. Vitamin C is helpful. It also helps improve the quality of one’s sleep and may help a person fall back asleep when awakening in middle of the night.)
After all this, one can eat some fruit, such as papaya, which is excellent for overcoming constipation, or stewed figs, raisins or prunes, stewed or soaked in water and olive oil, and eaten when still hot or at least warm. One can also eat any other fruit or even a regular breakfast.
In general, raw fruits, vegetables and vegetable salads should be an important part of one’s daily food. Lettuce (romaine in particular) and escarole are especially helpful. Hot drinks and hot soups are also helpful.
In the late afternoon one takes another three magnesium citrate tablets together with a glass of water mixed with a few more drops of the salty plum vinegar and if one feels the need, another tablespoon or two of bran and wheat germ.
One should also avoid drinking a lot of milk and any hard cheeses or fried foods or other such foods and eat clean simple foods.
There should, with help from Above, be significant improvement.
The suggestion for using bran and wheat germ in a hot drink came from the letters from readers section of a health magazine* from many years ago. It was later written up in a book on natural healing **The person, who suggested it in her letter, said to use it in hot coffee twice a day.
The book also mentions bran, papaya, sunflower seeds, garlic and escarole. (Garlic is recommended in the name of Hippocrates and also in the name of a leading expert in garlic therapy who recommends mixing garlic with (milk?) or yogurt. Garlic is also recommended for relieve of diarrhea.) Escarole is recommended by someone who found miraculous help from the suggestion to cook escarole in water and to drink this escarole water and by another person who ate the escarole raw.
Thank you for letting me share this.
Nat
*Prevention Magazine
**(Miracle Medicine Foods by Rex Adams, published by Warner Books. This book is probably out of print.)"
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6 YEA[YEA] 10/30/2007: Fred G from Charlotte, NC writes: "My father is 87 and suffers from Parkinsons. He started having severe constipation problems as a result of intestinal muscles just not working. The doctors prescribed packets of chemical laxatives which marginally worked. He had to keep increasing these packets to a max of 7 packets. The expense was huge with many side-effects. On a follow up exam he asked if there was any alternative to help with the expense. The doctor recommended that he try black strap molasses. He incorporated 2 tablespoons a day and immediately was able to reduce the laxatives. Within 2 weeks and since he takes 0 laxatives and just the two tablespoons of Black Strap. He feels so much better and of course his mental state has improved greatly due to the relief that he nows has. He is not constipated at all and is just doing great. On that recommedation my elderly aunt, who has had constipation problems for years, tried the same remedy and had similar results. the doctor said he heard about this cure from his grandmother and figured it was worth a try."
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1 YEA[YEA] 10/30/2006: Desire from Chicago, IL writes: "5HTP, Omega3, Chlorophyll, ACV, Lemon and H2O everyday, Yoga 4 days a week. This combination has cured plenty; depression, regularity, appetite suppressant, etc. I'm just one happy camper"
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1 YEA[YEA] 05/08/2008: Jean from Calgary Alberta, Canada writes: "Constipation Remedy: Eat your porridge! A bowl of oatmeal porridge every morning (preferably made with large old fashioned oats) will keep your body working regularly. Adding some pumpkin seeds and dried fruit is even better. Takes only 4 minutes in the microwave."
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2 YEA[YEA] 11/26/2007: susan from jupiter, florida writes: "I tried the olive oil and orange juice remedy for the constipation. It worked within ten minutes without stomach cramping and awful side effects like all the other over the counter laxatives can do. Thank you very much, I wish I found this remedy sooner."
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1 YEA[YEA] 08/22/2006: Lisa from Missouri writes: "Pineapples! Fresh pineapple juice works great. I have a juicer and have it every morning. I'm not sure about store bought seeing as they usually have additives in the juice. A juicer is the best investment you'll ever make."
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1 YEA[YEA] Delores from Atlanta, Georgia writes: "1/4 cup of pure Pomegranate concentrate with 16 oz. water, twice daily. Adjust as needed. This works wonders for constipation."
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1 YEA[YEA] 09/21/2006: John from Baltimore, Maryland writes: "Ever since my wife and I were married she would drink a glass of prune juice 2 times per week. This resulted in not only a cleansing but an end to constipation after trying it myself. It is also good to drink a glass of water as well to wash it down."
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1 YEA[YEA] 07/02/2006: KC from Columbia, South Carolina writes: "I have tried and am still using this for constipation and bloating. This only cost me $6 for 1 lb. and it has been a miracle for me. I had tried Colonix for colon cleansing and it was a very dramatic experience for me. I believe it was more or less a laxative with additives to get you addicted and it gave you close to diarrhea. I felt like had to go to the bathroom all of the time. So I had developed even more anxiety which lead to IBS I believe. Anyways- It has been a few months and I tried this cheap natural remedy and it works! I've been using it a little more than a week and I've seen greater results than Colonix had ever promised. I just followed the recipe on this site which had led me to the road of happiness. Thanks!"
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1 YEA[YEA] 10/08/2006: Anonymous writes: "I was going to try one last thing before surrendering to taking a laxative. I ate raisins all day and drank water. It worked, I didn't have to take the laxative."
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1 YEA[YEA] 01/02/2007: Nat from Brooklyn, NY writes: "Comment on helping constipation.
Simmer one half cup of raisins, or a half cup mixture of raisins, figs, and prunes with water and olive oil for a few minutes.
Or, pour boiling water and olive oil to just cover the raisins, or the raisins, prunes and figs mixture.
Or soak over night with tap water and some olive oil. (Check the figs to see that they have no bugs on or in them.)
Then add some toasted wheat germ and toasted bran to this mixture. (Krechmer's (the company that makes toasted wheat germ also makes toasted bran. For some people it may, help more than raw bran.)
Add one, two or three tablespoons bran and one or two tablespoon wheat germ to the mixture.
Add some organic Wheatabix (a cereal from England). (The Wheatabix may help more than Fiber One or Uncle Sam's or Good Friends High fiber cereal. May be because it is organic.)
Then add a little bit hot milk and maybe some sucanet.
Eat this every morning. It may take some time to heal the system but after a few days or a week there should be improvement. One can simmer, at one time, olive oil and water with a whole box of raisins or the raisin/prune/fig combination and store it in the refrigerator, taking out a half cup of the mixture every day. (Till the body begins to normalize itself and for emergency usage one can use polyethelen glycol (golightely) by doctor's prescription.
It is not habit forming and will even help for a few days after its use is stopped, but if one uses it for more than two weeks it can cause electrolite imbalance. It can then bring about some hyperactivity, jumpiness or wakefulness. Nevertheless, until the body normalizes itself, it is less harmful than other laxatives. In an old Prevention magazine a reader once recommended, as a powerful remedy for constipation, drinking, twice a day, hot coffee with two tablespoons wheat germ and two tablespoons unprocessed (raw) bran in it. This can be taken first thing in the morning and then again in the afternoon. One can add some sucanet or xylitol sweetener, or molasses. Even a bit of milk to make it palatable is all right for most people. One can take the hot coffee drink and then the raisin/olive oil/hot water/bran/wheat germ/wheatabix mixture afterward as a morning cereal. Hot fiber liquids (example – hot oily bean soup, hot pumpkin squash soup ( blend the soup with the seeds) and hot sweet drinks (not chocolate) are very helpful. Raw fruits and vegetables. Papaya has helped some people when other things did not. Avoid low fiber foods such as starchy bakery foods, rice, pasta. Avoid chocolates, and too much protein. It seems once that for a time a mixture of an eighth of a tsp each of carnitine powder, TMG powder and calcium pyruvate helped, all bought from Beyond a Century - 800-7771324 - a company that has very reasonable prices on supplement powders. At this time it may not be really helping as it was before. Chewing dry a tablespoon of toasted or raw bran. Follow a little while later with a hot drink. Fruit Eze, (fruiteze.com- 888-734-8527-or 503-297-4126) is a commercial mixture of dates, raisins, prunes and prune juice that is made for use in nursing homes. One might try using it with the olive oil and the toasted wheat germ/bran/ Wheatabix mixture. It is certified vegetarian and kosher."
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1 YEA[YEA] 10/29/2006: Carol from Southern NJ writes: "I eat about 1 cup of raw Savoy Cabbage a day with a meal. It relieved my roller coaster episodes of diarrhea in one day...and constipation for the next week. Also it helped with PMS. I can think more clearly, I have a higher energy level, my mood is improved, and I feel really healthy."
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SEA SALT AND APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
[YEA] 04/28/2008: saab (sabrina_nevada@yahoo.com) from vancouver, canada writes: "Using sea salt/acv for constipation has worked better for me than following remedies: psyllium husk, extra fibre every night(wheat bran), water+b.soda+acv etc. I use 250 ml warm water, few sprinkles of sea salt (pinch)+1 tbsp organic ACV. This has also cleared up stubborn adult acne on the throat.I am just not sure of the long term use of salt every in the morning,if it would corrode the organs. Many heartfelt thanks, nevertheless for the site and its info."
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4 YEA 1 NAY[YEA] 03/11/2008: Erynn from New Haven, Connecticut writes: "Sea Salt cure for Constipation. Works like a charm! Although I've tried this two ways. I've use epsom salt as well...but it is quite gross and you may throw up, so sea salt is much easier on the taste buds. It could take anywhere from 10mins to 2 hours. If its not working, try drinking more water...the salt is dehydrating your system!! This is probably the most comfortable way than taking a laxative. I tend to get cramping from everything else, ie sienna tea. sea salt is the way to go!"
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1 YEA[YEA] 11/19/2006: Carol from Cumberland, MD writes: "The first time my sister was pregnant she tried every product she could find for constipation. During her second pregnancy I suggested she drink seltzer water. I had read about it in a magazine. I also had cravings for seltzer water during my last 2 pregnancies and never had any problems with constipation. She told me she didn't like the taste and couldn't drink it. A few weeks later she let slip she was mixing it with juice and was actually regular for once."
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1 YEA[YEA] 04/24/2006: Minni from NYC writes: "Chocolate, but to be more specific - Lubricated WARMED foods containing sweetened chocolate. Also - yogurt in combo with sweetened chocolate containing food."
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1 YEA[YEA] 03/10/2008: Aimy from Lhr, Pk writes: "Drinking four to five glasses of water every morning before brushing your teeth will cure constipation in ten days. Avoid eating till about 45 minutes after consuming water in the morning. I tried many therapies but this one has been most successful and is a long term solution. Whenever I feel blocked, I consume more than four glasses in the morning. Sometimes even two glasses or one are enough to flush out the system."
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