The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Lemons
Posted by Lis11 (Richmond, Va) on 01/31/2012
★★★★★
This works for me and I do it everyday.
Hot water, squeeze lemon/lime water into it, add about 1tb molasses or less, olive oil, 3-4 prunes. Mix and let it stand for 5 mins so the prunes can absorb some water. This works like a charm every single time. Sometimes I run out of lemons or I forget to add olive oil.. It's okay if you do. Exact measurements are not important. It still works!! I will also occasionally add other things to my tonic.. Like a small pinch of turmeric/ cinnamon etc.. you can experiment with what works for you.
Additional note: mind over matter.. Be kind to yourself. Take time to breath and relax. It really helps to be aware of your internal dialogue to see how you talk to yourself.
Peace, L
Castor Oil
Posted by Karen (Los Angeles, California) on 01/23/2012
★★★★★
What works for me for severe constipation is Castor oil. One tablespoon. But if you try it, take it only on a weekend you have off. Stay home because you don't know when it's going to work.Works on me like drain-O on a drain.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 01/22/2012
★★★★★
For severe constipation,
the best remedy is epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) because magnesium in high doses is a natural laxative. If you don't get relief from the constipation it merely means that you have not taken enough epsom salts. I would not take sea salt as something to relieve constipation.
As I said, if the epsom salts are not working just keep increasing the dosage (in not too large increments) to see the amount needed to induce a bowel movement.
Water
Posted by Renee (Bergen Co., Nj) on 01/06/2012
★★★★★
I also drink several glasses of water on an empty stomach in the morning with much success. (32-48 ounces usually). It's a great daily habit. Water on an empty stomach causes the colon to spasm and move the contents, as I understand it. You're also rehydrating your body after sleeping all night. I usually have a successful bathroom visit in 30 minutes or less. I eat breakfast about 30 minutes to an hour later. To resolve a more severe case of constipation, I have had success by adding several other remedies listed here to the water remedy (e.g., sea salt cleanse, eating a cucumber, magnesium oxide).
Dietary Changes
Posted by Laura (Houston, Texas) on 12/17/2011
★★★★★
I have had terrible constipation for as long as I can remember (I am 42). I always thought myself lucky to go a maximum of 4 times per week. I have tried eating more fiber, drank gallons of water, followed blood type diet for a year, exercised, used ACV & EVCO, all with limited success. Well, my "cure" as it turns out was to drastically increase the amount of raw fruits and veggies in my diet. Now you can set your watch by me! I still fully cook ground beef, poultry & fish (except sushi), but I eat a minimum of 3-4 whole fruits and 4-5 raw veggies a day. I've also begun drinking kefir. Give it a try!
Over the Counter
Posted by Nat (Brooklyn, Ny) on 10/26/2011
★★★★★
Speaking to a nephrologist about a member of the family who is on dialysis, I asked about Magnesium Citrate as a supplement. He said that Citrate products are not used on dialysis patients because it was seen that Calcium Citrate increases aluminum in the bodies of dialysis patients. (In kidney failure, the kidneys cannot filter out aluminum, and dialysis does not either. Normal kidneys filter out aluminum. ) But what about all the people who have partial kidney failure and don't even know it. So we stopped using the Magnesium Citrate, just as a precaution.
Instead experimentation was made using one to two tablespoons Benefiber from the pharmacy (one can use up to six tablespoons Benefiber a day) in one or two glasses of water, in combination with one or two (or three) tablespoons Milk of Magnesia - sometimes also with some Magnesium Bicarbonate (made by pouring two or three full measuring tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia - a half to three fourths of the enclosed cap - into a bottle of seltzer/club soda and shaking the contents - as recommended on Earthclinic by Bill from San Fernando, Philippines - but sometimes using a bit less Milk of Magnesia than recommended).
Glucomannan, a fiber supplement recommended by Pam from Alabama, might also be used with the water and Milk of Magnesia.
Milk of Magnesia, starting at five Tbsp. and going down gradually, is recommended, in the name of an older doctor, by Redclary from Oklahoma .
Some extra seltzer/club soda, recommended by Carol from Cumberland, MD, is also helpful (used in the mixture).
This simple combination of Benefiber and Milk of Magnesia in water is much better than many other things used to help the intestines.
After a few days one can often use smaller amounts of the Milk of Magnesia while increasing slightly the Benefiber.
Benefiber is a fiber supplement that helps increase good bacteria in the body. It is made from Hydrolyzed guar gum. For some reason it is better than plain Guar Gum. Also, it is mostly tasteless and does not thicken.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Catrina (Waldorf, Maryland/usa) on 10/22/2011
★★★★★
Four weeks ago, I cut out all dairy substituting almond milk instead of cows milk and began eating a vegan diet. I have been having a bowel movement everyday with no straining! For 47 years, I suffered from chronic constipation, IBS, chronic pain and bloating. I've tried conventional and non-conventional remedies. I am writing to say I have found something that works. Try cutting out all milk products or items that contain diary and see if it makes a difference. In the beginning, as my body adjusted to my new diet, I had gas pains for about one and a half weeks. Three weeks ago, I began acupuncture treatments and after two sessions, my gas pains are gone and I am not as bloated. I have four more acupuncture sessions to go to complete the series, but I attribute the bowel movements to the lack of dairy in my diet.
Position
Posted by Angela (Bloomfield,, New Jersey) on 10/05/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered from constipation in a very bad way for a very long time. I don't know what this exercise is called but a friend of mine recently told me to kneel down then sit on the back of my legs as though I was sitting on a chair and wait for the sensation that I want to go comes. It works like a charm. The first few times took about 15 minutes. After that, it happened in about 5 minutes. Works every time. If the floor is too hard, sit on the bed or sofa. Can't wait to hear your experiences.
Chia Seeds
Posted by Tina (Princeton, N J ) on 09/25/2011
★★★★★
Chia seeds are very good in curing constipation, since they are full of fiber. It is also the richest and only unprocessed whole food source of pure Omega 3. Chia seeds 'scrubbing' action also help remove toxins from the small intestine. Plus they are high in protein, so they keep you feeling full longer and make you feel so energetic! Best of all, they are quite inexpensive and can be found in health food stores. Remember to drink lots of water when you eat chia seeds, as they absorb ten times their weight in water.
I soak about two scoops (from the scoop provided in the container) in water overnight and the next morning it is almost a jelly consistency. Eaten with some organic raw honey and fresh lemon juice, it makes a delicious and filling breakfast. Best of luck!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Tina (Houston, Usa) on 09/21/2011
★★★★★
Please try these cheasp remedies for constipation...
Magnesium upto 1000mg daily (pref bed time) since it will make you very relaxed.
Vitamin C (upto 5000mg daily) which is brilliant to reset the body and allow your bowels to move.
Prune juice 1/3 cup upto 2-3 daily.
Prunes
Spirulina and chlorella which clean out the toxicities in the liver and allow bowels to become regular.
Include veggies like cucumbers and celery to diet which help with retaining water to avoid dry stools.
Chia seeds
Aloe vera juice
(You will become regular in no time).
I went through several MRIs, colonoscopies and traditional meds, but the above intake along with daily exercise (1 hour brisk walk) eliminated the constipation completely. Please ask if you have any specific questions, since I am well versed with this topic.
Glucomannan Root
Posted by Pamm (Birmingham, Alabama) on 08/31/2011
★★★★★
I have had several stomach surgeries that has caused me to have Chronic Constipation, and I have been a big fan of Earth Clinic since 2007 and I have tried all your remedies, the only one that helped me a few times were Apple Cider vinegar with Baking Soda and that isn't a guarantee each time. I have spent so much money getting colonics. I was watching Dr. Oz Show and found a natural Fiber that you can buy & I was so skeptical, however after buying it and trying it, I can honestly say it works if you take it before you eat & drink lots of water.
Glucomannan Root Is The Awesome & I highly Recommend it, Its a Natural Fiber you can find it anywhere and its inexpensive! I was so surprised how fast it worked and how gently it worked. You must follow directions for it to work. But I am now a believer.
Ginger
Posted by Morganism (Granite Bay, California) on 06/21/2011
★★★★★
For constipation I would suggest 1) yoga 2) Ginger tea I like the yogi brand because it has a great flavore and other stimulating herbs that help the digestive tract. I've delt with constipation my whole life and I accidentally bought the Ginger teas and found that within an hour of drinking I'm ready to no longer be constipated. Try a few different organic brands from health food stores until you find one you like, they aren't all the same. Also if you like raw Ginger you can try eating it but be careful if your pregnant or intend to be because too much Ginger can cause miscarriage.
Juice
Posted by Warren (Costa Mesa, Ca) on 05/26/2011
★★★★★
Great suggestions here. I make a smoothie every morning and have always used Rice Dream or Almond breeze but now use Papaya Juice instead. It helps to move things along along with whatever else you're doing.
Baking Soda, Borax
Posted by Andrea C (Cardiff, Wales) on 05/15/2011
★★★★★
I eat a good diet, of organic produce drink distilled water. no amount of laxatives did n e thing for the constipation caused by my meds cept' made me feel toxic! yesterday i started
the bicarb/lemon juice [alkalizing tonic] as sir ted suggested. this morning i got up at 4am as i couldn't sleep drank a half pint of distilled water from a litre wth 1/8 teaspoon bicarb the same amount of of borax dechahydratate mixed together in the same litre. hoorah! talk about colonic irrigation!!! 2 hours later i was queen of the porcerlain throne!!! amazing! the gas waste all came away rapidly with no pain to my hemorrhoids or agonising anal fissures! hope this helps someone else love ANDREA C X X X
Molasses
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 05/01/2011
★★★★★
As a suggestion if you take a teaspoonfull of blackstrap molasass a day, you will find your problems will end.. Plus the eradication of any hemorrhoids over a few days. Put it in your mouth and wash it down with fruit juice.
