The 15 Best Ways to Relieve Constipation 

Constipation is something we will all experience at one time or another. But it is, however, not a topic that you will discuss during a birthday party. This problem of the digestive process, which makes it very difficult to go to the toilet, is very uncomfortable and very embarrassing.

In any case, I haven’t heard anyone talk about the fact that they haven’t pooped in 5 days, but constipation or blockage is definitely not something to be ashamed of.

Our body is designed to dispose of waste on a regular basis. This is done through our urine and feces. But when passing stool does not happen regularly, it can feel very uncomfortable, and eventually even start to hurt a lot.

Of course, not every person suffers from a slow bowel movement, but the intestines of women seem to be more sensitive than those of men. Older people also tend to suffer more from constipation.

That constipation is caused by what you eat seems to be logical reasoning. That is partly true: food such as gluten, wheat, pasta, but also bananas can cause clogging in the intestines especially when consumed in large quantities. This, however, varies from person to person, as some people are just more sensitive than others.

Constipation is also influenced by other factors, more than you may think actually. Because even though you may follow a very healthy diet, these other factors can also cause a blockage.

It is important to find out why you suffer from constipation so you can address the issue and not subject yourself to developing a chronic constipation condition.

There are different types of constipation, but the most common is due to poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and emotional and stress-related problems. Others suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

How does one recognize blockage or constipation?

• You have fewer visits to the toilet. “Normal” varies from three times a day to three times a week.
• Your stools are dry and hard. That makes it more difficult for your intestines to move the fecal matter to be expelled.
• After a visit to the toilet, you still have the feeling that you have to go again because you are never able to completely empty your intestines.
• Feeling tired, dizzy, having abdominal cramps, headache, and bloating.
• There are many causes of constipation. But these are the most common:
• Irregular bowel movements
• As a side effect of certain medicines
• Stress
• Lack of exercise
• Not drinking enough water
• Poor dietary habits

The 15 Best Ways to Relieve Constipation Using Only Natural Ways to Soften Stool 

If you suffer from constipation, you can, of course, run to the pharmacy for a laxative, but in many cases, this is absolutely not necessary.

There are many home remedies to relieve constipation that are, at the least, just as effective, and most of them regarded a natural cure for constipation. These may turn out to be some of the best constipation relief options available to get rid of constipation fast so you can resume your normal toilet rhythm.

1. Warm Water with Lemon

It is not for nothing that many people already start the day with a glass of warm water with lemon. For most, this is a solution to restore and maintain the natural pH levels of the body. But did you know that it also works to stimulate the digestive tract?

Citric acid helps remove nasty toxins and other indigestible material from your intestinal walls. Because in many cases that is the cause of constipation. When adding water to the lemon, the citric acid is quickly absorbed by your body. Lemon water is one of the best natural stool softeners, making it easier to expel stool.

Hot water with lemon is one of the most successful ways to bring fast constipation relief, and it is also extremely easy to make: Squeeze the juice from a whole lemon and add it to a mug with warm water. Stir well and drink.

Taking small sips over a 10 minute period will most certainly help you getting relief from constipation. To cure constipation, drink this daily and experience natural digestive health. In addition, to naturally prevent bouts of constipation, also eat a lot of fiber and drink a lot of water.

2. Eat Natural Fibers

You’ve probably heard that eating natural fiber-rich products is the best way to empty and clean your intestines and keep them clean. Constipation is very often the result of a lack of these natural fibers.

Fiber works like a sponge: It attracts water from its environment, causing it to swell. During this process, the fibers become softer and more flexible and give volume to the stools. This makes it easy to pass through the intestinal tract and eventually end up in the toilet without any difficulty.

Make sure you eat the right, natural fiber. Because there are types of fiber that have the opposite effect and actually promote constipation.

The right fibers come from, among other things: Pears, plums, apples, nuts, apricots, berries, broccoli and beans.

Don’t forget to drink a lot of water. The fibers need water to swell. If there is not enough water in the intestines, the effect will be counterproductive.

Incidentally, this can easily be combined with the previous solution of warm water with lemon.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is not just another great natural solution for constipation; it really is a home remedy for anything and everything. It should not be missing from your medicine cabinet. Baking soda, for example, is a great remedy for problems in the abdominal area, especially when it comes to stomach complaints. Baking soda works so well because the bicarbonate removes unnecessary air from your body in whichever way. The same bicarbonate can, therefore, with the same mechanism, help bring relief from constipation.

To take advantage of this, add a teaspoon of baking powder to a quarter cup of water. Drink this in one go and you will quickly get the feeling that there is movement in your body, and especially in your intestines.

4. Dandelion Tea

If you suffer from constipation, you may from now on need to slightly change your perception that dandelions are weeds. Dandelions are actually one of the best natural ways to detoxify your body and support your liver. In addition, dandelions have a slight laxative effect, making them one of the most effective homemade remedies for constipation if you suffer from any obstruction.

Dandelions are particularly effective for constipation due to poor eating habits. Processed foods, however bad, no longer stand a chance against dandelions. You can’t make it more natural!

Dandelion tea is not available everywhere. If this is you, preparing it yourself is the best and most natural way to get the most out of this natural product.

Making dandelion tea is very easy. Just find some dandelions in your garden, remove the leaves and dry them. This can be done in the sun or in the oven at a very low setting. Crumble the leaves and put 3 teaspoons in a mug. Add hot water to the leaves and let it stand for 10 minutes. For maximum effect, drink a mug of dandelion tea at least 3 times daily.

5. Probiotics

We all know how important it is to get the right bacteria. We call these probiotics.

Probiotics are one of the best ways to keep your gut flora, and therefore your intestines, healthy. Taking probiotics on a daily basis not only prevents constipation but will also lessen the effect of constipation should it occur.

You can take probiotics naturally by eating a bowl of pure, organic yogurt every day. Choose yogurt without any kind of additives, preferably from the health food store or directly from the farmer.

Is yogurt not your thing? Then you can simply resort to one of the many probiotic supplements that are widely available at pharmacies and health food stores. Note that these supplements often contain many additives, including sugar. The manufacturer adds sugar to mask the taste of probiotics. They just want you to enjoy it so that you can take it again tomorrow morning.

If you are interested in taking advantage of a probiotic supplement which is a natural treatment for constipation I strongly recommend ConstiCleanse. I find it to be very effective for constipation relief, and it uses only safe, natural nutritional and herbal ingredients.

You know what they say, summer bodies are made in the winter. ConstiCleanse is the perfect way to jump-start your healthy digestion and awesome health by clearing out excess waste that’s stuck in your colon.

6. Epsom Salt 

We all know how wonderful it is to take a bath with Epsom salt added. It draws the toxins out of your body, and it soothes tired muscles. A real treat for your body!

But Epsom salt also works if you take it orally, and especially to solve bowel movement problems.

All you have to do is add 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt to a cup of water, mix it well and drink it all in one go.

The effect of this is twofold: First, the salt in your intestines works to attract water as quickly as possible to make the stools softer. And secondly, magnesium works positively for the intestinal muscles to work out the stools. Magnesium is very important for the correct functioning of the muscles in general, and as such, also for the intestinal muscles.

7. Linseed Oil

Not only does linseed oil contain healthy fatty acids, but it is also very effective when it comes to natural constipation relief. The linseed oil provides a kind of coating on the inside of your intestines, so that stool can find its way out without obstacles.

To take advantage of this, take a glass of orange juice, and mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of linseed oil. Drink this in one go. For an added benefit it is recommended you use fresh orange juice with fiber because you need that right now.

It is important to drink this mixture as soon as possible; do not wait for a few hours. It takes about 5 hours before it starts to work. So do not get impatient by drinking another glass, since it can then result in diarrhea. You may have stopped constipation, only to replace it with another problem.

8. Get Moving!

In this day and age, we sit a lot more than we’re moving. This is not necessarily due to laziness, but especially because of our work situation. Nowadays, many jobs are completed while seated, either behind a desk or in the car. All the more reason to make more effort to get moving.

Exercise is not only important to stay fit, to keep the risk of cardiovascular disease as low as possible, but also to aid the digestive system to function properly in eliminating waste from the body.

When we exercise, and especially doing those which train the muscles that are important for the digestive system, the stool can be transported through the system without any problems.

You do not need to take up any “heavy” exercise for the digestion system to work. The types of exercise that are sufficient for a healthy digestive system are not complicated exercises at all. A brisk walk after meals is enough to make your digestive system work optimally. Just wait an hour between the meal and the walk, otherwise, you may experience other problems.

Yoga can also make a very positive contribution to the functioning of your digestive system.

A general rule of thumb is regular exercise to ensure an efficient digestive system so that the chance of constipation is kept as small as possible.

9. Olive Oil

We mentioned flaxseed oil before, but if you do not have any, you can also use olive oil. Olive oil is not only a great antioxidant, but can also provide fast-acting constipation relief in the event of a blockage. Even better: If you regularly take olive oil, or simply use it when preparing a meal, the risk of a blockage is very small.

If you, however, now suffer from constipation, drink a tablespoon of pure olive oil, and in no time you will notice that you need to go. You can also mix the olive oil with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice for a faster and better result, and of course to enhance the taste.

10. Blackstrap Molasses 

The flow of molasses is very slow, but it for sure is one of the fastest ways to relieve constipation.

Molasses is a great remedy for constipation and has probably been passed on from generation to generation. Indeed, it has been used for centuries!

Unlike ordinary molasses, which is nothing more than boiled cane sugar, which is then crystallized, blackstrap molasses is very special: It is very rich in a wide range of vitamins and minerals. A large amount of magnesium, in particular, is very helpful when it comes to impacted stool.

To take advantage of the properties of blackstrap molasses, simply take a teaspoonful. Optionally, you can drink some water with it, or dissolve it in some warm water. If one teaspoon is not sufficient, you can increase the dose to a maximum of 4 teaspoons at a time. But make sure you don’t take too much, as the effect may cause diarrhea.

11. Coffee

If you are a regular coffee drinker, you may have noticed after your first or second mug of coffee in the morning that you have to go to the toilet. Coffee is not only a stimulus for your mind, but it also has a mild laxative effect.

In the end, coffee does a lot more for your body than just jump starting it when you wake up. Coffee awakens your digestion and will transport your stools smoothly and quickly so you can go to the toilet quickly.

Keep in mind that when you drink a lot of coffee, the effect will be counterproductive. As with most things in life, you should also drink coffee in moderation. This is because coffee is a diuretic, causing you to pee more. Unless you drink enough water to replenish the fluid lost, your body will dry out and there will not be any fluid available to make your stools softer and easy to expel, which will cause you to become constipated. 1 or 2 mugs are fine, but it has to stay that way.

If however, you wish to drink more coffee, make sure to drink a glass and a half of water for each mug of coffee you consume. You will greatly benefit from forming this habit and if adding lemon makes drinking water more palatable, the benefit of drinking water may be even greater.

12. Train Your Intestines

Do you go to the toilet at more or less the same time every day? Then you probably won’t suffer from constipation. Everyone has their own rhythm. Going to the toilet daily at about the same time. Your body adjusts and will continue this cycle. I don’t want to compare us to dogs, but it works exactly the same for them. Dogs also get used to a fixed time to do their business if their owners walk them at about the same time each day.

If you don’t have a fixed rhythm, now would be a good time to start forming the habit. It is a matter of training, but in the end, you will succeed.

Once upon a time, you may have had a routine of going to the toilet at the same time every day. Try to get that rhythm back by going to the toilet at the same time every day. Whether you have the urge or not. Take a magazine with you and take your time, but no longer than 20 minutes. If it still doesn’t work, try again tomorrow.

It is important that you do not force anything. Do not push too hard since that weakens your pelvic muscles. With just a little help, you’ll be able to pass the stool.

Keep up with the training, and eventually, you will notice that your body has adjusted to this new routine.

13. Plum Juice

This really is my grandmother’s solution when you need a severe constipation remedy. Drink plum juice or eat plums. It is a classic solution that has been used for centuries as a quick remedy for constipation and to help in getting bowel movements back on track and keep them regular.

Not only are plums very rich in fiber, but it also contains sorbitol. Sorbitol helps to keep the stools soft and smooth, making it a natural stool softener!

The combination of the fiber and the sorbitol ensures that the stools absorb water so that there is more volume. Needless to say, an excess of this all-natural laxative can cause diarrhea. So use plum juice or plums wisely.

14. Go When the Urge Presents Itself

The most preventative measure against constipation is to go to the toilet immediately if you have the urge to go. Your body knows very well what it is doing and what is needed. When your body tells you to go to the toilet, go! Your body wants to get rid of the waste!

If you do not respond to the messages your body sends you, your body will remove the added water from the stools, making it increasingly difficult to go to the toilet. This will ultimately lead to constipation.

15. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a great product. We all know at least some of the benefits of this wonderful plant.

Not only does Aloe Vera relieve pain and solve stomach problems, but it will also work if you suffer from constipation.

It is ultimately the gel found in the leaves of this plant that possesses the healing effect. It contains Anthraquinone glycosides which are the substance that makes Aloe Vera one of the best things to take for constipation.

If you have an Aloe Vera plant, you can harvest the gel yourself and use it immediately. You can also buy the gel, in a conditioned form, from a health food store.

Take 1-2 tablespoons of the Aloe Vera gel in combination with some orange juice. The mixture will ensure that the gel is absorbed faster so that the laxative effect can be triggered faster. Take this on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, and experience for yourself why Aloe Vera can indeed be classified as one of the best cures for constipation.

Aren’t Laxatives A Much Easier And the Best Way to Relieve Constipation?

Anyone who has ever suffered from this condition knows very well that immediate constipation relief is the only thing that they need and want at that moment!

Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also hurt. While many people run straight to the pharmacy to buy a laxative, it is much safer to use one or more of the above natural home remedies for constipation.

The laxatives that are freely available have a number of side effects. Some are not that bad, others’ side effects can have major consequences.

For example, did you know that laxatives can cause permanent damage to the rectum? Or that laxatives affect the salinity of your body? That your minerals can become unbalanced through the use of laxatives? This can lead to other problems in the long term, so laxative use is most definitely not recommended.

Other side effects of laxatives that have less serious consequences are the following:

• Feeling sick
• Flatulence
• Stomach ache
• Bloated feeling
• Dehydration

So it is always advantageous to regard natural remedies as the best way to relieve constipation. These are just as effective and have no side effects.

In addition, it is, of course, a bit embarrassing to ask for a laxative at the pharmacy. Isn’t it much easier to have the solution in your pantry that you can apply in your own familiar environment?

For most of the home remedies for improved bowel movement discussed here, you already have the ingredients at home. There is always something that you can apply for immediate constipation relief, even if it is in the middle of the night. No need to buy special ingredients.

In Conclusion

If you regularly suffer from constipation, it is a clear sign that you need to change something about your lifestyle.

Not only do you have to eat healthier and stay away from processed foods as much as possible, but also exercise more. This is the only way you can minimize the risk of getting constipated.

Another important thing is to drink lots of water in combination with eating natural fibers.

Indeed, drinking lots of water, getting regular exercise, and eating natural fiber foods are the best way to relieve constipation!

Read more on how to get rid of constipation fast and constipation in toddlers…