Constipation Remedy

Fiber

The most common constipation remedy includes a daily intake of fiber and drinking plenty of water. One of the most highly concentrated forms of fiber can be found in wheat bran. Bran is more of a normalizer of bowel function rather than a laxative.

Most laxatives do their work by releasing substances which chemically irritate the bowel reflexes, producing contractions which in turn activates them.

Bran does not irritate the bowels in any way. It does its work by absorbing water and creating a gentle pressure on the lining of the colon.

Be sure to drink an adequate amount of water every day, preferably six to eight, 8 ounce glasses.

The bowels draw water out of your system in order to do their job. And fiber, as well as other natural home remedies for constipation, requires adequate amounts of water in your system to react properly.

To stay "regular" and prevent constipation, your daily intake of fiber should be around 20 to 35 grams. Whole-grains, fruits and vegetables are some of the best fiber sources. Other high-fiber foods are cooked beans, prunes, figs, raisins, popcorn, oatmeal, pears and nuts.

As you can see, the best constipation remedy can be simply involve eating the right foods.

The following foods have relatively no fiber content whatsoever:

milk
cheese
yogurt
eggs
fish
poultry
beef
pork
juices
ice cream
cookies
cakes
pies
white bread
English muffins
bagels

The following foods are very high in fiber:

beans
peas
potatoes
carrots
whole-wheat bread
brown rice
wheat germ
figs
raisins
prunes
fresh fruit
nuts
berries
sunflower seeds
pumpkin seeds
vegetables

However, if you are past the prevention stage and currently suffering from constipation, choose a constipation remedy from this list:

Walking

Probably the easiest constipation remedy is simply to take a walk. A good brisk 20 minute walk may just be all that's needed to activate the nerves and muscles of the bowels.

This tends to move food through the bowels at a faster rate.

Castor Oil

This very effective constipation remedy usually works for most people. Castor oil it is produced from the seeds of the ricinus communis plant.

Take one to 2 teaspoons on an empty stomach. You should see results in about eight hours.

Psyllium

This herbal product, produced from seeds acts in two different ways. First, it adds bulk and fiber to the digestive tract.

Psyllium itself is high in fiber and it absorbs a lot of water as it passes through the body, therefore requiring that you drink the proper amount of water while taking.

Secondly, Psyllium helps to restore the normal balance of bacteria in your intestines, which is essential for proper bowel movements.

Enemas and Suppositories

If you're really miserable and you want fast relief, probably the quickest constipation remedy would be to take an enema or suppository.

For enemas, stick with a natural saline solution. For suppositories, stick with natural glycerin. This particular constipation remedy should only be used occasionally in extreme situations.