by Lorelei Cohen

Created on: January 17, 2010

Constipation is not pleasant, but neither are the possible adverse health affects which can come from using a prescription, or over the counter laxative. There are much safer ways to get regular than to dose your body with chemicals.

Many common foods act as a natural laxative, and all that you have to do to make your body happy, is to consume them on a regular basis. You also just might be a little surprised by which foods are the best natural laxatives. Many of these natural remedies are common foods that are sitting, and just waiting to used, in many household cupboards across the country.

So what are the best natural laxatives?

Prunes show up as a top choice in food laxatives. This could be because prunes are not only loaded with soluble dietary fiber but they are also very rich in other nutrients. Prunes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, potassium and copper.

Other natural but super laxatives are flax seed and rhubarb. Flax seed is an important source of omega 3 fatty acids which the body requires to maintain healthy functioning, and one teaspoon per day will help keep your good and bad fats in balance, but will also keep your system flowing smoothly. The stalks of the Rhubarb plant contains anthraquinones which are substances that act as a natural cleansing agent within the body. It is also rich in potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and calcium. It is important to note that it is only the stalks of the rhubarb plant that should be consumed, the leaves contain poisonous substances, and for that reason should not be eaten. Both flax seed and rhubarb are amazing laxatives which should be eaten on a regular basis, but in moderation, as they can also cause your system to work a little too actively if consumed in excessive amounts.

Oatmeal, whole wheat and other whole grains are the next line of natural laxatives. Fiber is a very important ingredient in any healthy diet plan, but many people do not realize that there are actually two distinct types of fiber soluble, and insoluble. Insoluble fiber is the type that fills your intestine but is hard to digest. Soluble fiber absorbs water, causing it to expand, and also to soften as it passes through the body. This makes it much easier to pass the resulting stool. Eating soluble fiber on a regular basis will generally serve to keep you regular.  A bowl of hot oatmeal in the morning, with an added teaspoon of flax seed is the perfect breakfast to keep your system content, and humming along at a nice pace. Why do these foods work so well? Well it all starts with fiber.

By including in your daily diet the correct foods you can maintain a healthy system. Unpeeled fruit, leafy vegetables, Aloe Vera juice, avocados, grapes or the use of other fruits and vegetables as laxatives are the final line of defense against constipation. Simply consuming adequate amounts of these common foods can keep you from using prescription laxatives.

There are always times when we get busy, and forget to do all the little things that we are supposed to, which is when our body lets us know it. Whenever possible though it is always best to use as natural a cure as possible. Where constipation is concerned there are a number of natural laxatives available for our use so why would we not choose to use them?

Be wise. Be well.

Sources:

http://www.ihealthdirectory.com/natural-laxatives/

http://www.sunsweet.com/products/category.asp?cat=pr unes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/ask_the_doctor/laxatives .shtml

http://www.quakeroats.com/home.aspx

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