by Ou Young Foon

Created on: September 19, 2010

Constipation can be uncomfortable.  You may feel the accumulation of stool in your body but simply could not pass it out.  It can be harmful because toxins from the stool, if not being excreted, can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, initiating many health problems.

One simple way to treat constipation is to buy laxatives over the counter.  However, the side effects of laxatives are many.  Constant use of laxatives drains minerals and proteins in your body and weakens the muscles of your bowel.  So if you experience constipation next time, you will need to take laxatives again.

Some drugs can cause constipation.  If you develop constipation due to taking some medication, you may need to stop and change it.  Some examples of these drugs are aspirin, ibuprofen, iron pills, antidepressants, antihistamines and drugs for controlling high blood pressure.

Deficiency of magnesium can cause constipation because the mineral relaxes the intestinal muscles.  Take about 450 milligrams of magnesium a day to prevent constipation.  Another supplement called choline citrate or bitartrate can relieve constipation too.  It can be found in egg yolks, legumes, meat, fish and milk.  Take about 350 milligrams two to three times a day to relieve constipation.

Apart from the above treatments, drinking enough water with an increased amount of fiber in your diet should increase your bowel movements.  Take 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 3 servings of whole-grain foods and a serving of beans daily.  Coupled with at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to create large soft stools.  Take warm water instead of cold water because warm water better stimulates the squeezing, muscular action that pushes stool through the intestines.  It works even better if you were to drink a glass of warm water with the juice of a lemon or some citrus peel first thing in the morning before food to help bowel movement.

When you are having your salads, remember to add in one to two tablespoons of olive oil to lubricate your digestive system.  If you like prunes, you can take at least three prunes on the first day and increase by one prune every day until you begin to see results.  Prune juice should be mixed with the same amount of water and drink between two and three glasses daily.  You will have to stop drinking it once your constipation is relieved.  Aloe gel works similarly too. 

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