Diet to Relieve Constipation

Constipation is a very common digestive disorder. Proper diet can help to relieve constipation. Anyone including children could be affected by constipation. Constipation is a result of reduction in bowel movement. This leads to difficulty in passing stools. It may also pose difficulties in emptying the bowels completely. The major cause of constipation is the non inclusion of sufficient quantities of fiber in the diet. Sometimes serious ailments like colon cancer could lead to constipation. A variety of home remedies for constipation relief are available.

Generally people have one bowel movement daily. Some people could have fewer bowel movements without getting affected by constipation.

Symptoms of constipation include bloating, abdominal pain and rectal discomfort. It could also result in loss of appetite.

One reason for constipation is that the large intestine absorbs too much of water from the stool making it dry and hard. It is also possible that bowel walls do not contract sufficiently to push the stools out.

Diet for Constipation

Deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the diet will lead to constipation. Another reason is excessive consumption of coffee and tea.

You should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day. The diet should include fiber rich foods. Fiber includes both soluble and insoluble fiber foods.  Fruits and vegetables have very high fiber content. 

Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a soft gel which would be easy to expel. Foods with soluble fiber include oats, flax seed, beans, berries and apples. Fiber softens up the stools and makes it passage easy through the intestine. 

Foods with insoluble fiber include nuts, bran, whole wheat, certain fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fiber cannot be digested but helps to move the stools out of the body

Home Remedies for Constipation

Mix a teaspoon olive oil and lemon juice with hot water. Take this three times a day.

Add 10-12 raisins to milk and boil it. Eat the raisins and drink the milk.

Add psyllium husk seed (isabgol) to warm water. Drink the mixture. This is one of the most effective remedies for constipation as psyllium husk seed is rich in fiber.

Guava is an effective remedy for constipation. Eat guava pulp without breaking the seeds. 

Add a teaspoon of epsom salt to a glass of water and drink it. This is an effective and easy remedy for constipation.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in water-soluble fiber called pectin. This helps to aid digestion and bowel movements. Add two table spoons of apple cider vinegar to water and drink it three times a day. Alternatively it can be mixed with apple or grape juice

Add a teaspoon of honey to warm water and drink it regularly every morning on an empty stomach. Honey also protects you from a variety of health hazards.

Grapes are very a good constipation remedy. Drinking grape juice regularly keeps constipation at bay. 

Coriander leaves aid digestion and help to get rid of constipation.

These are some of the foods and diet to relieve constipation