Home remedies can be a great natural solution to help relieve constipation. Some great options are papaya smoothies with flaxseed, or a Greek yogurt with prunes. These ingredients contain a high fiber content that help with the elimination of accumulated stool.
Constipation is characterized by the presence of stool and gas that have accumulated in the intestines. It can cause abdominal bloating and pain, while more serious cases can even cause loss of appetite. If you have intense abdominal pain or stool with blood, you should see a doctor to evaluate your symptoms and determine if further interventions are needed.
The best way to regulate intestinal flow is to eat fiber at every meal, to drink plenty of water to soften stool and engage in regular physical activity. . This will contribute to regular, soft bowel movements.
Natural home remedies
If you are experiencing mild constipation, you can try the following recipes at home to soften the stool and facilitate a bowel movement:
1. Papaya smoothie with flaxseed
A great home remedy for constipation is a papaya smoothie with flaxseed. These ingredients are rich in fiber that help to add bulk to the stool and promote optimal intestinal function to reduce bloating.
Ingredients
- 1/2 a papaya, without seeds
- 1 cup of water or 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 heaping tablespoon of flaxseeds
- Honey or sugar to taste
How to prepare
Mix the papaya and water (or yogurt) in a blender. Then add the flaxseed and sweeten to taste. This home remedy can be used in small children with constipation.
2. Yogurt with prunes
This home remedy helps to fight constipation as it contains laxative and detoxing properties. The granola also contains fiber, which helps to loosen hard stool.
Ingredients
- 1 Greek yogurt
- 3 prunes
- 2 tablespoons of granola
- Honey to taste
How to prepare
Blend the prunes and then mix intro the yogurt. Add granola and sweeten with honey as necessary. You can eat this for breakfast or as a snack.
3. Laxative fruit smoothie
In addition to being rich in vitamins, this smoothie can help to treat constipation. Pineapples and mango are natural laxatives, while a peach with the peel contains high quantities of fiber that can loosen hard stool.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of pineapple
- 2 slices of mango
- 1 peach with the peel
- 300 ml (about 10 oz) of cold water
How to prepare
Dice the avocado slices and place in a blender. Then wash and cut the mango and peach into small pieces and add to the blender. Pour in the water and blend until well-combined. Serve and drink while still cold.
4. Green smoothie
Spinach is rich in fiber and contains laxative properties that stimulate intestinal function. They can help to reduce discomfort and bloating associated with constipation. Orange is a natural laxative, while and kiwi, oats and chia seeds are rich in fiber, which can all contribute to the treatment of constipation.
Ingredients
- 8 spinach leaves
- Juice from 2 oranges
- 2 kiwis
- 2 tablespoons of oat flour
- 1 tablespoon of soaked chia seeds
How to prepare
Wash the spinach and place them in a blender. Squeeze the juice of 2 oranges and add to the blender. Then add the flour and blend until well-combined. Pour into a cup, then add the chia seeds.
The chia seeds should be soaked in water for at least 2 hours to form a gel-like mixture. Constant consumption of dried chia seeds can irritate the intestines and should be avoided.
5. Orange and papaya smoothie
A great home remedy for constipation is an orange and papaya smoothie. These fruits contain fibers and antioxidants that help to promote intestinal flow and prevent further constipation.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges
- 1/2 a papaya, without seeds
How to prepare
Squeeze the orange juice into the blender and add the half papaya. Blend until well-combined. Drink this smoothie before going to bed and when waking up for 3 days.
6. Yogurt and papaya smoothie
A papaya smoothie with yogurt and flaxseed is a great way to treat constipation as it rich in fibers that stimulate bowel movements.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1/2 of a small papaya
- 1 tablespoon of flaxseed
How to prepare
Mix the yogurt and papaya in a blender and sweeten to taste. Then add the flaxseed and drink.
7. Gorse tea
Another easy home remedy for constipation is to drink gorse tea. Gorse, scientifically known as Baccharis trimera, is a medicinal plant that only treats constipation, but also helps with the treatment of anemia and protects the liver from toxins.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of gorse leaves
- 500 ml (about 2 cups) of water
How to prepare
Boil the water, add the gorse leaves and allow to soak for 5 minutes. Cover, allow to cool, then strain and drink.
8. Rhubarb tea
Rhubarb is another excellent herb for constipation, as this medicinal plant contains properties that stimulate intestinal muscles and help the intestine to absorb water.
Ingredients
- 20 g of of dried rhubarb roots
- 750 ml (about 3 cups) of water
How to prepare
Place the ingredients into a pot and place over heat. Allow to boil until about a third of the water has evaporated. Then strain and drink 100 ml (about 3 oz) of this tea in the evening, when you feel you are constipated.