10 Natural Ways to Prevent Constipation - By: Terri Switzer

Drink water – The key is to drink hot water. Hot water works like it does when you do the dishes. It helps loosen the food off and hot water will do the same for your bowels. Drink a number of cups of hot water or tea (non-caffinated) in a short period of time.
Eat fibrous foods – There are a number of foods that have contain a high percentage of water and are fibrous. The vegetable are avocado, beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and greens. The fruits are apples, bananas and berries. So try and a least eat an apple a day.
Avoid caffeine – Some people caffeine acts as a laxative. But for others it has the opposite effect. Try to stop drinking coffee for a couple of days and see if you fall into this category.
Food allergies – This varies person by person of what foods will cause constipation. For me it is wheat products. Pay attention to what foods you ate the day before when you have a bout of constipation and then try to avoid them for a couple of days to see if it makes a difference.
Exercise – Exercise helps push the food down your intestine. The movement of walking or running will help the food move through your system.
Magnesium Citrate – This vitamin can be picked up at your local pharmacy and health food store. Most people are low in magnesium. Magnesium citrate works by attracting water through the tissues. When it is in the intestine, it can attract enough water to loosen stools. In fact, hospitals use magnesium citrate before colonoscopies.
Salt water flush – If you have been constipated for a while, you system may be blocked and can use salt water to flush it out. Use 2 teaspoons of sea salt (it has be sea salt) in one quart of water. It is better if the water is a bit warm. Drink down the whole quart at once. Do not be far from the bathroom for the next 2 hours because it will cause diarrhea. If you do not get diarrhea you may need to use more salt next time.
Ginger tea – Ginger tea can help as it is a natural diuretic and it speeds up your metabolism. Pick some up or grate a bit of ginger and lemon juice to make your own tea.
Aloe Vera – It has natural laxative properties but make sure it is 100% juice.
Probiotics – Probiotics are naturally in your digestive tract. They have been shown to improve constipation. They do work for me but you may need to try different brands at your health store or pharmacy to see what works best for you.

Before you try any of the above please consult your doctor, especially if you have chronic constipation.

About the Author

I have always had problems with constipation. Even as a child I had problems. I have researched a number of ways to help. There are a number of ways to get your system back to avoid constipation all together. http://www.healthofcourse.info

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Terri-Switzer/143131

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