One of the prime causes of constipation is our modern day lifestyle, which comprises improper diet, alcohol abuse, smoking, dependency on certain medications, and stress. If left untreated, constipation can lead to major health issues such as rectal bleeding, anal fissure, fecal impaction, and hemorrhoids. 

Follow these remedies as well as lifestyle modifications to deal with constipation at home:


1. Drink plenty of water

Young woman with a glass of cold drink in one hand and glass of water in another
Dehydration is a prime factor that can make you constipated. Drinking enough water is one of the simplest ways to combat constipation. Water can re-hydrate your colon and ease bowel movements naturally. Do not sip on carbonated drinks like soda to deal with bloating and gas that may occur due to constipation. It may make your constipation even worse.


2. Eat foods rich in Fiber

Young woman looking perplexed and sad holding a bowl full of green veggies in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other
To get your digestive system back on track, eat foods that are rich in fiber. Snack more on guava, prunes, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and raisins as these are high in fiber. Whole grain foods, lentils, oats, and vegetables like broccoli and spinach are rich in insoluble fiber and should be included in your daily diet. And better avoid things like cheese, breads, sweets, potatoes and pork, and foods with high-fat content. 


3. Loosen it with lemon

slices of cut lemon in a bowl along with a tablespoon of honey and a cup of hot water with lemon piece dipped in it
Prepare a concoction of warm water with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, half a teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of rock salt. Sip on this every morning on an empty stomach. The cleansing effect of lemon and laxative properties of salt and honey will help evacuate your bowel easily without any pain.


4. Add some ghee or oil into your daily diet

jar of homemade ghee
Drink a glass of hot milk with a spoon of ghee in it every night before you go to bed. You can replace ghee with olive oil or castor oil, as these too are great laxatives and may work in cleaning the bowel.


5. Ease your digestive system with psyllium husk (Isabgol)

Psyllium husk in a wooden bowl and wooden spoon, against a wooden background
Psyllium husk is one of the most trusted remedies to get rid of constipation. Mix one tablespoon of psyllium husk in a glass of warm water or milk and drink it at bedtime for a week. It will help in regularizing your bowel movements, thus giving relief from constipation.


6. Exercise regularly

Young woman stretching to get ready before brisk walk
Exercise or yoga in union with your body prevents many diseases. It has healing properties for those who are dealing with constipation. It can ease bowel movements and encourage normal bowel function. A combination of yoga and brisk walking would bring about amazing changes in the gut flora too.


7. Improve your washroom posture

Young woman practicing yoga posture for better digestion
Squatting posture while having a bowel movement helps in changing the position of your colon and thus helps in passing stool easily and painlessly.


8. Soak in Epsom salt bath

Epsom salt with bath decoratives in a shell placed on a towel
Soaking in Epsom salts helps relax your mind, gut, and softens your stool. This may help produce bowel movement and help you to get relief from constipation.


With these above-mentioned remedies, different types of laxatives such as stimulants, lubricants, stool softeners, osmotic, saline laxatives, fiber laxatives etc. are also readily available and can be used. However, it is always advisable to consult a physician before going for any self-medication.



For any query related to constipation and other digestive issues, you can consult a Gastroenterologist at www.healthcaremagic.com

About the Author

Sujatha D

Sujatha has a master's degree in biotechnology. She started her career as a technical editor and is now into content editing and writing. She is a blogger and also writes articles covering all kinds of health topics.


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