Friday, December 29, 2006

Natural Cure for Constipation

Ok so over Christmas, all of the adults had this bad flu bug. Ironically, none of our kids caught it, knock on wood! We all had slightly different versions of it -- unfortunately after two days of lying in bed and barely anything to eat, I find myself not feeling so good now. I haven't been regular since and so I consulted a few homeopathic friends for help. I thought I would share the goods:

Constipation can be many things but for definition sake, it is irregular bowel movement. It can be caused by poor intake of fluids or a poor diet consisting of mostly refined foods & high fat. Constipation may occur either because you have weak colon muscles or no regularity in bowel movements. It is advised not to take any chemical laxatives to treat your constipation as this can and usually does form a habit.


Prevention of Constipation


>> Drink a lot of purified water, at least 8 - 8 ounce glasses of water daily (1 gallon).
>> Eat fresh, organic foods with dietary fibers such as prunes, figs, cereals, fruits, and nuts.
>> Eat an organic apple (keep the skin on) daily.
>> Organic guava eat with the seeds)will provide roughage and usually produces regularity.
>> Avoid highly refined, high fat and starchy foods.
>> Reduce intake of foods with refined sugar and white breads and foods prepared with white flour (bleached and unbleached white flour).
>> Keep your physical activity level moderate to high at least three times a week. Exercise keeps your muscles toned inside and out.


Here are a few Organic and Natural Home Remediesfor Constipation -- Note: this list should not replace consultation from your physician or health care provider. This is meant to be a helpful guide. Should you have irregular bowel movements for more than 7 days, it is suggested that you seek advice from your health care provider.

>> Drink a glass of warm water with 1 tsp organic honey and juice of 1/2 an organic lemon/lime in the morning before you eat or drink anything.
>> Organic Liquorice is a natural laxative. Chew a few sticks.
>> Take 3 tsp of organic psyllium husk in warm organic milk or warm water at bed time. This should produce results in the morning without cramping.
>> Soak a few organic dates overnight in luke warm water. Next morning mash the date and drain the water. Drink 1 teaspoon of this water four times for a day.
>> Combine 1/2 c. organic olive oil with 1/2 c. organic orange juice and drink twice a day. This should produce results in 8-12 hours.
>> An Indian remedy: put some curry leaves (curry patta) in hot water for a few minutes and then take out. Combine with honey and eat.
>> Eat at least 18 organic grapes daily. The combination of the properties of cellulose, sugar and organic acid in grapes makes it a laxative food. Eating grapes tones up the stomach and intestines and relieves the most chronic constipation. When fresh grapes are not available, organic raisins soaked in warm water can be used.
--->Note: Overweight and diabetic people should not use grape therapy.
Put Senna pods (6 to 12 for adults and 3 to 6 for children) in boiling water and steep for 2-5 minutes. Drink as a tea.
>> Organic bale fruit is the best natural laxative.
>> Mix organic flax oil (about half a tsp) with equal quantity of organic honey and drink daily.
>> An organic juice Laxative: combine 1 c. organic tomato juice, 1/4 c. organic carrot juice, and 1/2 c. organic sauerkraut juice and drink.

Note: this list should not replace consultation from your physician or health care provider. This is meant to be a helpful guide. Should you have irregular bowel movements for more than 7 days, it is suggested that you seek advice from your professional health care provider.