The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Denise (Tampa, Fl) on 03/11/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered chronic constipation for most of my life, but it became extreme about 4 years ago. My gastro Dr just gave me meds that kept me hovering around the toilet all morning. I used Mg capsules, which was better, but again, it was still not normal elimination. All I was doing was coping with the problem. Then I heard that my granddaughter (no blood relation) was diagnosed with celiac disease. Her main symptom was severe constipation. I decided to go gluten-free to see if it made a difference for me.
Within 2 days, my system started to work. It's been 3 wonderful weeks now, and I am trying hard not to shout it from the roof tops. But on here I know folks are desperate for an answer and a cure. So see if if works for you. The good thing is that the health food stores have a great variety of gluten-free products. I hope to learn to cook gluten-free when I have the time.
For the folks that find their answer in avoiding gluten - congrads! And to all the others still looking, I would also tell you to check out "upper cervical chiropractic" as that adjustment is supposed to help many with constipation (among a myriad of other problems. ) Good luck!
Replied by Figment
(Co)
12/19/2013
★★★★★
Dietary Changes
Posted by Anne (Dallas , Pa) on 01/23/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered from chronic constipation all of my life (47years), however my constipation was elevated to a whole new level of difficulty after a difficult child birth that required a surgical repair of my rectal wall - no pushing power. I tried everything: stool softeners, psyllium fiber, M---lax and a prescribtion medication for IBS. I eat a high fiber diet and stay hydrated But nothing worked. If you are reading this I don't have to tell you that this is really bad for the female self image. Constipation is not sexy!
This past summer I stumbled on what has been a "miracle" for me: oat bran. 100% oat bran is prepared as a hot cereal that I eat daily for breakfast (not to be confused w/ oat bran). It took a week or so, but for the most part I have been constipation free for the better part of 6 months. I have a normal BM almost daily and sometimes 2 times daily. Sometimes I might get a touch of constipation and to my amazement a single stool softener will now Do the trick, if I stick w/ my Oat bran regime. And best of all it is delicious w/ a little Spoon of sugar and some butter, Raisins and a few walnuts-yummy. I Love it! And it good for Controlling cholesterol as a bonus.
May be hard to find in a conventional grocery store, but most health food sections Of a store will have it. Some stores carry it in the loose bulk section. Any good health food store will have it. It's usually pretty cheap, but shop around if price is a consideration. Should be less than 3.50 for a small box that will last me at least 2 weeks.
I was able to rid myself of constipation. Now I will try the ACV for my Interrmitant abd pain. Good luck friends.
Replied by
denise (Vermont USA)
04/29/2022
25 posts
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rosemaryandsage (Ashland, Wi) on 03/30/2010
★★★★★
Yes, seaweed definitely works for constipation. Eating it during the day not only helps me have a daily bowel movement, but also helps with the bloating and uncomfortable fullness. A tablespoonful before bed works well in helping me have a bowel movement in the morning. Especially if I have it in a warm cup of miso broth. It's all the minerals and enzymes, I'm sure.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Kelly (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 11/11/2009
★★★★★
A very good remedy for constipation and heartburn is: peel and core apples (sweet or sour) put them in a freezer ziploc bag (add 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice 2 tablespoons of water/gal. bag) and freeze. They come out like really good applesauce and are well worth the time spent. Here in Ohio when winter rolls around the apples are 3x the price and have no flavor. If you suffer from chronic constipation and heartburn they will especially help if you eat before bedtime. Hope this helps someone. God Bless.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Bonnie (Fort Lauderdale, Fl) on 11/01/2009
★★★★★
I found that I cured my constipation by eliminating dairy. I have been constipated since I was a baby. I eliminated dairy to consider it a possibility for fibroids but to my surprise I was cured of constipated. I have never been without constipation for 21 days without any aids.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Laurie (Belleville, Ontario, Canada) on 09/08/2009
★★★★★
Hi. What I discovered years ago is a simple yet very effective and natural trick to be rid of constipation.
In the early evening (taken early in the day, you'll feel painful cramps) I eat 1 apple. By morning I have a very good BM. The 2nd night I have one more apple and usually the problem is gone.
IF this doesn't work at all over the first night; the 2nd evening I eat 2 apples.... for me its guaranteed it does work in the morning. Repeat the 2nd night too.
Apples are Fabulous for many reasons.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jenny (Memphis, Tn, USA) on 08/23/2009
★★★★★
I always tend to forget about this easy remedy... but I swear a regular serving of fresh cut watermelon does the trick every single time... in less than an hour or so. I have had chronic constipation and GERD for years. I'll have to remember to eat my watermelon a few times a week!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Eve (Tampa, Florida) on 06/22/2009
★★★★★
I have had gastric bypass surgery and as a result when I eat things I am not supposed to, I often become constipated. Whenever this happens I grab a bag of baby spinach and make myself a salad. Within a few hours, I'm ready to get down to business!! I also stay 'regular' by drinking 2 tsp of ____ _____ in room temperature water every morning (on an empty stomach). This is the powder form of juiced barley grass but it does contain Maltodextrin.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Eddi (Houston, Texas, USA) on 05/28/2009
★★★★★
Hi everyone, ACV does work and it has helped me in various situations. I mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in honey and I take one or two teaspoonfuls before or after meal once or twice a day. It clears my sore throat, soothes my tummy aches, made me lose weight, opened my sinuses during cold. Please do not overtake acv. Be moderate. I've been constipated and I've had two difficult b-movements ending in harsh stool and slight bleeding due to stretching of tissue. When I eat pumpkin pitas, I go next morning and stool is softened. Pumpkin is good, but not too much bread. Pumpkin pitas are found at Spanish and Mexican bakeries. It's a great snack and heals prostate problems, bladder, low in calories, high in betas, rich in potassium. It's no wonder, I always feel good after I eat pumpkin pitas. God bless and take care.:)
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rara (Dublin, Ireland) on 05/26/2009
★★★★★
Whenever I feel bloated/constipated I eat on whole cucumber and drink a cup of coffee. Within an hour it is effective every time.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jean (Calgary Alberta, Canada) on 05/08/2008
★★★★★
Constipation Remedy: Eat your porridge! A bowl of oatmeal porridge every morning (preferably made with large old fashioned oats) will keep your body working regularly. Adding some pumpkin seeds and dried fruit is even better. Takes only 4 minutes in the microwave.
Dietary Changes
Posted by saab (vancouver, canada) on 04/28/2008
★★★★★
Using sea salt/acv for constipation has worked better for me than following remedies: psyllium husk, extra fibre every night(wheat bran), water+b.soda+acv etc. I use 250 ml warm water, few sprinkles of sea salt (pinch)+1 tbsp organic ACV. This has also cleared up stubborn adult acne on the throat.I am just not sure of the long term use of salt every in the morning,if it would corrode the organs. Many heartfelt thanks, nevertheless for the site and its info.
Dry Mustard in Water
Posted by KT (The Usa) on 05/30/2013
★★★★★
Constipation: I had read an old "grandma" recipe of 1/2 tsp of dry mustard in 1/2 Cup cool water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, before breakfast, would get things moving. It worked great for me and I thought I had posted that here, on EC, but could not locate it so I'm posting it again hoping it will help someone else.
Replied by Shal
(Noida India)
01/03/2025
Epsom Salt
Posted by Science (Cyprus) on 03/07/2022 21 posts
★★★★★
I am a researcher. Epsom salts for constipation. Simply the best curement. Ask Epsom Salts for human consumption AND NEVER BUY EPSOM SALTS THAT IS NOT MADE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. Two to three times a week one tablespoon per day, will work excellently. Do not take 7 days per week, since we do not know yet the long term effects on the body.
Replied by mike m.
(Kent Lakes, N.Y.)
03/13/2022
Epsom Salt
Posted by Gord 235 (Vancouver, Canada) on 03/24/2019
★★★★★
I've used epson salt as a remedy for constipation. I mixed 1 tsp. with a cup of warm water, stirred and then drank it, then followed up with two more cups of warm water. I found it to be very effective but it's wise to be near a toilet after taking as it can produce a fairly rapid response.
