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Easy Home Remedies for Constipation Relief

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Dietary Changes

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Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver) on 08/31/2019
 ★★★★☆

I've spent a lot of years taking various things for constipation but recently found a video that describes what not to take; in other words things to eliminate from your diet. The author of the video said to eliminate grains, eggs and dairy and to start the day with a cup of warm lemon water. I tried this and it worked within 24 hrs. Basically I cut out bread and eggs but still had a bit of butter on my cooked veggies. I have since found that I can tolerate one or two eggs and bread slices per day. For dinner I have beef, pork or chicken with vegetables and fresh fruit for dessert. This has largely eliminated any constipation issues. I find it interesting that the solution was so simple.

Replied by Kelly
(Seatatle)
08/31/2023

I have a feeling the reason lemon might work for you is because sour taste stimulates the liver, and a congested liver or liver stagnation is a key cause of constipation.

In others however, lemon might make things worse, as it's sour/astringent nature could cause constipation.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Tom (Livingston, Tx) on 05/26/2016 64 posts
 ★★★★★

Probably 10 years ago, I decided to take a level half teaspoon of non-aluminum baking soda mornings and evenings as a supplement. I took it for about 2.5 years. It must have really helped my bowels because my regularity greatly improved in the years during and ever since taking the baking soda, so a person could just start with baking soda and add the flours and fibers after the bowels start moving.

I was constipated for much of my life. It's a difficult and stubborn problem to have. Now I stay regular by taking these things first thing in the morning and the triphala capsule evenings:

1/8 level cup whole rye flour. Rye decreases bowel transit time according to studies with rye bread.

1 level teaspoon dietary fiber cellulose powder. This adds about 4 grams of fiber.

1 level teaspoon inulin powder from chicory root.

Six 350 mg capsules of apple pectin. This congeals everything together in the bowels.

For the powders/flours, I just put one powder/flour in my mouth using a eighth cup measure, add some water to my mouth, let it soak in and swallow with additional water.

I discontinued/deleted the barley flour because I thought it slowed my bowel transit time, even though barley is supposed to improve bowel flora.

I did add a 500 mg capsule of triphala evenings which is a blend of 3 Indian fruits known to assist regularity.

---------------------

If neccessary, have one 12 oz glasses of bottled 100% fruit juice at lunch and in the afternoon. This supplies potassium for peristalsis and it increased regularity although it's no longer necessary.

Replied by Tom
(Livingston, Tx)
05/26/2016
64 posts
★★★★★

I stirred the baking soda into a half glass or 6 oz of water and drank it at least a half hour before breakfast or supplements. Water is the only thing that doesn't foam with baking soda. The second dose was I think was at least 2 hours after lunch or in the evening. A person should probably start with taking the baking soda because the baking soda was the main thing that got me regular again, partly I think because baking soda is slick when wet so I think it lubricates the bowels. Also, I think baking soda cleanses the bowels. So after the baking soda gets things moving in a few days or weeks, then the fiber and supplements can be added because a bulk of 8 grams of fiber helps keep thinks moving. The rye flour is 2 grams of fiber for an eighth level cup. The cellulose fiber is 4 grams of fiber for 2 level or slightly rounded teaspoons. The apple pectin is about 1.8 grams for 6 of the 300 mg capsules. So that is almost 8 grams of fiber.

Replied by Dan
(Seattle)
03/17/2017

Uh, there's no aluminum in baking soda. It's sometimes in baking powder however...

Dietary Changes
Posted by Michael (Sacramento) on 10/01/2015
 ★★★★★

I got severely constipated from eating baked cookies and cake that contained whole oats and flax seeds. Now I cook or soak the oats and the flax seeds in water prior to baking. I also make sure when I make legumes like black beans that I cook them thoroughly until very soft. Carbs in general take a lot of water to digest so daily water consumption should be increased accordingly with a moderate to high carb diet.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Sophia (Cork, Ireland) on 08/16/2014
 ★★★★★

Squeeze two oranges, add a spoonful of honey and warm water to make a glassful, approximately 8 ozs. This will relieve constipation.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Margaret Alice (Jacksonville, Fl) on 07/28/2014
 ★★★★★

Cabbage is the best thing to use for constipation. Oatmeal is good too.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Andrea C (Wales) on 06/12/2014
 ★★★★★

After trying practically everything mentioned not only on Earth Clinic but other remedies as well. I had brief relief that soon turned back into disappointment and more constipation plus hemorrhoids. So after also trying various Diets you name it been there did it! From Raw vegan, to Paleo, and lots in between. I was also thinking about the food I had as a child which was all Raw Dairy, with Raw eggs beaten in to the milk. Sometimes a bit of honey, sugar was added, and everyday a big dose of Cod liver Oil, malt and vitamin C. A lot of fatty meat, as that was the cheapest cuts and all most people could afford occasionally.

Always fresh veg and mostly garden grown veg and fruit from the grocer's markets. And junk food was a tin of tuna or salmon for Sunday tea sandwiches with a salad and jelly and Blancmange (yuck!! Blancmange!! Never ate that bit!! ) Then every few months the dreaded Castor oil and, when older, Epsom salts clean out.

And to play use your imagination, or make your own Kites out of some old polythene and sticks, cellotape and string. Or chalk on the pavement/side walk and all play whatever game together. And make fishing nets out of an old stocking, bow and arrows from fallen tree wood.

But about the food and no one EVER had constipation either. I also remember that fiber wasn't over sold as well, and too much was considered bad anyway. And every kid I know ate RAW MEAT and/or RAW FISH by 'instinct' . I have read up on 'The Western price' and Sally Fallon's 'Nourishing traditions'. And lot's of traveler's journals where people did as 'Dr Western price did, and that was not do 'The tourist trail' . But to 'Go Native' and live and eat like indigenous groups have done for ever? And practically everything was the way it was done and eaten when I was a child?

I am very mixed raced, and we have many Communities from around the World here in Cardiff, Wales. So we ALL ate 'Native' as everyone shared with everyone else in those days and always swapped their 'Homeland' recipes around as well. The 'Western Price' way of eating is EXACTLY the way we were all eating back then. And although we were all poor we were all fit, healthy, and really intellectually forward as well.

So after year's of battling health problems and trying to find a 'solution' via Diet and living as natural as possible. And constipation ALWAYS having a starring role :-( As of yesterday have gone back to where I started, AKA 'Western Price. theory. What a HUGE difference it is and in just one day!! I forgotten my Mother put us all back on it years ago. Because we all become sick physically or mentally. Along with Mega doses of certain vits, minerals and having a high protein drink or snack every hour. No white bread, only Stone-ground wholemeal and no potatoes. For a few weeks we all felt ill and rougher and that's for two reasons. Detox and becoming 'Ketogenic' . I bloated out a lot and felt right miserable and aching and was going to jump ship as I felt so awful. But my Mother smiled and said 'just bear with it a while longer'. 3 weeks later I awoke like a Butterfly coming out of it's chrysalis.

Not only did I feel 1000% better but my overall appearance had changed as if I'd been given a new body and my skin was radiant. And everybody commented about how good I was looking and even strangers were asking what I put on my hair and skin. And today I'm starting to feel like I did all those years ago at the start, as I now found raw dairy and sour dough bread. I haven't put these items in my body for years and lots of animal fat etc. And I feel just as awful if not worse than I did then. Thats because there's a heap lot wrong with me that wasn't there before.

And as awful as I'm starting to feel, if my Mother was here she'd tell me the same thing again 'Stick with it'. I intend to and I know I have a rough few weeks ahead of me and I remember the 'Miracle' that came out of the suffering the last time. It was just as we got older and all left home we all back slided back to junk food and not looking after ourselves properly and all got sick? I will report back in a few weeks, as Mega doses of vits and mineral's got 'Banned' year's ago as people were healing their self?

So Mega dosing except in certain circumstances is undoable or way too expensive. And after a while you don't need to do the Mega dosing as long as you stick to the eating plan for good. I even lost all my cellulite that I had developed by the age of 13. I don't need anyone's theories to tell me that this works. I lived it as a child, then as a teenager until 18 when I left home. And was thriving everyday I stuck to this way of eating.

And always serene, well, calm and happy and truly at peace with the Universe within. And NO constipation or stomach or other issues and came off all my Meds as well, with no withdrawals or other problems. Love Andrea C xxxx

Replied by Rita
(Sedona)
09/22/2021

Hi Andrea, I have been focusing on his diet and have found I am getting constipated when I have not in fifteen years. I don't eat raw eggs and have not been able to find raw milk but have been taking the most organic kefir I can find. Doing meats more which used to be a rarity - only grass fed and I have been veggies in beef bone broth - I have taken raw cheese which I normally don't take .. what in this diet gives you the regularity with your stool?

I am going to have to do something tomorrow bc I know it is not healthy to not have at least one bowel movement a day. Or that is what feels best for me.

Thanks!

Dietary Changes
Posted by Nat (Brooklyn, Ny) on 09/10/2013
 ★★★★★

Avoid High Animal Protein Diet-especially Milk Protein And Red Meat For Constipation Relief:

High protein weight loss diets often cause constipation. In reverse, lowering animal protein, especially milk protein (including yogurt) and red meat may help constipation. In children intolerance to milk protein is a major cause of constipation. Also, avoid flour kneaded in fat, such as crackers and cookies.

Replied by Nat
(Brooklyn, US)
08/13/2014

Update: strictly avoiding milk products caused insomnia.

Maybe using small amounts of milk or cream (or maybe milk from baby formula since the curds are broken down).

Dietary Changes
Posted by Polly (London, England) on 04/05/2013
 ★★★★★

Not a remedy as such for constipation but in my experience giving up EVERY type of wheat (especially whole wheat) cured my constipation.

It gives my husband IBS and bad tempers. So we buy pure rye, Kamut and spelt bread and have felt great relief!!

Replied by Kathy
(the USA)
04/05/2013

AMEN to your report on wheat. My husband is affected the same way. He doesn't believe it but maybe if I show him your post it'll give him something to think about! THANKS!!

Dietary Changes
Posted by Janine (Cerritos, California, USA) on 01/12/2013
 ★★★★★

I rarely see anything mentioned about diet when it comes to constipation. Believe me, if you're having problems and you don't factor in what you're eating, you are making a mistake. If you are really backed up, natural methods take time to act and even then - if you're a difficult case you may have to bring out the big guns (senna, etc.) to resolve the problem in the meantime. Your body wants to be on a schedule. In brief, no matter how you resolve the problem stick with a program. Avoid dairy (until resolved), eat at least three meals a day, use sprouted grain bread, some raw and cooked (lightly) vegetables, healthy fats, probiotics (natural or supplement), enzymes (natural and/or supplements), water, exercise regularly, sleep 8 hours, meditate. To avoid laxatives look for natural solutions like flax seed and chia seed. I use Kombucha and ACV in my diet but usually not both in the same day. Natural methods will work but only if you pay attention to the big picture. You could be taking enzymes, probiotics, ACV and still be constipated if you're diet is low in fiber and fat. Don't be afraid of protein but don't overload. Grass fed beef, milk and cheese is much lower in saturated fat than what we've typically been using and raw milk and cheese are friendlier for the gut. Too much of the non raw variety of milk will cause constipation. Do your homework.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Elaine (Edmond, Oklahoma, Usa) on 06/21/2012
 ★★★★★

I have been constipated for years. I either take Metamucil or take magnesium. I cut back on the mag because it is hard on the kidneys. I haven't really eaten watermelon in years. I bought a melon two weeks ago and oh my gosh. As long as I eat some watermelon every morning a goose has nothing on me. It worked for me.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Laura (Houston, Texas) on 12/17/2011
 ★★★★★

I have had terrible constipation for as long as I can remember (I am 42). I always thought myself lucky to go a maximum of 4 times per week. I have tried eating more fiber, drank gallons of water, followed blood type diet for a year, exercised, used ACV & EVCO, all with limited success. Well, my "cure" as it turns out was to drastically increase the amount of raw fruits and veggies in my diet. Now you can set your watch by me! I still fully cook ground beef, poultry & fish (except sushi), but I eat a minimum of 3-4 whole fruits and 4-5 raw veggies a day. I've also begun drinking kefir. Give it a try!

Dietary Changes
Posted by Catrina (Waldorf, Maryland/usa) on 10/22/2011
 ★★★★★

Four weeks ago, I cut out all dairy substituting almond milk instead of cows milk and began eating a vegan diet. I have been having a bowel movement everyday with no straining! For 47 years, I suffered from chronic constipation, IBS, chronic pain and bloating. I've tried conventional and non-conventional remedies. I am writing to say I have found something that works. Try cutting out all milk products or items that contain diary and see if it makes a difference. In the beginning, as my body adjusted to my new diet, I had gas pains for about one and a half weeks. Three weeks ago, I began acupuncture treatments and after two sessions, my gas pains are gone and I am not as bloated. I have four more acupuncture sessions to go to complete the series, but I attribute the bowel movements to the lack of dairy in my diet.

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
★★★★★

Eliminate gluten is right. Add to that, no dairy and then get a squatty potty, a great tool. I just added this to my home, bought 2 and they work GREAT! I wish I had read about it earlier. Anyway, it works to position things correctly so your GI system works as nature intended. LOVE MINE.

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

It's amazing that women give birth laying down on their back. That is quite ridiculous and I think a legacy of male doctors who didn't know any better. Delivering on your feet in a vertical position allows the baby's weight to push on the pelvis and this makes the bones soften to allow the baby to glide through the birth canal. The bone goes back to hard after the birth. All that straining lying down to deliver is unnecessarily painful. I wish women would stop laying down to give birth, it just adds so much strain for nothing. It also causes more trauma to the birthing baby.

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.


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