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.
Fiber
Posted by Traveler (Houston, Texas) on 01/12/2013
★★★★★
I am a 29 year old female who's had issues with constipation since I was a teenager. In the past 8 or so years I've gotten into alternative health and have tried a bunch of different things. I found that blackstrap molasses was really great for the constipation right before my period, and also eased my bleeding a bit and my cramps. When I'm desperate, I've happily chugged from the bottle though it tastes very nasty to me.
Lately, I've been dumpster diving a lot. I started for other reasons and only after seeing how much food was wasted, that was wrapped up in plastic and put in boxes not even touching anything I considered "dirty" have I started "rescuing" food. Anyway, because of this, I have two freezers and a fridge full of vegetables and fruit that were ripe enough to have at home but I guess too ripe to keep in the store with fresh stock coming in. Or, vegetables with the mildest blemish on it. I've noticed that because I'm eating so much in the way of vegetables and fruits, that constipation is no longer an issue. Even last year when I was going to the store and relying on foods that had a longer shelf life, like beans or lentils, I found that if I got 25-30 grams of fiber, mostly from "real" foods, it was actually a joy to go to the bathroom. Plus, I find that I get cranky if I'm not going regularly and this effects different parts of my life negatively.
I highly recommend finding delicious ways to get fiber into your diet. Currently my three favorite recipes are mashed cauliflower, mushrooms madera, and each morning I make myself a big bowl of bananas, blueberries, and sometimes grapes (all rescued and delicious) with a tiny bit of fiber cereal (also rescued unopened) and either some milk, or yogurt mixed in.
I'm currently experimenting with trying to hit 60grams of fiber per day to see how (or if) that affects weight loss when not really focusing on calories. In any event, people need 25-35 grams of fiber PER DAY. Don't rely on over the counter fiber supplements-- go to foods even if you have to buy them, that have vitamins, minerals and a high water content so you don't have to have the worry of the fiber supplements working against you and making your constipation worse.
Fish Oil
Posted by Myoho (NYC, NY) on 03/04/2012
★★★★★
3 in am and 3 in pm fish oils high dha combined with 200 mg of mag citrate 3 in the am and 3 in the pm.
this has knock on wood been helping my infinite constipation due to my eating disorder on my GI Doctor's sound advice. I was on amitiza and it did not help, so we switched.
Flax Seeds, Apple Cider Vinegar, Dates
Posted by Ali (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) on 06/17/2009
★★★★★
I found the following mixture worked well for my constipation problem,hope it will help others. Bring two cups of water to a boil and add two tablespoons of flax seeds, continue to boil for fifteen minutes, then strain off the flax seeds and discard seeds ,allow mixture to cool somewhat, it will be jelly like, add one teaspoon of apple cider vineger and stir. Drink one cup of this on an empty stomach one to two times a day depending on severity of constipation. If very constipated, be sure to also drink three cups of hot water through out the day. I have found a more pleasent remedy for mild constipation or just to stay regular try the following: Boil one cup of water and add six dates, allow to soak, when cool, drink the liquid and eat the dates. Take at bedtime for best results. Good health to all and A HUGE THANK YOU TO EARTH CLINIC.
Flaxseed
Posted by Katrina (Massachusetts) on 08/09/2023
★★★★★
I have been suffering from chronic, severe constipation and hemorrhoids lately as a result from eating too many sugary foods all at once, a switch in thyroid med/dose, and stress, as well as (possibly) a lack of fiber (I've been afraid it will make me more constipated)...After a miserable morning where I finally did go, but it was so hard and dry and I thought I had a blockage and was going to need to go to the hospital! After I finally cleared out, I was terrified of that happening again, as I've been struggling with constipation for the past almost 2 weeks! I tried ground flaxseed (which I ground myself and keep refrigerated in a glass jar) mixed into water yesterday. (I used 4 tsps in about 16-20 ounces of water.) I let it sit for a while to let that gel-like substance come into the water and I drank that throughout the day. I like the taste of flaxseeds (nutty) and had a soft, painless bowel movement for the first time in many days yesterday afternoon! Then had to go again in the evening (mostly diarrhea, but welcome that right now over constipation and further hemorrhoid irritation)! I also had a smooth poo this morning.
Flaxseed
Posted by Nancy (Albemarle, NC) on 08/25/2021
★★★★★
The best thing for constipation is flaxseed. I tried otc drugs, supplements, magnesium, nothing worked. One teaspoon of flax seed ground works put in coffee or tea or Sprinkle on food.
Flaxseed
Posted by H (Usa) on 12/02/2013
★★★★★
Like the original poster said, you have to boil the flax seeds in water till it gets gelatinous. Strain the seeds, keep the gel. Let it cool, then add 1 tbsp. apple cider to a cup of warm water, along with some of the flax gel poured in. That's what gives it the benefit. The flax seed alone, in it's hard shell won't work. The shells have to be broken down.
Flaxseed
Posted by Suzanne (Abbotsford, Bc) on 03/10/2010
★★★★★
When travelling, my daughter had problems with constipation, as many do. I had a lot of ground flaxseed along, so she ate a dessert bowlful for her cereal that morning, and voila! Problem solved. It IS important to drink lots of water with it, though.
Flaxseed
Posted by Corinna (London, England) on 02/05/2010
★★★★★
I've had so much benefit from this website that it is now time to contribute myself. I was severely constipated as a teenager. I went to the toilet once or twice a week at the most. As an adult I changed my diet to include more fibre and the problem corrected itself. However, after the age of 40 it crept back despite being on a rigorous healthy diet. I tried many things but the thing that helps reliably is 2 tablespoons of golden flaxseed a day. I simply mix the flaxseed into my food at night.
Flaxseed
Posted by Christine (Doncaster, Yorkshire) on 08/30/2009
★★★★★
I have suffered constipation for years, not anymore. I take flax seeds every night so does my friend since I recommended them to her, about 3tbls swollowed down with plenty of water.
Flaxseed and Prune Juice
Posted by Keith (Richmond, Virginia) on 09/15/2010
★★★★★
I've been taking Antibiotics for the last month and its been killing the bad bacteria and good bacteria in my stomach. This has made for bad constipation. I finally out about found whole Golden Flaxseed. Its works quite well and is cheap to buy. My local health store sells GOLDEN WHOLE Flaxseed for $1.99-$2.49 LB. At 4 TSBP's day = 11 days servings per LB. I take 2 TBSP in morning with juice, 2 at night.
Also, Prune Juice - Not from Concentrate - with Pulp, has worked for well me. I found it just before Flaxseed. Its not as complete a bowel movement as Flaxseed but its worked very well and quickly where other supplements did not. I had 4-6 BM's first day just from the PJ.
Curezone dot com posts:
1) "The very best way I know to induce regular bowel movements - at least two every day - is by eating 4 TBSP's of fresh-ground, organic flaxseed. You must grind it yourself, and then add it to juice or food. Flaxseed oil does not work nearly as well. I've recommended this solution to dozens of constipated friends. And so far, ALL of them became VERY regular within 36 hours. "
2) "You want golden, organic flaxseed, NOT the dark-colored seeds that some stores sell. Don't buy it already ground. Flaxseed loses much of its nutritive power if it has been sitting around for awhile. "
3) "As of 3 weeks ago, I began using ground flax seed and the change from the prune juice is mind boggling. I'm having regular movements, several times a day (avg 5 or so) and for the first time in nearly a year, I'm feeling "clean", like I don't have waste within me. I don't have the urgent feeling that prune juice would induce and I just feel "normal" again. It's great. It only took half a day for the flax seed to take effect for me.
Taking Owen's advice, I've purchased golden organic flax seed and a coffee grinder. Every day, I take two ground tablespoons in the morning with some cranberry juice for a mini breakfast and then three more tablespoons at night, a bit before bed. I also drink a lot of water throughout the day (10 glasses at the very least) as that is essential to regular bowel movements as well as good health in general. I've found that ground flax seed with just water is bad tasting but when mixed with a fruit juice, it takes on a nutty flavour, which I like very much.
Replied by Keith
(Richmond, Virginia)
10/17/2010
★★★★★
Garlic
Posted by Rick (Victoria, Australia) on 11/24/2006
★★★★★
Cut garlic clove into small pieces. Swallow them in one go with just a little water. This cures Bloating, stomach cramps and constipation.
Ginger
Posted by RRR (Virginia) on 02/19/2021
★★★★★
I've been eating 2 or so slices of pickled ginger a day the last few days and have had constipation disappear. I can't say for sure that ginger is the cause, but maybe.
Ginger
Posted by Morganism (Granite Bay, California) on 06/21/2011
★★★★★
For constipation I would suggest 1) yoga 2) Ginger tea I like the yogi brand because it has a great flavore and other stimulating herbs that help the digestive tract. I've delt with constipation my whole life and I accidentally bought the Ginger teas and found that within an hour of drinking I'm ready to no longer be constipated. Try a few different organic brands from health food stores until you find one you like, they aren't all the same. Also if you like raw Ginger you can try eating it but be careful if your pregnant or intend to be because too much Ginger can cause miscarriage.
Ginger, Coconut Oil, Baking Soda
Posted by Anna (Vienna, Va) on 10/23/2015
★★★★★
Thank you all for your posts.
I read from Bill somewhere this web site about fat + baking soda = soap. I had this stomach pain very early in the morning together with my recent problem of constipation. So with empty stomach, I got up making 1/2 glass of ginger tea warm plus 1tbs of coconut oil, then immediate half glass of water with 1/4 tsp of baking soda (I feel all my nutrients were washed out of my body from baking soda).
Amazingly, the pain is gone. I have been taking these two glasses for about a week now. I plan to stop at 7th or 10th day. I also learned from the same section to take 1 tsp of blackstrap molasses which also seemed to help with my constipation.
I am thankful for the posts and this web site. God bless.
Glucomannan Root
Posted by Pamm (Birmingham, Alabama) on 08/31/2011
★★★★★
I have had several stomach surgeries that has caused me to have Chronic Constipation, and I have been a big fan of Earth Clinic since 2007 and I have tried all your remedies, the only one that helped me a few times were Apple Cider vinegar with Baking Soda and that isn't a guarantee each time. I have spent so much money getting colonics. I was watching Dr. Oz Show and found a natural Fiber that you can buy & I was so skeptical, however after buying it and trying it, I can honestly say it works if you take it before you eat & drink lots of water.
Glucomannan Root Is The Awesome & I highly Recommend it, Its a Natural Fiber you can find it anywhere and its inexpensive! I was so surprised how fast it worked and how gently it worked. You must follow directions for it to work. But I am now a believer.
