7 Home Remedies For Severe Constipation

Severe constipation must be treated in time with a doctor, before other health complications are generated. The inability to go to the bathroom properly is a problem that affects the quality of life of many adults and is caused by various factors. In some cases, it occurs as a side effect of some pathology.

One of the most common causes of severe constipation is an unbalanced diet, high in flour and fatty foods, as well as insufficient fiber. Another cause of this problem is insufficient hydration, sedentary lifestyle and the consumption of some medications.

Severe constipation, in addition to causing very solid stools, produces: gas, colic as well as abdominal and rectal pain. As it is a chronic problem, it must be managed by a professional. If necessary, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, laxatives, and medications.

Medical management of severe constipation

Before knowing any home remedy against severe constipation, it must be remembered that the first line of treatment is that suggested by the doctor. According to a post in Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery , initial management of this condition may include:

• Changes in lifestyle.
• Increase in fiber intake.
• Increased fluid intake.

Also, depending on the case, bulk laxatives, saline laxatives, emollients, among others, may be necessary. In addition, if there are other symptoms, the professional may suggest diagnostic tests in order to rule out underlying pathologies. 

With this clear, we will proceed to share some of the home remedies that have been used in popular culture for the relief of constipation. It is important to bear in mind that they should be used as a complement to a healthy lifestyle and in no case, as the main treatment.

1. Tomato against severe constipation

Tomato is a fruit rich in fiber and, therefore, helps to relieve severe constipation.As a meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology concludes , the consumption of fiber helps increase the frequency of stools in patients with constipation.

It can be consumed in a wide variety of ways, both raw and cooked. For example, it can be eaten in salads, sauces, juices, or as follows:

Ingredients

• 4 tomatoes.
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (20 g).
• 4 cups of water (1 liter).

Preparation

• Peel the 4 tomatoes and chop them as small as you can.
• Put them in a pot and sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar on top.
• Add the liter of water and let them cook for at least 45 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Remove it from the heat and let it rest.
• Pour the mixture into a jar and put it in the fridge. Once cold, it should be taken on an empty stomach, for at least 3 days.

2. Take advantage of prunes

A review published in the medical journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics determined that prunes can improve stool frequency and consistency. Therefore, they appear to be a promising treatment for constipation. However, more evidence is required.

• In any case, it is recommended to eat 1 cup of prunes (150 g) for breakfast for at least 4 days.

3. Honey will help you with your intestinal problems

Honey is known to provide multiple health benefits, but did you know that it also notably supports intestinal processes?

In fact, according to some studies, the consumption of honey has a laxative effect that can be useful against constipation. In addition, it is gentle on the stomach and helps soothe other ailments such as ulcers.  The following remedy can help you get this benefit:

Ingredients

• 1 glass of water (200 ml).
• 1 tablespoon of pure honey (25 g).

Preparation

• In a pot add the glass of water and bring it to a boil for at least 10 minutes.
• After the indicated time, turn off the heat and add the tablespoon of honey.
• Let stand for 7 minutes.
• Drink while it is still warm and repeat every day before breakfast and before going to sleep. 

4. Olive oil and lemon remedy

Olive oil with lemon is a very popular alternative remedy for constipation. In fact, a study of 50 people published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition in 2015 found that olive oil, like other oils, helps relieve constipation symptoms in dialysis patients. 

Ingredients

• The juice of ½ lemon.
• 1 glass of water (200 ml).
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (16 g).

Preparation

• Squeeze the lemon juice and strain it.
• In a pot add the glass of water together with the lemon juice.
• Boil for 5 minutes and turn off.
• Add the tablespoon of olive oil and let it rest until warm, then consume.

5. Oatmeal and yogurt for constipation

Oatmeal is a high fiber cereal that can help relieve symptoms of constipation. Even a systematic review published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that this food helps increase stool weight and increase intestinal transit. 

For their part, foods such as yogurt provide probiotics, which are highly recommended for digestive health and proper nutrient absorption. According to research published in 2015 in the  Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility , they help improve bowel movements.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons of oatmeal (50 g).
• 4 natural yogurts, unsweetened (500 g).

Preparation

• Mix the rolled oats directly with the yogurt.
• Let it rest for at least 20 minutes.
• Consume it throughout the day.

6. Flax seeds

Also known as flaxseed, these seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids and fiber, and can be used to accelerate constipation relief.

Ingredients

• 1 glass of water (200 ml).
• 1 tablespoon of flax seeds (10 g).

Preparation

• First, we must wash the flax seeds.
• Then, we will add them to the glass of water and let them rest for 3 hours.
• We will take the mixture at night before sleeping for at least 4 days.

7. Wheat bran against severe constipation

Wheat bran is a food rich in iron, fiber and potassium. A study published in  Digestive Diseases and Sciences found that it favors the relief of constipation, as it improves bowel frequency and helps facilitate the expulsion of stool.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of milk (250 ml).
• 3 tablespoons of wheat bran (30 g).
• 4 tablespoons of cereal (40 g) (to taste).

Preparation

• We will add the wheat bran to the cup of milk and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• After the indicated time we will add the cereal. It is recommended to eat for breakfast for at least 5 days in a row.

Important!

Taking these natural remedies should be complemented with a balanced diet, which includes fiber and plenty of fluids. In addition, if possible, it is also important to follow an exercise routine. All this, in addition to medical treatment, is essential to overcome severe constipation.