Home Remedies for Constipation

An irritating and slightly embarrassing subject is constipation. We all have suffered from it and still do from time to time, some of us more than others. We know that by getting plenty of fiber is the best way to stay regular but with our busy schedules, it can be hard to get the daily-recommended amount of fiber. With that in mind, we need to know what we can do to relieve constipation so we are not running to the doctor's office or the emergency room every time we have a problem going to the bathroom.

Prunes and Apricots

Everyone knows prunes and prune juice is a regular laxative but not all of us like prunes. I don't like them and I don't like being forced to eat things I don't like. Therefore, for those who do like prunes you can easily relieve constipation by drinking 4 ounces of prune juice with pulp along with plenty of water. At first try drinking a glass every other morning until you get back to normal and then cut back to once a week.

For those of us who do not like prunes you can substitute apricots instead. You can either drink apricot juice or eat two dried apricots a day to relieve constipation.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is another great source of fiber but not as well known as prunes. Apparently, flaxseed is one of the main ingredients in an old-fashioned cold cereal called Uncle Sam cereal, which is another great source of fiber. One reader of Best Choices from the People's Pharmacy suggests grinding flaxseed in a blender or food processor and keeping it in small batches in the refrigerator. Take a half teaspoon with a glass of juice or water daily. Another great thing about flaxseed is that it is an excellent source of omega 3-fatty acids and can also lower cholesterol moderately. Flaxseed keeps well but once grinded they go bad quick unless you keep them refrigerated.

Someone who suffers from constipation a lot might want to get in the habit of keeping flaxseed around and mixing it in with food. Another great way to get the benefits of flaxseed is to make a solution.

Simply stir two tablespoons of flaxseed in three quarts of water for 15 minutes.
Cool the liquid and strain it.
Keep refrigerated and add two ounces a day to fruit juice.