8 Natural Remedies for Constipation

Change Your Diet

Don't be embarrassed: constipation has all happened to us at one time or another. If you find yourself constipated, add more fresh fruits and raw, green, leafy vegetables to your diet, as well as healthy fats. Try eating half a fresh avocado with lunch and another half with dinner, or take a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil twice a day to get things moving.

Get Moving

If you suffer from constipation, try to exercise more. Exercise can help with constipation because physical activity spreads the movement of waste through the intestines.

A Regular Old Remedy

For occasional constipation, rely on an old-fashioned remedy your grandmother may have recommended to you: castor oil. Mix together a teaspoon castor oil with a little honey, and swallow it down. In a few hours, you’re sure to have relief.

The Curious Case of Coffee

Coffee makes you poop—it’s true. If you drink coffee, you may already have experienced its, ah, stimulating effects on your intestines. Instead of relying on a laxative, just drink a cup in the morning, and you’ll be right and regular in no time. If you don’t like coffee, you can try another hot beverage, like tea or even hot water with lemon (which is also considered an effective laxative).

Drink Up

To make sure your stool passes smoothly, be sure drink your eight glasses of water a day. This is especially important as you start eating more fiber, because it absorbs a lot of water.

A Spoonful of Molasses

Molasses is a delicious, comforting food that tastes of the holidays, of gingerbread, soft cookies, and more—and it turns out it can also help with constipation. Add a spoonful or two to your morning oatmeal, stir it in your tea, or just eat it right out of the jar for relief!

Use a Stool to Ease Stool

If you’re often constipated, bring a little footstool into the bathroom with you and place your feet on it while you sit on the toilet. By bringing your knees closer to your abdomen, you’ll find it easier to go to the bathroom. Be careful not to strain, however, as it can lead to hemorrhoids or even raise your blood pressure.

Check Your Rx

If you have a high fiber diet, drink lots of water, and exercise—and still have trouble with constipation—your problem may lie in your refrigerator or your medicine cabinet. For some people dairy products cause constipation, for others it’s broccoli, and for still others, it can be a side effect of various medications. Ask your doctor if this might be the case for you or if there’s something else going on.

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