Constipation

  1. Triphala- best remedy, tonic, laxative, taken upon rising & just before bed. Steep ½-1t in 1c hot water 5-10 mts.
  2. Psyllium: highly absorbent seed husks move through colon like a scrub brush. Take 1-2t in 1gl juice or warm water daily.
  3. Flax: Take 1T of this “laxative without side effects” 2-3times/day, followed by 2c h2o.
  4. Dandelion Root: mild laxative. Boil 1t in h2o, drink 3-4 times/day.
  5. 25g of fiber/day results in increased stool frequency, decreases laxative use.
  6. Increasing fluid intake is an effective treatment, appears to work best with fiber.
  7. Prunes, kiwi, olive, flaxseed oils improve bowel regularity.
  8. Increasing physical activity has been shown to successfully improve chronic constipation.
  9. Magnesium & vitamin C taken simultaneously may stimulate a bowel movement.
  10. Prebiotics: Soluble fiber keeps stool soft, easy to move & functions as a prebiotic, which helps establish & maintain beneficial bacteria in the gut. Psyllium is rich in soluble fiber. Other fibers include partially hydrolyzed guar gum, glucomannan, inulin.
  11. Probiotics containing Bifido bacterium lactis (B. lactis)  may shorten intestinal transit time.