Constipation is the condition in which one experiences difficulties while having a bowel movement. In such situations, the bowel movements occur with great difficulty or happen less often than normal. Everyone goes through it at least once in their life. Though constipation causes a great deal of discomfort, it is not really a very serious issue since there are many remedies for constipation. But the body definitely feels relaxed and better once the condition gets back to normal.

It is common knowledge that the length of time between a bowel movement varies from person to person. Some may have them three times a day, while others have them only once or twice a week.

But going more than three days without a bowel movement is considered as constipation, more if the feces are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation occurs because the colon absorbs too much water from the food that is inside it. The slower the food moves through the digestive tract, more the amount of water absorbed in the colon. As a result, the feces become hard and dry. During constipation, eliminating the feces is extremely painful, and in severe conditions, people even suffer from blood coming out due to the pressure on the tracts to pass out the bowel. Before knowing some of the effective remedies for constipation, having an idea about the causes of it is important.

The main other causes of constipation include:

• Lack of physical activity.
• Certain medications and their side effects.
• Certain medicines used for treating diseases.
• A disturbed lifestyle.
• Lack of fiber in the diet.
• Consumption of milk can lead to constipation as well.
• People suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are also susceptible to constipation.
• Ageing as it reduces metabolism, resulting in less intestinal activity.
• Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy.
• Contraction of the intestine by the uterus, which slows down the passage of the food.
• A sudden change in routine, which affects the digestive system.
• Avoiding going to the toilet when needed, which gradually kills the urge until the person no longer feels to go.
• Dehydration because the liquid intake is needed to compensate the water absorbed by the colon during the food passage.

Home remedies for constipation
Constipation is not something to be embarrassed of. It is just an abnormal condition of the body and can be treated with proper remedies and mediations as required. However, before buying any over-the-counter medicine, you should try some quick home remedies for constipation that might work.

Use olive oil . Pure olive oil is one of the most effective remedies for constipation. It stimulates the digestive system and eases the movement of the food through the colon. When consumed regularly in the morning, it can cure constipation to a great extent.

Citric acid also works wonders for constipation. Lemon juice stimulates the digestive system and flushes out the toxins from the body. So, half a lemon with warm water every morning acts a great heed to constipation.

Blackstrap molasses is a sweet savior for sufferers of constipation, irrespective of it being chronic or occasional. The reason blackstrap molasses works so well is due to the process of making it. Molasses are made from boiling cane sugar to a high concentration and then crystallizing it. The repeated third boiling of the same ensures that it contains vitamins and magnesium in high amount. This magnesium helps in reducing constipation.

Caffeine is yet another natural stimulant of the digestive system, which eases out the movement of feces. However, avoid excess intake of caffeine, as too much of the same causes dehydration and thus, may result in worsening your condition.

Indulge yourself in physical activity and body movements . Moving the body helps get the smooth muscle in the colon moving as well. Then again, you should wait for at least an hour after your meal to start off with any exercise.

Include natural fiber in your diet as much as possible and avoid processed food. The fiber cannot be digested, and it acts like a sponge. It draws water from its surroundings inside the digestive tract, making it swell. This softens the feces and adds bulk to it, which in turn helps it pass out from the body. Some good sources of natural fiber are whole wheat bread, beans, apricots, nuts, apples, berries, and broccoli.

Flaxseed oil is another good name among the remedies for constipation. It coats the intestinal wall and increases the number of times you have a bowel movement.

Apart from the above remedies for constipation, another important factor that helps a lot is to maintain a proper routine to go to the toilet and pass out bowel from your body. Regulating the time of going to the toilet will, in turn, regulate the bowel movement as well.

If these remedies for constipation aren’t giving desirable results, you can consult a doctor.