Constipation

Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply means infrequent stools. For others, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the specific type of constipation.

Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

Constipation happens when the colon absorbs too much water, or if the muscles in the colon are contracting slowly or poorly so that the stool moves too slowly and loses more water. 

Often, the sufferer's diet is lacking in adequate quantities of fiber. Some people become constipated when they consume mild and dairy products.

People who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) get constipation much more frequently, compared to the rest of the population.

Pregnancy brings about hormonal changes which can make a woman more susceptible to constipation. Also, the uterus may compress the intestine, slowing down the passage of the food.

As we get older, our metabolism slows down, resulting in less intestinal activity. The muscles in the digestive tract do not work as well as they used to, so aging increases the risk of constipation. The same with a change in routine, such as when travelling.

Symptoms

• Infrequent stools;
• Hard stools;
• Difficulty passing stools (straining);
• A sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement.

Popular treatments and recommendations

• Take 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses before going to sleep. It has a strong taste, sufferer's may take by adding it to fruit juice, or prune juice, for example. 
• Walking 4-5 kms after dinner is highly beneficial as it helps in the digestion of food.
• Half cup cabbage juice taken twice-daily.
• Mango is a natural reliever of constipation.
• Dry grapes/grapes juice is beneficial to take at night.
• Chronic constipation can be cured with high intake of figs dipped in water and taken in the morning time.
• Dip two teaspoons of spiegel seeds in water for 6 hours, add equal amount of sugar and take this with water at night.
• Drinking water, kept overnight in a copper vessel, in the morning with empty stomach, will give immediate relief from constipation.
• Mix 1/4 teaspoon of epsom salt to 1/2 a glass of water and drink. 
• Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/2 cup orange juice and drink. 
• Daily intake of guava with empty stomach in the morning is highly beneficial. 
• Take some fennel seeds and add them to a glass full of warm water. Drink this water each night before going to bed. Fennel has properties in curing digestive problems. The regular use of fennel will normalize the working of the digestive system and heal the constipation problems. 
•  2-4 teaspoonfuls of castor oil also relieve constipation. 
• Carrot juice mixed with spinach juice gives immediate relief from constipation. 
• A teaspoon of linseed taken with water before each meal provides bulk and lubrication, thus curing constipation. 
• Mix  the powder of one dry ginger (Zingiber officinale) with the powder of some senna leaves in equal proportions. Put these powders in a cup of lukewarm water. Drink this water while it is still a little warm every night. This will ensure proper passing of stools in the morning. 
• The juice of two oranges taken in the morning with empty stomach for 8-10 days relieves constipation. 
• A teaspoon of linseeds, swallowed with water before each meal, provides lubrication and is good natural remedy for constipation.
•  4 grams of triphala powder when taken with 200 grams of warm water also relieves constipation. Morpheme Triphala provides Natural Triphala extract in vegetable capsules. 
• Prepare a mixture of equal quantities of carrot juice and spinach juice in a glass. Drink this glassful of juices at night before going to bed. 
• Vajrasana is one of the yogasanas beneficial for constipation cure. 
•  Drinking hot water with sour lime juice and half a teaspoon of salt is also an effective  constipation treatment.

Prevention

• Incorporate spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafetida, into your recipes because they help make food more digestible.
• Avoid white rice, white bread, and products that use white flour - prefer whole foods.
• Limit foods with little or no fiber, such as ice cream, meat, chips, and pre-packaged frozen dinners.
• Stay away from beverages that dehydrate the body, including caffeine, alcohol, and sodas.
• Take 500mg of Vitamin C and 400mg of Magnesium on a daily basis.
• Minimize high-fat, heavily sugared foods as well as fried foods, beans, gas-forming vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli), nuts, and dried fruits.
• Do not mix too many types of food within one meal.
• Exercise helps with the prevention of constipation. Consider walking regularly for about 20-30 minutes per day.

References

• http://www.colon-cleansing-constipation-remedies.com/constipation-prevention.html
• http://www.himalayahomeremedies.com/homeremedies_constipation.htm