Constipation is a common problem people experience sometime in their lives. Having less than three bowel movements in a week can result in hard, small stools and difficulty in passing stools.
Some people also experience bloating, abdominal and a sense of incomplete bowel emptying. Although constipation can be very uncomfortable, it is often not a serious problem and can be relieved by natural laxatives.
There are natural laxatives that you can take rather than going out there and buying some products behind a counter, according to livestrong.com and webmd.com.
Banana:
These high fiber fruits promote easy digestion and provide the body with a lot of potassium, which helps maintain electrolyte balance. They also contain fructo-oligosaccharides, which helps encourage the growth of good bacteria in the intestinal tract.
Apples:
These contain pectin, which stimulates bowel movements. Another natural laxative is apple cider vinegar, which may be added to purified water and taken in the morning.
Melons:
Easy to digest, melons decompose fast and ferment, promoting bowel movement.
Carrots:
These vegetables add bulk to your stool, stimulate bowel movements, and act as natural detoxifiers.
Tomatoes:
Their high fiber content makes great natural laxatives and their very high lycopene content protects you from colon cancer as well as prostate cancer.
Cabbages:
These help soften stools and promote bowel movements. You can eat cabbage as coleslaw, kimchi, cabbage soup, or sauerkraut.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the oldest and most popular medicinal plants known to man. The bulk of the aloe Vera leaf is filled with gel, which is approximately 99% water. The other 1% contains over at least 75 known nutrients including 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 active plan compounds called phytonutrients, enzymes and of course, water.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil improves digestion and bowel function, relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue healing and repair. The best kind to get is organic raw unprocessed extra virgin coconut oil.
Water:
Without water, our body would not function. It makes up approximately 80% of your weight and helps moisten the intestines. Water is the most overlooked laxative. It softens stools and prevents dehydration. If you are constipated, drink 8 glasses of water a day.
Prunes
Recognized as "nature's laxative," prunes are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber. Additionally, prunes provide beneficial bacteria to the intestines, thereby making it a great addition to any colon cleansing diet.