Can we talk without beating around the bush and with extreme frankness, like adults? Yes, we can. So, let’s put aside any embarrassment and discuss the million-dollar topic that unites millions of “victims”: constipation.
Suffering from constipation is not a pleasant thing. The sense of heaviness from the “delays,” the tension in the abdomen is nerve-wracking, to the point of envying those who suffer from the opposite problem (wrongly, as the opposite is also annoying).
Certainly, in more complex cases, medications are needed. But for most of us, overcoming the problem without necessarily having to go to the pharmacy can be a achievable goal, sometimes with just a change in lifestyle or diet. Walking a lot, for example, is of great help. Or we can rely on natural laxatives.
So, let’s fight constipation and overcome stubborn constipation with nine remedies to manage as you like, because they are mostly free of side effects.
1. Plums
The most obvious of remedies, true, but “repetita iuvant” (repetition helps). Sometimes, we forget this simple remedy, the quintessential grandma’s remedy, while, plums are still one of the most effective methods against intestinal constipation. Officially recognised as a natural laxative, plums are also rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, potassium, iron, dietary fiber, and sorbitol, a substance attributed to its laxative effect as it promotes intestinal peristalsis.
2. Aloe
Less obvious than plums, aloe vera is an essential ingredient in the home remedies kit and has a long medical tradition. Taking aloe juice daily has a laxative effect that helps bowel movement naturally. The Natural Standard indicates there is good scientific evidence of its benefits, and aloin is responsible for fighting constipation.
3. Plantain
Never heard of it? Plantain is rich in fibre, and a very effective remedy for constipation. Natural Standard reports there is good scientific evidence of its water-absorbing properties, softening and stimulating bowel transit.
4. Apple
The best remedy at hand at home for constipation is the apple. This fruit contains pectin, a substance that promotes the proper functioning of the intestine, and is also rich in fibers that soften the mass in transit and promote its expulsion, as confirmed by a study from the Ohio State University School of Medicine. But beware: the laxative effect is achieved only by eating it with the peel!
5. Onion
It may be well known for making us cry and as an excellent ingredient to add flavour and aroma to meals, but onions are also a good natural laxative. Eating onions helps the active secretion of gastric juices and promotes the proper health of the intestinal flora. Moreover, it contains quinine which stimulates the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and stomach, favouring their functions. But it is by eating it cooked that its laxative properties increase.
6. Garlic
Since the time of Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” the laxative effect of garlic has been talked about, which is not the only one of its properties. A small portion contains large amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that activate liver enzymes that help the body eliminate toxins. According to a study from the University of Pennsylvania, eating half a clove of raw garlic facilitates intestinal care and promotes the secretion of gastric juices. We recommend swallowing it whole, like a pill.
7. Carrot
This delicious and fibre-rich vegetable is excellent for promoting digestion and stimulating the production of gastric juices, thus combating constipation. According to Harvard University, half a cup of carrots contains about 2 grams of fiber, a fundamental part of good digestive health. P.S. Eating it raw is also good for the teeth.
8. Tomato
Surrounded by suspicions (even Gisele Bündchen stays away), cooked or raw, due to its fibre content and other substances, the tomato is, in fact, a mild laxative that helps regulate intestinal function and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
9. Liquorice
Liquorice root extract is one of the oldest and most widely used condiments in alternative medicine as a laxative. Drinking licorice tea will help facilitate digestion and expel feces more easily thanks to its natural laxative power. However, it is not recommended for those with high blood pressure or blood pressure fluctuations.
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire Italy
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
