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It is not uncommon for women to have constipation during pregnancy. It is estimated one of every three women suffers with constipation some time during pregnancy. During this time a woman’s body goes through many changes that last throughout the pregnancy. For most women, it is not hard to find constipation relief during pregnancy that will make this time more comfortable.

Why Do Women Have Constipation During Pregnancy?

From the very beginning of pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a tremendous number of hormonal changes. For some women, severe constipation during pregnancy is a result of the growing baby in the uterus having an affect on their digestive systems. It can also be caused by iron supplements prescribed for prenatal care. Bloating, stomach discomfort and hard stool are symptoms of constipation that make women miserable during an otherwise joyful time in their lives. In addition, constipation during pregnancy can be dangerous for the mother and baby if she is consistently straining to have a bowel movement.

Natural Constipation Remedies during Pregnancy

There are several things a pregnant women can try to relieve constipation during pregnancy. Before starting any of these home remedies for constipation women should always consult with their physician to be sure it is safe for them to proceed.

-Exercise. Regular exercise during an otherwise healthy pregnancy can help to stimulate the bowels and relieve constipation. Walking and swimming are very good with helping relieve constipation during pregnancy as well as for the overall health of mother and baby. It has been recommended that squatting helps eliminate constipation; but again, this should only be done under strict obstetrician supervision.

-Water. Severe constipation during pregnancy may be the result of dehydration. Women should ask their doctor how much water they should drink each day and then make sure they are drinking the recommended amount of water and other healthful liquids.

-Eating. Eating foods rich in fiber is among the constipation during pregnancy remedies that is helpful during pregnancy and after delivery; when many women continue to be constipated. Fiber rich foods like whole grains and nuts should be incorporated into the diet on a daily basis for constipation relief and overall health. Sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables also are very helpful for women who have constipation during pregnancy. A doctor might also recommend some other laxative foods.

-Good bowel habits. Pregnant women should avoid delaying the urge to move their bowels, as this can lead to constipation. In addition, they should not strain to defecate if they are constipated as this can lead to the development of hemorrhoids or premature labor.

Supplements and Homeopathic Constipation during Pregnancy Remedies


Fiber supplements can be used to relieve constipation for pregnant women. Products like Metamucil can be purchased over the counter if a woman’s doctor has given her permission to use them. There are also many homeopathic, herbal remedies for constipation that a woman can ask her doctor if they are safe for her to use. For severe constipation during pregnancy a woman can ask her doctor to decrease her iron tablet dosage if possible.
Most doctors recommend that women avoid using a stimulant laxative because of the risk of early labor. The best way to get constipation relief during pregnancy is by working with the doctor to find a healthy, effective solution.

The human body can become seriously toxic from any combination of eating habits, environmental conditions and stress. An unhealthy colon has the potential to cause discomfort and disease within the body. The ultimate goal of a colon cleansing diet is to become healthier and have more energy. There are several ways to detoxify the body through colon cleansing. A little research can help you find the colon cleanse diet that works best for you.

Eating Habits

If properly nourished, a healthy body is capable of cleansing and restoring the colon and other organs.  Some people are able to follow their own colon cleansing diet simply by changing the way they eat which proves to be an effective colon cleanse home remedy. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables provide the body with fiber and protein that helps with elimination.  Proper elimination naturally cleanses the intestines and stomach of the poisons that have built up from years of unhealthy eating.

Drinking plenty of fluids is important when following a colon cleanse diet. Water and other healthy liquids prevent dehydration and aids with stool elimination. Purified water, natural juice and green tea are considered the best fluids to drink on a colon cleanse diet. Drinking half your body weight in ounces each day is recommended.

Supplements

There are several colon cleansing diet products on the market for people who need assistance in cleansing their bodies. Some of these supplements have added vitamins and herbs. Supplements with antioxidants such as choline and Q10 are very helpful with detoxifying the system.

The diet will usually come with instructions to help get the most out of the program. Many incorporate dietary requirements that work along with the supplement to keep you healthy while the body is being cleansed. Following the instructions of the colon cleanse diet carefully will prevent constipation, bloating and dehydration.

Fasting

Incorporating fasting into a colon cleanse diet helps to remove toxins and shed extra pounds. The fast usually consists of eliminating food from the diet completely then drinking water, unsweetened tea or lemon juice, which also contains nutritional elements.

Usually a colon cleansing diet that includes fasting requires a breakfast with fruit in the morning and vegetables for lunch and dinner. Raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables tend to work more quickly in the cleansing process.

Environmental Factors

Eating correctly, exercising and supplements are excellent ways to help cleanse the body of harmful poisons. But even the best colon cleanse diet will not get rid of all toxins in the body. Humans are exposed every day to air pollution and water contamination. Chemicals in health and beauty products get into our bodies during normal grooming. To combat some of these effects, try to buy natural soaps and shampoos which contain less chemicals and dyes and organic fruits and vegetables to support your colon cleansing regime.

If you are looking for information on colon cleansing herbs we have a page on that topic.
An unhealthy colon can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Processed foods, poisons in the water and air as well as chemicals found in products make it essential to flush the body of these toxins. A well planned colon cleanse diet is a good start to a healthier lifestyle.

A laxative is any substance that is used with the specific purpose of causing stools instantaneously. Laxatives or purgatives are mainly used to relieve constipation, indigestion and an upset stomach. Laxatives help the body clear undigested or partially digested food which is generally the root cause of all digestion related problems. At the same time, consuming a laxative in large quantities can cause diarrhea and loose motions; therefore, it is advisable to consume laxatives under medical supervision.

In Allopathic medicine, three classes of drugs are mainly used as laxatives, viz. stool softeners like docusate, osmotic agents like sorbitol, lactulose etc. and laxative stimulants like Anthraquinone and Diphenylmethane. Like all allopathic medicines, the use of these drugs leads to various side effects; this is especially true for the last two categories of laxatives mentioned above. The side effects range from muscle cramps and painful urination on the mild side to paralysis, tachycardia and respiratory problems on the severe side. Many intestinal ailments require the extended use of laxatives; the use of allopathic laxatives in such circumstances can cause very serious medical complications and thus it must be avoided at all costs.
The solution lies in the use of natural laxatives. The history of natural laxatives is almost as old as the history of human civilization itself. Various plants and food items having laxative properties have been described in the traditional medical systems of ancient civilizations like India, China and even Egypt. These substances have a mild laxative effect and can help clean up the gastrointestinal tract without causing any significant side effects. The various natural laxatives are described below.

1. Triphala (Sanskrit tri – “three” and phala – “fruit”) is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy containing Amala (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It was first mentioned in the Sushrut Samhita; a medical treatise written before 1500 BC. Triphala helps relieve constipation by cleaning the colon and helping improve digestion. It is among the most popular and widely used Ayurvedic medicines currently.

2. A mixture of Chinese green tea, senna leaf and rhubarb root have been used for thousands of years to get rid of constipation and are useful natural laxatives. This potent mixture is commonly sold as Chinese herbal laxative tea. The combination has a mild laxative effect and it also helps in proper digestion and weight-loss.

3. Aloe Vera is a very popular folk remedy which has been used as a laxative for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians were the first to mention the purgative properties of Aloe Vera followed by the Romans and the Greeks. Modern research has shown that Aloin; a yellow-brown colored compound present in Aloe Vera leaves, has significant laxative properties. Today, consuming Aloe Vera leaves and taking Aloe Vera supplements is a very popular way to combat constipation and indigestion.

4. Along with the above mentioned natural laxatives, their are various other laxative foods including various other plants and food items, viz. Flax seeds, Licorice, Psyllium husks (plantain seeds), Prunes etc. are known to possess laxative properties.

The above mentioned natural laxatives can be successfully in order to provide a solution to how to relieve constipation and normalize digestion without facing any serious side-effects. On the other hand, since over-consumption of natural laxatives can lead to minor problems; it is always better to consult with a certified Naturopath before using any of these home remedies for constipation.


If you are considering using laxatives to lose weight you should consult my other page on this topic as to why this is not a good idea, even if you are using natural laxatives (which are at least healthier). This list of natural laxatives would also apply to infant constipation if you feel it is appropriate.

Constipation happens to most of us at some time or another in varying degrees of severity. However, many people frequently misdiagnose constipation in themselves. The definition of constipation is having fewer than 3 bowel movements a week combined with the dry, hard, small and difficult to pass stool it produces.

Many people don’t have bowel movements every day, and some people have several a day. Whatever your body is in the habit of is considered normal for you. However if your normal habit is interrupted and it has been several days along with suffering some of these symptoms, you may be constipated. It can be annoying, painful and distressing, cause bloating, general malaise and a number of other health issues.

Preventing constipation before it happens is a much better solution but is not always possible. Constipation is generally brought on by one or all of many reasons including not enough fluid intake or dehydration, improper diet, medication, change in daily routines, lack of exercise and ignoring the urge. Medical conditions may also play a role in chronic constipation and it is always best to discuss this with your doctor and work with him to find the best solution.

When treating constipation it is best to start with the least intrusive, mildest natural remedies for constipation before delving into over the counter laxatives and other constipation remedies which can have negative effects if over used. Drinking plenty of water and fruit juices is an effective way to begin solving how to relieve constipation. This is also good advice for every day prevention. Keep your body hydrated and your system flushed out of toxins and waste. Along with plenty of fluids, your body needs a proper diet. Try to include in your daily meals good portions of fruits and vegetables. The natural fibre in these foods adds bulk to the waste and provides natural elimination.

Your body needs to be active to maintain an active digestive system. Exercising daily or even a short walk every day or a few times a week can greatly improve your bowel’s and intestinal tract’s motility. Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement if it’s at all possible. Those who have regular routines in their daily activity and make time when the urge hits are less likely to suffer constipation.

Maybe you will need to resort to other natural home remedies for constipation. You could try adding a tablespoon of corn syrup to a glass of warm water or some honey to a glass of milk twice a day. Add a couple of spoons of flax seed into your daily diet either in a smoothie or to top off a bowl of cereal first thing in the morning. An old tried and true stand by for laxative effects is a bowl of prunes or a glass of prune juice. Another solution is to add aloe vera to your daily diet in either juice form or capsule supplements.

Psyllium fibre is an excellent natural way to get rid of constipation. It can be purchased in bulk from health food stores or you can find on the shelf products which contain it specifically made to treat constipation.


In the end you may need to resort to over the counter laxatives. If the constipation is severe enough you should first discuss this with your doctor. There are numerous laxatives available at your pharmacy and drug stores which work in different ways to provide relief. Some may increase the motility of the colon and digestive tract while others supply fluids to the stool to help it pass easier. Whichever you choose to try, do not let your system become dependant on these laxatives. Your bowels after awhile will become lazy and will not function properly on their own.
If you suffer frequently from constipation or from chronic constipation it is best to discuss the problem with your doctor. There could be an underlying medical condition that is causing it which you may not be aware of and you will need his advice and possible treatment.

Most constipation can be treated very easily and the quicker you take care of it the better you will feel.

Nothing can be more distressing to a new mother than to see her baby suffering, and not knowing what the problem is can add to that stress. If it’s your first child, every little thing seems like a crisis and learning how to deal with them can be overwhelming, but once you learn to recognize the signs, things do get easier.

Newborn constipation is a common problem and there are some signs and symptoms to help you determine if your baby is suffering from it. If your baby’s bowel movements have become less frequent than normal and if they are small hard pellets, these would be indicators your newborn is suffering from constipation. Other signs would include a bloated and hard stomach, straining, grunting noises and crying while trying to pass a stool, evidence of blood in the stool, or small cracks or fissures around the opening of the anus. Newborns start out having several bowel movements a day and gradually decrease as they get older. As with adults, what’s normal for one infant is not for another, so you will need to be aware of his or her pattern from the beginning.

The most probable reason for infant constipation is because of a diet or diet changes. Bottle fed babies are more prone to constipation, as formula milk is more difficult for them to digest than breast milk is. Or if your are weaning your baby from breast milk to formula or regular milk, the change can be difficult for your baby’s digestive system to adjust to.

Now that you have determined your newborn is constipated, there are a number of ways you can help her or him to pass the stool. Some methods involve adding laxative like foods or food products to either the formula or solid food if they have advanced to solids. Others involve using manipulative techniques to gently encourage or stimulate the muscles of the colon to contract and help pass the stool.

Place your baby on hers or his back and gently bend the legs at the knees and upwards. Move the baby’s legs as if peddling a bicycle very gently being careful not to create too much discomfort. This should help stimulate peristalsis of the sphincter muscles of the anal canal.

A warm bath may help relax the baby and at the same time you can be gently massaging the abdominal area in a circular motion to help stimulate movement.

Give your baby a bit of apple juice or prune juice in a bottle diluted with water if you feel it is too strong for your baby.

If your baby has advanced to solid foods, you could try feeding her or him fibre rich foods like prunes, plums, pears, spinach, apricots, etc. There are a number of foods which might help to add bulk to your baby’s stools, but these are not immediate solutions, however it is always wise to include these types of foods in their daily diet for health reasons and preventative measures for constipation. Adding a bottle of water to a daily feeding schedule will help prevent infant constipation as well.

Other possible things you might add to your baby’s food or formula include a little bit of milk of magnesia or flax oil.


If within 2 days your baby’s constipation has not been alleviated, you need to contact your paediatrician for further action.

You will eventually learn your baby’s pattern of bowel movements and quickly learn when she or he is beginning to experience constipation, and armed with these preventative measures and solutions, you and your baby will discover a rhythm which works.

Constipation can be anything from mildly annoying at best to painfully crippling at its worst. Almost everybody has at least one time or another in their life experienced one of these situations to some degree. Constipation can be brought on by any number of reasons, the most common causes of constipation include poor diet, lack of exercise, medication, or not enough fluid intake, but constipation may also be an indication of more serious problems and it’s always best to seek medical attention if it becomes more serious and persistent.

But a mild bout of constipation is a fairly common problem and will normally resolve itself in a few days with some minor intervention. Increasing your intake of fluids, exercise and increased fiber intake are all some things you can do to relieve constipation.

However there are times when paying more attention to the problem is required. It is not recommended to immediately resolve the issue with over the counter laxatives for several reasons, so home remedies are your best alternate solution.

Some home remedies for constipation are better known than others. Of course some of the more common ones include:

• Drinking more fluids, including 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. This is something that is not only a cure, but preventative as well and should be consumed on a daily basis to not only prevent constipation but to cleanse the system of toxins.
• Exercise. Add a walk to your daily routine after dinner or first thing in the morning. Of course there are added health benefits to this as well.
• Add fiber rich foods to your diet like fruits and vegetables. Most people don’t consume enough of them. You can also try adding more laxative foods.
• Prunes. A well known cure for a bout of constipation in either fruit or juice form.

There are many more, less commonly known home remedies for constipation. Among them are:

• Drink ½ of cabbage juice twice daily until cured.
• Eating fruits such as bael, mangoes, pears, grapes, papaya, figs, oranges, guava and apples are all excellent home remedies for constipation. These could also be added to your daily dietary intake for preventative measures along with their other obvious health benefits.
• Castor oil. Tastes bad, but very effective as a laxative. But caution should be taken to follow the directions on the bottle and not for any extended period of time.
• Psyllium fiber.
• Cascara Sagrada. A powerful stimulant laxative causing muscle contractions.
• Lemon juice mixed in warm water 2 or 3 times a day.
• Drink ½ tsp. of honey mixed in ½ cup of warm water 2 or 3 times a day.
• Drink ½  cup of olive oil mixed in ½ cup of orange juice
• Squeeze ½ of a lime into a glass of hot water and drink. Add salt if you wish.
• Swallow a teaspoon of linseed with water before each meal.
• Keep some water in a copper vessel overnight and drink it in the morning.
• Drink raw spinach juice mixed with an equal proportion of water twice a day.

Constipation is defined as infrequent and irregular (fewer than 3 movements a week) bowel movements that are described as small, hard and dry stool which is difficult and painful to pass. A lot of people mistake their inability to have a bowel movement every day as constipation, but it is important to realize that not everybody is the same and what constitutes normal for one person is not necessarily normal for the next. If it is abnormal for you, then treat it starting with the least intrusive method and progress to more aggressive forms. The next step would probably be to try colon cleansing herbs. If it persists and becomes more serious, seek other constipation remedies and medical attention.

Over time, pockets in our colon’s walls collect residue left behind from the normal elimination process. The result is a black very thick hard substance called mucoid plaque which is very difficult to pass and can lead to constipation and numerous other health issues. This residue blocks the normal process of nutrients being absorbed through the colon into our system leaving a nutritional void. The mucoid plaque begins to decompose creating toxins which are absorbed into the system leaving our bodies susceptible to various illnesses and diseases.  This “auto-intoxication” concept has been recognized as early as the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.

Keeping the colon healthy is vital, as our digestive systems play a large part in a healthy immune system. For millions of people, colon cleansing has become part of their healthy living regiment, purging their systems of toxins on a regular basis. There are many colon cleansing products on the market, but you should first try a colon cleanse home remedy instead of a store bought cleanser.

These colon cleanse home remedies come in many different forms from herbal supplements to fasting.

Fasting to clean out the system has been done for many years. This is often called a colon cleansing diet because it provides rest for the colon and organs responsible for digesting and processing the food, and regenerates them. During the fast you should still drink water, and fruit and vegetable juices.

Probiotics have gained popularity in leaps and bounds over the last few years as a way to cleanse toxins from the colon and digestive system. Many yogurts specifically are rich in probiotics and encourage the growth of useful bacteria for our bodies, along with killing harmful bacteria and parasites in the colon. Other sources of probiotics are garlic, onion, and bananas.

Soups are also beneficial for colon cleansing when made with many different vegetables like onions, cabbage, carrots, peas, potatoes, beans, celery, etc. Do not use oils or butter in the soup. Add a fiber supplement if you wish.

Adding fish to your diet or taking fish oil supplements is a healthy way to cleanse your colon. Omega3 Fatty Acids in fish oil aid in digestion.

There are some colon cleansing herbs you can use daily to act as colon cleanse home remedy solutions which are provided in different forms such as powder, teas and tablets or capsules. These are a few.

• Psyllium — a soluble fiber used as a laxative. When psyllium husks are mixed with water they swell into a gelatin-like mass which aids in transporting waste through the intestinal tract.
• Flax seeds — loaded with fiber, antioxidants and Omega3 Fatty acids
• Aloe leaf — used as a laxative
• Ginger — digestive aid, cleanses bowels and kidneys and removes toxins from the body
• Garlic – eliminates toxins from the body, aids in reduction of parasites
• Barberry – colon stimulant
• Fennel –  aids in eliminating mucous from the colon

These are all safe and effective colon cleansing home remedies, but as with anything else, it is best to discuss it with your MD first before beginning anything.

Taking laxatives to lose weight is a concept which has recently gained popularity along with the concept of laxative diets, and needs to be examined closely from all angles.

Laxatives come in many forms as senna tea, liquids, pills, capsules, etc. and their mode of acting on the system varies. Generally speaking they all are meant to be used as constipation remedies to relieve constipation and ease in passing stool through the colon and elimination.

However, people using laxatives for weight loss have higher expectations that can have some serious consequences. The concept of laxatives for weight loss is faster and easier elimination of food through the digestive system and the colon, giving your body less chance to digest and absorb the calories from the food. Aside from the fact this does not work the ramifications health wise are not worth it even if it might seem at first that your losing weight fast.

Many laxatives are meant to force the body to absorb fluids into the intestines and colon to soften the stool making passage easier. The action of this forced fluid intake depletes the body of its life sustaining fluids causing dehydration and serious consequences such as electrolyte imbalance causing heart arrhythmias, muscle weakness, confusion, drowsiness and even seizures.

Other laxatives function by lubricating the passage of stool in the large intestines and colon or by promoting peristalsis of the muscles in the walls of the colon.

Whatever the action, relying on laxatives for weight loss is futile. By the time the food has been digested and processed in the stomach and small intestines, calories have already been absorbed into the system, and calorie intake is ultimately what determines weight gain and weight loss. You may notice a drop in weight when using laxatives, but this is mostly weight loss from depletion of fluids and is not loss of actual fat cells.

Using any laxative for any extended period of time is not recommended and is more detrimental than productive. Side effects include chronic diarrhea, dehydration, rectal bleeding, electrolyte imbalance and disorders, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, gastrointestinal disorders, and reliance on laxatives to have normal and regular bowel movements. Extended use of laxatives can cause damage to the nerve cells in the colon interfering with the colons natural ability to function resulting in a dependence on laxatives.


Weight gain happens over time and weight loss needs to be approached in the same manner. Using laxatives to lose weight in a short period of time is ineffective and dangerous. An effective weight loss diet and exercise are the only ways in which weight loss can be attained ultimately and safely.

Constipation can be caused by an array of problems and can also be the cause of many health issues as well. Keeping a regular bowel regime is not only important for maintaining good health but is as easy as eating properly. However with most people’s busy lives today, that is often easier said than done and so you might be looking into a source of laxative food that you can add to your diet.

Ideally, constipation should rarely be a problem, and when bouts occur and you try to relieve constipation it normally should be resolved on its own through added fluids and exercise. Occasionally a mild stool softener might be required, but only if all other methods fail as our bowels can become lazy and begin to rely on the unnatural mechanism laxatives provide. This is actually one of the biggest problem with constipation remedies since often you can become dependent on them over time if you rely entirely on these remedies to relieve you of constipation. It’s always best to use a colon cleanse home remedy when possible.

But maintaining a properly balanced diet rich with natural laxative foods is a sure way of keeping the intestines and colon healthy ensuring a regular and healthy bowel regime. In fact, some people use laxatives for weight loss due to the benefits to your colon health.

Foods rich in soluble and insoluble fibre are the key as this is what keeps the stool moist and properly formed, enabling an easier elimination process. Generally speaking fruits and vegetables are your best bet, but some herbs offer laxative benefits as well. These are also good stool softener foods.

Staying away from processed foods is also helpful and can be the culprit in much of today’s problems with constipation. In processed and refined foods the natural fibre has been removed and they have little or no value in bowel health. Anything pre-packaged is processed and should be taken into consideration when buying your food. If your life seems too hectic to even consider unprocessed foods, be sure to at least keep fresh fruits and vegetables on hand to snack on or add a natural herbal remedy to your daily diet. You definitely want some high fiber foods in your diet for good colon health.

So what foods are considered laxative foods? From the Wikipedia site, here is a list of the most common but certainly not all laxative foods and herbs.

• almonds
• aloe vera
• apple juice
• dried apricots
• basil
• beets
• carob
• capsicum
• celery
• chicory
• coconut
• coffee
• dandelion
• dates
• endive
• fenugreek
• figs
• flaxseed
• grapes
• guava (with seeds for full effect)
• kale
• kiwifruit
• liquorice
• mango
• mint
• molasses
• olive oil
• orange juice
• papaya
• parsley
• peach/apricot
• pear
• persimmon
• pineapple
• plum
• prune/prune juice
• rhubarb
• senna (genus)
• soybean
• tamarind
• tea
• tomato juice
• vanilla
• walnut
• watercress
• yam

Each individual has his or her own unique body and digestive system, so foods that work for some may not work for others. It’s best to keep your diet filled with a good variety on a daily basis and in general. Try new things and add what works to your weekly shopping list.  Add new things to old recipes to give the added benefits of nutrition, taste and digestive health. With a list this extensive and beyond, conventional laxatives will never be as healthy and diverse as these laxative food choices!