"Constipation - Herbal Remedies for This Common Problem"

You think you should have a certain number of bowel movements each week, but what is considered normal will vary from individual to individual. For some, normal is thre times a day, for others, normal is three times a week.

If you are constantly straining when going to the bathroom, you're probably constipated. Also, your stools will be unusually hard, leaving you feeling bloated and gassy.

On this page, I discuss some of its causes, and some remedies that may help.

There is no one single cause of constipation. In fact, there can be multiple causes including:

• A poor diet. Individuals are less likely to become constipated if they eat many foods that are high in fiber. This will include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
• High fat foods. Conversely, if you eat a lot of foods that are high in fats such as meats, dairy products, desserts and sweets, you become more likely to develop this condition. Also, eating lots of processed, pre-prepared foods may contribute to being consipated, as these products typically contain little fiber.
• Teeth problems. Sometimes individuals that have problems with their teeth sometimes eat soft processed foods with little fiber in them.
• Inadequate fluid intake. Also, many people fail to drink adequate amounts of water. Water is necessary to help you stay regular.
• Over use of laxatives and enemas. Although they are frequently used to relieve this condition, overuse may cause the body to become dependent on them, unable to work on its own without them.
• A lack of exercise. If you are inactive, or bedridden, following an illness, you may become constipated. Performing moderate amounts of exercise can help keep your regular.
• Holding back bowel movements. You should never resist the urge to go when you feel the need. Holding back for too long can cause you to become constipated.
• A pre-existing medical condition. Certain medical conditions including diabetes, stroke, even a blockage in the intestines can make you constipated. One condition in particular that can cause you to become constipated is irritable bowel syndrome, a common gastrointestinal disorder.
• Medications. Various medicines can cause you to become constipated. These include antidepressants, any antacids containing calcium, antihistamines, some painkillers, medications that treat high blood pressure and diuretics.

1. Try to drink between six to eight glasses of water each day. Soft drinks don't count, as they contain caffeine that functions as a diuretic.

2. Next, be sure your diet includes plenty of fiber including fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and nuts. Avoid eating starchy foods when you're constipated, as this can complicate your problem. Bananas and apples are two fruits that may be especially useful.

3. In addition, eat five servings of grain products daily. This includes breads, cereals and starchy vegetables such as corn, peas, potatoes and lima beans. Whenever possible, choose whole grain bread instead of white bread.

4. Make barley a permanent staple of your diet. An extra benefit of barley is it may lower your cholesterol levels as well.

5. Try to exercise on a regular basis. Even something as simple as a walk around the block can help keep you regular.

6. Blackstrap molasses. Occasionally take two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses before going to bed, this will help prevent you from becoming constipated.

7. Eat beans. Beans, beans good for your heart, the more that you eat the more that you, uh, well, I'll let you finish that one. All kinds of beans are excellent sources of fiber, including black beans, lima beans, pinto beans and navy beans.

8. Drink a cup of Java. There are ingredients in coffee that can stimulate the digestive tract. As an alternative, try the herb Oregon grape.

9. Rhubarb. Try eating cooked rhubarb. It is a natural laxative and may be sweetened with honey, or baked in a pie.

10. Garlic. Eating raw garlic works as a natural laxative,

11. Honey. Honey is a mild laxative. Take one tablespoon three times daily, either with or without water.

12. Apple cider vinegar. Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of water and drink.

13. Take stimulant laxatives. Many herbal remedies function as laxatives and they can provide short-term relief. They include herbs such as:

• Aloe
• Barberry
• Basil
• Bladderwrack
• Buckthorn
• Cascara sagrada
• Cayenne
• Dandelion
• Fenugreek
• Goldenseal
• Milk thistle
• Red raspberry
• Rhubarb
• Senna
• Slippery elm

14. Probiotics. Various probiotics, such as acidophilus may also help.

15. Acupressure. Although research on acupressure in this area is limited, it might work for some individuals.

16. Magnesium. If you're magnesium deficient, you may become constipated. Additionally, calcium can make you constipated. Magnesium can counteract the effects of calcium.

Constipation is a common problem that most of us have experienced at some time or other. If you are straining to have a bowel movement, you are probably constipated.

If left untreated, over time, it can lead to serious complications, including the development of hemorrhoids.

Additionally, it can cause an anatomical deformity known as a rectal prolapse, a condition where a small part of the intestines pushes out from the anus.

Fortunately, in most cases, it is an easy condition to treat, by changes in diet, or adding some of the herbs mentioned above. I hope that some of the above-mentioned recommendations work for you.