Constipated? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from hindered and painful bowel movements. The signs and symptoms of Constipation include infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week), straining to pass hard stool, and intestinal discomfort. The pain from difficult bowel movement can be so bad that it’s the cause of 2.5 million (!) doctor visits each year.

You might be wondering things like, what is a natural remedy for constipation, what are some home remedies for constipation, or even, what is the best natural remedy for constipation?

Let’s jump right in and get you some immediate constipation relief.

Natural Remedies for Constipation

Epsom Salt Laxative

One of the best natural laxative products available is Epsom Salt. Drinking Epsom salt for constipation is a trustworthy home remedy that usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to four hours. It’s bitter and not the most pleasant tasting beverage around, but it works.

Make sure you only ingest Epsom salt products that are meant to be used as a saline laxative. What is a saline laxative and how do saline laxatives work? Saline means “salty” or “containing salt.” That’s what the active ingredient in Epsom salt is—magnesium sulfate—a natural laxative that increases moisture in the intestines and helps soften hard stool, making it easier to pass.

How to Use Epsom Salt as a Laxative

Adult Epsom salt laxative dose is between 2 and 6 level teaspoons along with 8 ounces of water. Start with 2 teaspoons and if no relief occurs within four hours, you can take more. Do not exceed two doses in a day and daily use is not recommended. If you need help drinking Epsom salt laxative because of the bitter taste, you can mix in some juice or lemon for flavor. Plus, the more hydrated you are, the better it seems to work, so drink plenty of fluids before and after.

Fiber and Constipation

Among the top home remedies for constipation in adults, fiber ranks supreme for its ability to increase stool frequency (1). People have been using fiber for constipation relief for centuries. Some of the best fiber supplements for constipation include psyllium husk fiber and flaxseed oil or flaxseed meal. They are both insoluble fiber supplement products that help move material through the digestive system and can be used daily to help regulate bowel movements.

Psyllium Fiber

One of the most effective natural colon cleanse products that’s gentle enough to use daily is psyllium husk fiber. And not only is it good for promoting regular bowel movements, a quality psyllium fiber supplement can also support your heart health! And, if you have low-carb diet constipation, psyllium can help bulk up your stools without added carbs.

Of the bulk forming fiber supplements, psyllium fiber powder is probably the most popular. You can buy this daily fiber for constipation in a variety of forms: capsules, drink mixes, herbal blends with additional colon cleanse support, and whole husks.

If you’re wondering how to use psyllium husk, it’s easy! Simply mix 1 level tablespoon into 12 ounces of your favorite juice or water and consume immediately since it thickens as it absorbs the fluid. In addition, be sure to drink plenty of fluid afterward and look forward to your daily bowel cleanse.

Flaxseed Oil for Constipation

Is flaxseed oil good for constipation? You bet it is! Flaxseed is another one of the very best colon cleanse products you can buy. And, it’s just as versatile as psyllium since it is also available in capsules, softgels, flaxseed meal, liquid oil, and ground flax. You can use flax oil for constipation, heart health and cardiovascular support, and it’s an excellent source of essential fatty acids.

Of the many flaxseed meal benefits to list, flax includes a rich nutritional profile that is high in plant-based omega-3 fats and it’s an excellent source of lignans, which help protect against disease. Flax may help improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and facilitate weight loss by improving digestion and cleansing the colon.

How to use ground flaxseed: One of the beauties of flaxseed is that you can cook and bake with it and even use it to make a vegan egg replacer. You can also mix it into water, juice, or smoothies, or even sprinkle it on anything you enjoy eating like yogurt and oatmeal. For a fiber supplement beverage, mix 1-2 tablespoons with 12 ounces of fluid. To make a vegan flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before use, which allows it time to thicken.

Lubricant Laxatives

Of all the natural laxatives for adults, lubricant laxatives top the charts. What is a lubricant laxative? It is generally an oily substance that has the ability to act as a natural stool softener. One of the best stool softener natural laxatives is cod liver oil.

Cod Liver Oil for Constipation

A major problem for those suffering from constipation is hard stools that are difficult to pass. This is how cod liver benefits as a stool softener. It helps lubricate the colon and softens the stool, which makes for an easier bowel movement. And not only is cod liver oil good for constipation, it is packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil has been the Norwegian secret to overall well-being for centuries. In Norway it is called tran and is used daily by the young and old alike. This lubricant laxative is most fresh when packaged as a liquid. If you’re worried about a fishy flavor, aftertaste, or burp, try Carlson’s Norwegian Cold Liver Oil, which has won awards for its fresh, lemon flavor.

A Few other Homemade Remedies for Constipation

If you don’t have any fiber supplements on-hand, and cod liver oil just isn’t your thing, remember coffee does the trick for many people. Brew a strong pot and drink up. Also, adding MCT oil or consuming other oily foods can help on a daily basis. Foods like coconut oil, avocado, and olive oil all help contribute those fatty acids that the digestive tract loves. And, taking a large dose of a vitamin C supplement can induce laxative-like effects—not that you’ll want to do that often, but it is relatively safe.

If you have any other ideas or natural remedies for constipation, please share them below in the comments. We’d love to hear your advice!

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