Constipation is super uncomfortable, especially when it is ongoing.
Today, we talk about how to naturally relieve constipation and how specific herbs and botanicals can help support natural motility in a way that helps to solve vs. mask the problem.
We define constipation as having less than 1-2 daily bowel movements. Yes, that may seem like a surprise, but having daily bowel movements is a sign of good health, and ideally, we like our clients to have 1-2 daily bowel movements. This ensures that our body is naturally detoxing and eliminating.
When we are not eliminating on a daily basis, our kidneys, liver, and lymphatic system have to work in overdrive to compensate, not to mention hormones and toxins are reabsorbed if not eliminated.
Did you know that we should be eliminating over two pounds of toxins daily to keep up with the toxic burden of today’s world?
Constipation can arise as a direct result of any of the following root causes:
It is important to get to the root cause of why someone may be struggling with constipation or irregularity.
However, we know that finding relief when having a flare up of constipation is essential.
Enter our list of 9 tried-and-true remedies for overcoming constipation.
Staying properly hydrated can be very beneficial in relieving constipation. We recommend drinking at least 34 oz of water for every 50 lbs of body weight every day.
A simple glass of warm water and lemon in the morning can have profound effects on our digestion and motility. The bitter taste in lemons helps activate important enzyme which help flush the body of toxins.
Ginger tea can be equally powerful as warm water and lemon, as it is known to increase our hydrochloric acid, relieving uncomfortable gas and bloating.
Eating fiber-rich foods is also important in the prevention and relief of constipation. While we all know the benefits of fiber for our hormones, digestion, and elimination, we often do not meet the dietary recommendations of 25-40 grams a day. Dietary fiber is the plant material, which is left undigested after passing through the digestive system.
There Are Two Main Sources Of Fiber:
Soluble fiber is the kind which dissolves in water and becomes a gel-like substance, allowing it to bind with toxins and help stabilize our blood sugar.
Sources of soluble fiber include:
(Note: For delicious chia seed pudding, check out the recipe down below.)
Insoluble fiber is the opposite of soluble fiber, as it does not dissolve in water. It has a laxative effect and can help feed healthy bacteria in your colon.
Sources of insoluble fiber include:
To learn more about fiber, check out our blog all about fiber and how it can change your life.
Magnesium supplementation can be a great option when struggling with constipation, as it relaxes the nervous system and promotes motility. The great thing about magnesium is that the results are often very quick.
We recommend the citrate form of magnesium during times of constipation and slowly increase the dosage (typically between 600-800 mg) until results are achieved (you will know when you have taken too much!). We like CALM, which is a powdered form of magnesium citrate that allows you to customize your dose.
Triphala is a supplement comprised of three antioxidant-rich fruits:
Triphala is an ayurvedic herb, which naturally supports regularity and has a gentle cleansing effect on the intestinal lining. Triphala is one of our most favorite herbs when cleaning the digestive system and anyone who is struggling with slow bowels. It is safe, gentle, and highly effective because it moistens and nourishes the lining of the intestines vs. scrapes them as laxatives can do. Over time, Triphala helps to heal and restore the lining of the intestines.
If other options don't seem to be getting things moving, try drinking Smooth Move tea before bed. Smooth Move Tea is made up of herbs that have natural laxative effects.
Please note, we do not recommend drinking this tea on a regular basis, as it should only be used for a period of 1-3 days during acute constipation.
Neurotransmitter support can be a game-changer for:
There is such a strong connection between our gut and brain via the vagus nerve. By supporting with amino acid therapy, we can re-engage and recalibrate the brain to promote motility and gut health once again. Our favorite neurological supplements to achieve this reconnection are CALM and Neurosyn.
Creating a morning and evening ritual or routine can really have profound effects on your stress levels as well as regularity.
In the morning, coffee enemas can be helpful when dealing with bowel impaction; they also stimulate the liver and colon for the release of toxins.
Consider adding a Squatty Potty to your toilet, studies show that optimal position and hip flexion provides less struggle and strain, resulting in optimal elimination.
A morning walk before breakfast can promote regularity. Walking and movement are very important for our lymphatic system.
Try one of the morning elixir recipes below; these are full of ingredients which can help promote regularity and bowel movement.
Free Flow Aloe Elixir:
Ingredients:
Directions:
Free Flow Coffee Elixir:
Directions:
Vanilla Chia-Seed Pudding:
Chia seeds are a wonderful fiber-rich seed, they feed good gut bacteria and promote bowel movement. Add pink salt for trace minerals, collagen to help heal the gut lining, and cinnamon to balance your blood sugar, and this is a gut health breakfast of champions.
Ingredients:
Directions:
This is a list of our go-to constipation remedies, let us know if any of these tips work for you!
Remember, having 1-2 bowel movements daily is the gold standard. If you’re not regular, we highly recommend finding out why so you can address the root cause and be done with annoying constipation!
