Natural solutions to ease constipation
From babies to elders, constipation is one of the most common and uncomfortable issues that we experience. Whether your constipation is caused by menstruation, illness or as a side-effect from medication, it is usually a sign that the body is not working as optimally as possible.
According to Medical News Today, constipation occurs when one has “difficulty emptying the large bowel”. The most common time that many experience constipation is when ill, engaging in an imbalanced diet and when taking medication such as antibiotics or anti-depressants. If this is something that you or a loved one often struggle with, then rest assured, there are a myriad of holistic approaches you can take to cure your constipation.
Symptoms to look out for
While the obvious sign of constipation is the inability to pass stool, other symptoms include straining when passing stool, a decrease in stool activity, bloating, pain and cramping in the abdomen and feeling nauseous. Severe constipation can make these symptoms worse, causing anal bleeding, fissures and even haemorrhoids which might need medical attention.
Probiotics
Taking a probiotic every morning can be incredibly beneficial to good gut health. Probiotics are not just important to take whilst on a course of antibiotics but should ideally be taken every day. The Avalife™ Daily Flora Balance is a symbiotic formula containing premium probiotic strains that yield 3 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) and is specially formulated to help maintain daily gut health. It also helps to address the major cause of improper digestion and compromised gut health, helping to prevent constipation in the long term.
The importance of food and Increasing fibre
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: following a healthy, balanced diet is key in treating a range of problems and digestive issues, with constipation being one of them. Eating a diet rich in natural, dietary fibres such as berries, fruits and grains can help clear the colon and keep it working optimally.
Foods such as barley, oats, nuts, seeds, vegetables and probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut and kimchi can also help to bring the body back into natural balance by aiding in releasing the bowels. Interestingly, good quality coffee can also help one pass stools since it stimulates the muscles in the digestive system.
If one does suffer from constipation on a regular basis, then steering clear of highly processed and fatty foods such as cheese, meat, take-outs and even eggs can aid in healing the digestive tract. Of course, eating in moderation is key to maintaining good gut health but slowing down on processed foods once signs of constipation start can help a great deal in the initial prevention.
Keep your body moving
Did you know that exercising is not only good for keeping fit and keeping your heart healthy but that it also helps to prevent constipation? According to Harvard Health, “people who exercise regularly generally don’t develop constipation. Basically, the colon responds to activity. Good muscle tone, in general, is important for regular bowel movements” they go on to say that interestingly, “the abdominal wall muscles and the diaphragm all play a crucial role in the process of defecation. If these muscles are weak, they’re not going to be able to do the job as well.”
Keep your body moving
Did you know that exercising is not only good for keeping fit and keeping your heart healthy but that it also helps to prevent constipation? According to Harvard Health, “people who exercise regularly generally don’t develop constipation. Basically, the colon responds to activity. Good muscle tone, in general, is important for regular bowel movements” they go on to say that interestingly, “the abdominal wall muscles and the diaphragm all play a crucial role in the process of defecation. If these muscles are weak, they’re not going to be able to do the job as well.”
Herbal supplements to help
Besides taking probiotics, exercising and eating a diet rich in fibre; you can also help your gut and digestive system by regularly taking herbal supplements to help. We recommend the Avalife™ Bowel Clear as it was created using Gutgard®, a unique Liquorice root extract, a differentiated active ingredient. This product is designed to gently and effectively help with occasional constipation and indigestion as it is a gentle laxative that can provide quick relief.
We also recommend the Avalife™ Good Gut as it helps to balance stomach health with a combination of Gutgard®, an innovative Liquorice root extract, and other Ayurvedic herbs to help maintain a perfect balance of your gut. It also helps with occasional gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, acidity and constipation.
Remember to keep hydrated, eat a balanced diet and exercise often to keep the body and digestive tract working optimally.
References
Harvard Health Publishing | Common causes of constipation | Feb 15, 2021 |
Medical News Today | What to know about constipation | Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Adam Felman on November 13, 2019 | https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150322#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
Medical News Today | 13 home remedies for constipation | Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH — Written by Helen West — Updated on July 15, 2020| |https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318694
