All stopped up with no way to go? While we may joke about constipation, it is no laughing matter. Besides the obvious, there are the headaches, bloating and stomach pains to suffer.

Constipation also leads to hemorrhoids. In addition to these problems, if chronic this illness can lower the body’s ability to absorb nutrition which can lead to numerous other problems.

So what causes constipation? The most common causes are too little fiber, we drink too little water, and we get too little exercise… yes, a sedentary lifestyle is a major contributor to chronic constipation.
 
•Drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed. In case of severe constipation mix two teaspoons of castor oil in the milk.
•Drinking lemon juice mixed with warm water two to three times a day eases constipation.

• Soak one date (seed removed) overnight in half a cup of water. In the morning mash the date with water and remove the pulp. Take one teaspoon of this water three or four times a day.

•Drink a solution of 1/2 tsp honey in 1/2 cup warm water 2-3 times a day to cure constipation.
•Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/2 cup orange juice and drink to cure constipation.
•Drink one liter of warm water and walk around for a few minutes early morning.
• Take 3 tsp of psyllium husk in milk or warm water at bed time. It is also good for constipation relief.
•Add plenty of fruits, vegetables and salads in your diet. Chew food thoroughly and eat only when hungry.
•Raisins: A tasty snack and a healthy addition in your fight against constipation. A couple of small hands full will give you 3-4 grams of fiber. Raisins also have a special acid that acts as a natural laxative.
•Senna tea w/prunes: Senna is a herb you will find in most health food stores in readymade tea bags. Many drink the tea alone as a natural laxative.

But even more effective is to take five prunes and place them in a cup and enough hot water to cover the prunes. Place the senna tea bag in the water and brew 7 – 10 minutes. Refrigerate overnight and eat and drink all the next morning. One or two of these will usually get you going.

•Water: We often think of water as something unimportant in our daily diet.
The truth is if you take a moment to think about it, this important nutrient makes up 70% of our body.
You could live for weeks without food, but only days without water. It is a key component in active bowel movements. You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
•Orange juice when taken empty stomach in the morning would be favorable in treating constipation.
•Mix equal quantities of carrot juice and spinach juice in a glass. Intake this combination at bedtime. It would cure constipation problem.

—
Ammarah
Radio Islam
+27118547022
ammarah@radioislam.co.za
www.radioislam.co.za