Baking soda is a household staple used to clean all sorts of surfaces, from stainless steel sinks to stovetops. But as it turns out, baking soda can clean your colon, too!

You heard that right. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has been used as an antacid for decades. An antacid is a substance that reduces the acidity in your stomach to relieve digestive problems like constipation.

Constipation can occur to anyone at any time. But you’re more likely to feel constipated if you haven’t been getting enough fiber from your foods or if you’re dehydrated.

Read on to learn more about using baking soda for constipation.

Feeling backed up? Use baking soda

Below are the two main ways you can use baking soda to treat constipation.

• Drinking a baking soda solution – Drinking water mixed with baking soda is said to promote bowel movement by causing your digestive tract to contract. To make the solution, dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Stir well and drink the solution to quickly relieve constipation.
• Soaking in a baking soda bath – You can also prepare a bath with baking soda and soak in that for a few minutes. The idea is that baking soda will help relieve discomfort and promote bowel movement. Just fill a tub as usual and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Get in the tub once it dissolves.

Take note that in rare cases, baking soda can cause some side effects, such as vomiting, spasms, irritability and weakened muscles. When in doubt about using baking soda, consult a natural health practitioner.

Other natural home remedies for constipation

Besides baking soda, there are other home remedies for treating constipation. These include:

1. Sesame seeds – Thanks to their natural oils, sesame seeds help moisturize your intestines and loosen up dry stools that may be making you feel constipated. Sprinkle sesame seeds over your salads, yogurt or grain bowls.
2. Ginger tea – Ginger is a tried-and-tested remedy for digestive problems like constipation. Ginger works by warming up your body, which helps stimulate digestion and relieves discomfort caused by constipation. Peppermint and dandelion teas are great alternatives because they have a similar effect.
3. Molasses – Sweet, smoky molasses can help soften dry or hardened stool, as shown by a 2019 study. Blackstrap molasses is ideal for treating constipation since it has magnesium, which helps relieve digestive discomfort. A tablespoon of molasses before bed should suffice for constipation relief.
4. Avocado – Creamy avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help lubricate your intestines, thereby relieving constipation. Season fresh avocado slices with salt and pepper for a quick snack, add them to your salad or mash them up for an easy sandwich spread.
5. Coffee – Drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee can stimulate bowel movement. Caffeine causes your intestinal muscles to contract, which then moves stool toward the rectum. Note that caffeinated drinks are dehydrating and can worsen constipation if consumed in excess. Drink plenty of water after drinking coffee.
6. Prunes – Prunes are a go-to remedy for constipation and other digestive problems. Besides their high fiber content, prunes contain a plant compound that stimulates intestinal contraction. Enjoy prunes alone as a healthy snack or add them to your breakfast oatmeal.
7. Raisins – Raisins can give you fiber, which helps move stools along your intestine. Raisins also contain tartaric acid, which has a laxative effect. Mix raisins with nuts, dark chocolate chips and dried fruits for a healthy trail mix.
8. Exercise – Regular exercise helps keep your bowel movement regular. That said, exercise can be difficult if you feel constipated. Go for gentler exercises like stretching, walking or — if you feel you can handle it — jogging. You can also practice yoga.
9. Castor oil – Castor oil is a natural laxative. It is derived from the castor bean and can be taken orally to stimulate bowel movement. Take no more than two teaspoons of castor oil on an empty stomach to treat constipation. You should see results in about eight hours.
10. Lemon – Lemon contains citric acid, which helps boost digestion and flushes toxins out of your body. To relieve constipation, drink a glass of lemon-infused water or fresh lemon juice in the morning.

Though often no cause for concern, feeling constipated isn’t a pleasant experience. The good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies you can use to ease constipation. To prevent constipation in the future, add more fiber-rich foods to your diet and make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

ReadersDigest.ca