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Constipation is a common health complaint that can be treated naturally with aloe vera, a versatile superfood. The next time you’re suffering from constipation, get some aloe vera and try some of the suggestions below.

What causes constipation?

Here are some of the common causes of constipation:

Not using the bathroom when you need to

If you hold the urge to have a bowel movement, the desire to do so gradually goes away. But the longer you delay a bowel movement, the drier and harder the stool will become. Not using the bathroom when you need to can also increase the risk of fecal impaction.

Being dehydrated

You may become constipated if you don’t get enough water. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water or other liquids like tea, naturally sweetened fruit, vegetable juices and clear soups.

Note that some liquids can increase the risk of dehydration and make your constipation worse. If you are prone to constipation, limit your intake of caffeinated sodas, coffee and alcohol.

Changes in routine

When you travel, your daily routine changes and this can affect your digestive system.

In an article published in 2008, researchers talked to 83 people about the digestive changes they experienced while traveling outside of the United States. They found that nine percent of travelers experienced constipation when they visited another country.

Eating, using the bathroom and going to bed at different times than usual may increase your risk of constipation.

Physical inactivity

Not exercising regularly can also cause constipation. According to research, physically fit people, such as marathon runners, are less likely to experience constipation compared to less active people. However, experts have yet to determine the exact reason for this.

If you spend several days or weeks lying in bed or sitting in a chair for work, you may have a higher risk of developing constipation.

Not getting enough dietary fiber

Following a balanced diet and getting enough dietary fiber can make you less likely to experience constipation. Getting enough fiber is important because it helps promote regular bowel movements, especially if you’re in the habit of drinking a lot of water.

Boost your intake of dietary fiber by eating high fiber foods like:

• Fruits
• Lentils, chickpeas and other legumes
• Nuts
• Vegetables
• Whole grains

Prevent constipation by avoiding these low fiber foods:

• High-fat foods like cheese and meat
• Highly processed foods like white bread
• Fast foods, chips and other junk foods

Aloe vera for constipation relief

Constipation is a painful and chronic gastrointestinal problem. There are many ways to treat constipation, but aloe vera is a natural remedy that can help stimulate and soften stools to return normal bowel function.

Here are four ways to use aloe vera to relieve constipation:

1. Harvest pure aloe vera gel from an organically grown plant and combine it with fruit juice. Drink the liquid to treat constipation. Raw aloe gel is more concentrated than commercially available aloe vera juices, so use only two tablespoons at a time.
2. If you suffer from chronic constipation, drink aloe vera juice regularly. Chronic gastrointestinal disorders are usually caused by a candida fungal infection of the digestive tract. Consuming aloe vera may help because it has antifungal properties that helps fight candida and promotes digestive health.
3. Take aloe vera in dried latex capsules to soften stools. You can buy aloe vera capsules at most health food stores. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations for best results.
4. Try an aloe vera detox formula to clean your colon of fecal matter and harmful toxins. Commercial preparations of these formulas can be taken several times a day for a few weeks to help clean the full length of your colon. Taking aloe vera can also help restore the beneficial bacteria in your colon.

Preventing constipation

Following a balanced diet and staying hydrated is the best way to prevent constipation.

Consume more dietary fiber to treat constipation and prevent recurrent episodes. Boost your fiber intake by changing your eating habits or taking fiber supplements.

Stay hydrated. Try to drink eight glasses of water a day to soften your stool and make elimination easier. Consuming the right amount of fluids can help stool leave the colon with ease. You can also drink fresh fruit juice or eat hydrating fruits or vegetables like cucumbers and watermelons.

Consume fresh and dried fruit. Fruits, particularly dried fruits, are full of dietary fiber and can help relieve constipation. If you suffer from constipation on a regular basis, eat fruits like apples, bananas, figs, prunes and raisins.

Eat lots of veggies. Vegetables are naturally rich in dietary fiber and can help prevent constipation. Legumes, pinto beans and leafy vegetables are full of fiber, so incorporate them into your regular diet for constipation relief and prevention.

Eat whole grains. Prevent constipation by eating barley, ground flaxseed, oatmeal, wheat bran cereal and whole-grain bread. Try to consume at least 35 grams of fiber a day for better digestive health.

You can prevent constipation by consuming fruits and veggies that are rich in dietary fiber. If you’re already constipated, try using aloe vera to relieve your condition.

Sources:

Homeo-Pathic.esy.es

MedicalNewsToday.com

EverydayHealth.com