Constipation is a very common digestive disorder that affects people of all ages. Some of the main causes of constipation are poor diet, inadequate fluid intake, lack of physical activity, stress, intake of certain medications, caffeine and alcohol. If you have constipation more than occasionally or have severe pain or bleeding, it’s important to check-in with your doctor as these symptoms can be a sign of a more serious digestive disorder. However, in most cases constipation is just a sign that your diet needs more fibre and nutrition and that your body needs adequate hydration. Here are the top drinks that can help relieve your constipation:
WATER
Along with fibre and getting regular exercise, drinking enough water is the most important factor in relieving constipation. Water is critical to help stool move easily through the colon. The colon’s main job is to reabsorb water. If you’re a bit dehydrated, your stool will be harder and more difficult to pass. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, and fill up on foods with a high water content.
GINGER MINT TEA
Mint and ginger are both proven home remedies to help alleviate a slew of digestive problems. Peppermint contains menthol, which has an antispasmodic effect that relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. Ginger is a “warming” herb that causes the inside of the body to generate more heat; herbalists say this can help speed up sluggish digestion. In tea, the hot water will also stimulate digestion and help relieve constipation.
How to make: All you need to do is boil 1 inch ginger and few mint leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain. Consume warm 2 times a day.
LEMON WATER
The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a stimulant to your digestive system and can help flush toxins from your body. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of water every morning, or add lemon to tea; you may find that the refreshingly tart water not only acts as a natural remedy to your constipation but also that it helps you drink more water each day, which will improve your long-term digestion.
DRY FRUIT SHAKE
Dried fruits, such as dates, figs, prunes, apricots, and raisins, are another great source of dietary fibre that acts as constipation relief. Prunes, in particular, are great because they not only are high in fibre, but also contain sorbitol, which is a natural laxative. Like fibre, sorbitol is a type of carbohydrate and has a molecular structure similar to sugar. Fibre isn’t digested and so it retains water as it passes through your gut. The water softens your stool helping relieve constipation.
How to make: Chop dried fruits like dates, figs, prunes, apricots, and raisins. Combine 1 cup chopped dry fruits and 1 ½ cup milk. Blend it together and add honey if you like. Consume chilled.
FLAX SEED WATER
Flax seed has many medicinal properties along with tons of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Also, flaxseed has a laxative property, which can be very useful in curing mild to very serious cases of constipation.
How to make: Mix one tablespoon of flax seed in a glass of water and allow it to rest for two to three hours. Drink the water daily before going to bed. In the morning, your bowel movement will be much better.
RAW SPINACH JUICE
Spinach is really good for the digestive tract, especially when you are suffering from constipation. Raw spinach has various components that can cleanse, reconstruct and regenerate the whole intestinal tract. If you have severe constipation, drink a mixture of one-half glass of raw spinach juice and one-half glass of water, twice daily. Within a few days, you will get much relief.