Constipation: natural remedies and cures

Constipation is defined as unsatisfactory defecation characterized by infrequent stools, difficult stool passage or both. This common disorder, about 10 million Italians suffer from it (especially women and older adults), does not allow the total or partial emptying of the last part of the digestive tract.

Unfortunately, it often happens that those who suffer from constipation, even chronic constipation, overlook the disorder. Cases of constipation can occur occasionally due to incorrect habits. For example, a diet low in fiber can cause a slowing in the passage of stool. However, if the disorder lasts for a long time or if it is associated with other symptoms, it would be a good idea to restore the correct intestinal motility. Constipation could, in fact, compromise our health and bring to other medical conditions.

What are the causes of constipation?

Several factors, related primarily to our lifestyle, can lead to constipation. These include:

• Lack of regular physical activity
• Poor hydration
• Delaying the impulse to have a bowel movement
• Low consumption of foods high in fiber (fruits and vegetables) and high in meat, milk, or cheese
• Excessive consumption of sugars
• Frequent use of some medications, such as high calcium antacids and pain medications
• Anxiety, stress, psychiatric, hormonal, metabolic disorders
• Intestinal disturbances such as volvulus, longer intestine, diverticula
• Pregnancy

If constipation is accompanied by symptoms such as blood in the stool, fever, vomiting, cramps and abdominal pain, or alternates with diarrhea, you should contact your doctor immediately.

10 natural remedies for constipation

Natural remedies to treat constipation are often recommended to restore intestinal regularity. It is necessary to start from a modification of the incorrect lifestyle, which includes:

1. Do not postpone the need for defecation
2. Avoid stiving to defecate
3. Use a booster seat to rest your feet on during the sessions
4. Practice regular physical activity
5. Eat some natural laxative foods rich in fiber, such as prunes
6. Drink enough water (at least 2 liters every day)
7. Use medication only when needed and on medical advice
8. Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee
9. Try avoiding dairy
10. Eat probiotic & prebiotic foods or supplements

The most recommended foods in case of constipation are those that contain a good amount of fibers, especially soluble and non-fermentable ones. These include fruit, fresh vegetables, legumes, whole grains and flax seeds.

Some natural remedies that can be easily prepared at home to combat constipation are:

• Soak flax seeds in a glass of water in the evening before bedtime. A gelatinous mass will have formed in the morning which should facilitate evacuation.
• Drinking lukewarm water and lemon in the early morning, on an empty stomach after waking up, should stimulate bowel cleansing.

In addition to these tips, if occasionally the disorder appears, we can help ourselves with natural supplements

Natural laxatives to fight constipation

To combat constipation, there are different types of products. They contain active principles that stimulate bowel movements such as:

• osmotic laxatives such as psyllium seeds, which attract water to the intestine by increasing the volume of stool
• irritating laxative such as castor oil
• anorectal products such as anal douche

As you can imagine, the more effective the remedy, the more side effects also increase. In fact, we recommend the use of irritating laxatives only in case of extreme need. Also because the intake of this type of products is not a pleasant experience!

Some plants have distinctly anti-constipation properties. Among these, the most used as natural remedies for constipation are:

1. Figs, a valid natural ally that, especially if consumed dried, because they bring a high amount of fiber that facilitates evacuation.
2. Manna, which, thanks to the presence of mannitol inside the plant, exerts a laxative action.
3. Mallow, a well-known intestinal anti-inflammatory. It has also a gentle laxative action since it is rich in mucilage. Mucilage form a sort of gel that can be useful as a stool softener.
4. Senna, “re-educator” of the lazy intestine. The presence of active ingredients slightly irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, thus promoting evacuation.
5. Frangula, which in its cortex contains anthraquinone glycosides which stimulate intestinal peristalsis
6. Licorice, which is a natural ally of disorders related in case of constipation thanks to its mild laxative function.

The number 1 laxative syrup

There are various types of supplements against constipation on the market, including:

• dietary fiber supplements, such as bran, gums and mucilage
• lipid-based food supplements, such as castor oil
• plant-based supplements, such as Senna, Frangula, and Malva

Vado Figs and Manna syrup is a unique laxative product. It combines the osmotic effect, given by dried figs and manna, with the laxative effect of frangula and senna (present in small quantities).

This innovative formula allows the effectiveness of irritating laxatives but without the side effects of these. The formulation of Vado syrup is then completed by fennel, mallow and licorice with the aim of restoring normal intestinal function.

Vado syrup free the intestines in a sweet but effective way without creating conditions of urgency or irritation. It is recommended to take a teaspoon of Vado syrup in the evening before bedtime. In the morning the stimulus will be felt and this will allow you to free yourself in a single bowel motion.

Vado Figs and Manna syrup is sold in the best pharmacies and herbalists. It is available in the 150ml format or in the new format of 10 sticks of 2.5 ml of product.