Constipation is usually associated with hardened stools and could be caused by the slow movement of materials through the large intestine, medication, low fiber diet, hormonal disorders, or high levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. Common symptoms include lower abdominal discomfort, hard or small stools, rectal bleeding, or a sense of incomplete evacuation.
Although most people know when they are constipated, some people just think they are. You can call yourself constipated if you have fewer than three bowel movements in a week, about a quarter of your bowel movements require straining, you feel like you still need to go, after at least a quarter of your bowel movements, when a quarter of your bowel movements produce hard, pellet-like stools.
The good news is that you can overcome constipation without medicine or a doctor’s help. Here are some sweet natural laxatives you can use to conquer constipation.
1. Honey
Honey is a very good laxative. It contains more fructose than glucose. When foods are higher in fructose than glucose, you aren't often able to digest and absorb fructose very well. Once your body gets rid of the undigested sugar, you will have a bowel movement. Mixing one to two tablespoons of honey in a glass of water is enough to get things moving again.
2. Apples
Apples are an amazing digestive aid. They contain a fiber called pectin, which absorbs water in your stomach and intestines, then swells into a gummy lump. The bulky mass improves constipation, because it helps get your bowels moving, and soften harder stools.
3. Bananas
The yellow ripe banana is chock-full of soluble fiber, which helps to bulk up stools and promote bowel movement. This delicious fruit is one of the best cures for constipation.
4. Raspberries
Raspberries are super-loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. These delicious fruits are good for regular bowel movements.
5. Blackberries
Love the taste of blackberries? You have some good news. These fruits have low calories, and are chock-full of essential nutrients and fiber. Also, they contain Xylitol, a special type of sugar which aids in digestion.
6. Pears
Pears are supercharged with essential nutrients. These delicious fruits contain a reasonable amount of vitamins and dietary fiber, which promotes bowel movement. It has an advantage of being low in calories, so you can eat as much as you want.
