4 Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation Naturally, Without Traditional Laxatives

• Millions of Americans are constipated due to working from home, traveling and aging.
• Unfortunately, the United States is also experiencing a shortage of laxatives.
• These natural laxatives, including psyllium husk and senna, may be helpful.

Laxatives have become a popular product, leading to a shortage of laxatives across the United States.

More people are relying on laxatives than usual due to an aging population, hybrid working and increased travel, all of which can contribute to constipation.

Another cause of the laxative shortage: TikTok users are promoting laxatives for weight loss.

All of these factors can make common laxative medications, like Miralax and Ducolax, more difficult to find.

Fortunately, there are a number of natural alternatives for relief from constipation which are still readily available.

Here are four natural laxatives that can help treat constipation.

Psyllium husk

Irina Petrakova

Most Americans consume only half of their recommended daily fiber intake.

Taking psyllium husk can be a great way to get more fiber in your diet and relieve constipation.

Psyllium husk is a type of fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata shrub native to South Asia.

Psyllium husk is a type of bulk laxative that helps retain fluid in stool, Dr. Linda Nguyen, a spokesperson for the American Gastroenterological Association, previously told Insider via email. This water retention makes bowel movements easier.

Dr. Wendi LeBrett, a gastroenterology specialist who runs a TikTok under the name @socalgastrodoc, previously told Insider that she recommends people try incorporating more forms of fiber, like psyllium husk, into their diet. diet before trying laxatives.

Psyllium husk has only two disadvantages. First, you may need to take it for a few days before it works, LeBrett said. It also has a slimy texture when mixed with water, which some people find unpleasant.

Senna

Suriani

Senna is a stimulant laxative, a type of laxative that works by causing intestinal muscles to contract and expel stool.

Derived from Alexandrian Senna shrubSenna can be taken in many forms, from a capsule to a liquid to A tea. It usually produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours, but should not be used for more than a week without a doctor’s approval, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Although stimulant laxatives like Senna can be used “from time to time,” LeBrett told Insider, long-term use can affect gut motility. In other words, repeated use of stimulant laxatives can cause your intestines to have difficulty expelling stool on their own.

Laxative teas

Arthur Kozlov

In addition to teas containing senna, there are other teas that may be helpful in relieving constipation.

Dr. Peter P. Stanich, a gastroenterologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Insider that he has seen patients benefit from laxative teas containing natural laxatives.

Some teas that may have natural laxative properties include dandelion rootpeppermint tea, green tea and black tea, depending on Medical news today. However, many of these teas still need to be studied further to determine their effectiveness.

Teas can also help relieve constipation simply by hydrating the body and allowing more water to be drawn into the stool.

Prunes and prune juice

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According to Cleveland ClinicPrune juice holds “legendary status” when it comes to relieving constipation and for good reason too.

A Study 2022 found that prune juice effectively and safely treated chronic constipation without causing negative side effects.

The reason prune juice works is because it contains sorbitola type of carbohydrate known as sugar alcohol, which can draw water from your colon into your stool.

Eating dried prunes may be even more effective than prune juice, because dried prunes contain twice the amount of sorbitol and a higher concentration of fiber. Other foods that help with constipation include kiwis, mango, and dragon fruit.