Natural Remedies for Gas and Constipation

Digestive tract of the human body is fully loaded with bacteria from mouth to colon and so is a common site for a variety of infections. Digestive problems such as gas and constipation are usually caused by a faulty diet. A digestive problem, constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements that mean less than three in a week, and dry, hard stools which are very difficult to remove. Due to constipation, the body wastes do not get removed properly and certain toxins are also produced in the body which causes gas. If you experiences constipation and gas together, then it is mainly because of constipation.

All of these digestive problems can keep people from getting the nutrients that they require or from making good food choices. While suffering from constipation and gas together, some other symptoms are bad breath, abdominal pain, bloated stomach, headaches and indigestion. Constipation and gas like digestive problem can also responsible for other health conditions such as anal fissures and hemorrhoids, causing additional pain. People get constipated very easily with various conveniences but a large number constipation remedies are also there to treat it. A person can treat it with a few simple changes in lifestyle.

Causes of Constipation and Gas:

The main causes of constipation and gas are:

• Constipation and gas can be a side effect of a medicine.
• Stress and anxiety can cause constipation and gas.
• A change in diet or meal timings can lead to constipation and gas.
• Consuming a diet that deficit in fiber can result in constipation and gas.
• A bowel disorder can cause constipation and gas in an occasional person.
• Dehydration resulting from insufficient intake of fluids and water can also cause constipation.

Symptoms of constipation:

• Headache
• Nausea, loss of appetite
• Swelling, bloating or pain in the abdomen
• Dry over firm stools that are hard and painful to pass
• Feeling of sluggishness, lack of concentration
• No bowel movement after3 days for adults or 4 days fro children
• Feeling of fullness after having a bowel movement or of not being able to finish it

Symptoms of Gas and Gas Pain:

• Burping
• Passing gas
• Belching
• Abdominal bloating
• Pain or bloating in the abdomen

How Constipation and Gas are related with each other?

In constipation, the person’s stool become too hard that makes a challenge to pass. This can also lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures which can bring pain. At that time, the person experiences cramps and bowel sounds and flatulence, or gas. Constipation can be characterized by various symptoms including bowel movements that are infrequent at three times or less in a week, difficulty during a bowel movement due to the hard stools and the inability to complete the defecation.

With constipation, gas also takes place when there is pressure through the anus, and this pressure beat the sphincter’s ability to handle it. When feces are found in the rectum, flatulence can be present and so if a person is constipated, they are more likely to suffer from gas. When there is feces or any bacteria present, flatulence more likely have a foul odor. It can become painful for the individual if the gas builds up and constipation is more probable to take place if flatulence is held inside.

Remedies for Constipation and Gas:

Nowadays, many over the counter products are available in drug stores that can bring constipation and gas relief. The bulk-forming laxatives, stimulant laxatives, saline laxatives, lubricants and stool softeners are included in the typical constipation gas medicines. In addition to these medicines, many natural constipation remedies are also available which can prove very effective in curing constipation gas.

Natural Remedies for constipation and gas:

• Prune Juice:

For constipation, prune juice is very effective as prunes are a natural laxative. Prunes help the intestines to absorb more fluids. The dry stools caused due to constipation, become soft as there is an increased quantity of fluids in the intestines and so they are very easily removed. Prune juice can cure both constipation and gas. A pregnant woman suffering from constipation and gas is especially prescribed prune juice for relief.

• Aloe Vera Juice:

Drinking aloe vera juice for constipation can be very advantageous. Aloe vera stimulates the bowels and thereby aids in frequent removal of the feces. The gas gets cured by itself when the constipation is cured. In addition to juice, raising the water intake to 2-3 liters per day to rehydrate the body can prove very advantageous too.

Other fresh juices which act as natural laxative and so help to relieve constipation include:

1. Apple cider vinegar juice
2. Carrot juice
3. Spinach juice
4. Grapefruit juice
5. Asparagus juice
6. Lemon juice and hot water
7. Combination of fresh pear and apple juice
8. Combination of orange juice and olive oil

• Dietary Changes:

As a constipation and gas relief remedy, you can include lots of fiber in the diet. So, consume lots of high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, whole grains and prunes. A high fiber diet helps to increase the bulk of the stools and so they can be eliminated easily. Additionally, you can also eat foods that are rich in sorbitol for example apples, raspberries, apricots, prunes and grapes. Sorbitol helps in stool softening and so it makes the removal process easier. The constipation relief foods include broccoli, cauliflower, potato, honey, cabbage, spinach, oatmeal, asparagus, apricots, papayas, flaxseeds, yogurt, almonds, green beans and the various bran based foods.

• Yoga & Exercises:

To cure constipation and gas, incorporation of some physical activities for example running, jogging, swimming or any kind of exercise in the daily schedule can also help. Constipation and gas in infants can be really relieved with some simple leg exercises. For this, simply make the baby lie on his back and move his legs in a cyclic motion. The bowel movements will be stimulated by this exercise and so it helps in curing constipation in infants. If constipation is caused by anxiety and stress, then doing yoga under a trained yoga professional may surely help you to relieve this.

Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if the constipation and gas symptoms are refused to go and escorted by severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Prevention of Constipation and Gas:

• Drink plenty of water- at least 8 glasses of water everyday.
• Eliminate foods and snacks sweetened with fructose or sorbitol.
• Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don’t over eat.
• Try tofu a soy food for a good source of protein, it is easier to digest than beans.
• If you do use canned beans wash them first. Adding beans are over the counter digestive aid.
• Soak dry beans overnight in water, then pour out the water and replace it with fresh water for cooking. Ensure to cook the beans until they are soft.
• Take a walk after meals. Mild exercise enhances digestion and helps to move gas through the system faster and also regulate your bowel movements.
• Also, avoid carbonated drinks and don’t chew gum or drink through a straw. These can put extra air in the system.
• Consume lots of fiber by eating at least 5 servings a day of fresh fruits vegetables and other sources like beans, nuts, bran and other whole grain cereals, dry fruits like raisins and prunes.
• Try acupuncture. Put your fingertips below the navel and gently push in about an inch. Hold for 3 minutes while taking deep slow breaths.

Natural Treatments for Constipation video from Youtube: