How to get rid of constipation at home quickly: 16 best remedies

A glass of kefir at night

Before going to bed, 1-2 hours before bed, drink a glass of kefir, maybe slightly warmed up, but always fresh, better than a one-day product - a three-day product is no longer suitable, it has a strengthening, not a laxative effect. In addition, fresh kefir contains more live lactic acid bacteria, which are very useful for normal intestinal function. Overnight, the bacteria contained in kefir will prepare the intestines for morning bowel movements.

What will urgently help with constipation?

There are various ways to relieve constipation, and the choice of the appropriate method should be based on the reason for the delay in bowel movement.

One of the emergency methods is an enema. There are oil and salt enemas, and some resources have recommendations for administering herbal infusions. However, if you choose such a remedy, it is better to prefer warm boiled water. Some oils can worsen the condition, and salts are irritating to the mucous membranes.

An enema changes the normal intestinal microflora, so you should never resort to it frequently. In addition, regular enemas will lead to a weakening of the sensitivity of the walls of the rectum and to its stretching with feces.

The enema must be done while lying on your side. Try to introduce water carefully, avoiding sudden movements. It is better to avoid this method in case of proctogenic constipation, when there are anal fissures, exacerbation of hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, etc.

An alternative to an enema is local laxatives: microenemas, glycerin-based rectal suppositories. They have a local irritant effect and stimulate rapid bowel movement.

In some cases, such drugs contribute to severe irritation of the mucous membranes, causing a burning sensation and discomfort in the anorectal area, so it is better to consult a doctor.

Let's talk about what will help with severe constipation associated with intestinal dysbiosis. The doctor may prescribe a complex of live probiotic bacteria to normalize stool. This method can hardly be called emergency, since normalization of the flora will take some time. But for the purpose of preventing violations, it is excellent.

To provide yourself with quick help in an uncomplicated situation, if constipation persists for no more than 2-3 days, taking a glass of kefir will help. Choose only a fresh product, as yesterday’s kefir will only worsen the situation.

Plain clean water can change the consistency of stool. Mineral water can also be used in consultation with your doctor. Since constipation is often accompanied by increased gas formation and bloating, it is better to prefer still mineral water.

Drinking clean water is an effective method in cases where defecation delay is caused by diseases of the stomach, gall bladder, liver, etc. However, mineral water comes in different forms, and the choice of a specific type should be made by a specialist. His recommendations will allow you to get the best therapeutic effect.

Warm mineral water

Some mineral waters containing sulfates enhance the motor function of the intestines throughout its entire length. If there are no contraindications from the stomach or other organs (it is better to consult a doctor about this), you can drink this water on an empty stomach in the morning. Take 0.5 liters of mineral water, having first opened and released the gas from it. Heat gently to a pleasant, non-burning temperature and drink in small sips with a teaspoon of honey. Then lie down for a while, or at least spend half an hour in a calm environment. The result will not be long in coming.

Infusion of buckthorn, senna and rhubarb

Many plants have a strong laxative effect. The most effective of them are rhubarb root, buckthorn bark and senna leaves. Any of these remedies or their combinations can be prepared as an infusion or decoction (fill with cold water and hold in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes) and taken before bed. These plants act on the large intestine, so the effect begins only after 7-12 hours.

The most effective means

The effect of the most effective remedies for constipation can be noticed within 7-8 hours after administration. These include drugs that affect intestinal motility and stimulate spontaneous excretion of feces. The most effective are considered:

1. "Bisacodyl" . The drug is available in different forms, used both orally and rectally. Its special structure does not affect the intestine itself, but its contents, making it more liquid. This way you can quickly get rid of constipation.
2. "Fitomucil" . The sachets of the drug contain fibers that grow several times in the intestines, turning into a gel. They attract moisture from the body and soften hardened stool. In this case, the process of defecation takes place without pain. The drug requires caution and is not allowed for use by elderly people.
3. "Fortrans" . This drug is an excellent way to combat acute constipation. Can only be used after reaching 18 years of age.

Another group of effective drugs is prebiotics. They stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria while attracting water into the intestines. The most famous of them is Duphalac. It not only removes stagnant contents from the intestines, but also normalizes the microbiological balance of the body.

There are a number of drugs that are recommended for use by older people. These include Vegaprat, which does not flush important substances from the body. If you feel addictive, you can pick up “Normaze”, “Fitolax”.

Whole grain bread and cereals

The main cause of constipation, not complicated by medical pathology, is a lack of coarse fiber and plant fibers in food. A lack of coarse fiber contributes to chronic constipation, in which food debris along with the toxins they contain continue to accumulate in the intestines and adversely affect its mucous membrane for a long time. To help the intestines, one of the main dishes in your diet should be porridge - oatmeal is best, but you can alternate it with buckwheat, rice, millet and others. Regular porridge, and not cereals and muesli, especially oatmeal eaten for breakfast, has a beneficial effect on the intestines and promotes proper and regular bowel movements.

Whole grain bread works the same way. If constipation has already become a serious, regular problem, try eating porridge and whole grain bread for a week - the problem will resolve itself. In addition, if you are predisposed to constipation, exclude strong tea, coffee, chocolate, rice and semolina porridge, and white butter bread from your diet.

Causes

The modern rhythm of life does not leave time to eat properly. And correctly - this is fractional, at least 4-5 times a day, with a sufficient amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in the menu. It is important to steam or boil dishes, eat less fried and smoked foods, and give up fast food and processed foods. It is necessary to drink up to 2 liters of water per day, have healthy snacks, and give up strong tea and coffee.

It is quite difficult to adhere to such a diet, so constipation is a common problem for adult residents of metropolitan areas. An argument in favor of the fact that poor nutrition is the most popular cause of defecation disorders: in most cases, correcting the diet and drinking regime, taking fiber or drugs based on it can quickly cope with the problem.

There are also less common causes of constipation:

• inflammatory diseases and structural changes in the organs of the digestive system, including tumors, adhesions, strictures (narrowing), etc.;
• endocrine diseases;
• diseases of the nervous system, accompanied by disturbances in muscle tone and transmission of nerve impulses;
• diseases of the anorectal region and weakness of the pelvic floor muscles;
• pregnancy;
• elderly age;
• physical inactivity - insufficient physical activity, sedentary work, long bed rest due to a serious illness or previous injury/surgery;
• lack of a correct bowel movement ritual, irregular work schedule, lack of a strict daily routine, etc.

What to do for constipation in adults? Help measures are determined by the cause of the delay in emptying, so understanding the reasons is very important. In some cases, constipation can be caused by taking medications. Usually we are talking about iron supplements, antidepressants, sorbents in large quantities, antidiarrheals, narcotic analgesics, and drugs for regulating blood pressure.

Constipation can be associated with premenstrual syndrome and the menstrual cycle in women in general. Thus, the edematous form of PMS is characterized by fluid retention and constipation.

You can guess the reasons by paying attention to the accompanying symptoms. For example, associate professor Yulia Shulpekova in her scientific work points out that “for proctogenic constipation, the characteristic symptoms are prolonged straining, a feeling of “obstacle, block” in the rectum, the need for “manual assistance” to facilitate defecation (supporting the pelvic floor, manual removal of feces ). In this case, stool or the urge to defecate can be daily, and the consistency of stool can be different” (Shulpekova Yu. O., 2010, p. 854).

Only a doctor can determine the cause, so you should consult a therapist or gastroenterologist.

Vegetarian food

Any plant food contains fiber in excess, which cleanses the intestines. Therefore, vegetarians do not even know what constipation is. Meat and meat products, as well as animal fats contained in milk, cheese, sour cream, butter, contribute to the concentration of waste and the high content of bile acids in them, which not only provokes constipation, but also makes them dangerous for the intestinal mucosa. Pectins have the exact opposite effect, which are delicate fibers that are beneficial for the mucous membrane, cleansing it like a soft sponge. There are a lot of them in baked apples, pumpkins, and zucchini. Try eating for a while with an excess of plant fiber in your diet, and you will forget about intestinal problems. Vinaigrette with vegetable oil, salads made from raw cabbage, carrots and apples, and greens are very useful.

When is it necessary to seek help from a doctor?

Signs of impaired intestinal emptying (constipation) can be an independent pathology, but also foreshadow more serious diseases: intestinal dyskinesia, the development of neoplasms in the colon and other organs. It is necessary to consult a doctor at an advanced stage of the disease, when acute processes of prolonged absence of bowel movements are accompanied by:

1. Fever and intoxication symptoms such as nausea and weakness;
2. Lack of appetite and weight loss;
3. Changing the natural configuration of waste feces (in the form of balls, tubes, ribbons);
4. Cramps and pain in the abdominal area;
5. Discharge of mucous and liquid consistency, instead of feces;
6. Rectal hemorrhages (bleeding).

The consequences of prolonged constipation and impaired bowel cleansing can be very sad. Long-term chronic constipation contributes to the development of a secondary form of colitis, diseases of the liver, bile ducts, inflammatory reactions in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, and oncological processes in the colon.

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Massage and gymnastics for the abdomen

To free the intestines, massage your abdomen. This will help awaken the muscles that provide peristalsis, moving the masses filling the intestines to their final destination. For 2–5 minutes, use soft, slightly pressing movements along the abdomen in a clockwise direction, lightly pressing your hand on the intestines. Special gymnastics also helps. For example, try this exercise: get on your knees, inhale, then lower your forehead to the floor, raising your arms up. This exercise improves intra-abdominal pressure and enhances peristalsis of the intestinal muscles. Don’t forget about walking and any other physical activity at least an hour a day - a sedentary lifestyle and lack of movement create the foundation for constipation.

Continued: What to do if you have constipation →

Treatment recipes for adults

Among the variety of folk recipes for the development of constipation in an adult, you can select effective options, subject to a preliminary examination of the general condition of the intestinal system and the absence of allergies to the components used.

Common methods: Many products available in the kitchen have an effective effect on activating peristalsis. Their use at home is carried out in accordance with proven rules.

1. The brine, squeezed from sauerkraut, which has laxative properties, is drunk four to five times a day, half a glass. Recommended for chronic forms of constipation, as it is not addictive.
2. Grape seed oil not only has a laxative effect, but also improves immunity. Take 1 tsp. product on an empty stomach. It is more convenient to carry out the procedure after waking up in the morning, although you can time it before bed.
3. Boiled carrots stimulate intestinal motility well. It should be eaten grated, 3 tbsp. l. a quarter of an hour before breakfast, lunch, dinner.
4. It is beneficial, allowing you to gain the desired lightness of a fasting day, during which you are only allowed to eat apples (2 kg), drink water and unsweetened green tea.

Onion infusion

You will need washed onion peels - 2 tbsp. l., which is combined with half the volume of dried senna foliage. Brew the mixture with boiling water, using 1.5 cups. After 30 minutes, the infusion is squeezed through double-layer gauze.

It is recommended to drink a quarter glass before breakfast (within an hour interval). For prevention, two-week courses are carried out with this remedy twice a year.

The benefits of dill

Bring 1/2 liter of water to a boil in an enamel saucepan. Add dried dill seed - 3 tbsp. l. Cover the dishes with a towel for 30 minutes.

When strained, it is recommended to drink half a glass of the infusion before breakfast, lunch, and dinner (15 minutes before).

Application of burdock

You will need fresh burdock rhizome. It is washed, the surface skin is peeled off and grated. Place 1 tsp. gruel in a thermos with 500 ml of boiling water.

After 10 hours, the infusion is filtered. Drink 1 tbsp. l. after cooling down in the morning on an empty stomach. The average course duration is 14 days.

Oregano for constipation

Place crushed dried oregano herb in a faience glass. Steam it with a glass of water brought to a boil.

After 20 minutes, filter the liquid through a gauze filter. Take a quarter glass before meals four times a day.

Beet juice

When properly prepared, beet juice provides significant assistance in the fight against constipation. The vegetable is pre-boiled. Then you need to clean it, grate it and squeeze out the juice through a gauze cloth.

Leave it in a glass for three hours in a cool place, and then mix it in equal volumes with cooled boiling water. During the day, it is recommended to drink 100 ml of the solution in small (no more than 2 tablespoons) portions approximately every two hours.

Compotes

In the summer-autumn season, it is advisable to use fresh fruit and berry products to prepare laxative compotes.

1. Place a glass of ripe cherries and two apples in an enamel pan with a liter of hot water. Boil for five minutes and leave covered for about an hour. Drink a glass before each meal.
2. Place 2.5 tbsp in a saucepan. l. washed fresh gooseberries. Pour in 400 ml of water and cook the mixture after boiling for 4-5 minutes. When cooled, the compote is consumed in equal portions before meals.

Knowing the medicinal properties of available vegetables, herbs, and fruits, it is possible to quickly cope with constipation by selecting variations of healing techniques suitable for solving this specific problem.