Natural Remedies for Constipation

Many people have problems with their plumbing system. You can't be healthy if your GI system isn't healthy.

Almost 15% of people have severe chronic constipation problems. GI health also has an effect on mental and emotional health.

Here are Dr. West's Top Tips for Helping Constipation:

Drink more water- so many health conditions, particularly constipation respond well to increasing your water intake. Get at least 80+ ounces of water per day. You should be drinking a lot of water! Another good recommendation is to drink water right when you wake up to rehydrate your system with 16-24 ounces.

Digestive Aids: fermented foods, probiotic yogurt (not the sugary kind), apple cider vinegar, proteolytic enzymes

Fiber: the best source of fiber is your food.

Foods that help with constipation:

1. Apples: Rich in fiber and contain 4.8g; they also contain pectin which can accelerate bowel movements. Granny Smith apples have the highest fiber content. 

2. Pears: Contain even more fiber than apples, are high in sorbitol, and the fructose in pears helps pull water into the colon. Sorbitol and fructose are natural laxatives.

3. Prunes: Contains 3g of fiber and a lot of cellulose; stimulates gut bacteria 

4. Kiwi: Increases bowel movements, and faster colonic transit time. Also, contain a high amount of vitamin C 

5. Figs: Contains 1.5g of fiber, improves stool consistency and helps clean out the GI system 

6. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, Grapefruit, and Mandarins are good sources of fiber. One orange contains 3.7g of fiber and one grapefruit contains almost 5g. Citrus fruit is also high in pectin within the peel. Also contains a flavanol called naringenin which has a laxative effect. Always eat the fruit itself, not just the juice. 

7. Artichoke: Have a prebiotic effect and feeds the good bacteria in your gut. 

8. Sweet Potato: Contains soluble and insoluble fiber to help regulate bowels. One medium sweet potato contains 3.6g of fiber. 

9. Oat Bran: Fiber-rich containing 4.8g of fiber. Helps reduce the need to use laxative medications.