Your bowels are sluggish, and perhaps you also suffer from abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, and gas. We’ll tell you how you can stimulate your digestion and which home remedies can help against constipation.

Our digestive tract is a real mimosa. Even the slightest disturbances can elicit uncomfortable reactions. On top of that, increasingly sedentary lifestyles increase our struggles with a sluggish bowel and constipation.

Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help improve digestion and prevent constipation. In general, increasing fiber intake, drinking more water and consuming laxative agents are the best ways to relieve your bowels. And we’ll introduce you to the most effective home remedies here!

The 7 best home remedies for constipation

# 1 Psyllium husks for constipation

Psyllium husks are not only high in fiber, they also have a laxative effect. They also contain mucilage, a fluid produced in some plants which swells up in the intestine and stimulates digestion. It makes your stool softer and looser. For maximum effectiveness, it is important to drink enough. Ideally 1.5 liters of water per day.

Let 4 teaspoons of the seeds swell in 200 ml of water for 5 minutes, then drink the solution together with several glasses of water.

# 2 Sauerkraut releases constipation

Sauerkraut – a common hotdog topping. It also contains bacteria that stimulate digestion, relieve constipation, and reinforce the intestinal flora. For those whose intestinal health is out of balance, for example, due to the intake of antibiotics, this home remedy will help.

In addition to sauerkraut, you can also have sauerkraut juice. To do this, drink 50 ml of the juice with a little honey.

# 3 Glauber’s salts as a laxative

A very effective home remedy for relieving stubborn constipation is Glauber’s salt. It initiates bowel movement. Put simply, it’s a laxative. Drink 20 g of Glauber’s salt dissolved in 300 ml of lukewarm water. (Alternatively, some drug stores also sell Glauber’s salt in tablet form.)

Important: Always follow the instructions for use or follow the doctor and pharmacist’s instructions. The laxative effect occurs quickly and lasts until the bowel is completely emptied.

Tip: To avoid its bitter taste, drink it with some honey or juice.

# 4 Prunes boost your digestion

Dried fruit is gentler than Glauber’s salt as a home remedy for constipation. The high proportion of fiber stimulates bowel movements by adding more bulk to your stool. In addition, dried fruits such as plums, apricots, or figs contain substances that swell in the intestines and can help make your stool softer.

Tip: This is particularly effective if you let the prunes soak in a little water overnight.

# 5 Naturally cloudy apple juice

For those with mild constipation problems, naturally cloudy apple juice is very effective. It contains fermented substances that are provide very gentle laxative effects. Simply drink a glass every day, especially if you suffer from constipation in the long term.

Don’t like the taste of apple? Try pear juice instead. Pear juice also has similar effects.

Do not drink too much though! Consuming too much can cause intestinal disconmfort.

# 6 Coffee for constipation

Morning coffee not only wakes you up, it also stimulates bowel movements. The caffeine it contains is responsible for this. So, if you’re constipated in the morning, a cup of coffee can help too.

Not to mention, it’s delicious.

# 7 Drink enough water

In our busy everyday life, we often forget to drink enough. One of the most common advice that doctors give all their patients is to drink more water on the regular, and for good reason. The lack of fluids can make constipation worse. To counteract this, you should actively remember to drink. A cell phone alarm that goes off every hour can be a powerful tool. In total, you should aim to drink roughly 1.5 liters of water per day.

Tip: If you find it difficult to go to the bathroom in the morning, try drinking a glass of cold water on an empty stomach.

Prevent constipation with a proper diet

If you eat a high-fiber diet with lots of vegetables, then you are already on route to good intestinal health. In addition, regular cardio exercise (i.e. walking, yoga, dancing, jogging) can also keep the bowels going.

You can also consider making these foods a part of your diet, as they have regulating effects that improves digestion:

• Yogurt and other sour-milk products
• Oatmeal
• Wheat bran
• Nuts
• Linseed
• Whole-grain foods

Written by: Sohaib Sheikh
Edited by: Andrea Lim