Fiber: The Natural Home Remedy for Constipation

Constipation is a pretty common problem. And, when it strikes, it can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated. For some, constipation can also cause pain, or general discomfort.

If you're suffering from constipation, your first instinct might be to head for the drugstore to buy a stimulant laxative. In fact, some people take such laxatives several times a week to keep themselves "regular," and avoid the pain and discomfort of constipation. But sustained or repeated use of stimulant laxatives could be harmful to your health, causing damage to your bowels or colon.

When searching for a home remedy for constipation, it's better to try the natural route first.

Fiber Is Your Friend

Having foods in your diet that are rich in fiber, like whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetable, is the best way to prevent and alleviate constipation. Not only do these foods help prevent constipation, they are also good for your general, overall health.

You should try to eat five servings of fruits, vegetables, or whole-grain food products every day to assure that you'll have enough fiber in your diet.

Add fiber to your diet gradually. If you add too much fiber to fast, it could leave you feeling gassy and bloated.

Fiber Over-the-Counter

If you're worried you don't have enough fiber in your diet, you could try a product like Citrucel or Metamucil, which you can buy over the counter. But be careful. Used improperly, these products could make constipation worse, especially if you aren't drinking enough water every day.

In fact, even if you aren't using an over-the-counter fiber product, try drinking more water. Along with eating enough fiber, drinking at least eight tall glasses of water a day is another good, natural way to prevent or alleviate constipation.

Foods to Avoid

While foods high in fiber can prevent or alleviate constipation, avoiding certain foods can also help.

Foods like cheese and ice cream are high in fat and sugar, and are usually low in fiber. Not only that, but they can cause or worsen constipation. If you are suffering from constipation, you might want to avoid such foods. Also steer clear of processed foods.

When to See Your Doctor

You can usually treat constipation yourself. But you should see a doctor if:

• Constipation is causing vomiting or severe abdominal pain.
• There's blood in your stool.
• You're experiencing rectal pain.
• Changes in your bowel habits are sudden and unexplained.
• Constipation alternates with diarrhea.
• You've tried every home remedy for constipation you could think of, and none of them have worked.

Constipation is a common problem. But if you eat enough fiber, and drink plenty of water, it's a problem you can avoid.