Constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While many of us may find this uncomfortable to discuss openly, understanding constipation and seeking natural relief from constipation is essential for maintaining overall well-being.
In this blog, we'll explore homeopathic remedy for constipation and tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about constipation.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. It can manifest as hard, dry, and painful stools. If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, you may be considered constipated.
What Causes Constipation?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, several factors can lead to constipation or exacerbate the problem:
- Diet. A diet low in fiber and water, and high in processed foods can impact the digestive process.
- Lack of physical activity. Exercise helps keep muscles strong and keeps things moving through the digestive tract. A sedentary lifestyle can impact your bowel movements.
- Medications. Some medications, including antidepressants and pain medications, can contribute to constipation.
- Medical conditions. Certain conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, and neurological disorders can contribute to constipation.
How Long Can Constipation Last?
How long you experience constipation can depend on the underlying cause and individual factors. If you are treating constipation naturally with supplements and lifestyle changes, it usually lasts for a few days to a few weeks.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Constipation?
While the direct impact of chiropractic care on constipation is not well-established, some research has shown that, in some cases, chiropractic care can help chronic constipation.
In some cases, constipation and other gastrointestinal issues can be exacerbated by pain or discomfort in the abdominal or lower back regions. Therefore, spine and neck adjustments may help alleviate the discomfort and stress caused by pain, making it easier for individuals to have bowel movements.
Can You Use Red Light Therapy For Constipation?
Red light therapy is widely used for skin conditions, pain management, and other therapeutic purposes, and ongoing research suggests light therapy can have positive effects on the gut microbiome. In addition to improving the gut microbiome, red light therapy is known to reduce inflammation and pain, which can make it easier to use the bathroom.
If you’re unfamiliar, red light therapy — also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation — is a non-invasive treatment that uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate various biological processes in the body.
Can a Massage Gun Relieve Constipation?
Using a massage gun on the abdominal area might help relax the abdominal muscles and reduce tension, which could potentially be useful for individuals who experience abdominal discomfort due to constipation. Massage can also help reduce stress, which can trigger GI issues.
Research shows that massage “stimulates peristalsis, decreases colonic transit time, and increases the frequency of bowel movements.”
Because there’s really no negative side effects to massage, using a massager or professional massage therapy in combination with dietary and lifestyle modifications may be effective in addressing constipation.
Does Pomegranate Juice Help With Constipation?
Pomegranate juice is a popular beverage that is known for its potential health benefits, including gut health and immune system benefits. While not a guaranteed solution for constipation, pomegranate juice can be a part of a balanced diet that supports overall digestive health.
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, which can have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can contribute to digestive issues, including constipation.
In general, proper hydration is essential for preventing and alleviating constipation. While pomegranate juice is not a substitute for water, it can contribute to your daily fluid intake, which is important for softening and moving stool through the digestive tract.
Does Cranberry Juice Help With Constipation?
Much like pomegranate juice, cranberry juice can be beneficial for overall health and part of a balanced diet that supports overall digestive health.
Cranberries and cranberry juice contain antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation that can trigger or worsen GI issues like constipation. Cranberries have been shown to “inhibit the colonization of H. pylori in [the] stomach, and protect against intestinal inflammation.”
And along with water, cranberry juice can help boost your daily fluids and soften stools, making it easier to use the bathroom.
If you do try cranberry juice, we recommend avoiding ones with added sugar or artificial sweeteners. These can impact your gut and digestive system.
Can Saunas Help With Constipation?
Saunas and sauna bathing are known for their potential health benefits that may indirectly help with constipation, including reducing pain and inflammation and improving relaxation and stress relief.
Saunas can help relax muscles and reduce inflammation in the abdominal area. Relaxing abdominal muscles could make bowel movements more comfortable for some individuals.
Saunas are also known for their relaxing effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. High levels of stress can impact digestion and contribute to constipation.
Can Pickles Help Relieve Constipation?
While pickles themselves may not be a direct remedy for constipation, they can offer some benefits for digestive health and constipation relief. The probiotic content and potential hydration benefits of pickles seem to be most relevant to constipation.
Some pickles are made through a fermentation process, which involves the growth of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) as part of the fermentation process. Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for overall digestive health.
In general, pickles are made with water, and consuming foods with higher water content can contribute to overall hydration. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Are Probiotics Good for Constipation?
Some studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics (good bacteria) may help alleviate constipation by promoting a healthier balance of gut bacteria.
Probiotics can potentially improve bowel regularity by:
- Increasing gut motility: Probiotics can help regulate the contractions of the intestines, which can promote the movement of stool through the digestive tract.
- Softening stool: Probiotics may help make stool softer, which can make it easier to pass.
- Balancing the gut microbiota: An imbalance in the gut microbiota has been associated with constipation. Probiotics can help restore a more balanced gut flora, which may improve digestive function.
Relieve Constipation With Somaya Life
Maya Pet is the world’s first anthrobiotic. With 10 Smart Strains™ of bacteria, it works harder than a typical probiotic to balance your gut microbiome and provide relief from common digestive issues like constipation. Learn more and give it a try for yourself.
Sources:
- Constipation. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4059-constipation
- Rédly M. The effects of chiropractic care on a patient with chronic constipation. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2001 Sep;45(3):185–91. PMCID: PMC2505067.
- Liebert A, Bicknell B, Johnstone DM, Gordon LC, Kiat H, Hamblin MR. "Photobiomics": Can Light, Including Photobiomodulation, Alter the Microbiome? Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Nov;37(11):681-693. doi: 10.1089/photob.2019.4628. Epub 2019 Oct 9. PMID: 31596658; PMCID: PMC6859693.
- Red light therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.-b). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy
- McClurg D, Lowe-Strong A. Does abdominal massage relieve constipation? Nurs Times. 2011 Mar 29-Apr 4;107(12):20-2. PMID: 21520798.
- Panoff, L. (n.d.). 10 health benefits of pomegranate. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-pomegranate
- Zhao S, Liu H, Gu L. American cranberries and health benefits - an evolving story of 25 years. J Sci Food Agric. 2020 Nov;100(14):5111-5116. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8882. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29315597.
- Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr 24;2018:1857413. doi: 10.1155/2018/1857413. PMID: 29849692; PMCID: PMC5941775.
- He Y, Zhu L, Chen J, Tang X, Pan M, Yuan W, Wang H. Efficacy of Probiotic Compounds in Relieving Constipation and Their Colonization in Gut Microbiota. Molecules. 2022 Jan 20;27(3):666. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030666. PMID: 35163930; PMCID: PMC8838973.
