If you’re looking for easy ways to relieve constipation fast, here’s what you should consume:
We’ve all been there—bloated, uncomfortable, and wondering why your body has suddenly hit the brakes. Sure, you might enjoy “Mission Impossible”, but not when your mission is a trip to the bathroom. Constipation is a common and frustrating issue, often caused by changes in your diet, travel, stress, or simply not getting enough fiber (your gut’s best friend, according to experts).
While it’s always smart to reach out to a healthcare provider if things stay stuck for too long, you might not need to suffer in silence. There are safe, gentle, and effective ways to get things moving—no prescription required.
From quick fixes recommended by doctors to natural remedies backed by dietitians, we’ve rounded up a couple of easy solutions to help you go… fast. So, let’s learn how to relieve constipation fast!
1. Warm lemon water as soon as you wake up
If you want to help your digestive system thrive and relieve constipation fast, start your morning right by drinking a glass of warm lemon water on an empty stomach (as long as you don’t have gastritis or other stomach issues).
Lemon acts as a mild natural laxative, promoting bowel movements and eliminating toxins, while the warmth helps with stomach stimulation. This simple practice can easily jump-start your digestion and hydrate your body first thing in the morning.
Squeeze half a lemon into warm (not hot) water and take a few sips to help your body glow. It’s much better than reaching for coffee right away and is a simple habit with incredible advantages. Your stomach will appreciate it! Just make sure you drink it with a straw so you don’t damage your teeth.
After that, eat a healthy and delicious breakfast that supports your digestive system, such as oatmeal, a Greek yogurt bowl with fruit, or an omelet with veggies, and you’ll be golden!
2. Try a tablespoon of olive oil
Did you know that olive oil isn’t only useful for cooking but also acts as a natural laxative? This miraculous ingredient stimulates your intestines and lubricates your digestive tract. If you want to relieve constipation fast, just eat a tablespoon on an empty stomach.
If you’re still not convinced, here’s why this ingredient deserves a spot in your diet: those healthy fats fight inflammation and do wonders for your gut health. If you don’t like the taste, you can add it to a glass of warm lemon water or a smoothie.
Many people vouch for this easy, quick method of relieving constipation without the use of harsh medications or negative side effects.
3. Try magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium is a helpful mineral that draws water into your intestines, making it easier for stool to pass. The best part? You can find it in tasty foods like dark chocolate, black beans, almonds, and leafy greens. If you’re looking for a quicker solution, many people swear by magnesium citrate supplements, which can often work their magic in just a few hours. Bonus points: this mineral also helps you be more relaxed and calm, which is always a plus, in case you have a busy lifestyle.
Just a heads-up—while magnesium can be super beneficial, it’s possible to take too much, which might lead to cramps or loose stools. It’s best to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts. Besides that, magnesium doesn’t just help with digestion; it also promotes better sleep and helps your muscles relax. It’s a real win-win!
…If you’re unsure about adding this supplement to your routine, it’s always best to consult your doctor first.
4. Give yourself a good abdominal massage
If you’re feeling a bit bloated or uncomfortable, a gentle massage on your abdomen can really help! Try moving your hands in circular motions, starting from the bottom right of your belly, working your way up, across, and down to the left. Or in a clockwise direction, to keep this simple.
Just use light pressure and take your time. Add a detoxifying massage oil to smooth things out, and try using a gua sha for an extra boost in results. A few minutes of this simple massage (there are plenty of tutorials for this on YouTube) can encourage your digestive system to get moving and relieve constipation fast.
It’s especially great if you haven’t gone to the bathroom in a day or two or if you’re feeling a bit sluggish and uncomfortable. Spending just a few minutes on this can make a world of difference! Trust me and give it a try!
5. Move your body
…Who wouldn’t want to feel good, look good, have plenty of energy, and sleep like a baby each night? If you want to relieve constipation fast, you have to get that strong body of yours moving!
Getting some exercise is a great way to help keep your intestines happy while also toning your muscles! Even a little bit of movement, like a nice walk or some gentle stretching, especially twists and turns, can really get your colon working and make it easier to pass stool.
Sometimes, just a good, brisk 20- to 30-minute walk or short yoga session is all you need to get things moving. Speaking of yoga poses that are perfect for digestion, try Child’s Pose, Revolved Triangle, and Happy Baby to speed up the process.
If you’ve been sitting for a while, it’s a great idea to get up and start moving—sitting too much can slow down your stomach, after all, and we don’t want that. Keeping a regular rhythm with your activities can do wonders for your digestion, and it’s easy to achieve by fitting in some exercise throughout your day!
6. Drink some prune juice
If you love prunes, you’ll be happy to hear they can help you relieve constipation fast! They contain sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol with mild laxative effects, and they’re packed with fiber. All you need to go to the bathroom within a few hours is a little glass of prune juice or a handful of prunes. Pretty great, right?
Not to mention, prunes are packed with antioxidants and minerals, making them a wonderful snack for healthy digestion and gut, beautiful skin, and energy! However, keep in mind that too many of them can lead to gas and cramps, so eat your prunes in moderation.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to half a cup of juice or about four to five prunes to keep everything running smoothly. Enjoy!
Takeaway
A healthy bathroom schedule starts with a healthy gut, so make sure you feed your body with all the right foods! Get your fiber in, eat your veggies, fruits, and grains, move your body, and sip on warm tea to wind down, and you’ll feel amazing!
What are your thoughts on these easy remedies to relieve constipation fast? Have you ever tried any of them? Let me know in the comments below! If you have any tips, recommendations, or requests for what you’d like to read from us next, share them with us—we’d love to provide you with all the tips you need!
Until next time, here’s a great post from Indulging Health you won’t want to miss: 8 Early Signs of Diabetes in Women
