Using Natural Remedies For Constipation
There are two basic types of constipation – organic and functional. Organic constipation is a result of some physical change, obstruction, or distortion in your colon. This type of constipation needs immediate attention from a doctor.
This article only covers Functional Constipation. This type of constipation is a result of not following a proper diet, drinking enough fluids, having good emotional health and not having a good lifestyle – a lifestyle that promotes good movement of digested foods through the intestines and colon.
Even though there are many definitions for constipation, constipation is simply a condition where the fecal matter traveling through your colon remains too long in your colon before traveling out the rectum.
Constipation is a symptom and not a disease. It is a condition that tells you your colon is not working properly or that you have some underlying gastrointestinal disease you are not aware of.
Constipation may be a warning that your diet and lifestyle are causing an imbalance in your body. It is a symptom that many people ignore or that many people try to eliminate by using unnatural and oftentimes dangerous drugstore laxatives.
Drugstore laxatives should be avoided when you have constipation. They can become habit-forming, damage your colon, and have nasty side effects if used too long. They sometimes have the tendency of creating the problem you are trying relieve – constipation.
To keep your body in chemical balance, it is important to use only natural remedies for constipation. Natural remedies such as herbs and foods bring into the colon those nutrients that can build up your colon and reactivate your natural peristaltic action.
As you use natural remedies, keep in mind that one particular remedy may not work for you. You may have to try a different remedy or increase dosage of the one you are using. If you supply what your body needs by using a specific remedy, then you will get results from using that remedy.
Experimenting is part of finding out what remedy is best for you. There are many different natural remedies you can choose from. Look on the internet for “natural remedies for constipation” and you will find many listings.
Keep in mind that most remedies should be used only for a short time, two to four days and not longer than 2 weeks. They should only be used for the time needed to clear your constipation. This might be just 4 or 5 times or sometimes it may take several weeks.
Prevent constipation and other health ailments with papaya
As you know constipation is a condition whereby the fecal matter traveling through your colon remains too long in your colon before traveling out of the rectum. You become aware that you are constipated if you have difficulty passing motion or that it takes a few days to do one purge.
That said, if you are suffering from constipation, you may be advised to eat more fruits and vegetables to increase your fiber intake.
When it come down to your fruit choice, have you ever considered having papaya as a constipation remedy or to include it as part of your regular diet?
As a natural remedy, papaya not only aids digestion but also helps prevent constipation.
It also provides relief from piles and has anti-cancer properties. Papaya has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, prevents the formation of urinary stones, prevents intestinal infection by parasites and aids in the proper functioning of the body’s immune system. For lactating mothers, according to traditional beliefs, papaya also helps to stimulate milk production.
Papayas contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins (especially food with gluten). Concentrated amounts can especially be found in unripe papaya (which you can have as green papaya salad). This enzyme helps prevent the accumulation of mucoprotein (partially digested protein) in the body and lymphatic system. In fact, papain has been extracted to make dietary supplements for digestion. Thus, the unripe papaya is considered to have more healing powers for constipation than the ripe one.
Papayas are a good source of fiber. Its fiber is able to keep cancer-causing toxins in the colon away from the healthy colon cells. Those who are experiencing constipation or at risk of colon cancer should consider taking more papaya. Papaya’s folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carontene and vitamin E have been linked with reduced risk of colon cancer.
Additionally, the antioxidant nutrients found in papaya have also been proven to reduce muscle inflammation and the healing of burns and wounds.
The papaya fruit is slightly sweet, with a musky smell to it. It is now mainly cultivated in the warm tropical parts of the world but can easily be found in many supermarkets.
To prevent constipation and for all stated health benefits, here are three simple papaya recipes:
1. Papaya Milk Energy drink. Cut papaya and blend with milk in a 50/50 mix. Add honey if desired. Papaya milk is a good energy drink for growing children.
2. Papaya Salad (Thai Style). Shred green papaya and cut some tomatoes. For dressing, add chopped garlic, 2 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, cilantro, Thai basil, 1 teaspoon chopped mint, chili padi (optional) and sugar to taste.
3. Unripe papaya juice. Peel off skin and put in blender. This recipe is especially good for the lymphatic system.
