Passing three or less hard stools each week is known as constipation. While constipation is not considered a disease, it is a symptom that is often transient and not serious. Constipation is quite prevalent, and most people will experience it at least once in their lifetime.

Contrary to popular belief, it is normal not to defecate every day. Normal bowel movement frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week.

Cures for constipation are readily available. You can usually prevent constipation by changes in your diet and lifestyle. Simple changes can help promote healthier bowel movements. If you have chronic constipation, however it is important to consult a physician to learn ways to prevent it.

Below you will find facts and several remedies for constipation. These remedies include methods that you may not be familiar with such as acupressure, diaphragmatic breathing and biofeedback. These are methods which can be integrated into conventional lifestyle changes to help normalize your intestinal function and make you feel better. This site also features links and a featured video therapy session - "Constipation Blues."

1. Consume high-fiber foods, such as: avocado, beans, peas, brown rice, broccoli, kale, oats and bran cereals. See Common Sense Health for other sources, including fruits and vegetables.
2. Add flax seed to bread and pancake recipes. Drink psyllium seed beverages for soluble fiber.
3. Drink plenty of water- 8 - 8 ounces portions per day. www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
4. Exercise regularly - simply getting up and moving helps, 10-15 minute walks, swimming and aerobic exercises if you are fit. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/exercise-curing-constipation-via-movement
5. Learn the acupoints so you can do a daily acupressure self-massage that helps. There are only 4 points that need massage and it takes about 1-2 minutes per point to do that. You can also add and abdominal massage which adds to the benefit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6a7tIE1-wY&feature=youtube_gdata http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/c/constipation.htm
6. Take a laxative (only if a physician recommends).
7. Learn diaphragmatic breathing, which can massage the abdominal area and initiate peristaltic movement of the intestinal muscles.http://www.personalmed.com/constipation_diagnosis.php http://chestofbooks.com/health/natural-cure/Henry-Lindlahr/Nature-Cure/Diaphragmatic-Breathing.html
8. Learn biofeedback / diaphragmatic breathing methods.
9. Aloe vera latex has been approved for treating constipation by Germany's regulatory agency for herbs. There are laxative chemicals in the gel and in the latex. The recommended dosage is 50 to 200 milligrams of aloe latex. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/eto/content/eto_5_3x_aloe.asp?sitearea=eto
10. Supplements that are natural laxatives include vitamin C and magnesium, with recommended dosage up to 1,000 and 500 mg/day, respectively. Andrew Weil, MD. 2004. Natural Health, Natural Medicine: The Complete Guide to Wellness and Self-Care and Optimum Health.
11. See a funny video that gives you a belly laugh. The working of the diaphragm massages the intestinal area and can help restore the natural smooth muscle contractions of the lower intestine. http://www2.med.umich.edu/prmc/media/newsroom/details.cfm?ID=180

Examples are given below of substances that work as natural laxatives for some people. This is not an exhaustive list and more items can be obtained by viewing the University of Michigan list.

• Prunes
• Raisins
• Figs
• Papaya
• Mango
• Dried apricots
• olives
• Plums
• Aloe Vera juice
• Juices from prunes, apple and apricots help soften stools

www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/Constipation1%20Updated.pdf http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/cdd/patients/constipationguide.asp http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/umlaxative.htm

1. Over 4 million have it frequently
2. $725 million spent on laxative products each year

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Constipation, please consult your doctor.