Millions of people suffer from constipation every year. Constipation is an unpleasant change in normal bowel movements, normally a decrease in movements and passage of hard, small stool. The most common cause of constipation is dietary, mostly a lack of fiber. Constipation can also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. Constipation can become a severe chronic problem for some, needing a physician’s assistance. Symptoms of constipation are hard and infrequent stools, excessive straining in passing bowel movements, feeling full quickly during a meal, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and rectal bleeding from strain. Increasing exercise along with more fiber and water intake can help relieve and prevent constipation. Eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can also help.
Several natural and herbal supplements can serve as helpful aids in dealing with constipation. Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber that has proven effective in preliminary and double blind trials. Mild laxatives found in herbal plants such as psyllium, flaxseed, and fenugreek can help relieve constipation. Other helpful herbs are basil, senna leaves, cascara bark, bladderwrack, cayenne, dandelion, goldenseal, and He shou wu.
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