Downloads and publications for Relieving constipation and promoting healthy bowels (2024)

FAQs

What simple trick empties your bowels immediately? ›

Choose yellow or browning bananas to stimulate bowel movements. Unripe, green bananas have lots of tannins and resistant starch that bind your waste together and make it harder to pass. As they ripen, the tannins and starch become soluble sugars and fiber, which regulate healthy bowel movements.

Constipation can often get better with the three Fs: fluids, fiber, and fitness.

Prunes (as a form of plant-based dietary fiber) and psyllium are well-regarded ways to treat chronic constipation. Not surprisingly, all participants were able to achieve the primary goal of increased bowel movements. It seems that kiwifruit achieved this benefit with fewer side effects.

Beneficial drinks for constipation include prune juice, lemon juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice. However, some constipation relief over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also come in a drink format.

Natural laxatives include foods rich in magnesium, fiber, and probiotics, as well as drinks like water, prune juice, and coffee. Certain herbs, such as senna, ginger, peppermint, and aloe vera, can also help to keep your bowel movements more regular. Using natural laxatives to relieve constipation is usually safe.

Peanut butter is a great source of dietary fiber, plant protein and unsaturated fats, which make it a helpful tool for preventing and relieving constipation. Besides peanut butter, you can also add fruits, nuts, vegetables, whole grains and legumes to your diet to up your fiber intake and prevent constipation.

What foods help you pass a bowel movement? ›

You may need a stimulant laxative if other over-the-counter types haven't helped. Stimulant laxatives include: Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®). Senna (Fletcher's® Laxative).

Eat enough fiber

"The No. 1 thing I recommend is altering your diet," says Dr. Kalakota. "Making sure you're eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains is essential to preventing constipation."

Prune, apple and pear juices have higher amounts of sorbitol than other fruit juices. Prune juice might be the juice most known for its laxative effects. A 2022 study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that prune juice can soften hard, lumpy stools in people with chronic constipation.

Home remedies include increasing your fiber intake or taking a laxative, using a suppository, or taking a stool softener. Trying out a squat position, doing light exercise, or performing a colonic massage may also help. A doctor can check for other conditions affecting constipation and prescribe medication to help.

A range of dietary and lifestyle changes like eating more fiber, staying hydrated, and exercising more may help. If you have severe symptoms, taking laxatives or other OTC medications can help activate your digestive system. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if you often have difficult bowel movements.

To cleanse your colon quickly, combine 2-3 teaspoons of either Himalayan pink or sea salt with a glass of lukewarm water, and consume the mixture on an empty stomach. Within a few minutes, your colon will be cleansed.