Constipation is the pits, and it happens to everyone at some point. When you transition from a typical diet into a clean eating gut rejuvenating type diet, you might experience constipation. It’s fairly common because all of a sudden your body is getting food it’s not used to.

When constipation strikes, try these natural remedies. Eventually, your body and digestion will adjust to your new awesome eating style. In the meantime…

Lemon Water
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is great for relieving constipation. It’s rich in enzymes and highly acidic which can help stimulate your digestive system to move things along. Increasing the amount of water you drink is a well-known constipation remedy, but adding lemon juice will make it extra effective.

Senna Tea or Cascara or Triphala
Senna & Cascara are powerful laxative herbs and work exceptionally well for relieving short-term constipation. When I was really sick Cascara was the only thing that would get things moving for me. They are so effective that it’s often prescribed before colonoscopies and other procedures of that nature.

The active ingredient in senna is a compound called sennosides, which irritates the intestinal lining so much that it forces contractions in the bowel. Like any laxative, you need to be careful to not depend on it because you don’t want your body to get too used to having an external aid. Both of these are very tough on the gut lining. SO DO NOT OVER USE IT. Usually they are considered ok for a short period to relieve constipation, but talk to your doctor about them.

Even better, however, is Triphala. It has been used for centuries in India. It is much more gentle and not habit-forming.

Flax Tea
Flax is one of the best seeds for getting things moving in the bowels. It’s pretty useless, but once you grind it into a powder and mix it with water, magic happens. It’s important to consume only freshly ground flax because the oils are prone to quick oxidation meaning they easily go rancid.

The reason flax works so well for constipation is its high mucilage content. Mucilage is a slimy substance that helps to lubricate the colon and intestinal lining. Along with a good amount of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds are a wholesome alternative to commercial constipation supplements.

To make flax tea, grind 1 tablespoon of flax seeds and mix with 1 Cup of warm (not hot) water. You can add lemon and honey to flavour and enjoy!

Add all ingredients to your blender and process until super smooth.

LBAR Breathing Exercise
There are a few simple yoga exercises, stretches and breathing exercises that are amazing and can drastically help with constipation and digestive issues, WITHOUT drugs, supplements or side effects making things worse. But this is a topic that deserves its own blog, so come back next month as we talk all about moving your body for better digestion. Don’t miss it!!!

If you’re seriously interested in getting healthy, restoring your digestion and boosting your energy, then check out my Breaking Free Workshop: 5 days to understanding how your gut health is holding you hostage. It is a free workshop that will help you to understand why gut health matters, why you are still sick and how to get the changes you want. We start on August 2, so mark your calendars now. Register here.

Or join me on my Facebook page where I’ll be sharing more information, tips and recipes to help you live a happier, healthier life.

To your wellness,
Yvonne