CONSTIPATION HOME REMEDIES

CONSTIPATION--What is constipation ? Constipation is a condition of the bowels in which evacuation is difficult and infrequent.
What causes constipation ? 1. Insufficient fibre in the diet. 2. Weakness of abdominal muscles due to lack of physical activity. 3. Improper chewing of food. 4. Over consumption of alcohol or caffeineated beverages. 5. Emotional stress.
REMEDIES--Fibre & only Fibre is the magical remedy to this common malady.
Dates(Khajur)- Have 4 to 5 dates every day early in the morning.
Fibre rich fruits- The high fibre content in these fruits adds to our diet thus regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation.Have 1 to 2 fibre rich fruits like orange, sweet lime, pineapple, grapes, guava etc. at bedtime to overcome constipation. You can also try the recipe of an unstrained juice like Beach Tropicana.
Papaya--Papaya is another laxative. Have a cup of chopped papaya with breakfast every day to stimulate bowel movements.
Lemon Water--Half a lime squeezed in a glass of hot water with half teaspoon of salt is a very effective remedy for constipation. Have it early in the morning even before your mandatory cup of tea or coffee to regularize the bowel movements.
Fennel Seeds(Saunf)--Fennel seeds are well known for their digestive properties. A decoction made by boiling fennel seeds in water is a great laxative.
FOODS TO BE AVOIDED--Tea & coffee. Aerated drinks. Refined foods like refined flour, pasta,sugar & polished rice. Deep fried foods. Confectionery & Mithai (Sweets). Fast foods like pizzas,burgers etc.
Tips to avoid & overcome Constipation-- 1. Eat a high fibre breakfast as fibre stimulates bowel movements. 2. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6 to 8 glasses every day) as this softens the stools making them easier to pass. 3. Consume plenty of fruits & vegetables(with their skin on), whole grains such as whole wheat, oats, etc. as they help in bowel movements. One flavourful way of adding these fruits & veggies to your diet is Carrot & Date Salad. 4. Add high fibre foods like wheat bran or rice bran in your daily meals. An easy way to incorporate fibre in your diet is to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bran to wheat flour while kneading the bread dough. 5. Indulge in daily exercise such as walking as this too helps in bowel movements. 6. Maintain a regular morning routine which allows time for bowels to move prior to starting your day.
BEACH TROPICANA -- one cup peeled & chopped Papaya, one cup peeled & chopped fresh pineapple, one banana peeled & sliced, one tablespoon sugar(optional) & 3\4 cup crushed ice. Blend all the ingredients in a liquidiser till smooth & take chilled. An eye catching fibre rich cocktail whipped up with nature's harvest. Do not strain this juice to retain the fibre which helps to overcome Constipation.