health & happiness through delicious eating



weight loss news, look no further.

« Back to Articles

Naturally Dealing with Constipation

Orange Icon  Naturally Dealing with Constipation

Orange Icon  Naturally Dealing with Constipation

  • Email Email
  • Print Print

I know that it can be a bit embarrassing to talk about and deal with it, but constipation is a natural part of life that nearly everyone will experience at some point.

For many of us, constipation is our body's reaction to a change in diet or lifestyle. This accommodation can be stressful to the body. It is especially true if you are transitioning to Beyond Diet from a less healthy diet, as your body needs to learn to function on new foods and digest the higher amounts of fiber due to the increased ingestion of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables.

The definition of being constipated can vary from person to person.

If having three bowel movements a day is normal for you and you find yourself only having one, then you may be constipated. However, some people only have a bowel movement every other day, which is normal for them, but if this length of time between movements is extended to every second or third day, that person can consider themselves to be constipated as well.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation is primarily a function of the colon, or large intestine, as its main function is to absorb water from the digested foods we are about to pass. If there is not enough water present or the food is left in the colon for too long, the result is a dry, hard stool that may make the individual strain to pass their fecal matter.


Some common reasons for constipation include:

  1. Medications
  2. Inadequate consumption of water causing dehydration
  3. Poor diet that is low in fiber
  4. Lack of physical movement - either from an illness or simply not exercising
  5. Milk

Ways to Ensure Smooth Bowel Movements

If you find yourself struggling to have a bowel movement, then a few small changes in your diet should help you to remedy the issue. I am not going to tell you to run out and buy a laxative or a processed fiber supplement in order to get your bowels functioning regularly. These remedies can be harsh on your system and might get your bowels moving so well that you will be confined to a bathroom for the better part of a day.

Instead, opt for some of these more natural, healthy solutions that do not include stimulants.

  1. Water and ConstipationDrink up! You can never get enough water into your system, so if you are constipated, you must drink more water. To get a good grasp on just how much water you need, take your current weight and divide it in half. That number is how much water you will need to drink in ounces every day. Anything less than this may very well be the source of dehydration which will result in constipation.

  2. Exercise and ConstipationExercise. By getting your body moving, you also get your internal organs functioning better and more efficiently. Exercise and the addition of more water to your diet will get your bowels moving again and will get that waste out, making you feel much better. Remember, exercise doesn't have to be boring... exercise can be fun, too!

  3. FlavorAdd flavor. To stimulate your bowels to move even more, add a tablespoon or two of fresh squeezed lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper to your first glass of water for the day. These will jumpstart your bowels while cleaning them of the stored up toxins that results when constipation occurs. You can also try having a grapefruit in the morning to help activate digestion.

  4. Fiber and ConstipationFiber up. It is necessary to add as much natural fiber to your diet as possible. This means that you should include as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible as they provide the most natural forms of fiber as possible.

Trust me, constipation is natural, but you can combat it by following these simple tips and living the most natural life possible.

Fresh-Start BDsuperCleanseLooking to cleanse your body and get your digestive system in check while getting rid of your bloating? Try my 9-day superCleanse and get specifically designed cleansing meals designed to drop pounds fast without leaving you hungry. Click the link below to get yours today.