In today’s world of irregular and unhealthy eating habits, constipation has become a major problem. The usual solution that we follow in such case is buying over-the-counter or prescription medicines and popping them into our mouth. However, too much of everything is bad, including medicines. Instead of popping a pill every time you feel constipated, it is better to go for a natural remedy, like a laxative. Natural laxative foods have been known to restore balance and regularity to the digestive system and bowel movement.
How Do They Work
Natural laxative is a term used in case of foods that are rich in soluble fiber. When you eat something, the acid in your stomach breaks it down into two parts - soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is the part that is difficult to digest and is moved into the bowel area, without changing form, leading to a hard stool and thus, constipation. The soluble part, on the other hand, quickly absorbs water and turns into gel-like sponge. As it enters the bowel, it helps in softening the stool. The result is - better and easier bowel movement. Natural laxatives, being rich in soluble fibers, bring the same result.
Foods that are Natural Laxatives
Given below is the list of foods that act as natural laxatives:
- Avocadoes
- Alcohol
- Almonds
- Aloe Vera
- Apple Juice
- Cabbage
- Chicken Broth (canned)
- Chicory
- Chocolate
- Coconut
- Coffee
- Dandelion
- Dates
- Dried apricots
- Endive
- Figs
- Flaxseed
- Grapes
- Hot Tea w/ Lemon
- Licorice
- Mangos
- Molasses
- Olives
- Papayas
- Parsley
- Peach/Apricots
- Pears
- Persimmons
- Pineapple
- Plums
- Prunes/Prune Juice
- Psylium Husk
- Rhubarb
- Soybeans
- Spicy Foods
- Turnips
- Walnuts
- Watercress
