Natural laxative foods present the best and the most healthy way to cure constipation. Read on to know about the foods that are natural laxatives.

Natural Laxatives

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. Apart from fruits and vegetables, there are certain herbs that act as natural laxative - aid in the elimination of waste and toxins from the body. If you want to know more about natural laxatives, their benefits and working, go through the following lines.
 
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 
  • Avocados
  • 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 
Natural Laxative Herbs 
  • Triphala
  • Alfalfa
  • Aloe Gel
  • Buckthorn Bark
  • Cassia Pulp
  • Cascara Sagrada
  • Dandelion Leaves
  • Guar Gum
  • Psyllium Husks and Seeds
  • Senna Pods
  • Turkey Rhubarb 
Health Benefits of Natural Laxatives 
  • Natural laxatives help a great deal in strengthening the colon. This is the reason why doctors recommend the consumption of certain natural laxatives, such as fibrous fruits and vegetables, daily.
  • These laxatives do not cause weight gain. Hence, they are perfectly suitable for the figure conscious people as well.
  • Natural laxatives are totally safe to use for a significant period of time. You will not have to resort to over-the-counter medications much, because these laxatives are highly beneficial for smooth bowel movement, without giving any side effects
  • The dosage of natural laxative almost remains the same, for both mild and severe digestive problems, in most of the cases.
  • Using natural laxatives is the most dependable way of cleansing your colon.
  • Natural laxatives do not irritate the intestine, unlike their chemical-based counterparts. 

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