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Natural Cures for Constipation


A Fluid Way to Beat Constipation

Many things can cause constipation, including medications, a poor diet, travel, irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy. Yet dehydration is one of the most common causes.

After the food you eat is processed in the small intestine, it travels to the large intestine or colon. If you do not have enough water in your body—if you're dehydrated—the large intestine soaks up water from your food waste. This results in hard stools that are difficult and painful to pass.

Water makes up about 60 percent of your body's weight. By lubricating the intestines and the food we eat, water can help prevent and alleviate constipation by facilitating the flow of food though the intestines.

The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board recommends that women get 91 ounces (about 11 cups) of water each day from beverages and foods. Men need to get 125 ounces daily (almost 16 cups). Remember, this recommendation includes fluids in the foods you eat.