Most everyone has experienced constipation from time to time. Constipation is not a topic that many people want to talk about or admit to dealing with. The good news is that with a few lifestyle changes and better eating habits, you will be on your way to relieving symptoms in no time as well as preventing constipation in the future.

So, what exactly is constipation? Constipation is the difficulty in passing stools or the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools as a result of food moving slowly through the large intestine. Regular bowel movements are an important way that the body removes toxins from the body. If constipation goes on for too long it can cause many different problems including, appendicitis, bad breath, body odor, coated tongue, depression, fatigue, gas, headaches, insomnia, hemorrhoids, and obesity.

Continue reading for our tips on helping to relieve constipation.

Our tips that help with constipation:

1. Eat high fiber foods. These foods include foods such as fresh fruits, raw green leafy vegetables, whole grain oatmeal, and brown rice daily. Other foods to eat include asparagus, beans, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, garlic, kale, okra, peas, sweet potatoes, and whole grains.
2. Drink More Water. Let me repeat. Drink More Water. Many of us do not get the recommended amount of water. So, one might ask, what is the right amount of water? My recommendation would be to aim for at least half of your body weight in ounces. So, that means someone that weighs 185 pounds should be aiming for at least 92.5 ounces of water each day. Water is especially important for anyone that has already started working on the first tip of getting more fiber in their diet. Fiber is a great way to help with relieving constipation; however, without water, it could have the opposite effect and cause more constipation.
3. Physical activity is not only a great way to sweat and rid the body of toxins, but also a great way to get the intestines moving to help relieve any constipation. Going for a 20-minute walk may alleviate constipation and daily exercise is important for preventing constipation in the first place.
4. You can try eating prunes or figs as a natural laxative.
5. Drinking a large glass of water every ten minutes for half an hour can help to flush out toxins and help with constipation.