4 Constipation REMEDIES by Dr. Sethi That Target Underlying ROOT Causes

If you're experiencing constipation and seeking solutions, In this Video Dr. Sethi a reputed gastroenterologist offers an in-depth look at this common problem. The video covers essential topics including what constipation is, its causes, how to manage it with over-the-counter laxatives, the different types laxatives, and natural drinks that can help ease symptoms. This resource is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding and practical advice to address constipation effectively. Check out the video for valuable insights into tackling constipation.

Summary

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting people of all ages. While usually temporary, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive. The good news? In most cases, simple lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and over-the-counter options can help.

This article explains what constipation is, its common causes, treatment options, and four natural beverages that can provide gentle relief.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is Constipation?
  2. Common Causes
  3. Lifestyle Remedies
    • Toilet posture
    • Hydration & fiber
    • Exercise & activity
  4. Over-the-Counter Laxatives
    • Bulk-forming
    • Osmotic
    • Stimulant
    • Stool softeners
  5. 4 Natural Beverages for Relief
    • Prune juice
    • Lemon water
    • Ginger tea
    • Aloe vera juice
  6. Conclusion
  7. Key Takeaways

What Is Constipation?

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent or harder to pass.

  • Normal: 3 bowel movements per day → 3 per week.
  • Constipation: Fewer movements, hard stools, or painful straining.

Common Causes

  • Low fiber diet (not enough fruits, vegetables, or whole grains).
  • Dehydration.
  • Ignoring the urge to pass stool.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Certain medications (painkillers, supplements).
  • No clear reason in some cases.

Lifestyle Remedies

  1. Toilet Posture
  • Place feet on a small stool while sitting.
  • Knees higher than hips = straighter angle → stool passes more easily.
  1. Hydration & Fiber
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
  • Add fiber-rich foods: fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, beans, whole grains.
  1. Exercise & Activity
  • Regular walking or exercise speeds up digestion.
  • Less time in the large intestine prevents stool from becoming too dry.

Over-the-Counter Laxatives

If lifestyle measures aren’t enough, OTC laxatives may help. Always consult your doctor before long-term use.

  • Bulk-forming (e.g., psyllium husk) → Adds fiber-like bulk, retains water in stool (works in 2–3 days). May cause temporary gas/bloating.
  • Osmotic (e.g., lactulose, polyethylene glycol) → Pulls water into the bowel, softening stool.
  • Stimulant (e.g., senna, bisacodyl) → Triggers intestinal contractions, works in ~12 hours but may cause cramping.
  • Stool softeners (e.g., docusate sodium) → Increase fluid in stool, making it easier to pass.

4 Natural Beverages for Relief

  1. Prune Juice
  • Contains sorbitol, a natural mild laxative.
  • Promotes bowel movements but may cause bloating in sensitive individuals.
  1. Lemon Water
  • Warm lemon water stimulates digestion.
  • Best taken first thing in the morning.
  1. Ginger Tea
  • Improves gut motility and relieves discomfort.
  • A natural option for occasional constipation.
  1. Aloe Vera Juice
  • Contains compounds that soothe and stimulate the digestive tract.
  • Best consumed in small amounts mixed with water.

Conclusion

Constipation is common but usually manageable with hydration, fiber, exercise, and better toilet habits. Natural beverages like prune juice, lemon water, ginger tea, and aloe vera juice can provide gentle relief.

If constipation is chronic, severe, or associated with other symptoms (blood in stool, weight loss, severe pain), consult a doctor for further evaluation.

Key Takeaways

  • Constipation = fewer or harder bowel movements, often uncomfortable.
  • Causes: low fiber, dehydration, inactivity, ignoring bowel urges.
  • Lifestyle fixes: proper toilet posture, hydration, fiber-rich foods, exercise.
  • Laxatives: bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, stool softeners (use with medical guidance).
  • Natural relief: Prune juice, lemon water, ginger tea, aloe vera juice.

Raw Transcript

[00:00] Constipation is very common. In fact it affects people of all ages. In this video I am going to teach you how to get rid of it and prevent it. I will discuss four best natural remedies to treat occasional constipation at the end of this video. Now before we begin let's first define

[00:20] what constipation actually is. Remember, we are all different so we all have different toilet habits. But generally speaking, constipation is when you go to the toilet less often to empty your bowels or when you are passing hard, painful stools. The normal frequency of bowel movements is anywhere from three bowel movements in a day to three

[00:40] bowel movements in a week. Now there are so many different causes for constipation in adults and sometimes there is no obvious reason but some of the most common causes include a lack of fiber, not eating enough fruits and veggies, dehydration and ignoring the urge to go. Now the good news is that constipation can usually be treated at home with simple like

[01:00] lifestyle changes as long as you are having constipation occasionally and not in a chronic fashion. And we are going to talk about these next. But if these do not help enough, I will also talk about legatives that you can buy over the counter. Tip number one. A really simple way to help reduce training is when you are trying to empty your bowels, raise your feet. So when you are sitting on the toilet seat, have a leg.

[01:20] stool there and place your feet on that and try and make your knees come above your hip. And by doing this you will straighten out the anorectal angle and this causes the stool to pass through much more easily. Alright let's move on to tip two. Now to make your stools softer and easy to pass, you need to drink more fluids. Try to aim for eight

[01:40] glasses daily and to help your stools retain more fluid you need more fiber that means more fruits more veggies more oatmeal tip 3 increase your activity so do more regular walking more regular exercise it is going to reduce the time it takes for the food to pass through your large intestine and you will have an easier time

[02:00] using the restroom. The reason for this is that the more time the food spends in the large intestine, the dryer your stool would become and you will have a more difficult time passing dry stools. So now if the diet and the lifestyle changes are not helping you, then legatives are a type of medication that can help the bowels empty more regularly.

[02:20] like my

[02:40] time as those can be habit forming. Again talk to your doctor and make sure the ones that you're buying do not have such side effects. Right now let's talk about the different over the counter leg details and how they work. I think it will be very useful for you to know. So first we've got bulk forming leg details such as celiac husk also known as isabgo. Now the one.

[03:00] The way these work is very similar to when you increase the fiber in your diet. It is going to help your stool retain more liquid so it is easier for your bowels to push the stool out. Remember that these kind of bulk forming legatives do take 2-3 days for these to work. They can also increase bloating and gas. But the good news is this does settle over time. Next one is osmorals.

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[03:40] These are called the bowel movements. Now this is caused by stimulating your GI tract and causing it to contract. Now remember, because of these contractions, it can cause abdominal cramping. Another important thing to remember is it can take up to 12 hours to work. We have stool softeners like docuset sodium which increase the fluid content of hard and dry stools.

[04:00] making them easier to pass. Alright, now the best part. Four best natural beverages to relieve your occasional constipation. First one. Prune juice. Prunes and prune juice contain sorbitol and natural sugar alcohol that acts as a mild laxative. Drinking prune juice can help promote bowel movements and help relieve constipation. The important thing to remember is

[04:20] with sorbitol because it is a sugar alcohol can indeed cause bloating in some people. Second, lemon water. It is a refreshing beverage that can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation. Consider drinking fresh lemon juice in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. Third, ginger tea also has laxative effects and can help relieve constipation by promoting balam.

[04:40] movements. And the fourth one, aloe vera juice. It contains compounds that can help soothe and stimulate the GI tract making it a natural remedy for occasional constipation. Drink a small amount of aloe vera juice mixed with water to help alleviate your occasional constipation. And that's all for today guys. If you have any questions, feel free to ask those in the comment section and I will try my best to answer those.

[05:00] If you like the video, make sure to hit the subscribe button and I will see you in the next video.