Are you suffering from constipation and looking for natural ways to stimulate your bowel movements? Constipation can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience, leaving you feeling bloated, sluggish, and desperate for relief.
Luckily, certain drinks and supplements can help you go to the bathroom more easily and quickly, without resorting to harsh laxatives or medications. In this article, we’ll reveal 3 effective beverages to relieve constipation, including one ultimate solution that can make you poop within hours. Discover the power of these gut-friendly drinks and say goodbye to bloating and discomfort once and for all!
The miraculous prune juice remedy
Prune juice has long been known as a natural laxative due to its high sorbitol content. This sugar alcohol is poorly absorbed by the body and draws water into the colon, softening stools and promoting bowel movements.
Prunes are also rich in fiber, particularly the soluble type, which helps bulk up stools, stimulate the digestive system, and feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. To benefit from this time-honored remedy, drink a glass of pure prune juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. You can also blend prunes into a smoothie with other gut-friendly ingredients like ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or kefir for an extra digestive boost.
Start with a small amount, such as 4-6 ounces, and gradually increase as needed to avoid excessive gas or bloating. Prune juice is generally safe for most people but can interact with certain medications like diuretics or blood thinners, so consult your doctor if you have any concerns or underlying health issues.
The soothing power of ginger tea
Ginger is a potent digestive aid that has been used for centuries to alleviate various gastrointestinal issues, including constipation. This warming spice promotes peristalsis, the wave-like contractions that move food through your digestive tract, helping to push waste out of your body more efficiently.
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can soothe irritation and cramping in the intestines, providing relief from bloating and discomfort. To make a constipation-busting ginger tea, slice a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root and simmer it in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a touch of raw honey if desired for added flavor and nutrients.
Drink this spicy brew 2-3 times per day, preferably before meals, to get things moving and promote regularity. You can also try ginger supplements in capsule or powder form, but be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully to avoid potential side effects like heartburn, diarrhea, or interactions with blood-thinning medications.
The ultimate solution to make you poop instantly: magnesium bisglycinate
If you’re looking for a powerful and fast-acting remedy for constipation, look no further than magnesium bisglycinate.
This highly absorbable form of magnesium works by drawing water into the colon, softening stools, and promoting muscle contractions in the digestive tract, effectively stimulating bowel movements. Unlike other types of magnesium supplements, such as oxide or citrate, which can cause diarrhea, cramping, or other digestive discomforts, bisglycinate is gentle on the stomach and well-tolerated by most people, even those with sensitive guts.
To use magnesium bisglycinate for constipation relief, take 200-400 mg per day with food, depending on your individual needs and tolerance level. You should start to notice an improvement in your bowel movements within a few hours to a day, with more regular and easy-to-pass stools.
Be sure to stay well-hydrated and listen to your body’s cues to avoid overuse or dependence. If you experience any adverse reactions or have pre-existing kidney issues, stop taking the supplement immediately and consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for these drinks to work?
The time it takes for these drinks to stimulate a bowel movement varies from person to person, depending on factors like age, diet, hydration levels, physical activity, and underlying health conditions. In general, prune juice and ginger tea may take anywhere from a few hours to a day to work, as they rely on the natural digestive processes to soften stools and promote peristalsis.
Magnesium bisglycinate, on the other hand, can produce results more quickly, often within a few hours, due to its direct action on the muscles and nerves in the digestive tract.
However, everyone’s digestive system is unique, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with your chosen remedy, giving it time to work its magic. If you don’t notice any improvement after a few days or experience worsening symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out more serious underlying issues.
Can I drink these beverages every day?
While these drinks can be effective for occasional constipation relief, they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution or consumed in excess. Overuse of laxatives, even natural ones like prune juice or magnesium supplements, can lead to dependence, electrolyte imbalances, and potentially worsen digestive issues over time by disrupting the natural balance of gut bacteria and weakening the muscles in the colon.
Instead, aim to address the root cause of your constipation through a balanced diet rich in fiber from whole plant foods, regular physical exercise to stimulate gut motility, and good hydration habits to keep stools soft and easy to pass.
If you find yourself relying on these remedies frequently or experiencing chronic constipation that persists despite lifestyle changes, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying health problems like irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, or hormonal imbalances.
Are there any side effects to be aware of?
While generally safe when used in moderation and as directed, these drinks can cause some side effects in sensitive individuals or when consumed in excess. Prune juice, for example, is high in sugar and calories, which can lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea if consumed in large quantities, especially in those with pre-existing digestive issues or sugar intolerances.
Ginger tea, while generally well-tolerated, can cause mild heartburn, throat irritation, or interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using it regularly. Magnesium supplements, including bisglycinate, can also cause digestive discomforts like diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps if taken in high doses or without sufficient water intake. T
o minimize the risk of side effects, always start with a low dose of any new supplement or remedy and increase gradually to assess your tolerance. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, take medications regularly, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before trying these remedies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual needs.