The Reasons behind Constipation
Irregular bowel movements including constipation is a common health issue affecting 1 in 10 people. There are a number of factors that cause this uncomfortable condition among which inactivity, excessive stress, age, certain types of drugs including some vitamin supplements, deficiency in fiber and water, and many more.
Although there are easily available over-the-counter laxatives which can treat constipation, there’s no better and safer solution for this issue than natural remedies, which by the way, are as efficient.
One such natural recipe is the one we recommend here. It’s also known by the name ‘the hospital jam’ as even doctors recommend it to patients because of its 100% efficacy. Aside from treating the worst constipation, this recipe is completely natural and safe to use, meaning it doesn’t cause any unwanted effects. On the plus side, the easy method of preparation is another thing you’ll love about it.
Read on for detailed instructions on how to deal with the discomforts caused by constipation and bloating with one simple recipe.
Natural Laxative Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of prunes (pitted)
- 1 cup of dates (pitted)
- 5 cups of boiling water
Directions:
Boil 5 cups of water. Chop the dates and prunes nicely then add them to the boiling water. Cook until you get jam-like mixture. If cooked properly, you’ll get around 20 tablespoons homemade jam, which is great for children too. One way to use it is to add it to your breakfast – yoghurt, cereals, toast etc. Or, if you prefer, eat jam only.
Why Is This Jam So Effective
The answer is very simple – prunes are high in fiber and sorbitol – a natural sugar that softens the stool and relieves constipation.
The thing is you can use prunes in a number of ways to treat this issue. For instance, you can add some dried prunes to water and leave them overnight then drink the liquid in the morning. This method too helps soften your stool and empty your bowels. The high efficacy of prunes for issues such as constipation has even been scientifically proved – soluble fiber allows more water in the stool, thus making it softer, bulkier, and most importantly, easier to pass.
Important: in some rare case constipation can indicate a more serious health issue including colorectal or stomach cancer. In cases when constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain, or blood in the stool, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Luckily, chronic constipation can be easily treated with simple dietary and lifestyle changes. For instance, increasing your fiber intake through fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and getting more sleep can provide you long-term relief from constipation.
