If you suffer from constipation, you are not alone. Over 4 million American adults and children report feeling constipated regularly. As we age, the risk of constipation increases, especially after age 65.

What is more, Americans spend millions on laxatives each year. Laxatives are medications that help with constipation. Yet, laxatives are not necessary for good digestive health.

Homeopathy for constipation seeks to address digestive issues the natural way. You do not need a prescription for homeopathic medicines. And they are often much less expensive and have fewer side effects than laxatives.

Do you want to learn more about homeopathic remedies for constipation? Then keep reading this guide because we are telling you everything you need to know.

Constipation: Explained

Most experts agree that you should have at least three bowel movements per week. If you have fewer than three per week, this could be a sign that you are constipated.

Constipation is an issue typically affecting people with poor diets and low levels of physical activity.

Poor bathroom habits can also cause constipation. For example, you can develop constipation if you always wait until the last minute to use the toilet.

But how do you know if you have constipation? We are answering this question and more below.

Symptoms of Constipation

The most common symptom of constipation is not having bowel movements often enough. But this is not the only symptom to look out for. Additional symptoms of constipation include, but are not limited to:

• Gut pain
• Bloating
• Straining while having a bowel movement
• Bowel movements that do not feel complete
• Anal bleeding
• Hemorrhoids
• Bloody stool
• Loss of appetite

You should also look out for any sudden changes in the frequency or quality of your bowel movements.

For example, imagine that you have a bowel movement twice a day and suddenly start having them only once every few days. This could be a sign of constipation.

Lifestyle Changes for Constipation

Most doctors and homeopaths do not recommend laxatives as the first line of defense against constipation. Instead, it is better to address the causes of your constipation. Again, the causes are typically to do with diet and exercise.

Studies show that people who eat diets low in fiber and high in unhealthy fats tend to have higher rates of constipation. Low water intake and low mobility are also associated with an increased risk for constipation.

So, the first thing you should do when you are constipated is to increase your water and fiber intake. Limit unhealthy fats from fried and processed foods. And try to get moving more often throughout the day.

When Is It Time to Try Homeopathy for Constipation?

In many people, these lifestyle changes alone are enough to decrease constipation. However, if these tips do not ease your digestion, it is time to consider homeopathy treatment.

Why Not Laxatives?

Laxatives are over-the-counter treatments that can stimulate your digestive system. But laxative medications can come with some pretty ugly side effects, the most common of which include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration

Accidental overuse of laxatives can also be dangerous. For example, you could experience vomiting, blurred vision, and severe diarrhea. In severe cases, laxative overuse can lead to fainting.

For these reasons and more, we recommend trying homeopathic medicines for constipation before resorting to a laxative.

Homeopathic Remedies for Constipation

Working together with your homeopath and doctor, you can find a natural remedy for your constipation. Here are just a few of the homeopathic medicines that we recommend.

Alumina

Alumina is a compound derived from the metal aluminum. It is a common ingredient in antacid medicines. And antacids work to relieve indigestion through neutralization of your stomach acids.

You might try this homeopathic remedy if you have very soft and thin stools that take a lot of effort to pass. You may wait to have bowel movements until you feel like you have built up enough stool to pass it.

Throbbing back pain, indigestion from starchy foods like potatoes, and a dry feeling in the anus are all symptoms people may experience when they need this medicine.

Bryonia

Bryonia alba (AKA white bryony) is a homeopathic medicine that comes from a species of the gourd plant family. Instead of the plant itself, this remedy comes from the resinous liquid that comes from the white bryony root.

White bryony has emetic properties. And emetics are medicines that doctors give ER patients to induce vomiting after alcohol poisoning or a similar condition.

Bryonia alba resin also functions as a diuretic. Diuretics increase liquid excretion. But in some people, diuretics also induce a laxative-like effect on your bowels.

People who need this type of remedy may experience extreme thirst and irritability. They may be gluten-intolerant. The stools of someone needing white bryony may be dry, hard, and very large.

Sepia

Sepia officinalis is the scientific name for the cuttlefish, a type of mollusk that is distantly related to squid and octopuses. And sepia is a homeopathic remedy made from the ink of the cuttlefish.

This homeopathic remedy is particularly well-suited for women and especially women who are pregnant. It is also a good choice for people who feel better after intensive exercise and enjoy spending time outdoors.

In terms of stools, look out for hard, knotty, and scant stools. You may need assistance with fully completing the bowel movement. And you may be prone to hemorrhoids.

Talk to a Homeopath About Your Digestive Health

Constipation is an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition. But with only a few lifestyle changes, you may be able to rid yourself of this condition entirely. If lifestyle changes do not work for you, it is time to speak to a homeopath.

Are you curious about homeopathy for constipation? Marie Lemaire is a homeopath who has been practicing for over 30 years. Book a consultation with Marie today to learn more about homeopathy and your digestive health.