Sluggish bowel movements are often the result of a low-fibre diet and insufficient water intake. While it’s easy to turn to laxatives, stool softeners and cleanses to get things running smoothly again, there’s a natural remedy that we bet you haven’t tried.
The technique involves massaging your perineum. What’s that you say? It’s the stretch of skin separating your private parts from your anus. The spot contains a pressure point that, when massaged, can ease constipation, according to a new study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. While the method is a little hands on, it may just be the key to a clog-free life!
For those of you who prefer to keep it hands-free, we’ve got some other natural alternatives here:
Start off the day with some figs. They’re rich in soluble fibre (the kind that adds bulk to stool) and are also good for softening your stools so you can expel them easily. But be warned, if you’re new to the whole fibre thing, start off with a smaller serving to prevent gas, bloating and cramping.
Need a quick-fix against clogging? Mix one to two teaspoons of psyllium seeds into a cup of hot water. Let sit for awhile, then add lemon and honey before drinking. Follow with another glass of water immediately. Psyllium husk is a proven colon cleanser, that can also improve digestion and help with weight loss.
Taking a teaspoon of herbal bitters in water before dinner every evening has been shown to improve general digestive function. Its benefits don’t end there: Herbal bitters also encourage the liver to produce more bile, which the body then uses for excretion (like a natural laxative!)
Magnesium helps reduce muscle spasm tension in your digestive tract, which means it relaxes your bowels and pulls water into your intestines. A good source of easy-to-find magnesium can be found in nuts like almonds and walnuts. But be careful about the dosage of magnesium you consume, too much can lead to diarrhea.