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6 Natural Products to Relieve Constipation & Boost Digestion!

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If you struggle with constipation, having a few natural products on hand to get you to go safely and quickly is an absolute must. Getting backed up can turn into a serious issue if it becomes chronic and you should always be extremely proactive when it comes to eliminating toxins. I’ve rounded up a few tips and products I use to stay on track and keep the digestive track moving in the right direction.

Keeping my digestion up to speed is a full time job, I swear.  I have always struggled with stomach issues and tend to be on the backed up side if you will. Husband-if you’re out there, quit reading NOW.  

So growing up I adopted the mentality that the more you go the skinnier you’ll be. That was borderline bulimic ideology and I never took to laxatives luckily but as I have gotten older and wiser, I’ve discovered ways to help a sluggish digestive system do it’s job minus harmful side effects.

Since you are reading this particular article, my guess is constipation plagues you as well and that you are very likely uncomfortable on a regular basis. I’ve been on quite the journey to finding the root of my digestion issues. There’s really nothing I won’t try to get my body working properly. From juice cleanses to parasite cleanses, I’ve learned a lot along the way and am here to share with you what I hope will help. 

How Often Should You Poop?

Ideally, you should poop 1-3 times a day. What goes in, must come out, period.

You are considered constipated if you go less than 3 times a week. 

If you only go 3 or less times a week for several weeks, you are considered chronically constipated. 

Why Not Just Take A Laxative?

Taking a laxative like Mira-LAX, Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, Senokot etc. can cause bloating, gas, cramping and nausea. They also cause dehydration and throw your body’s natural balance off typically giving quick relief but causing even more constipation in the days after. 

A more alarming side effect of taking laxatives on a regular basis can result in the intestines losing muscle and nerve response, which can lead to dependency on laxatives to have a bowel movement.

First, Let’s Consider a Few Things….

Before I list my top digestion boosting products, let me address a few things you probably already know, but it won’t hurt to mention.  

Water is key.  I drink 1/2 my body weight in ounces.  For example, I weigh 150lbs so I drink around 75 oz. of water a day.  I’ve learned that water alone might not be enough. Adding a pinch of sea salt to your water can make a real difference. I start my day with about 12 ounces of water with 1/8-1/4 tsp. of sea salt. I’ll do this again around lunch and maybe another again around dinner. I have a recipe for homemade Pedialyte or Gatorade that explains the importance of adding salt for hydration. 

The second thing I’ve learned is moving your body is extremely important. Walking, stretching and rebounding are a few of the most effective exercises that help your bowels get moving. I used to do an at-home pilates DVD where I would do a lot of twisting and stretching. I was never backed up when I consistently did that DVD. Movement is a must on a daily basis. I now try to walk as often as possible and bought a rebounder all though I’m not great at remembering to use it. 

One more thing to mention is that if you have a slow digestive system, you might be suffering from food sensitivities. I discovered that my body was intolerant of coffee. The acid was killing my stomach. I am caffeine free now but you don’t have to go that far. There are several brands of coffee that are low acid that remedied my issue. 

A dairy intolerance is very common as well. Typically dairy gives you the opposite problem from constipation but it’s worth exploring. 

I strive to be grain free. Once I quit grains on a daily basis, I found so much relief. It wasn’t the end all be all for my digestive whoas but I felt 60% better totally omitting whole wheat, foods labeled “gluten free” and refraining from flour on a daily basis. 

Stress is a huge culprit for stomach issues. I know it’s easier said than done to manage your stress levels but if you can find a way to reduce your stress, you must prioritize it. Whether it’s prayer, meditation, a warm bath, reading a book or a glass of wine-make it happen. 

My Top Natural Products That Help Relieve Constipation:

1. Magnesium

If you aren’t on a magnesium supplement and suffer from constipation this could be the easiest answer you’ll get.  A lack of magnesium can cause many issues within the body but one in particular is constipation.  

The thing with magnesium is that there are several different types.  I believe absorption with magnesium is an issue so THIS is what I prefer to take. I’m going to do a full post on magnesium in the very near future.  It’s pretty life changing.  

also have begun to take an Epsom Salt bath about 3x a week.  

Use my coupon code JENNI10 for 10% off at checkout!

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV helps with so many things.  If you aren’t taking it, you should. 

Apple cider vinegar is excellent for stimulating detox and it can do wonders for strengthening the gut and revving up digestion.  I have seen THE MOST digestive relief taking 1 tablespoon of ACV in a large glass of water before I eat lunch and dinner. I can’t stress enough that this is worth a try. ACV is a easy and cheap solution.

If you can’t stand the taste ACV, you might be interested in my Apple Cider Vinegar/honey/lemon and Maca drink recipe but trust me when I say, you get used to it and the benefits far outweigh the taste.  

Always buy ACV with the “mother” in it.  Find it HERE.

3. Chlorophyll

I love my green water!  The looks I get when I take my green water in public are the best!  Chlorophyll aids in digestion and promotes detox.  I’ve heard many people claim it gets things moving! I wrote a post on all the wonderful benefits of drinking chlorophyll.  

I take THIS chlorophyll and do 2 dropper fulls a day.

4. Collagen

I live and die by collagen.  It’s just not something I ever want to run out of.  I add 1-2 scoops to my daily smoothie.

Collagen helps strengthen fibers therefore if you suspect you have leaky gut, it can actually help rebuild your intestines.  

Not all collagen is created equal.  I find that most brands do not make a difference for me. I take THIS collagen. When I started taking it, I noticed a dramatic difference in my digestion and my nails and skin.  

Use my code JENNI10 for 10% off your order!

5. Chia Seeds

I add chia seeds to my daily smoothie for a boost of fiber. Not only do these seeds keep me full much longer, they also make going much more efficient if you know what I mean.  

I am very sensitive to fiber and can not take fiber that is synthetic. Psyllium Husks work great for many people and are easy to take since they are in pill form but I bloat like a 5 day old dead body.  

Uping your fiber can do wonders but remember, if you up your fiber-don’t skimp on the water.  You’re just asking for stomach pain, gas and bloat.  Trust me on this one.  I use THIS brand.

6. Probiotics

Getting your gut in check can do wonders for your digestive system.  Not to mention just about every other bodily function as well.  It is so important to take a good probiotic daily because fighting sugar and processed foods that can throw off your gut balance is a 24-7 job if you’re anything like me-or normal. 

I have found the BEST (by far) probiotic that I swear by.  My whole family and extended family is on it and in fact, I was just urging my neighbor to try it!  With Flourish Probiotic I can tell a huge difference in my health.  Not only is my digestive health much better-I can tell a difference in my mood.  Did you know that serotonin and dopamine are produced in the gut?  Go HERE to read my whole post on Flourish probiotic and HERE to check it out.  Did I mention it’s super affordable?

So there you have it-a few safe, affordable and easy ways to relieve constipation and keep things regular.  I hope it’s helped.  Honestly, each of these suggestions have been life changing for me.  Not being able to go is the worst.  It’s beyond frustrating and can get crazy uncomfortable real quick.  Laxatives are not the answer and will actually constipate you more in the long run. Plus, did you know your body can get addicted to them and make it impossible to go without them?  Yikes.  I’m not taking that chance.

Do you have any constipation remedies I’ve not mentioned?  I’d love to hear them!  Also, have you tried a squatty potty?  Another life changing purchase.  Embarrassing when friends come over, yes-but totally worth the raised eye brows!  LOL!

xx, Jenni

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Jennifer Phillips

Jennifer Phillips

Jennifer Phillips worked as a licensed aesthetician for over 8 years before creating the green beauty blog, Jenni Raincloud and her natural skin care line, J. Raincloud Organics. Jennifer has been blogging full time for 9 years and loves to gain and share knowledge on how to achieve beautiful skin the natural way.

2 thoughts on “6 Natural Products to Relieve Constipation & Boost Digestion!”

  1. Huge yes to Natural Calm. I’ve been taking it for years and years. I drink it right before bed and it really helps me wind down too. I would suggest that anyone new to it start with a very small dose…it almost works too well at first. And totally agree that everything just feels better when you don’t eat too much. For me it’s not so much the calorie thing just the actual volume of the food. I can’t stand to be uncomfortably full. I am the person that can eat too many brussels sprouts and be uncomfortable. Just because something is healthy doesn’t mean you need to eat a ton of it. Love this post and glad you are discussing this!

    1. Elizabeth-I agree with the volume of food as I sit her with a gross stomach that’s making weird noises from my over indulgent weekend! My body is so much happier with less food. I’m all or nothing though. I either eat too little or too much. That’s part of why I count calories.

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