Nutritionists consider that one of the most frequent causes of constipation is a diet that lacks in fiber and is probably rich in fat, meat and dairy products. Among other possible causes we should mention: immobility or a sedentary kind of life, hormonal changes such as those appearing in pregnancy, hemorrhoids, etc.

Constipation may occur many times in our life, for different reasons, but as long as it does not become chronicle, there is no need for us to panic. After all there are so many types of natural laxatives as well as pharmaceutical products that we can take and solve the problem in no time. Yet, doctors advise that we should be very careful with laxative pills, because they are known to produce side effects if they are taken on a regular basis for a longer period of time. That is why people who have long-term constipation should turn to natural means of removing this condition. The possibilities are endless and if we combine the treatment with a bit of physical exercise, we shall get most satisfactory results.

First of all, a slight change in our eating habits is to be made. There is a wide range of foods rich in fiber: walnuts, dates and figs, dried apricots, plums, grapes, olives, papaya and mango, coconut and avocado, pineapple, etc. We may devise a diet that should include one or more of these in a salad combination once a day.

Secondly, a good idea would be to reduce the intake of meat, fat, dairy products or high processed food.

Thirdly, as lack of water is known to be a decisive factor that leads to constipation, doctors’ advice is that we drink more water in its pure form, not as coffee, tea or any other kind of soft drink. About eight glasses of water a day will do.

So, before making the irrational decision of taking pills to solve your problem, have a look at the above list and try confronting it with natural weapons!