Many things can cause a bout of constipation.  Worry, stress, anxiety, medications, injury and dehydration are just a few causes of the problem.  Bowel movements are infrequent and often incomplete and the stools become hardened and difficult to pass.

It is an uncomfortable feeling that may happen occasionally or be a medical condition that is chronic.  Many patients who suffer from constipation will often suffer from hemorrhoids too because of the difficulty in passing the hard stools.

There are a few good home remedies to help with this problem.  Most have to do with the fiber in your diet.  A good, healthy balanced diet with plenty of fiber and whole grains will help with constipation problems.

Dehydration is a contributing factor to constipation so it is especially important to drink the required amount of water your body needs every day.  If you don’t like the taste of water, there are many ways to flavor it, or flavored water can be found in grocery or drugstores. 

Eating a portion of potatoes every day is said to prevent constipation worries.  You also may try a half-cup of sunflower seeds daily too.  Again, this gives you the fiber that helps your digestive system.  Cooked red beets, bran and oatmeal are good natural cures.  Or, eat a banana every day.  Honey is another good home remedy for constipation. 

On an empty stomach every morning, drink a cup of warm water mixed with half teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of olive oil.  Also on an empty stomach, swallow two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water, or just drink two glasses of warm water when you awake. 

The old saying goes, eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away, but it also will help keep constipation away!  Steep fresh plums in water overnight then drink the water in the morning.  You may want to eat the plums too if you like them.  Dried dates may be used in the same way as the plums.

Another mixture is dried figs, plum concentrate, and half a teaspoon of paraffin oil.  Mix this with one cup of borsch, lemon and honey and drink.  You may also want to try drinking tomato juice every day or eating grain tomatoes. 

Another bitter treatment for constipation that is effective is to drink one-quarter teaspoon of Epsom salt in half a glass of water.  Drink it right away and in one gulp or you may not be able to finish it! 

Another great home cure for constipation is to eat a lot of green leafy vegetables.  Lettuce and parsley are the best for this home cure.  A good salad every day with other vegetables will help your constipation problem. 

Three other foods to eat every day to help constipation are, honey, horse radish and oatmeal.  Be sure you are getting the right amount of water because keeping your body hydrated is critical in preventing constipation.  If you have problems with constipation, you should stay away from white bread.