(NaturalNews) As the Western world continues to become more dependent on processed and unnatural foods, constipation and other bowel-related conditions are on the rise. Fortunately, constipation - the irregular or infrequent evacuation of the bowels due to intestinal obstruction - is one of the easiest conditions to treat, and often requires little more than an improved diet.
Most individuals acknowledge that fiber-rich foods (especially fruits, vegetables, and bran products) have a positive effect on colon health. However, health stores also contain numerous sweet foods that are also effective at treating intestinal blockages. The best of these foods are listed below, complete with information on how to incorporate them into our daily regimes.
Blackstrap molasses
Incredibly rich in trace minerals such as iron, copper, and manganese, blackstrap molasses - a thick syrup sourced from the sugar cane refinement process - is growing in popularity due to its positive effects on our skin, eyes, hair, and mood. One aspect of blackstrap that is seldom discussed; however, is its laxative properties. Indeed, drinking two teaspoons of unsulfured, organic blackstrap molasses mixed with boiled water first thing in the morning is not only a potent natural energizer, but also an effective stool softener that promotes long-term regularity when consumed daily.
Xylitol
Aside from being good for teeth and weight loss, this convincing and much-loved sugar substitute also serves as a natural colon cleanser, especially when taken in larger quantities. Since studies have shown that xylitol is safe to consume in any amount (unlike sugar, it is low in calories and contains a low glycemic index), daily servings of 40 grams or more of it could, in time,
cure even the most persistent instances of constipation. If possible, purchase xylitol sourced from birch rather than corn to avoid GM issues.
Dark chocolate
Unlike the toxic 'milk' chocolate sold in supermarkets and newsagents, dark chocolate contains numerous health benefits, including significant antioxidant properties. One of dark chocolate's lesser-known benefits; however, is its capacity to improve bowel functions due to its high magnesium content (magnesium helps to contract bowel muscles, prompting excretion). Therefore, eating a few pieces of dark chocolate containing at least 75 percent cacao after a healthy meal will doubly improve your body's chances of unblocking accumulated matter.
Raw honey
Since raw, unprocessed honey retains all the essential minerals and enzymes that would otherwise be lost if it were processed, it has an extremely positive effect on our digestion system. Consider drinking a mixture of raw honey and warm water 30 minutes before a meal to invigorate the intestine and prepare the digestive system for heavier nourishment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, constipation should rarely be an issue for individuals whose diets are in accord with nature. Favoring a diet rich in organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fresh water will ensure that bowel-related conditions - and indeed, medical conditions in general - are seldom a problem. That said, individuals who are currently transitioning to healthier diets, or who require additional help with long-term constipation, will certainly benefit from these delicious and unconventional laxatives.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.xylitolnow.com/faq.htmlhttp://voices.yahoo.com/how-relieve-constipation-cocoa-2112280.htmlhttp://diaryofanutritionist.com/2010/05/13/the-benefits-of-raw-honey/About the author:Michael Ravensthorpe is an independent writer from the United Kingdom whose research interests include nutrition, alternative medicine, and bushcraft. He is the creator of the website
Spiritfoods, through which he helps to promote the world's healthiest foods, whether they be established superfruits such as mangosteen or lesser-known health supplements like
blackstrap molasses.
Michael is also the creator of the companion site
Spiritcures, which details his research into the best home remedies for common medical conditions such as
hair loss.
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