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That’s right. I’m talking about natural constipations remedies. That means I’m talking about poop.
I really don’t like talking about poop, but over the past couple months, I have started doing so on Instagram. It seems to just be a part of being on GAPS! For me, if I am having an issue, it is constipation. With GAPS, I decided to finally do something about this to make sure my body is getting rid of toxins in a timely manner. I have tried a lot of natural constipation remedies in this time, and here is what I have found works well.
These options are simple, safe, and frugal – no need to put in a lot of time, energy, and money into something that may or may not work! They are also all safe for GAPS and, with the exception of the GAPS Milkshake, for AIP.
Please note that these natural constipation remedies will not work for everyone. Every body is different, and you may not be constipated for the same reason as someone else. This means that what worked for someone else may not work for you. Try different remedies that you can tolerate (these are all very healthful options!) to find what works. Most importantly, continue to eat a nutrient dense, healing diet with lots of vegetables, health fats, meats, and broths to help your body naturally heal and regulate.
Natural Constipation Remedies
Beet Kvass – This is one I wish I had known about from the beginning on GAPS! Beet kvass is incredibly easy to make, and since it is simply fermented beet juice, it is allowed from Stage One of GAPS Intro. Beet kvass promotes detox and provides gut healing probiotics, which makes it a great constipation remedy. The first time I tried beet kvass, just a small amount worked within the hour! I have worked up to about 1/4 cup with breakfast and dinner and it has done wonders!
Learn how to make beet kvass here. The beets can be used to make multiple batches of kvass, making it a very frugal option. Being the simplest and cheapest option that also works very well for my body, beet kvass is my favorite of the natural constipation remedies.
Increasing other fermented vegetables or probiotics is also recommended to help with constipation
Freshly Pressed Juice – I have only tried carrot juice, but freshly pressed juice is highly recommended in both Gut and Psychology Syndrome and GAPS Guide to help with constipation, thanks to its detoxifying properties. When I first introduced freshly pressed juice, it cleared up some constipation I had been dealing with for weeks. It didn’t keep it cleared up, but it certainly helped a lot!
Learn how to make freshly pressed juice without a juicer here.
Increase Your Fats – Whether it is adding fats to your soups, eating spoonfuls of sour cream, or even taking a spoonful of fat straight (only if your stomach tolerates that last one!), increasing your fat intake can help lubricate and loosen stool.
GAPS Milkshake – The detoxifying effects of freshly pressed juice, combined with added healing fats makes this an awesome constipation remedy! This is another remedy that works very quickly for me.
Apple Cider Vinegar – This one surprised me! I had been drinking apple cider vinegar in water every morning to aid digestion for quite some time. I was really constipated one weekend while traveling. I was so desperate, I drank a spoonful of olive oil straight at night. Nothing happened, and nothing was happening the next morning. Then I drank my glass of water with a little extra apple cider vinegar, and I immediately had relief.
Essential Oils – Rub a few drops of the Digestive Blend, diluted, on your abdomen in a clockwise manner. This helps support the digestive system while also stimulating the intestines in a forward direction. Marjoram and rosemary essential oils are also recommended to apply topically to the stomach to help with constipation.
Highly Recommended
I have not personally tried the following two natural constipation remedies. However, they are highly recommend and safe for GAPS. Since I don’t keep these in the house, I always try the remedies I listed above first and have never had to progress to trying these.
Magnesium – Taking epsom salt baths, using Natural Calm, and applying magnesium oil to the abdomen are the most commonly recommended ways to use magnesium to help with constipation.
Enemas – I have never done an enema. They freak me out. I probably won’t ever do one unless things get really bad and literally nothing above does anything. However, many people swear by enemas, especially for chronic constipation. Dr. Natasha highly recommends enemas in the case that you are not moving your bowels every day to ensure that you are removing all the toxins your body is releasing during GAPS. You can find a lot of information about enemas in Gut and Psychology Syndrome, GAPS Guide, and the FAQ page.
What natural constipation remedies have you tried? What has worked for you?
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organic4greenlivings says
Excellent information. My husband used apple cider vinegar for a long time to help with indigestion and it did. He now does not have any trouble. Shared.
How We Flourish says
Great! Thank you!
SY Kang says
thanks!!!!
Lily Isabelle says
Yes I agree that natural remedies are not working same for all body. But it works in maximum cases so before going for any serious treatments like surgery. I saw my friend had constipation problem and he had tried so many home remedy that didn’t work good. Someone suggest him to use a natural remedy medicine as “Lean N Clean®” and it worked well. We must try natural medicines or remedy before treatments.
Kelly says
Apple cider vinegar is constipating. It’s astringent/sour tastes CONSTRICTS…doesn’t relax. Other than that, some good ideas.