You may have heard of home remedies for Constipation, such as adding fibre to the diet and increasing physical activity. These changes will help you have more regular bowel movements. Did you know that the amount of liquid you consume can affect your stool’s size and consistency?
Constipation can be treated with these five drinks.
1. Water
Constipation is the perfect time to drink water. It can not only help you get rid of Constipation but also prevent it from returning.
Water is needed to make stool soft and solid enough to pass through the gut. Your poop becomes harder and is more difficult to pass when there is not enough water. Enough water will keep your body hydrated, including your stool. Constipation is less likely when you are fully hydrated.
Search options
A third party is responsible for the search. You agree by clicking on a topic above that you may visit a landing page with search results generated from a third party, and your identifiers, engagement, and information about this page, as well as the landing page, can be shared with that third party. GoodRx could receive compensation for your search.
Constipation can be improved by drinking water. Constipation can be helped by increasing your intake of fibre. There must be enough water in your stool to “plump” up the fibre.
Water requirements vary from person to person. The general rule of thumb is eight glasses of water per day. However, you may require more or less based on your weight and activity level. Constipation can be cured by drinking enough water every day.
2. Coffee
Constipation can be relieved by drinking coffee. You might have noticed that it can cause you to poop. Coffee activates the gastric-colic reflex, which causes stools to pass through your colon. The caffeine in coffee is likely to be the main factor in this process. However, studies have shown that even decaf tea can stimulate colon movement — but to a lesser degree than regular coffee.
The effect is greatest in the morning. Add a cup of caffeine to your morning routine.
3. Warm drinks
Don’t worry if you don’t drink coffee. Other warm drinks can also relieve Constipation.
A small study examined whether drinking warm water after surgery helped restore bowel functions. The study found that people who consumed warm water immediately after surgery began passing gas more quickly than those who did not. Warm water, tea, or warm broth can all help.
What to read next? Expert picks
- It is important to eat well. Certain foods can help relieve (and even prevent) Constipation. Our top picks to ease Constipation.
- Do you need help fast? Find out which over-the-counter and prescription medications will relieve Constipation quickly.
- Drinks that improve gut health.
Some warm drinks like black or green tea also contain a small amount of caffeine to speed things up.
4. Fruit juice
Some fruit juices may also help with Constipation. Juices are often enhanced with pectin, a type of soluble fibre that softens the hard stool.
Apple, pear, and prune juice are some of the best juices to help with Constipation. These juices are rich in pectin, and sorbitol is a type of sugar-alcohol. Sorbitol can cause water to flow into your colon and relieve Constipation.
Continue reading to learn more.
Add a glass of prune, apple or pear juice to your daily regimen. Check the nutritional label to see how much sugar is added.
5. Probiotic beverages
Drinking probiotics can support gut health and reduce Constipation. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that the gut requires to function properly.
There is evidence to suggest that probiotics relieve Constipation. They do this by promoting movement in the gut and decreasing the time for stool passage. Fermented beverages such as kombucha or kefir contain probiotics. Try adding them to your daily routine.
If you do not like the taste or smell of fermented beverages, make a smoothie with fruits and vegetables rich in fibre. Add a probiotic yoghurt.
What drinks can worsen Constipation?
Some drinks can relieve Constipation, while others can worsen it. Here are two drinks you should avoid if you suffer from Constipation.
Milk
Lactose is a sugar that can be found in milk. If you have Lactose Intolerance, it can cause Constipation. Take a break from lactose-containing products and milk if you have been diagnosed as having lactose sensitivity.
Alcohol
Alcohol can slow down the speed at which food passes through your intestines. Evidence shows that alcohol-rich drinks can have the opposite effects. Constipation can result from these drinks. Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine and spirits, do not contain fibre. If you suffer from Constipation, avoid foods and beverages that are low in fibre.
Should I consult a doctor if I have Constipation?
Consult your doctor if Constipation is a problem that you experience on a regular or frequent basis. Everybody gets constipated at some point. Dietary changes and OTC medications can treat most constipation cases. Constipation is sometimes a sign that something more serious is going on. Constipation is a sign of a serious condition.
Contact your healthcare team immediately if you experience Constipation and any other symptoms that are concerning, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Dark black or bloody stools
