• A diet low in fiber (lacking whole grains, bran, fresh fruit and vegetables)
• Insufficient intake of liquids such as water, juice or tea
• An inactive lifestyle
• Poor bowel habits such as ignoring the urge to have bowel movements
• Stress
• Medications such as painkillers (especially codeine), antacids, antispasmodic drugs, antidepressants or iron tablets
• Medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), spinal injury, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, colon or rectal cancer, too much calcium in the blood, tumors and lesions of the bowel
• Habitual use of laxatives and enemas (leading to a rebound effect) * Changes in the environment
• Mature age - older adults often suffer from constipation due to a combination of poor diet, insufficient fluids, poor bowel habits or the side effects of prescription medication
• Pregnancy - hormonal changes and pressure on the bowel by the heavy womb can cause prolonged constipation which can in turn result in the development of anal fissures or hemorrhoids

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There are many natural laxatives and holistic treatments that can help treat symptoms of constipation, promote easier digestion, and stimulate bowel movements -without the side effects commonly associated with OTC or prescription drugs. Natural laxative treatments that include herbal and homeopathic remedies can restore balance and regularity to the digestive system and bowel. Nourishing herbs such as Aloe Ferox, Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion), and Passiflora incarnata have natural laxative properties and also act as a tonic for the liver. Other herbs that may also have a beneficial effect on the digestive system are Psyllium, a natural bulk forming laxative and Cascara and Senna to stimulate bowel movements. Remember to source your natural remedies from reputable companies to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety!

• Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) – may be taken in tea. Use the dandelion root and let steep in a cup of hot water. Drink one cup of tea 3 times daily to alleviate constipation and promote the passing of stool.
• Aloe Ferox – is a plant used for many medicianal purposes, aloe ferox can come in juice form. Taking aloe ferox juice regularly is highly beneficial, also for healthy people, but those with constipation benefit greatly from its ability to soften stool
• Psyllium – Psyllium seed is a great natural laxative. Add 1/2 to 2 tsp. of psyllium seed to 1 cup (8 oz.) of warm water. Mix well, and take before meals or 30-60 minutes after a meal.
• Passiflora Incarnata (Passion Flower) – Passion Flower is prepared as a tea, an infusion is made by steeping 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of the herb in 2/3 cup of water for five to ten minutes. Two or three cups of Passion Flower tea can be consumed per day

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Babies commonly suffer from constipation at some point in their infancy. Treating constipated babies is challenging, but there are natural remedies that can be used on babies. Many biochemic tissue salts such as Kali phos helps to lessen the edginess associated with constipation in babies. Calc phos is a biochemic tissue salt that promotes nutritional health and it is a vital component for effective digestion. These ingredients are homeopathic and may be used on babies, if administered properly; these herbs along with the tips below can relieve your baby from painful constipation.

• Give your baby gentle belly massages, starting in a clock-wise motion. Rub the belly softly and slowly work your hands away from the center of the tummy.
• Warm baths seem to help "loosen things up" for infants, while towel drying baby can also help to gently stimulate the digestive system.
• Bicycle legs help constipated and gassy babies! Try holding each leg in your hands – slowly start to move his/her legs as if they were riding a bicycle.

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Constipation in children is the very common, foods attributed to constipation include white breads, cheeses, sweet foods and peanut butter, all of which most children love to eat. A lack of fiber in the diet can also lead to common constipation in children so a safe way to encourage bowel movements is to encourage kids to eat vegetables and fruit – great sources of fiber! Over the counter laxatives that are offered for adults are usually too strong and can cause irritations in the belly. For teens and young adults, herbs such as peppermint and ginger can help to calm gastric upset, while senna in tea form, can help to rid the body of waste. Just like adults, psyllium may be used for children to relive constipation, for children reduce the intake, you may also want to include it in their cereal. Make sure the cereal you are feeding your child while they have constipation is made of whole grains to aid in the elimination efforts.

Note: Always consult your health provider for correct dosage when using herbal remedies for children

• Try peppermint tea or ginger tea to calm digestion
• Aim towards whole grains, fruits (except bananas) and vegetables for your child- and stay away from over-processed foods.
• Prunes are notorious for relieving constipation- boil prunes to soften skin for small children; you may also want to put diced prunes in cereal.
• Flax seed- boil 2 tbsp flax seed in 2 cups of water and mix with milk.

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• Acupuncture or shiatsu helps to release blocked energy.
• Aromatherapy Massage with essential oils may help chronic constipation.
• Biofeedback therapy teaches you how to coordinate muscles used to defecate.

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• Over-the-counter stimulant laxatives such as Senokot, Dulco-lax, Fybogel and Regulan cause bowel muscles to contract.
• Prescription medicine such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax) softens the stool and Tegaserod (Zelnorm) helps the intestinal muscles contract better.

Most cases of constipation can be successfully treated by instituting changes in diet and lifestyle – without the need for OTC or prescription drugs. This is the preferred approach and will lead to continued systemic health. Remember that constipation is a warning sign from your body to let you know that changes need to be made. Do not ignore this.

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Most episodes of constipation result from a lack of fiber in the diet, a limited intake of water and reduced physical activity. Complications such as hemorrhoid, a dependency on laxatives, hernia or a prolapse of the womb or rectum may be brought on by chronic constipation.

Hemorrhoids
These are swollen veins around the anal opening that are caused by straining to pass a stool over a long period of time. They are extremely painful and may rupture and bleed. If they are large enough, they will be visible from the outside.

Dependency on Laxatives
People who abuse laxatives over an extended period of time have sluggish bowels.

Hernia
A hernia is the bulging of the abdominal contents through a weak point in the abdominal wall. This is worsened by too much straining when trying to pass hard stools.

A Prolapsed Womb or Rectum
A prolapsed womb or rectum may result from excessive straining and weakness of the muscles in this area.

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Constipation is very common in infants and children. Babies who are formula fed are far more likely to develop constipation compared to breast fed babies. It is very rare for breast fed babies to develop constipation because breast milk is extremely easily digested and their stools are much softer. Bottle fed babies on the other hand are much more likely to become constipated because the formula milk is harder to digest.

They also tend to have fewer bowel movements, their stools are thicker and greenish color compared to the soft, frequent mustard yellow stools of breast fed babies. A diaper rash or a small tear in the anus region may also make bowel movements painful. To prevent constipation in formula fed infants, change their diet by including more fiber, increase their intake of water and fruit juices or switch to a soy formula.

Children who are constipated tend to have hard or painful stools or no bowel movement for four days or more and it is commonly due to a diet low in fiber, not drinking enough water, drinking too much milk or holding out to go the bathroom. A child with constipation tends to hold in their movements to avoid the pain which in turn worsens the constipation and so the vicious cycle continues. Severe, untreated chronic constipation can lead to physical problems with the digestive tract and the metabolic systems in the body.

To prevent chronic constipation in children, make sure they have a diet rich in fiber that includes whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of water and fruit juice to drink. Of course exercise and physical activity are great preventatives too!

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Constipation causes much discomfort during pregnancy and is very common. During pregnancy, the muscles in your intestines are more relaxed causing the slowed passage of stools and constipation. The growing baby also adds pressure on the lower intestines in the last few months of pregnancy. There are other factors that contribute to constipation such as an inadequate diet, certain supplements, hormonal changes, reduced activity and stress. By increasing more fiber and fluids to your diet, and doing gentle exercise you can prevent and treat constipation. If you are battling with severe constipation during pregnancy your doctor may consider reducing your intake of iron but this can only be done under his or her supervision.

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There are various ways to prevent constipation and they include:

• Add high fiber foods such as whole grain breads, bran cereal, dried fruit, raisins, fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet.
• Drink plenty of liquids such as water, fruit juices, hot tea or lemon water to stimulate the bowels.
• Ginger tea is an effective home remedy for constipation (for babies opt for homeopathic remedies instead of herbal ones).
• Regular exercise such as walking or swimming everyday can help to both prevent and relieve constipation.
• Avoid regular use of laxatives or enemas.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, processed and junk food if you are suffering from constipation.
• Stool softeners taken daily may also prevent constipation.
• Increase your intake of magnesium by taking supplements or eating foods such as nuts, seeds or green leafy vegetables.
• Practice regular bowel habits by visiting the toilet for at least ten minutes after breakfast even if you are unable to have a bowel movement. The best time is usually the first hour after breakfast. Done regularly this will help to set up a healthy bowel routine.

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