Constipation is a very common issue caused by the foods you eat or avoid, by the lifestyle you lead, but sometimes also by the medications you take or the medical conditions you already have.

Constipation can be an uncomfortable problem, but just as there are many potential causes of constipation, there are also many treatment options. For example, natural and homemade remedies may be all you need to treat occasional constipation.

Natural remedies for occasional constipation
Being constipated is characterized by symptoms such as having fewer than three bowel movements per week; hard, dry, or lumpy stools; difficulty or pain during bowel movements; or having a feeling that not all stool has passed. With these home remedies, you can help your intestines work better.

Drink water
Drinking enough fluids and staying hydrated can help prevent and treat constipation, as it helps move food through the digestive system and prevents stool from hardening.

And it's not just about drinking water, which is the ideal option; you can also take advantage of the benefits of other beverages, such as green tea, black tea, and coffee. In general, you should aim to drink about nine cups of liquid a day if you are a woman and 13 cups if you are a man.

Drink coffee (with caffeine)
For some people, coffee can increase the need to go to the bathroom. This is because coffee stimulates the muscles of the digestive system. In fact, a 1998 study found that caffeinated coffee can stimulate the intestine in the same way as a meal.

Additionally, coffee may also contain small amounts of soluble fibers that help prevent constipation by improving the balance of gut bacteria.

Coconut oil
Eating one or two tablespoons of coconut oil a day could help lubricate the intestines. In turn, this may help prevent constipation. Check with your doctor if this remedy might work for you, and if the idea of swallowing a tablespoon of coconut oil doesn't appeal to you, you can mix it with your morning coffee or with vinegar for a simple salad dressing.

Prunes
Prunes are a well-known natural remedy among people because they are a natural and very accessible solution. In addition to fiber, prunes contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect. The effective dose may be around 50 g, or seven medium prunes, twice a day.