It's easy to reach for that pesky little laxative staring at you from the corner of your room when you're constipated or bloated, but how long will you keep that up?
Prolonged usage of laxatives has been linked to various problems, and if you're looking for an optimal solution to your clogged-up gut, there are better ways to do that.
Well, what if we told you that the solution to your problem could be as simple as a refreshing beverage?
That's right, drinks that make you poop exist, and are a natural and effective way to relieve constipation and promote a healthy bowel movement.
In this guide, we’ve got not one, not two, but 14 drinks that will make you poop immediately, and we assure you, reading this will be a treat for your gut from the start to the finish line.
So grab onto some toilet paper while you can, it's about to go down. See you at the end!
Table of Contents
- Some Background On Constipation
- Introducing Natural Laxatives
- 14 Drinks That Will Help Relieve Constipation (...And More Benefits!)
- Kombucha
- Hot tea
- Coffee
- Apple juice
- Prune juice
- Lemon Juice
- Coconut Water
- Aloe Vera Juice
- High Fiber Smoothies
- Miso Soup
- Kefir
- Water With Added Electrolytes
- Herbal Teas
- Essential Tips For Constipation Relief
- Wrap Up
- FAQ
Some Background On Constipation
Ah, the dreaded C-word.
Constipation is something that we've probably all experienced at some point in our lives. It's that uncomfortable feeling when things just aren't moving as they should. But what exactly is constipation?
At its most basic, it's when our bowel movements become less frequent or difficult to pass. And diet? Well, that plays a role.
Eating a diet that's low in fiber and high in processed foods can make it harder for our bodies to push things through.
Staying hydrated is key too, but water, oftentimes, isn’t enough to get the ball rolling for you. This is why we’ve gathered 14 different drinks that will help you clear up your digestive tract, and put you on the path to pooping freely, regularly, and effectively.
Introducing Natural Laxatives
Natural laxatives effectively promote bowel movement and relieve constipation without the harmful side effects associated with over-the-counter laxative supplements.
Natural alternatives like flaxseed, castor oil, prunes, and aloe vera are rich in soluble fibers and nutrients that aid bowel movement by softening stool and promoting natural contractions in the intestinal muscles.
Unlike over-the-counter medications, natural laxatives are safe, organic, and easy to incorporate into your diet.
We recommend opting for the natural laxatives that we’ve mentioned down below, and while the best thing to do with constipation, especially if it’s getting worse and worse, is to get medical help, natural laxatives are the next best thing.
14 Drinks That Will Help Relieve Constipation (...And More Benefits!)
While over-the-counter laxatives are often used to treat constipation, several drinks can help to alleviate the symptoms.
The most obvious drink that can help to alleviate symptoms is water. It helps soften your stools, lubricating them essentially and making sure they pass easily through the gut. If you're constipated, the first thing that even professionals in the industry do is recommend upping your water intake.
However, when the going gets tough, water isn’t going to help, and at that time, you’ll want something more effective. Something more robust that triggers your pooping mechanism, and sends you flying to the loo.
So we’ve brought them. Here are 14 drinks that make you poop immediately.
Kombucha
Kombucha may just be the answer to all your...ahem..." plumbing problems." Not only is kombucha a tasty probiotic drink that can aid in digestion, but it is also a natural laxative that can get your "business" moving.
With its combination of beneficial bacteria and digestive enzymes, kombucha can help alleviate constipation and get you back to feeling like yourself again.
Though, the exact mechanism as to how Kombucha gets you pooping, besides its probiotic-balancing properties, is highly unknown, and more research is still needed to fully understand how it works.
Still, the next time you feel backed up, consider reaching for a refreshing bottle of kombucha to get things moving down there. We're pretty sure you'll be thanking us
Hot tea
Nothing like hot tea like chamomile or black tea to get the juices flowing, preferably first thing in the morning.
While we all experience constipation from time to time, it can be an uncomfortable and distressing condition. Luckily, hot tea can be a natural remedy to help alleviate constipation and get you back on track.
How does it work, you ask? Well, tea, especially herbal varieties like ginger and senna, can act as a diuretic and stimulate bowel movements.
Plus, the warmth from the tea can also help relax the muscles in your digestive system, making it easier for things to move along.
Coffee
You might be surprised to learn that coffee does more than just give you a quick energy boost. That's right, it can also help get things moving in your digestive system. Coffee is a fantastic natural laxative that can provide relief from constipation.
In medical terms, Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it draws water into your colon, making things easier to pass through. Plus, coffee stimulates the muscles in your digestive tract, promoting peristalsis and helping to move waste out of your body.
Apple juice
Apple juice is a great laxative that can alleviate constipation due to its high levels of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that helps stimulate bowel movements.
Additionally, apple juice is rich in fiber, which is essential for regular bowel movements. In addition to that, the pectin in apple juice can help to bulk up stools and make them easier to pass.
We’ve also got an extensive guide on how apple juice makes you poop better, so make sure to check out that here.
Prune juice
Prunes, or more specifically prune juice, is a well-known natural laxative, an active ingredient in IBSupport by Gistive, thanks to its high fiber and sorbitol content. Though it can have a higher-than-normal laxative effect on some people, depending on your diet, it’s still an excellent natural laxative to speed things up in the bathroom.
That's why we recommend starting with small servings of prune juice to see how it all adds up, and if the results are positive, don't hesitate to include it in your everyday diet for a healthy pooping mechanism.
Lemon Juice
Lemons are full of citric acid and vitamin C, the former of which may help to stimulate the digestive system and alleviate constipation. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to a glass of warm water and drinking it first thing in the morning.
Orange juice has a similar effect. Check out this guide to know how OJ can help prevent constipation!
Coconut Water
If nothing else works, turn to mother nature, and rave back on your primal instincts by sipping on some coconut water.
Yep, it works great with your constipation, in case you didn’t know.
Not only is it deliciously hydrating, but it also contains high levels of electrolytes and potassium that help promote digestion and regulate bowel movements.
So, next time you're feeling bloated and uncomfortable, crack open a bottle of coconut water and let nature work its magic.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is often recommended in skin care routines and similar uses, but its uses are great when it's inside your tummy too!
Not only will your skin glow great after drinking aloe vera juice, but there are also a lot of complex medical processes that go on, the extract of which is that your constipation problem will be gone for good.
Aloe vera juice contains compounds that can help increase the water content in your intestines, making it easier for you to pass stool. Plus, it contains an enzyme that helps break down sugars and fats, easing the digestive process.
Some studies have also linked aloe vera juice and its digestive properties with a decreased risk of IBS, which has been a growing problem in the US.
High Fiber Smoothies
Smoothies made with high-fiber ingredients like berries, spinach, and chia seeds can help to add bulk to stools and alleviate constipation.
Not only are they a delicious and refreshing way to start your day, but the fiber content helps to get things moving. Unlike harsh laxatives that can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, a high-fiber smoothie can give you gentle relief, and skip the nasty side effects to where they belong.
Miso Soup
Miso, a fermented soybean paste, contains probiotics that may help to support healthy digestion and alleviate constipation.
And if you have been following our blogs for a while, you'll know that probiotic bacteria play a crucial role in your gut health, and an imbalance in them can cause problems like bloating, constipation, IBS, and more.
Besides, miso soup is best served cold, so you can have a refreshing yet probiotic-filled taste even in the summer.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is rich in probiotics, which may help to improve digestive health and alleviate constipation.
Like kombucha, this fermented drink is chock full of probiotics, the good bacteria that help keep our digestive system running smoothly.
Not only can kefir provide constipation relief, but it can also help with other digestive issues like bloating and gas. Plus, it's a deliciously tangy beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or added to a smoothie.
Water With Added Electrolytes
Adding electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, to your water can help to improve hydration and support regular bowel movements. Have you ever felt uncomfortable due to constipation? Trust me, we've all been there.
The added electrolytes in the water help to balance the fluids in your body, making it simpler for waste to pass through the intestines. Think of it as a boost for your digestive system, giving you the perfect poops to keep you feeling good and constipated-less all day long
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas, such as dandelion tea and milk thistle tea, may have mild laxative effects and can help to relieve constipation. Though, with herbal teas, results differ from person to person, depending on what you diet it, or how bad your chronic constipation is.
Essential Tips For Constipation Relief
The above natural laxatives are a great way to start battling your constipation but remember, the real fight starts with your life habits.
There are a lot of different things you can do, besides drinking these drinks, that can help you counter constipation, and give you relief if you ever get constipated. Following are some of the things we recommend doing.
Adopt A High Fiber Diet
Foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can help to add bulk to stools and make them easier to pass. They’re a stable food when it comes to constipation-related problems
Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day. Make a habit of introducing dietary fiber in your diet daily - The higher your fiber, the higher your poop, and we don't make the rules.
Hydrate Yourself
As mentioned above, staying hydrated is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
When you're dehydrated, your body has to work harder to pull water from your stool, which can make it harder to pass.
By drinking enough water throughout the day, you're helping your stool stay soft and making it easier to pass. Not only that, but staying hydrated can also help prevent constipation from happening in the first place, and gives you a lot of other benefits, such as better glowing skin, decreased chances of heart-related problems, and more
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a great solution for constipation! Not only does getting your body moving help stimulate your digestive system, but it also strengthens your abdominal muscles, making bowel movements easier.
Plus, sweating it out during a workout can help flush out toxins and waste from your body, keeping your intestines clean and clear.
Not to mention, exercise has a whole host of other benefits for your overall health, like reducing stress and improving your mood. So, next time you're feeling blocked up, instead of reaching for those laxatives, try doing some light exercise or going for a morning walk/run to get the bowels flowing early in the morning.
Try Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are essentially the good bacteria in the gut, and when there's an imbalance in the number between the good and the bad bacteria, problems like IBS, constipation, bloating, IBD, and more can surface.
By introducing these "good bacteria" into your gut, probiotic supplements can aid in breaking down food and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, which could be the source of your constipation.
And the best part? Probiotics are a natural and safe way to manage constipation, without the unpleasant side effects that come with other medications. IBSupport by Gistive is mixed with 7 healthy foods that promote healthy digestion, which works great against problems like constipation.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, constipation is a common digestive issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, and certain medications.
While over-the-counter laxatives are often used to treat constipation, there are also several natural remedies, including certain drinks, that may help relieve the symptoms. Some of the drinks that may help with constipation include water, hot tea, coffee, apple juice, and prune juice.
In addition to trying these drinks, it's important to also focus on maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise to support regular bowel movements.
If you are experiencing chronic constipation, it's best to speak with a healthcare professional for personalized treatment recommendations.
FAQ
FAQ #1: Do These Drinks Make You Poop Immediately During Pregnancy
It's important to note that pregnant women may have different digestive needs and should always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedies for constipation.
That being said, the following drinks listed may help relieve constipation during pregnancy: water, hot tea, coffee, and prune juice.
That being said, not all of these drinks are recommended for pregnant women, especially on an empty stomach, and we recommend following your doctor's advice to know what’s good for you and what isn't’. Though, as a general rule of thumb, the following drinks are considered safe for pregnant women, if taken in a moderate amount.
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Water
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Hot Tea
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Coffee
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Prune Juice
FAQ #2: Are These Drinks Good For IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
Yes. Though IBS is a growing problem in the US, which affects more than 10% of the population, simple fixes can help counter this problem if it’s not too bad.
IBS is usually caused when food passes through the gut too quickly, or when the gut lining becomes overly sensitive to certain foods. In that case, probiotic drinks and supplements can help replenish and heal the gut lining, which helps against IBS.