Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. In this condition, the bowels do not move regularly, or are not completely emptied when they move. This condition is the chief cause of many diseases as it produces toxins which find their way into the bloodstream and are carried to all parts of the body. Appendicitis, rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, cataract., and cancer are only a few of the diseases in which chronic constipation is an important predisposing factor.

• Faulty diet and style of living: The most important causes of chronic constipation are a faulty diet and style of living.
• Insufficient intake of water, strong tea and coffee etc: Intake of refined and rich foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, insufficient chewing, overeating and wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all contribute to poor bowel function.
• Irregular habit of defecation, lack of physical activity: Other causes include faulty and irregular habit of defecation, frequent use of purgatives, weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, and emotional stress and strain.
  

• Irregularity in elimination of hard faecal matter: The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in elimination of the hard faecal matter.
• Coated tongue, Foul breath, headache, depression , insomnia etc.
  
  

• Bael Fruit: Bael fruit is regarded as the best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use of two or three months throws out even the old accumulated faecel matter. It should be preferably taken in its original form and before dinner. About 60 gms of the fruit are sufficient for an adult.
• Pear: Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation should adopt an exclusive diet of this fruit or it’s juice for a few days, but in ordinary cases, a medium sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the desired effect.
• Guava: Guava is another effective remedy for constipation. When eaten with seeds, it provides roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels. One or two guavas should be taken everyday.
• Grapes: Grapes have proved very beneficial in overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food. Their field of action is not limited to clearing the bowels only. They also tone up the stomach and intestines and relieve the most chronic constipation. One should take at least 350 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results.
• Orange: Orange is also beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on rising in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The general stimulating influence of orange juice excites peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon.
• Papaya and figs: Other fruits specific for constipation are papaya and figs. Half a medium-sized papaya should be eaten at breakfast for it to act as a laxative. Both fresh and dry figs have a laxative effect. Four or five dry figs should be soaked overnight in a little water and eaten in the morning.
• Spinach: Among the vegetables, spinach has been considered to be the most vital food for the entire digestive tract from time immemorial. Raw spinach contains the finest organic material for the cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration of the intestinal tract. Raw spinach juice-100 ml, mixed with an equal quantity of water and taken twice daily, will cure the most aggravated cases of constipation within a few days.

• Drink water
• Eat fiber
• Exercise
• Avoid holding back bowel movement
• Eat a variety of foods. Eat a lot of beans, bran, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of liquids.