Constipation can leave you feeling uncomfortable, bloated, and sluggish. When bowel movements become less frequent or stools become hard and difficult to pass, making a few simple changes to your daily routine may help. One easy option is a warm lemon and ginger drink that can be prepared in just a few minutes.
This drink is not a magical “colon cleanse,” and it does not remove years of waste from the intestines. Your digestive system already has natural processes for moving waste through the body. However, drinking enough fluid and maintaining a fiber-rich diet can support normal bowel movements, while a warm beverage may be a soothing addition to your morning routine.
To make this simple drink, you will need one cup of warm water, the juice of half a fresh lemon, and a small piece of fresh ginger. You can also add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.
Start by heating the water until it is comfortably warm rather than extremely hot. Pour it into a cup and allow it to cool slightly if necessary.
Next, peel a small piece of fresh ginger and grate or finely slice it. Add the ginger to the warm water and let it steep for several minutes. Ginger gives the drink a refreshing flavor and is commonly used in foods and beverages to support comfortable digestion.
Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the cup. Stir everything together and, if desired, add a small amount of honey.
Drink the beverage slowly while it is warm. Some people prefer having it in the morning, while others enjoy it between meals. There is no requirement to drink it at a particular time for it to work.
The most important part of improving constipation, however, is not a special drink. Adequate hydration, enough dietary fiber, regular physical activity, and responding to the natural urge to have a bowel movement are much more important for maintaining regular digestion.
Fiber can be increased naturally by eating foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, oats, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. If your current diet is low in fiber, increase it gradually and drink enough fluids, because suddenly consuming large amounts of fiber can sometimes make bloating worse.
A banana, oatmeal, berries, yogurt with fruit, or a meal containing vegetables and whole grains can be an easy way to add more fiber to your day. Prunes and prune juice may also help some people with occasional constipation because prunes contain fiber and naturally occurring sorbitol.
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