Most constipation, even if life-long, is a completely remediable problem. Largely based upon life-style – such as too much sitting, not enough activity, stress, processed foods, and reduced fluid intake – constipation can be reversed in most cases by following these simple steps:

1. Increase water intake – drink at least 2 liters of spring or filtered water daily, and if you exercise add another liter of water.
2. Increase your fiber intake, but do not overdo commercial fiber supplements. Take 1 level teaspoon of psyllium powder daily by mixing it into juice or water, and following it with one full glass of water.
3. Take 2 ounces of Aloe Vera juice in the morning on an empty stomach.
4. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid processed and overly refined foods. Prunes and prune juice are helpful.
5. Improve intestinal lubrication. Take 1 tablespoon of olive oil or flax oil daily, and you can also add flax seeds to salads, cereals, or grind them and blend them into a smoothie.
6. Use a commercial stool softener. If your stools continue to be dry, small, and/or hard after following steps 1-5, take an over-the-counter stool softener (available in your local pharmacy) as directed until the stool is softer.
7. Relax muscle spasms with magnesium. Take 250 mg of magnesium daily for one week. If your elimination does not improve, increase by 250 mg to a total of 500 mg daily for another week. Continue in this fashion until you experience a normal stool, but do not exceed 1750 mg daily without your doctor’s supervision. If you experience diarrhea, reduce the dosage until you have a normal stool, which occurs generally around 750-1250 mg daily.
8. Correct your thyroid. If you have hypothyroidism, see your doctor to correct this problem, which is often a major cause of chronic constipation.
9. Improve liver and gall bladder function. Eliminate alcohol, refined sugar, starchy foods like white bread, and allergic foods like wheat. Use liver cleansing herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and black radish seeds. Take 500 mg of Taurine two times daily.
10. Vitamin C is an effective laxative. Take 1,000 mg of buffered vitamin C every two hours until a bowel movement occurs.