4 Ways To Stay Regular This Holiday Season

30 seconds

Constipation can often be resolved successfully with simple lifestyle changes – try these five natural approaches that promote healthy elimination:

1. Eat a fiber-rich diet. Include high fiber steelcut oats or truly whole grains in your morning meal; add extra servings of vegetables to your lunch and dinner. Substitute whole, organic fruit and raw nuts for chips at snack time. Add 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed or psyllium husk to a smoothie or salad.
2. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water.
3. Get daily exercise.
4. Utilize some type of daily relaxation technique, such as biofeedback, breathing exercises or yoga (stress can interfere with relaxation of the whole body, including the bowels).
5. Maintain routine. So often the holidays are loaded with a hectic schedule. Do your best to keep a steady morning and evening routine so that you have adequate chances to stay regular.

If constipation is a problem for you, Dr. Weil recommends triphala, a mixture of three fruits from the Ayurvedic tradition; a moderate dose of magnesium glycinate twice a day may also be helpful for chronic constipation.

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Crossword Puzzles For Your Brain

Health Focus

• Vitamins And Minerals For Emotional Balance

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• Healthy Holiday Traditions?