Constipation can happen due to many causes and addressing the cause is the mainstay of its treatment.

Most common cause is dehydration. Cold weather, dry and cold food, complex proteins, low fibre diet, low emotions, sedentary lifestyle, sleep issues, stress can aggravate this issue.

So having a healthy lifestyle including easily digestible foods and regular walk/yoga, sports can also help. Regular body massage and tummy massage with light hand are also helpful.

Some home remedies include:

- drinking more of fluids like water, fresh fruit juice, apple juice, milk can address this issue.

- adding 1 tsp of ghee in a cup of warm milk and consuming at night after dinner.

- fruits like papaya and prunes are helpful in relieving constipation

- spices like ajwain, dry ginger, fenugreek seeds (soaked) can be used in daily especially in the morning to aid digestion

- drumstick leaves and mint leaves can be added to curd or sabji and consumed. It will also help provide extra fibre in diet

- Ispaghula can be taken with warm milk to increase fibre content

The above measures can be followed to have a smoother bowel movement. Prolonged use of laxatives should be avoided as it can affect the intestines. In case of severe constipation, please consult a surgeon or physician.