Feeling Blocked Up with All That Festive Food? Try These Mediterranean Remedies for Constipation

Holiday indulgence leads to discomfort as constipation strikes over Christmas festivities.

Christmas food and limited movement can cause havoc with your digestive system. Check out these traditional Mediterranean solutions to constipation. From olive oil to prunes, these will help you to become more regular and ready to continue with the festivities.

Prunes and figs are a delicious way of sorting the problem out. These are always good to have in the house, as they are a popular snack in the Mediterranean. They are helpful because they are full of fibre and the natural laxative called sorbitol. Try soaking some overnight to provide a softer texture to aid digestion. They can be eaten on their own, with yoghurt and cinnamon, or even as part of a beef and prune tagine.

A bowl of traditional prunes, known for their natural remedy properties in relieving constipation.

Fibre rich foods such as wholegrains, beans, legumes and fresh vegetables. The fibre will help you out here. However, make sure you drink plenty of water. Chickpeas, lentils, beans and vegetables go well in stews and soups. Wholegrains are great side dishes. Avoid peeling your vegetables for extra fibre and nutrients.

A hearty bowl of flavourful bean soup, perfect for aiding digestion and relieving constipation.

Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Plus fibre and hydration come together by consuming high water fruits and vegetables. Examples include; watermelon, cucumber, oranges and grapes.

Refreshing watermelon slices, rich in fibre and high water content, perfect for hydration.

Extra virgin olive oil is known as liquid gold for digestion. It is known for both its laxative and lubricant effects. Try taking a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Alternatively try drizzling it over vegetables or dipping wholegrain bread into it.

Extra virgin olive oil, a natural remedy for constipation, showcased with fresh olives and leaves

Herbal teas ideally made from fresh herbs can help constipation. Mint tea is known to aid digestive discomfort by relaxing the digestive tract and easing bowel movements. Ginger promotes food to move along the digestive tract, plus is great if suffering with nausea. Fennel relaxes muscles and reduces bloating. Dandelion root has natural laxative effects and helps bloating.

Coffee acts as a natural laxative and increases the activity of the colon. The caffeine stimulates the bowels. The temperature can speed up digestion. The coffee can stimulate hormones that cause gastro-colic reflex.

Enjoy a soothing cup of herbal tea to embrace the benefits of digestion.

Fermented foods are a source of probiotics. They provide live bacteria and yeasts helping to restore natural balance. Fermented foods include yoghurt, kefir, sourdough, labneh and apple cider vinegar.

Eat slowly and mindfully. Meals can last for hours in the mediterranean and are more social. Rushing food or eating in front of distractions like the TV or your phone can cause digestive issues.

Move more. Movement helps digestion. A nice walk after meals is a great habit to aid digestion. Hobbies or housework that involve light movement can also help.

Embrace the habit of a joyful post-dinner walk for better digestion and well-being.

Have you tried any of these well loved remedies? Which works best for you? Please share in the comments section below.