Only those who suffer (or have suffered) from a lazy bowel know that the situation can become extremely uncomfortable. After all, constipation can make us both literally and figuratively ill. healthy eating Understand better:

How many times a week should we go to the bathroom?

Ideally you should go every day, but three times a week can also be considered normal, depending on how much you eat. If you go to the bathroom less frequently, you feel the swollen belly or stays more than two two without evacuating, it is worth keeping an eye out.

For most cases, changes in habits already solve the problem - with food rich in fibers In other situations, a consultation with a health professional may be necessary.

Another point that can indicate a lazy bowel is the shape of the stool. If it is granular or in small balls (and especially if it bleeds and hemorrhoids in the anus), means a lack of liquids and/or fiber in the diet.

Finally, pooping more than once a day is not usually a problem. diarrhea If the answer is positive, you will also need to seek advice from your doctor.

How to improve constipation?

• Bet on foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and seeds, for example);
• Drink lots of water;
• Avoid refined carbohydrates (such as bread, pasta, cookies, and cakes);
• Exercise regularly;
• Sleep well;
• Take care of your mental health .

Read also: Constipation and diet: 4 myths unraveled

Teas to loosen the bowels: natural laxatives

Some plants and herbs are known to "loosen" the bowels, and for this reason, many people use them in moments of suffocation. But it is always good to remember: they are not meant to replace healthy habits nor the medical consultation.

Also, beware of the indiscriminate use of herbs This is because some substances, even if natural, may be contraindicated for specific groups, or cause adverse effects if consumed in excess. Always consult a specialist before introducing a new ingredient to the menu.

Sene tea

It stimulates bowel movements without generating gas. It has senosides, mucilages, and flavonoids in its composition, which have a milder laxative effect.

Ingredients:

• 0.5g dried sene leaves;
• 250ml of water.

Directions:

First, bring the water to a boil. As soon as it bubbles, turn off the heat, add the leaves, cover the lid, and wait five minutes. Finally, strain and drink.

But, be careful: Sene is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, children under 12 years old, and in cases of chronic constipation, intestinal problems such as bowel obstruction and narrowing, absence of bowel movements, inflammatory bowel diseases, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids, appendicitis If you have a menstrual period, a urinary tract infection, or liver, kidney, or heart failure.

Loose bowel teas: frangula

Rich in glucofrangulin, a compound with laxative properties. In addition, it can increase stool hydration and enhance bowel function.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp (tablespoon) of frangula peel;
• 1L of water.

Directions:

First, bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add the peels and wait five minutes. Finally, strain and drink.

It should not be used during pregnancy and in cases of colitis or ulcers.

Psyllium tea

The seed of this plant has soluble fiber that aids in stool formation and bowel regularization, maintaining overall digestive health.

Ingredients:

• 3g psyllium seeds;
• 100ml boiling water.

Directions:

First, bring the water to a boil. As soon as it bubbles, turn off the heat, add the seeds, cover the lid, and wait five minutes. Finally, strain and drink.

Psyllium should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and by children under 12 years of age.

Teas to loosen the bowels: prunes

You probably already know that fruit is a natural laxative, because it is a source of fiber (soluble and insoluble) and sorbitol, a natural laxative.

Ingredients:

• 3 pitted prunes;
• 250ml of water.

Directions:

First, bring the water to a boil; as soon as it bubbles, add the plums and wait five minutes; then, drink it (ideally, do not strain it).

Generally, prunes have no contraindications. People with diabetes, however, should eat the food moderately, since it can increase glucose levels in the blood.

How about including the benefits of teas in your daily routine? Meet Nutrigood Good Digestion Tea, prepared with herbs designed to help improve digestion. Its composition contains mint, pineapple, ginger, rosemary, carqueja, and sweet herb. Click here to learn more.