An easy way to reduce chronic constipation is to increase the fiber in your diet. You should consume high-fiber bread products such as whole-grain cereals, pastas and breads rather than products made with refined white flour. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and leafy greens are high in fiber, and it is helpful to eat vegetables raw or lightly steamed to maintain the fiber content. Most beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans and green peas are loaded with fiber as are most nuts such as almonds, cashews and pecans. High-fiber fruits include mango, papaya, figs and prunes. Eating fruits such as apples and pears with the skin increases the fiber content as does eating the seeds in fruits like berries and grapes.
Other kitchen remedies are particularly helpful in relieving acute constipation by promoting a bowel movement with sugar or with something that contains pectin, using oil lubrication or encouraging bulk stool production. A commonly used remedy for children who are constipated is drinking 2 tablespoons of molasses or dark corn syrup in a cup of warm water. Olive oil mixed half and half with juice may help lubricate the digestive tract. You can also buy fennel seeds, linseeds or psyllium seeds from a health food store and soak them in water for a homemade laxative drink.