Will Drinking Warm Water Relieve Constipation?

• Does drinking hot water help with constipation?

Drinking any type of water can help with constipation as being hydrated can help. Warm water is thought to be more effective as it is the same temperature as your body and is said to travel straight to your colon. Many people believe that drinking 1 or 2 mugs of warm water in the morning is the best way to wake up your digestive system and get your body ready for the day. Some people like to add a slice of lemon for some flavor and also because it acts as a detox and helps flush toxins out of your body. You should ensure you drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the day as dehydration can lead to constipation and it will ensure all your organs have the vital fluid they need to function properly.

• Other methods of relieving constipation
  

Other natural ways to relive constipation include eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fiber. You can get fiber from foods such as brown, whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, cereals that are high in fiber and also plenty of fruit and vegetables. The majority of people do not eat enough fruit and vegetables and this is often something that leads to constipation. Green tea, peppermint tea and other herbal teas are also known to keep your bowels healthy.

• Still constipated?
  

If you are finding that natural remedies are not working for you, try using a laxative. This can help but should only be used for a short amount of time to get your body back into a natural rhythm. If you find that the constipation returns as soon as you stop taking laxatives you should visit your doctor. Your doctor may be able to develop a specialized diet plan and also find out if there is an underlying medical condition that is leading to the constipation.

The key to making this work is drinking the warm water prior to your digestive system waking up.  The purpose of warm water is to make sure the water temperature is as close to body temperature as possible.  When you drink warm water right after you get up, the water travels right through your system to your colon, encouraging bowel movement.  So do this within 5-10 minutes of getting up.

Will drinking warm water relieve constipation?

According to my midwife YES it will. Currently on 8 cups of hot water a day...