There’s no way around it: Constipation is the pits.

Of course, well-meaning people will tell you to drink plenty of fluids, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. But no matter what you do and how well you follow the letter, sometimes we still need an extra “push.”

Now, don’t get me wrong, chronic constipation is another issue altogether, and can be a result of thyroid issues, food allergies, or a bacterial imbalance in your gut. With that in mind, it’s best to address any recurring issues with a holistic health care provider who can help you get to the root of your issue.

But, today, I want to share with you a simple and inexpensive remedy for the occasional spell of constipation. It’s a super easy trick that has worked for me and many others—and I think it will work for you, too.

The Quickest Constipation Remedy

Two pears a day.

Yep, that’s all there is to it.

For best results, opt for organic pears. You can eat them raw. You can cook them. Or, you can enjoy them in my Protein Pear Pudding. It doesn’t really matter how you eat them, just as long as you manage to fit in two a day.

Why This Constipation Remedy Works

Pears work the same way that prunes do. The fruit is very rich in fiber. In fact, a medium-sized pear has about six grams of fiber—that’s 24 percent of your recommended fiber intake. So think about it: If you have just two pears, you’ve already reached about 50 percent of your daily recommended fiber intake. (source)

Pears also contain high levels of a sugar called sorbitol. This sugar works to bring water into the large intestine. And, because dehydration is the leading cause of constipation, this extra water can really help move things along. How? The influx of water helps loosen things up, so that hard stools can more easily pass through your digestive system.

Another big component of pears is actually pain old water, which as explained above, can help aid digestion and gets things moving along a little bit easier.

Other Helpful Constipation Remedies

There are tons of other natural constipation remedies that can help get you doing your daily doo again. Some other fruits that may help constipation include:

  • Prunes
  • Kiwis
  • Apples
  • Citrus (oranges, grapefruit, etc)
  • Figs
  • Beans
  • Sweet potato
  • Artichoke
  • Lentils
  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds

Other Helpful Resources

Constipation in Pregnancy: What do you do when you just can’t go? Read on to find out what causes constipation in pregnancy, plus discover the safest, most natural ways to get relief.

Baby Constipation: Natural Remedies, Signs & Causes: What’s a mama to do when baby hasn’t pooped in a while? Find out what causes baby constipation, plus get safe, natural ways to give your little one relief.

How to Poop (and Make It Great!): Do you know how to poo? This may sound like a joke, but I’ve found that most people don’t know much about doing the doo. Here are five tips for better poop.

How About You?

What natural remedy helps you with the occasional constipation? I’d love to hear all of your best tips and tricks, so share with me in the comments below.

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