Constipation
Definition
Retarded bowl action, difficult or infrequent defecation. Delayed transit of
solid wastes through the colon results in irregular, infrequent or difficult
bowel movements. The longer the faces stay in the colon, the more
water
is absorbed from them and the harder they become. This increases the
risks of fecal toxins passing into the bloodstream and adversely affecting
metabolism of the rest of the body.
In addition the organs of detoxification (liver, lungs, kidneys, skin and
lymphatics) have to work harder and eventually this leads to other health
problems.
THE ROOT CAUSE OF CONSTIPATION IS USUALLY DIETARY AND
POOR BOWEL HABITS BEGIN IN CHILDHOOD.
Etiology
● Insufficient fiber in the diet
● Insufficient fluids
● High in acid-forming foods – white flour and sugar
● Lack of vitamins – B1, B5, B6, and/or minerals potassium, magnesium
and zinc.
● Too high in animal protein e.g. meat, dairy and eggs
● Too much vitamin D
● Too much aluminum or iron
● Food allergies
Other factors other than diet
● Too little exercise
● Tension, anxiety, worry, depression
● Delaying opening the bowels
● Abuse of laxatives
● Hypothyroidism
● Liver malfunction (reduced bile flow)
● Impairment of nerves supplying colon due to spinal abnormality or
injury
● Imbalances in estrogen/ progression/ pregnancy.
● Drugs, medication, antibiotics
Treatment and management
Nutritional
● High fiber diet, complex carbohydrates such as wheat bran, whole
grains, beans, fruit and vegetables.
● Eliminate junk food white flour, sugar, processed foods, etc
● Reduce animal protein – meat, dairy, eggs
● Juice therapy: carrot, apple, celery and beetroot (add 1 garlic clove)
● Increase fluid intake: on rising drink a glass of water with juice of half
a lemon added or two glasses of lukewarm water on rising
● Magnesium 800 mg daily in divided doses
● Natural laxative e.g. blackstrap molasses (1 tablespoon dissolved in
warm water three times daily), dried fruit (figs and prunes), flaxseed
tea (dissolve one tablespoon of flaxseeds in 500ml water. Simmer for
10 minutes, strain and drink 1 cup 10 minutes before food)
● Take two teaspoons of psyllium husk in the mornings on an empty
stomach with 300 ml lukewarm water.
● Take freshly ground flaxseed daily on cereal or in smoothies
● Remove sulfur foods e.g., eggs, broccoli and cabbage
● Take probiotics everyday on an empty stomach. Especially
Lactobacillus bifidus and L. bulgaricus with FOS/fiber/prebiotics rich
foods
● Increase liver function (Liversupportdrops@RefractHealingCentre))
● Eat raw vegetables and fruits (especially plums, prunes, figs, grapes,
cherries)
● Use a toilet step: squatting naturally loosens your puborectalis
muscle. When you sit this muscle kinks. When you squat, the muscle
opens. A squatting position helps to open your colon while supporting
the abdominal wall and bowels. A step mimics the squat posture but
in a comfortable position since you sit to use it.
Hydrotherapy
● Colonic irrigation
● Warm water or coffee enemas
● Cold compress on abdomen and covered with large dry towel.
● Castor oil poultices (soak in castor oil, cover with crepe bandage to
keep in place. Cover bowel area and leave overnight)
Exercise
● Take a brisk walk in the morning (major time for colon activity
between 5 and 7:00 a.m. according to Chinese clock). Do this for at
least 30 minutes.
● Pilates/exercise to tone abdominal muscles *stimulate peristalsis
action of colon.
Herbs
● Colonsupportdrops@RefractHealingCenter
● Herbal and frequency infused tinctures: Colitis, IBS, Cramping, Bowel
inflammation, Hemorrhoids, Crohn’s, Ulcers, etc
By Claudia Lombard
Registered BCur Nursing Sister
Nutritional, Herbal and Lifestyle coach