Description Constipation is an often misunderstood condition, as it can manifest in different forms. Few people also discuss it openly. It is important to know exactly what type of trouble you are dealing with, though, in order to properly treat your disorder. The following are all considered types of constipation: - If you have extreme urges to move your bowels, but are unable to. This is what we traditionally refer to as constipation.
- The inability to easily pass a stool.
- If you do not move your bowels regularly. Although "regularity" means something different to each individual, the colon is a holding area for waste that should be emptied every 18 to 24 hours. Harmful toxins can form after this period and can lead to serious health complications.
- If your stools are hardened or malformed.
- If you require the help of a stimulant such as a laxative or coffee to move your bowels.
Symptoms and Signs:The obvious symptoms of constipation relate to experiencing any of the conditions listed above. The signs of constipation can be more subtle, however, and include: a sense of fullness or squeezing in your abdomen, distention, general discomfort, immune deficiencies, headaches, dry mouth, halitosis, physical weakness, dizziness, high or low appetite, cravings, malabsorption, and allergies. Mood swings, depression, malnutrition, premenstrual syndrome, and low self esteem are related to constipation as well.
Causes: Constipation is often caused by insufficient dietary fibre. Without adequate amounts of dietary fibre, waste material tends to accumulate in the colon (large intestine). Not only does this disrupt your ability to regularly pass stools but the process also hardens stools, making them more difficult to pass. Chronic constipation may also be caused by a generally poor diet or consumption of large quantities of junk foods. Disruption in your regular eating patterns, especially if you are travelling or if there are other environmental changes, are common causes of constipation. Dehydration, excess stress, or the pressure of other activities that force you to ignore the urge to empty your bowel can all cause constipation. Medical conditions can cause or aggravate constipation. Eating disorders, kidney failure, diabetes, endocrine problems, and other disorders that compromise normal digestion (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) can often lead to constipation. Colon cancer can also cause constipation. A vicious cycle can result from overuse of laxatives that weaken the muscles which help you pass stools. This only leads to further constipation. Medications such as pain killers and anti-depressants, spinal injuries and muscle disorders, inadequate exercise, advanced age, and pregnancy can all lead to constipation.
What to Expect: Constipation varies in severity and, for some, can be a chronic disorder. It should not be taken lightly, however. Toxins from undigested food particles can lead to serious disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, meningitis, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis. In other cases, constipation can lead to chronic gas and bloating, migraines, fatigue, and depression. If constipation persists, you are encouraged to discuss the situation with your naturopath or other health practitioner so they can rule out any possible underlying diseases.
Remedies
Food Supplements Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body to promote proper digestion, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added. Flaxseed oil helps soften stools. Take one tablespoon daily. You may also sprinkle freshly ground flaxseed over salads and cereals. Psyllium seed husk acts as a natural laxative by attracting water to the stools to form a gelatinous mass. Fibre has much the same effect. Furthermore, psyllium seed husk (and guar gum) are generally less irritating than wheat bran.
Herbs Aloe vera cleans and heals the digestive tract and helps soften stools. Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice twice daily. Garlic helps destroy harmful bacteria in the colon which can cause constipation. Add to your favourite meal and enjoy the numerous benefits. If you prefer to go "sans aroma", you may also take odourless garlic capsules. If eating whole cloves, take 2 to 4 daily. If using capsules, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily with meals. If using a tincture, take 2 to 4mL three times daily. Senna, a woody shrub, contains colon-stimulating chemicals called anthraquinones which act as laxatives. Do not use senna for more than one week however as it is a very powerful laxative. Your body will also become dependent on senna if used continually over a long period of time. Try using the herbs listed above before you try senna. Cascara sagrada, oregon grape root, and rhubarb are all helpful for constipation.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Alumina: Severe constipation without any desire to defecate. Rectum is dry and inflamed. Stool is knotty and even a soft stool is passed with difficulty. This remedy is very good for constipation in infants, elderly, and pregnant women with an inactive rectum. Bryonia: "Constipation of Bryonia" is accompanied by dryness of the rectum. Stool is hard and dry, brown, thick, bloody, and seems too large. Calcarea Carbonica: No desire to defecate coupled with a constant sensation of stool in the rectum. Stool is large and hard at first, then pasty, followed by liquidy diarrhea of undigested, sour-smelling food. This is followed by a ravenous appetite. Causticum: "Constipation of Causticum" is characterized by a lot of excess straining. No defecation reflex, the stool is soft and small, the size of goose-quill, and is covered with mucus. Lycopodium: Rectum is inactive with ineffectual urging. Stool is passed with great difficulty and is hard and small. Unfinished feeling after passing the stool. Excess gas. Nux Vomica: "Constipation of Nux Vomica" is usually accompanied by frequent, but ineffectual, desire for passing stool. Small amount of stool may be passed at each attempt and there is a feeling as if parts remained unexpelled. Alternates between diarrhea and constipation. Sepia: Feeling of a ball in the rectum. Straining causes shooting, upwards pain. Stool is hard and large with bleeding. Silicea: Constipation before and during menses/menstruation. Stool is passed with difficulty. When partly expelled, person sleeps due to weakness of the bowel muscles.
Lifestyle Eat a well balanced diet that is high in fibre. Fruits, raw vegetables, and grains are all rich sources of fibre. Numerous studies have shown that fibre, more than any other remedy, helps alleviate constipation. Also, avoid junk foods, spicy foods, fried foods, highly processed foods, and anything that is likely to disrupt your digestion. Natural laxatives, such as prunes or figs, are always best. Laxative abuse can lead to the weakening of muscles used to pass stools and can further perpetuate constipation. Physical exercise helps stimulate movement of waste through your intestines and is essential for your overall wellbeing. A short walk after meals can be very beneficial. Drink plenty of water. Water flushes out toxins and helps to cleanse your digestive system. Drink eight 8oz glasses of water daily, especially before, during, and after you exercise. If you are not accustomed to drinking this quantity of water, start with four glasses and work your way up over the course of a week. Never ignore an urge to defecate. Also, try sitting on the toilet at the same time every day and relax. This will promote regularity, while alleviating stress related to constipation.
Therapies, Healing Aids, & More Allergy testing should be performed to indicate sensitive foods, as they can contribute to constipation. These foods should be eliminated from the diet. Common food allergies include cow's milk, wheat, and soy. Remember that the foods we are the most allergic to are also the ones we most crave and most frequently consume. Skin tests or positive IgE RAST testing can help isolate specific allergens.
Vitamins Vitamin B-50 Complex is needed to promote overall healthy digestion. Take 50mg 3 times daily. Vitamin C promotes cleansing and healing. Take up to 3,000 to 5,000mg daily in divided doses. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also Digestive Problems
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