Constipation

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Good Morning!

 

Constipation

 

Constipation is a result of when waste materials move too slowly

though the large bowel. Constipation can arise from lack of enough

fiber and water, inadequate exercise, advanced age, muscle disorders

and poor diet. Constipation results when food moves too slowly

through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. No exact frequency of bowel

movements or amount of symptoms associated with constipation (such as

hard stools and excessive straining) precisely defines constipation.

The most common cause is probably dietary. However, constipation can

be a component of irritable bowel syndrome or can result from a wide

range of causes, such as a drug side effect or physical immobility.

Serious diseases, including colon cancer, can sometimes first appear

as bowel blockage leading to acute constipation.

 

Therefore, particularly constipation of recent onset should be

diagnosed by a physician. Dietary and other natural approaches should

be used by people with constipation only when there is reason to

believe no serious underlying condition exists.

 

 

Herbs such as dandelion root, plantain seeds and cascara sagrada,

have been effective in many people. Take in tincture, pill or

powdered forms. Bulk-forming laxatives come from plants with a high

fiber and mucilage content that expand when they come into contact

with water; examples include psyllium, flaxseed, and fenugreek. As

the volume in the bowel increases, a reflex contraction is

stimulated. These mild laxatives are best suited for long-term use in

people with constipation.

 

Many nutritional doctors recommend taking 7.5 grams of psyllium seeds

or 5 grams of psyllium husks, mixed with water or juice, one to two

times per day. Some doctors use a combination of senna (18%) and

psyllium (82%) for the treatment of chronic constipation.

 

 

HOMEOPATHY

*Graphites if symptoms are constipation, tendency towards obesity,

cold, menopause.

 

*Nux Vomica 6c if individuals work too hard, exercise too little, eat

too much.

 

*Sepia 6c if a women has constipation just before or just after

menstruation.

 

 

EXERCISE

Walking or aerobics or some other activity you enjoy doing at least

three times a week offers multiple benefits, including helping food

travel through your intestines at a quicker pace. Chronic stress and

anxiety could also contribute to constipation. Exercise will help

here too, as will relaxation techniques, especially biofeedback,

breathing exercises and yoga.

 

NUTRITION

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the

best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day.

Too much white flour and refined sugar, two major constipation

causers, means you need more fiber. A diet filled with insoluble

fiber (fiber that doesn't dissolve in water) will keep most people

regular. You get fiber from eating lots of vegetables, wheat bran,

whole-grain breads and cereals and fruit. Powdered psyllium is a

quality source of supplemental fiber. Be sure to drink plenty of

water, otherwise the fiber will form an obstructing mass, adding to

your condition. Start with one rounded tablespoon of the powder

stirred well into a glass of water or diluted juice. Drink it down

and follow with another full glass of water. Do this once a day for

as long as you need to.

 

 

 

Andrew " Guruji " LMT, MT-BC, CA

Peacefulmind.com

Alternative medicine and therapies

for healing mind, body & spirit!