Dealing With Constipation
Generally
speaking, the physical reason for constipation is over absorption of water by
the colon.
Chyme
(our digested food) enters from the small intestine into the colon When the
colon over-absorbs water due to the food moving through the digestive tract too
slowly the fecal matter becomes dry and hard and difficult to pass. Some common
reasons for this slowed intestinal transit include:
*Hypothyroidism
(condition marked by an underactive thyroid gland)
*Hypokalemia
(low potassium concentration in the body)
*Injured
anal sphincter
*Certain
medications, namely loperamide,
opioids (such as codeine and morphine) and some antidepressants
*Severe
illness
*Acute
porphyria (inherited condition that is very rare)
*Lead
poisoning
*Lactose
intolerance
*Dyschezia
(often results from suppressing defecation)
*Some
types of Cancer
Constipation
can also occur due to a simple hardening of the feces, which may occur due to:
*Insufficient
dietary fiber intake
*Dehydration
*Medications,
especially diuretics, or medications containing iron, calcium, or aluminum
*Other
potential reasons for what causes constipation are diverticula, obstructed
defecation, severe dehydration, certain types of surgery, childbirth, and/or quiting
smoking. For the majority of people who experience constipation, it is an
isolated and relatively minor issue. However, if the constipation becomes
severe, prolonged, or chronic, it may signal that something is wrong.
Correcting Your Constipation
*Eat your main meal early in the day - at midday rather than in
the evening.
*Drink at least eight glasses of fluids each day.
*Chew your food 20-30 times per mouthful. Follow food-combining
rules.
*Use digestive enzymes when you miss-combine foods or eat animal
protein.
*Increase fiber in your diet.
*Promote the use of friendly bacteria in your intestines by
using probiotics. After the age of 50, the bifida bateria in your colon
declines sharply.
*Exercise regularly - walk, swim, use the trampoline, etc.
*Try breathing exercises at least three times a week to relax
the abdominal organs.
*Practice yoga postures at least three times a week to tone and
stimulate the digestive organs.
*Practice slant-board exercises at least three times a week to
rejuvenate the abdominal organs and strengthen the supporting muscles.
*Take hot and cold sitz baths to stimulate the abdominal
muscles.
*Use Hot Castor Oil pads to loosen the waste on the colon and
relax the abdominal muscles.
*Use tummy massage to help elimination and to locate tense
areas.
*Heed nature’s call. When you feel the urge to use the toilet,
use it!
*Establish the habit of moving your bowels at a specific time
each day.
*Use a footstool at the base of your toilet to elevate your feet
and knees when having a bowel movement.
*Consult a Certified Colon Therapist; use colonic irrigations,
as needed, to cleanse and tone the colon.
*Devote time each day to relaxing quietly and paying attention
to managing your stress
*Detoxify your body. Practice regular whole body system
cleansing.
*Get enough sleep - 6 to 8 hours a day is the usual requirement
for most people.
