Constipation results when waste material moves too slowly through the large bowel, resulting in infrequent and/or painful
elimination of hard stools. Constipation can be a root cause of many different
health problems, including: appendicitis, bad breath, body odor, coated tongue, depression,
diverticulitis, fatigue, gas, headaches, hemorrhoids,
hernia, indigestion,
insomnia, malabsorption syndrome, obesity, and
varicose veins. It may even be involved in the development of serious diseases such as bowel cancer.
It is important that a person's bowels move on a daily basis. The colon is a holding tank for waste matter that should be removed within
18 to 24 hours. Harmful toxins can form after this period and cause
problems. Antigens and toxins from bowel bacteria and undigested food particles may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus, meningitis, myasthenia gravis, thyroid disease,
candidiasis, chronic gas and bloating, migraines, fatigue and
ulcerative colitis.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Acidophilus |
10 |
friendly bacteria needed for good bowel
and colon health. Maybe combined with Lactobacillus rhanosus,
Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus plantarum in a combination
such as Botana Cleanse (see link below) |
Aloe Vera |
10 |
herb that helps heal the colon and also aides in lowering stress.
It also as a healing and cleansing effect on the digestive tract, and aids in forming soft stools. |
Dandelion |
10 |
herb that helps to detoxify and cleanse |
Bioflavonoids |
10 |
they have cleansing and
healing effect |
vitamin
C |
10 |
works with the bioflavonoids
and also aids immune function |
Fo
Ti
He Shou Wu |
9 |
Helps to cleanse and used in
traditional Chinese medicine to tonify the Chi in the body. |
Psyllium
seed |
9 |
bulking agent that also helps
with hemorrhoids |
Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
vitamin B complex, magnesium, calcium, chromium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and multi
enzyme, all serve to help people with constipation and related problems.. The nutrients
contained in a daily supplement are needed for good general health and
well being. |
vitamin A |
8 |
vitamin A is an anti-oxidant protects the mucous membranes and it also helps in
any healing process in the body. |
vitamin E |
9 |
vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that provides healing and has been shown to help prevent
colon problems. |
Folic
acid |
9 |
A deficiency in folic acids
may cause constipation |
vitamin
B12 |
9 |
helps with digestion and works
with folic acid |
vitamin
B complex |
8 |
vitamin B complex is needed for
proper breakdown and digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well
as good digestion. B12 helps with digestion. |
Omega
fatty acids |
9 |
important for protecting the lining of the colon and anti-inflammation associated with
constipation related disorders. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish and plant
sources of flax seed, and borage seed |
Magnesium |
7 |
low intake of magnesium has been linked to
constipation, colitis, and other digestive tract and waste elimination
problems |
Calcium |
7 |
mineral that works with magnesium
and it helps to calm and sooth the body |
Vitamin
D |
7 |
vitamin D helps prevent colon
cancer and promotes good health |
In many cases, constipation is caused by not getting enough fiber
and fluids in the person's diet. Other factors include not enough exercise, growing old
or aging, muscle disorders, structural
abnormalities, bowel diseases, neurogenic disorders, and a poor
diet, especially heavy consumption of junk food. Constipation may
be a side effect of iron supplements and some drugs, such as
painkillers and anti-depressants. It is also a common problem during
women's pregnancy.High levels of calcium and low levels of thyroid hormone are two
metabolic disturbances that can lead to constipation. People with kidney
failure or diabetes also risk
having problems with constipation. In older people,
constipation is often caused by dehydration; in people of any age,
depression may also be a significant factor.
A small percentage of persons, such as people with spinal
injuries, have problems with constipation because the nerves that
usually regulate bowel movement have been damaged or destroyed. In
a condition called Hirschsprung’s disease, normal excretion of
feces is impossible because the nerves inside the bowel are
missing. The nerve cells in the wall of the colon can also be
damaged by long-term, habitual use of laxatives. When this
happens, constipation is almost inevitable. A thrombosed hemorrhoid, anal
fissure, or a pocket of infection at the anus can create a spasm
of pain strong enough to contract the muscles and hinder the
evacuation of stools. A good diet, proper nutritional
supplementation, and following lifestyle changes on this webpage
can help lessen or prevent constipation and related health issues.
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|