CONSTIPATION
DEFINITION
Hard, irregular, and infrequent bowel movements happen when waste moves slowly through the intestines. The longer the delay, the more water is absorbed, making it harder to pass.
Toxins can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, straining other detox systems in the body and increasing health risks.
some of the possible CAUSES
A poor diet low in fiber and fluids, filled with white flour, sugar, and other acid-forming foods meat, dairy, eggs.
Possible deficiency in Vitamins B1, B5, B6, minerals - potassium, magnesium, zinc
Excess of Vitamin D, iron, aluminium
Food allergies
Sedentary lifestyle
Tension, anxiety, worry, depression.
Poor bowel habits
Laxative overuse
Hypothyroidism
Poor liver function - low bile
Spinal injury - impaired nerve supply
Hormonal imbalances
Pregnancy
Medications, drugs, antibiotics.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Naturopathic care
High fiber diet rich in complex carbohydrates - wholegrains, pulses, fruit and vegetables.
Eliminate white flour and sugar, junk foods. Reduce meat, eggs, dairy.
Increase fluids - drink a large glass of lukewarm water with half a lemon juice every morning.
Consider magnesium, probiotics with FOS (Fructooligosaccharides)
Natural laxatives - blackstrap molasses, linseed or flaxseed tea, dried fruit. Slippery elm, psyllium husks - bulk forming laxatives.
Take a brisk walk early in the morning. The best time for colon activity is between 5 and 7 am, according to the Chinese Body clock..
HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbs can help in many ways by improving liver function, aiding digestion, enhancing bile flow, and supporting the nervous system for better relaxation, digestion and elimination.