Constipation

It's happened to most of us at one time or another.  That tight and uncomfortable feeling.   But what is it?  And how can I become more regular?

What is Constipation?

Constipation can be defined as infrequent, hard pellet like stools that are painful to pass, or difficulty in evacuating stool.  Most people believe that their bowel movents are normal when the go to the bathroom everyday, but next time you go, look behind you...your release should look like a long banana and each individual should eliminate one of these 2—3 times a day (after each meal).

What are some of the causes of Constipation?

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease.   Constipation can be caused by many different conditions. Most people have experienced an occasional bit of constipation due to that time of the month, traveling or stress, but if it happens on a regular basis, then colon hydrotherapy and probiotics (good bacteria) are an amazing place to start.   The following is a list of some of the most common causes of constipation:

Poor Diet - Not enough fiber in the diet: A main cause of constipation may be a diet high in animal fats (meats, dairy products, eggs) and refined sugar (rich desserts and other sweets), but low in fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains). Some studies have suggested that high-fiber diets result in larger stools, more frequent bowel movements, and therefore less constipation.

Not enough fluids.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Also known as spastic colon, IBS is one of the most common causes of constipation in the United States.

Poor Bowel Habits - Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.

Laxative Abuse - People who habitually take laxatives become dependent upon them and may require increasing dosages until, finally, the intestine becomes insensitive and fails to work properly.

Travel: People often experience constipation when traveling long distances, which may relate to changes in lifestyle, schedule, diet, and drinking water.

Hormonal Disturbances - Certain hormonal disturbances, such as an under active thyroid gland, can produce constipation.

Pregnancy - Pregnancy is another common cause of constipation.

Fissures and Hemorrhoids - Painful conditions of the anus can produce a spasm of the anal sphincter muscle, which can delay a bowel movement.

Specific Diseases - Many diseases that affect the body tissues, such as Scleroderma or Lupus, and certain neurological or muscular diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and stroke, can be responsible for constipation.

Loss of Body Salts - The loss of body salts through the kidneys or through vomiting or diarrhea is another cause of constipation.

Mechanical Compression - Scarring, inflammation around diverticula, tumors, and cancer can produce mechanical compression of the intestine and result in constipation.

Nerve Damage - Injuries to the spinal cord and tumors pressing on the spinal cord can produce constipation by affecting the nerves that lead to the intestine.

Medications - A side effect of medication: Many medications can cause constipation. These include pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum, antispasmodic drugs, antidepressant drugs, tranquilizers, iron supplements, and anti-convulsants for epilepsy.

Lack of exercise.

Childhood History— Some children were raised that having a bowel movement was a very private thing and must be done secretly.  Or that it was dirty.  Whatever the case, we as adult tend to hold onto these mental tapes with out even knowing we do.

Stress and anxiety.

Emotional Stress:  In Chinese Medicine, the colon is where we store  ‘Grief ’ For more information about emotional detoxification click here.

Our clinic is an amazing place to start for constipation or irregular bowel movements.  Please contact us if you have any questions.

 

Disclaimer

Colon Hydrotherapy is not intended to replace the relationship with your primary health care providers and my consultation is not intended as medical advice. They are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my education and research.  As a colon hydrotherapist, I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with your primary health care providers.

 

The information and service provided is not used to prescribe, recommend, diagnose or treat a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for medical care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your primary health care providers.