Constipation

Constipation results when food moves too slowly through the digestive tract.

The most common cause is probably dietary (discussed below). 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, stress, or an allergy

Serious diseases, including colon cancer, can sometimes first appear as bowel blockage leading to acute constipation. Consult your doctor if the condition is constant.

Dietary and other natural approaches discussed below should be used by people with constipation only when there is reason to believe no serious underlying condition exists.

Dietary changes that may be helpful: Fibre, particularly insoluble fibre, is linked with the prevention of chronic constipation. Insoluble fibre from food acts like a sponge. Adding water to the “sponge” makes it soft and easy to push through the digestive tract.

Insoluble fibre comes mostly from vegetables, beans, brown rice, whole wheat, rye, and other whole grains. Switching from white bread and white rice to whole-wheat bread and brown rice can often help relieve constipation. Additionally, wheat bran can be incorporated into the diet

It is important to drink lots of fluid along with the fibre—at least 16 ounces of water per serving of fibre. Otherwise, a “dry sponge” is now in the system, which can worsen the constipation.

Chronic constipation and problems associated with it can be triggered by intolerance to cow’s milk – see below for symptoms resulting from dairy intolerance

The possibility exists that constipation occurring in adults and/or constipation triggered by other food allergies might also sometimes be responsible for chronic constipation in some individuals. If other approaches do not help, these possibilities can be discussed with a physician.

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: Exercise may increase the muscular contractions of the intestine, which sometimes helps move the contents through the body. Nonetheless, the effect of exercise on constipation remains unclear.

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: see below for more information

Herbs that may be helpful: The most frequently used laxatives world-wide come from plants. Herbal laxatives are either bulk-forming or stimulating.

Bulk-forming laxatives come from plants with a high fibre and mucilage content that expand when they come in 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 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. Or add it to a smoothie

Stimulant laxatives are high in anthraquinone glycosides, which stimulate bowel muscle contraction. The most frequently used stimulant laxatives are senna leaves, cascara bark, and aloe latex. While senna is the most popular, cascara has a somewhat milder action. Aloe is very potent and should be used with caution.

Exercise may increase the muscular contractions of the intestine, promoting elimination.

Limit alcohol

Psyllium                          AMPHOTERIC – good for both constipation and diarrhea.  Therefore an excellent remedy for IBS.  Also, hemorrhoids, diabetes, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis

Flaxseed/                        consumed as food called flaxseed; when used for other purposes, called linseed.  This is a mild bulk-forming laxative that’s best used for long-term use in people with constipation

Probiotics                        Research has shown that the probiotic strain LACTOBACILLUS CASEI, may relieve chronic constipation after 2 weeks of supplementation

Magnesium                    The lining of the gut is made up of smooth muscle.  When levels of magnesium are low, this also causes PMS – The muscle groups do not contract and relax in their usual sequence = constipation (see below)

Homeopathic Remedies for Constipation

1. BRYONIA – Large hard dark dry stools, dry as if burnt due to lack of secretion despite drinking plenty of fluid. Has no desire for days together.
2. NUX VOMICA – Marked spasm leads to ineffectual urging. Feeling of incomplete emptying.  May have overused laxatives in the past
3. SILICA – Stools are large and hard. Difficult to pass, seems to slip back in again
4. PULSATILLA – Can have alternating constipation with diarrhoea. Varies tremendously from day to day
5. SULPHUR – Consider if there is burning in the back passage. May have alternating constipation and diarrhoea.
6. IGNATIA – Excessive urging for stool, felt in upper abdomen; piles

Like black balls: alum, opium, plat, plb, pyrong, ferat

Chinese Medicine  press either side of the belly bottom

Benefits of Stomach Massage

Abdominal massage can help stimulate the muscles in the intestines, promoting peristalsis, which is the wave-like motion that moves stool through the digestive tract

• Reduces discomfort as it alleviates pain making constipation a soothing practice
• Improves digestion. Regular massage may enhance overall digestive function and help prevent future episodes of constipation

Techniques for Abdominal Massage

• Find a comfortable and quiet space. Lie down on your back with your knees bent to relax your abdomen.  You may also use a small amount of massage oil to enhance the experience
• Knee Squeeze: Bring your knees to your chest and gently squeeze for 1 – 2 minutes to release tension in your abdomen
• Circular Motions: Use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure in a circular motion around your navel. Start from the lower right side of your abdomen and move clockwise.  Repeat this for about 10-20 minutes
• Fist Technique: Make a fist with one hand and place it on your abdomen at hipbone level. Press firmly and slide your hand in a circular motion up towards your ribs, across your belly, down to your left hip bone and back across the bottom of your belly.  Repeat this motion several times
• Full circular massage: Finish with a full circular massage around your belly, starting from the bottom right and moving clockwise for about 2 minutes

Frequency and Duration

For best results, perform the massage once or twice a day for 10 – 20 minutes.  This can help maintain regular bowel movements and

Precautions    Always use gentle but firm pressure to avoid discomfort.  Avoid pressing too hard, as this may compact fecal matter and make it harder to pass

If symptoms persist, consider consulting a healthcare professional for further advice.

What is Dairy/lactose intolerance?

Dairy/lactose intolerance means the body cannot easily digest lactose, a type of natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.

When lactose moves through the colon without being properly digested, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, belly pain, and bloating. Some people who have lactose intolerance cannot digest any milk products. Others can eat or drink small amounts of milk products or certain types of milk products without problems.

. Your body needs an enzyme called lactase to break down, or digest, lactose. Lactose intolerance most commonly runs in families, and symptoms usually develop during the teen or adult years. Most people with this type of lactose intolerance can eat some milk or dairy products without problems.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be mild to severe, depending on how much lactase your body makes. Symptoms usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after you eat or drink milk products. If you have lactose intolerance, your symptoms may include:

• Bloating. Pain or cramps.
• Gurgling or rumbling sounds in your belly. Gas.
• Skin problems
• Loose stools or constipation
• Excess mucous
• Sore throats and ear infections

Magnesium Deficiency

With record numbers experiencing low levels of magnesium, it is important to be aware of the early warning signs so you can take action to increase levels as soon as possible.

Early warning signs of magnesium deficiency

• Loss of appetite
  •  Nausea
  •  Headache
  •  Muscle cramps / spasms
  •  Low energy / fatigue
  •  Weakness
  •  Blood sugar imbalance
  •  Sleep problems
  •  PMS
  •  Irritability
  •  Inability to cope with stress
  •  Constipation

Common health problems associated with magnesium deficiency
• Anxiety & panic attacks
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• High blood pressure
• Nerve problems
• Blood sugar imbalance / Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Blood clots
• Muscle cramps / spasms
• Headaches / Migraines
• PMS
• Infertility
• Preeclampsia
• Heart Disease
• Liver Problems
• Cystitis
• Asthma
• Raynaud’s syndrome

How to boost your magnesium levels

• Increase magnesium-rich foods in your diet
• Juicing leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale is a great way to add a more concentrated hit of the minerals into your diet.  Choose organic for best benefits
• Cooking & processing depletes the mineral content of any food – so eat vegetables raw or lightly steamed whenever possible to maximize your intake of key nutrients
• Keep alcohol intake to a minimum; alcohol can interfere with the body’s absorption of vitamin D, which in turn can affect magnesium absorption.
• Fizzy drinks and caffeine are also associated with lower magnesium levels.
• Minimise intake of refined sugar – excess sugar can lead to increased excretion of magnesium
• Magnesium can be poorly absorbed by the body so it’s important to optimize gut health to ensure maximum benefits.
• Regular Epsom salt baths or foot baths are a good way to increase magnesium levels as they absorb into your body through your skin

 

Magnesium Tarete – For the liver and insomnia

Magnesium Malate – muscles and fibromyalgia