It seems the first thing to be affected by a difference
in our daily routine (e.g. traveling) or by stress, is our
gut. Either it speeds up causing diarrhea, or it slows down
and causes constipation. Either way it can really interfere
with our lifestyle. Constipation is a condition in which a
person has difficult or infrequent passage of feces (poo).
Constipation usually results from a delay in transit within
the colon from a wide variety of causes. It can occur at any
age, and most people have constipation sometime in life, but
it is more frequent in infancy and old age. Most cases of
simple constipation result from changes in diet or physical
activity, including inadequate fluid intake. If the constipation
is on-going, with pain, bloating and / or blood in the stool
underlying medical or psychogenic causes should be ruled out.
Lifestyle and dietary changes along with nutritional support
can contribute to the long-term resolution of constipation.
Herbs can be used to help tone and strengthen bowel function.
Laxative herbs should be used with caution, as they may become
less effective with habitual use. Mind-body techniques, such
as meditation, hypnosis and yoga, may help reduce nervous
tension that may contribute to constipation.
Watch your nutrition
Take time to eat in a relaxed atmosphere, breathing and chewing
food thoroughly. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid
overeating at one sitting. Eliminate refined foods, sugars,
caffeine, alcohol, and dairy products. Decrease saturated
fats (animal products) and increase essential fatty acids
(cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds). Increase intake of fresh
vegetables, whole grains, and water (lots!). Stewed or soaked
prunes, 1 to 3 a day, have a slightly laxative effect. Flax
meal, 1 heaping tsp. in 8 oz. of apple juice, provides fiber
and essential fatty acids to help relieve constipation and
promote normal motility within the digestive tract. Follow
with an additional 8 oz. of water. Warm lemon water taken
before meals stimulates digestion. Consider digestive enzymes
for chronic constipation. Vitamin C 1,000 mg 2 to 3 times
a day. Magnesium 250 mg 2 to 3 times a day.
Herbs
Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the
body’s systems. As with any therapy, it is important
to ascertain a diagnosis before pursuing treatment. Dr. Frederique
Nault at the Holistic Healing Center is qualified in prescribing
herbs, and may be contacted on 766259
Other natural remedies
Castor oil packs to the abdomen may be useful in resolving
constipation. Used externally, castor oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Apply oil directly to skin, and cover with a clean, soft cloth
(e.g., flannel) and plastic wrap. Place a heat source (hot
water bottle or heating pad) over the pack and let sit for
30 to 60 minutes. For best results, use three consecutive
days in one week. Contrast hydrotherapy may help to tone and
strengthen bowel function. Alternating hot and cold applications
brings nutrients to the site and diffuses metabolic waste
from inflammation. The overall effect may be decreased inflammation,
pain relief, and enhanced function. Apply hot and cold towels
to the abdomen. Alternate 3 minutes hot with 1 minute cold.
Repeat three times to complete one set. Do two to three sets
each day. Constipation may be also effectively treated with
acupuncture, which can stimulate and tone digestive function.
Therapeutic massage can induce stress release and relieve
constipation that is due to spasm and nervous tension. Massage
of abdomen can also stimulate some increase in peristalsis.
Laxatives
The pharmacy shelves are always loaded with remedies for constipation
and it is often a matter of trial and error as to which on
suitable for you. Bulk-forming agents (psyllium, bran, Metamucil)
are generally effective and work by stimulating contractions
of the large intestine, with low risk of adverse effects.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is a bowel stimulant but can cause gut
cramping in some people. Senna, aloe, or cascara tend to be
a little more gentle. Castor oil increases intraluminal bowel
fluid levels and thereby increases motility; although this
should be used with caution as it can interfere with fluid
and electrolyte levels.
Pregnancy
Constipation is a common ailment in pregnancy and is usually
relieved with dietary changes and increased water intake.
Digestive enzymes may be safely taken to support digestion.
Herbs that are stimulating to the digestive tract may have
a reflexive reaction in uterine muscle and induce contractions.
Laxative herbs should not be used in pregnancy without the
supervision of a physician.
“Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife
that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty
years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral
service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any
health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail
at <info#chcbali.com> or Hp. 081 2366 0000”.
