Constipation difficulties and discomfort can be eased naturally,
safely and quickly.
Get relief and overcome the unpleasant feelings this condition
brings.
Gone are the days when the best thing to cure constipation was
a harsh chemical laxative. This is only a short-term solution and
does not solve the problem and causes side-effects.
Natural methods to assist constipation are usually best. Regular
constipation can lead to severe stomach and intestinal difficulties.
As part of our regular newsletter there will be examples of successful
alternative treatments.
Constipation and natural
treatment
Constipation refers to unduly infrequent or irregular bowel movements,
with difficulty, and sometimes pain on passing dry hard faeces.
It is usually harmless but may be an indication of an underlying
disorder. Many people only have one bowel movement each day and
sometimes even less than this. The ideal should be 2 or 3 bowel
movements each day which approximates to a bowel movement for each
meal consumed.
There are many severe health problems connected with periods of
lengthy constipation. Studies have now shown that cancer of the
intestinal tract and poor absorption of nutrients can stem from
periods of constipation.
One of the main causes of constipation is diet. While there are
many other contributing factors like immobility, haemorrhoids, an
anal fissure, hypothyroidism or hormonal changes like those in pregnancy,
diet does play a large role in constipation. Most commonly it is
a diet lacking in fibre.
The sad fact is that most people would not need laxatives if they
ate right. Unfortunately, artificial laxatives can contain harmful
chemicals which could have side-effects over time.
Eating incorrectly can have long-term effects. One may not notice
it when younger, but over a few years too many meats, fats and dairy
products will result in constipation.
The modern diet too often consists of fast food, high processed
foods and the fresh fruit and vegetables fall away, to your detriment.
Continual constipation does require a change in life style. Every
whole grain item and every fibre-rich fruit and vegetable helps
prevent and relieve constipation.
Foods that have special recognition as laxatives include almonds,
apricots (dried), avocados, chicory, coconut, dandelion (yes get
out in your garden and eat those dandelion leaves, so long as they
have no chemicals on them!), dates, endive, figs, flaxseed, grapes,
mango's, olive, papayas, parsley, persimmons, pineapple, prunes,
rhubarb, soybeans, turnips, walnuts, watercress.
Include a combination of these in your diet as fresh salads, soups
or snacks. Increase your intake of the above and if still constipated,
increase again and lessen your intake of meat, dairy and high processed
food.
Lack of water in your system is a large contributing factor to
constipation. Water is essential to many bodily actions and elimination
of waste is very high on the list. NOT tea, coffee or soft drink,
but pure WATER. Add some lemon or fresh fruit juice for flavour
if needed, but drink water!
Juicing is a fantastic way of getting essential foods in a fast
acting and refreshing way. A variety of delicious juices can be
made if you have a juicing machine, alternatively fresh juices can
be purchased. Avoid those made from concentrate and try to always
buy organic juices. Prune juice is top of the list as a laxative,
but apple-pear, asparagus and potato are also good.
Psyllium husks, the tiny seeds of the plantain, contain a fibre
called mucilage. Mucilage absorbs a great deal of fluid in the gut,
the seeds swell and add bulk to the stool. The bulk presses on the
walls of the colon, inducing the muscles to contract and the stool
is passed. It is very important to drink at least eight full glasses
of water a day, or the digestive track will become blocked and uncomfortable.
Psyllium also removes the sticky mucus and toxins from the bowel.
They reduce acidity and increase urine flow.
Linseed also known as flax, is rich in fibre and essential fatty
acids and can be used instead of psyllium husks. Again for the seeds
to work effectively it is important for you to drink at least 1/4
pint (150 ml) of water per desert spoon of seeds.
Senna known to Arabian physicians as early as the ninth century
as a food and dietary supplement, is an effective and long-established
remedy for constipation. Senna contains a powerful natural laxative
called anthraquinone. It is best combined with such things as ginger
or cloves that will improve taste and prevent griping pains. Anthraquinone
laxatives should not be taken over long periods of time as they
are very strong, and you should not become dependent on them. Aloe
Vera also falls within this category.
Rhubarb contains a natural laxative chemical. It is also high
in fibre. Its laxative action can be pretty powerful. Liquorice
in large doses can be a laxative. Olive oil has a mild laxative
action and can lower blood cholesterol levels. Laxatives should
never be abused. Use them for only as long as needed to let your
body establish its own natural rhythm. Do not use constantly as
you will become dependent on them and some may lose their potency
as your body gets used to them. Always try to avoid harsh, artificial
laxatives and use a natural one.
Copyright © 2002 - 2005 P. Topham:
U.S. Nutritional and Herbal Researcher - All Rights Reserved |
