Constipation

Constipation is the infrequent and difficult movement of the bowels. Its causes are numerous, including a diet low in fiber, irregular toilet habits, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic tension, and even depression.

CONVENTIONAL APPROACH

Allopathic medicine offers several self treatment approaches to constipation, including

adding fiber to the diet, from sources such as fruits, vegetables, bran, or fiber supplements
drinking at least eight glasses of water daily
adopting regular toilet habits and never ignoring the urge to defecate
exercising
using enemas

Laxative medications are also available but should only be used short-term.

Constipation Symptoms

Hard, dry stools
Fewer bowel movements than normal (Depending on the person, the normal number of movements can be as many as three a day or as little as three a week)
Pain in the lower abdomen or when passing stool (occasionally)
Rectal fissures
Hemorrhoid development

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES

The ideal frequency of bowel movements is much debated by conventional and alternative medicine. On the stole, alternative therapists recommend at least one per day.

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

A nutritional therapist’s view of constipation is quite straightforward: What goes in the mouth affects how waste products will or—in the case of constipation—will not exit the body. And constipation is more than uncomfortable: It causes toxins to linger in the bowels, which has been linked to a number of ailments.

The diet must be high in fiber to encourage regular bowel movements, and water and other fluids need to accompany the fiber so the stool has the proper consistency. Fiber can be added with whole foods or powder (such as flaxseed powder). A nutrient deficiency (perhaps magnesium or vitamin C) may also cause constipation, in which case supplements can help.

Prunes and prune juice have a laxative effect, but they can also have an addictive effect that is, the bowel becomes dependent on them.

For regular bowel movements, try to eat at least 30 grams of insoluble fiber per day. Read food labels. Good sources are bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, and brown rice.

BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING

Biofeedback training can give the person with constipation greater control over the digestive system. With the help of monitors that “feed back” certain biological levels, the therapy instructs peo-ple to alter involuntary functions of the body.

In one type of training, electrodes are attached to the skin around the anus to give the patient readings on the tightness or looseness of local muscles. The biofeedback technician teaches the patient to relax the muscles around the anus while pushing stool through the bowels. The therapy usually includes relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation; that can be done at home to reinforce the effects of the training.

At least two studies have shown the effectiveness of biofeedback training for children whose constipation is attributed to the improper tightening of anal muscles.

Progressive muscle relaxation aided by biofeedback monitoring involves letting go of tension in the body in little, isolated steps. Here’s a sample exercise for progressive relaxation:

Wearing loose clothing, lie down on a padded surface or sit in a comfortable chair.
Close your eyes and tighten the muscles in your feet. Then release these muscles.
Next, direct your attention to your calves, tensing and then easing these muscles in the same fashion.
Continue up the body, including your arms and ending with your scalp.

HERBAL MEDICINE

Many herbs can effectively relieve the occasional bout with constipation. In fact, several laxatives used in conventional medicine contain ingredients derived from herbs, such as cascara and senna.

The aged bark of cascara encourages movement of stool by irritating the bowels. Often taken in tincture or pill form, it’s considered a strong laxative and may cause cramping. Other, milder laxative herbs include dandelion root and burdock. Yellow dock can also be used to soften stools. These are commonly taken as tinctures.

Psyllium seed husks can be used to make a homemade bulking agent (similar to the commercially prepared psyllium products). Psyllium adds form and softness to the stool. It is important to drink enough water with these products: at least eight ounces with the dose and eight ounces after.

Although herbalists consider herbs to have fewer side effects than drugs, the plants still should only be used infrequently. if the bowels are repeatedly blocked, the cause should be corrected.

The list of other herbs with promising laxative qualities includes aloe, dong quai, and licorice.

A sample herbal prescription might be to mix one dropperful of cascara tincture with a cup of warm water. Drink the mixture immediately before bedtime.