Constipation

What you need to know:

Any sudden, constant change in bowel habits should be investigated by your doctor. Most of us, however, will suffer the occasional bout of Constipation and it’s particularly common when people are away from home. It could be that they’re not used to the food - or it could be for psychological reasons linked to fear of embarrassment at going to the loo when somebody they don’t know might hear them.

Unfortunately, chronic Constipation is common, but the use of long-tem laxatives isn’t healthy as they can cause irritation and inflammation of the bowel, poor nutrient absorption and - in severe cases - dependence.

The only way to combat this condition long-term is to re-educate the bowel to function in a regular way and there are several natural herbs, remedies, supplements and therapies that could help.

The most useful Supplements:

The most useful Herbs:

Other herbs which may help:

Marshmallow, Slippery Elm

Homoeopathy

The following homoeopathic remedies may also help:

• Alumina
• Byronia
• Opium

Aromatherapy

The following Aromatherapy oils massaged clockwise around the stomach are very soothing.

• Black pepper
• Ginger
• Marjoram

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

The real key to preventing Constipation, which isn’t a symptom of anything serious is learning how to eat healthily. You can get advice from a registered naturopath, but the basic principles are:

• Drink at least 2 litres of fluid a day
• Get checked to see if you are sensitive to any foods. Ask in-store for details.
• Eat little and often to help keep your digestion and bowel working properly. Eat more soluble fibre from apples, Pears, Oats, root vegetables, green vegetables and dried beans
• Increase your fibre intake with more wholemeal bread, brown rice, nuts, seeds and wholemeal pasta
• Eat plenty of dried fruit, especially apricots and prunes - they’re rich in fibre, too
• Eat a pot of life bio yoghurt every day - your gut needs the friendly bacteria

Traditional Remedies:

Here’s one old-fashioned remedy that really works: pour 1 ½ pints of boiling water over 2lbs of stoned prunes and a few pieces of bruised Liquorice stick. Cover and leave overnight. Remove the Liquorice, pour off the liquid and puree the prunes. Keep in the fridge and have 2 dessertspoons with breakfast and two with a warm drink at bedtime.

Other useful advice:

Going to the loo regularly is essential, too. Make sure you go at the same times each day. You may only get two or three major contractions of the bowel, but it’s these waves of peristaltic movement which propel the food mass through the gut. If you suppress or miss the contractions because you’re late for work or the kids are waiting in the car to be taken to a football match, you may not pass a motion for the rest of the day. If you have a problem with Constipation, that’s when the bad habits begin.

And as far as therapies are concerned: Acupuncture, Yoga and abdominal exercises taught by a qualified gym instructor could also help.

It’s also worth remembering that many prescribed and over-the counter pain-killers and medicines which contain iron may cause Constipation. Ask a specialist if you’re unsure.

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