Constipation Nation

If whole governments are constipated (Actor, Sam Neil’s take on the marriage equality issue), then we could have a whole nation in trouble.

A bunch of people are defined as “constipated” when measuring up against the criteria of Infrequent Bowel Movements, Straining, & Incomplete Evacuation.

Babies in good health generally poop after every meal. This is a high bar for most adults.

So here are some tips for supporting one’s bowel transit time:

COFFEE – is there anything this wonderful elixir cannot do? The stimulation of coffee, especially in the morning is a great ignition for the bowels.

TIME – 5am – 7am (Large Intestine), this is the best time to have a bowel movement. In Chinese Medicine, there is an organ clock that represents the time of the day when each organ is functioning optimally and has the most energy.

RELAX – when we are always in a hurry, there is no time to sit on the toilet and allow the body to switch into the parasympathetic nervous system “rest and digest”. Take note from those who bring lengthy reading material to the throne.

EXERCISE – Contortion bending exercises are the best. Movement of the body aids the qi and blood flow necessary to fuel the nervous system ignition of intestine peristalsis.

FOOD – Certain foods allow for the smooth passage of stools. Flaxseed meal is a great addition to sprinkle on your breakfast. Slippery and oily is the way with eggs, avocados, fish, okra, prunes & pears. Fibre is the way with beets, leafy greens, oats, seeds and grains. Avoid foods harder to digest, like bread, pasta & meat.

DRINK – Water. Increase your uptake until your urine becomes clear. Adding a little Himalayan Salt to water also helps cleanse the colon and release stored toxins. Apple cider vinegar (with raw honey) or lemon juice first thing before any meal alkalises the digestive system, balancing out acidic conditions that contribute to getting stuck. Avoid alcohol as it is heat forming and dehydrating.

SUPPLEMENTS – High doses of Vitamin C empty the bowel and support Liver function, necessary to clear toxins caused by constipation. Magnesium has a laxative effect because it draws water into the stool and is a great muscle relaxant. Slippery Elm powder & Aloe Vera Juice also lubricate the intestinal passage.

PROBIOTICS – Food form or pill form. Kombucha, Sauerkraut, Fermented Foods, Preserved lemon, Kimchi etc. Good bacteria is like the little hands helping the whole digestive process.

CASCARA & SENNA – These supplements are more heavy duty, and certainly get things moving. But use them sparingly as overdose and dependancy can become a problem. Also avoid common laxatives and only utilise them in desperate circumstances.

COLONICS – once you get over the initial embarrassment of having a hose up your bum to flush your bowels, you will enjoy the aftermath. A deep soaking and hydration is the best toxin clean out for colon there is. After a colonic you will feel incredibly light, energised and your eyes will sparkle. But don’t get addicted to these either!

If you are seriously concerned about your constipation, then have a COLONOSCOPY. Be sure to check that nothing more serious is causing your symptoms. In some cases you might notice blood in the stool. Bleeding might be caused a tissue tear from a haemorrhoid or fistula and will show as bright red fresh blood. If the blood is darker, or found in the stool, this may indicate bleeding from further up the colon and needs further investigation.