What is Constipation?

Conventional medicine defines constipation strictly in relation to the frequency of bowel movements. However, those who suffer from constipation often describe their complaints a little differently;

 

• dry, hard or lumpy stools
• straining to have a movement
• incomplete evacuation or feeling like you still need to go
• a sense of difficulty in passing a stool

 

According to conventional medicine, regularity of bowel movements is individual: one person may experience three movements a day while another may experience one every three days.

However, natural health practitioners believe that the bowel is the foundation of good health and having 2-3 bowel movements daily is important in keeping not only the bowel, but also the body healthy. This belief comes from the thought that if we eat 3 meals a day, than we should have 3 bowel movements per day.

What causes Constipation?

The following lifestyle factors can cause constipation:

 

• lack of exercise
• being dehydrated
• eating too many refined carbohydrates.

 

The following health conditions can cause constipation:

  

• Prescription drugs such as cholesterol lowering drugs, prostate drugs and muscle relaxants.
• Some disorders of the endocrine system such as diabetes or hypothyroidism can also constipate due to disrupted or inadequate hormonal signals.
• Other disorders include irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue, and other inflammatory bowel disorders.
• Neurological problems can also cause constipation when neuromuscular signals are disrupted.

What are the signs and symptoms of Constipation?

A wide range of symptoms can be experienced with constipation including:

 

• abdominal discomfort /fullness
• bloating
• headaches
• lower back pain
• general feeling of malaise

How common is Constipation?

According to the Canadian Association of Gastoenterology approximately one million Canadians a year suffer from constipation

(http://www.cag-acg.org/patinfo/constipation.htm, 04/05/2005).

What health problems are caused by Constipation?

Healthy bowel movements are essential to a healthy body. The bowel is like a sewage system, unless we cleanse the system of toxins daily, they will enter the blood stream and harm the body.

Constipation has many damaging effects on the body including:

• Raising your risk of colon cancer (Eur J Cancer. 2004 Sep;40(14):2109-15)

 

• Causing pressure in the bowels which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells (Cell Prolif. 2004 Dec;37(6):427-441).

 

• Causing psychological distress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and sexual dysfunction (J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2003 Dec;18(12):1412-6).

 

• Causing autointoxication; which is when toxic substances are absorbed from the bowels. Autointoxication has been blamed for a long list of health problems, including depression and serious skin problems (J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 Sep;15(3):559-63).

What can be done to help with Constipation?

The Natural Constipation Solution.

 

• CleanseSMART, a 30 day advanced herbal cleansing program which works to hydrate the bowel (softening hardened fecal matter) and increases peristalsis (the muscular movement of the colon).  

• FibreSMART, a daily fibre supplement.  

• OilSMART, a daily EFA supplement will lubricate the colon, making stool easier to pass.

 

Natural Support for Occasional Constipation   

• CleanseMORE,  CleanseMORE is an all natural colon support formula for relief of occasional constipation. It stimulates the colon’s normal functions to enhance elimination without the use of harsh laxatives. It can be taken as needed to combat constipation.