Chronic Constipation: A serious and widespread problem!
Chronic constipation is a serious and widespread problem in the U.S. It can contribute to many other health problems such as:
Constipation symptoms
- Stomach cramps and pain.
- Nausea.
- Increased urination.
- Bad breath.
- Headaches.
Clinical conditions associated with constipation
- Varicose veins.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Prostate and female problems.
- Allergies.
- Arthritis.
- Malabsorption.
- Diverticulitis.
- Intestinal permeability.
What causes constipation
The possible causes of chronic constipation are many and include:
- Certain prescription and O.T.C. drugs.
- Subclinical dehydration.
- Magnesium deficiency.
- Lack of exercise.
- Lack of good quality dietary oils.
- Structural problems like a prolapsed colon.
- Sluggish thyroid.
- Congested/toxic liver.
- Food allergies.
- Parasites.
- Stress or suppressed emotions.
Let me review the most important predisposing factors and clinical indicators for the development of chronic constipation:
- Food allergy/sensitivity.
- functional disturbance of the ileocecal or pyloric valves in the intestinal tract.
- Insufficient water intake.
- Diet high in refined carbohydrate, low in fiber.
- Lack of exercise.
- Hypochlorhydria (insufficient hydrochloric acid in stomach)
- Decreased peristaltic involvement of the intestinal walls which slows down transit time to the rectum.
Important dietary suggestions:
- Increase vegetable fiber in the diet; avoid all gluten containing grains.
- Drink at least 10 full glasses of water daily (no well water or city water)
- Increase raw and fresh oils.
- Eliminate all hydrogenated fats and oils.
- Eliminate all dairy products, citrus, and wheat products on a trial basis for 30 days.
What can be done holistically
Chronic constipation is a highly undertreated and misuderstood syndrome that is best evaluated and treated by an experienced holistic doctor. Patients should look for a holistic doctor that is experienced in natural allergy testing, C.R.A. (contact reflex analysis), biomagnetic analysis; also, able to evaluate spinal disc and nerve root conditions that can impact the intestinal tract and is proficient in functional blood chemistry analysis.
Tests that would be appropriate and carried out by an alternative doctor should include:
- Food allergy testing.
- G. I. panel (to rule out parasites)
- Intestinal permeability test.
- Comprehensive metabolic blood chemistry scan.