What is constipation?

There are 4 basic types of constipation described are:

• infrequent stools
• hard stools
• difficulty passing stools (straining)
• sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement.

The reason behind each of these “types” of constipation is different, and the strategy for each needs to be customized. Constipation can be followed by diarrhea. This pattern has been associated with the more serious condition of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). And the most serious case of constipation is complete impaction, where stool hardens in the rectum and no passage of stool results.

As we get older, our bowel movement lessens. While most people have a bowel movement once a day, slightly less than 50% of the adult population seem to enjoy the regular pattern. The other half are irregular and do not have bowel movements on a daily basis.

Quick Constipation Assessment

• Healthy bowell movement: regular daily bowel movement.
• Constipation is considered a real problem when there are fewer than three bowel movements per week.
• At what time, constipation is critical; people will experience less than one bowel movement per week.

Medical experts hold the position that there is no medical reason to have a bowel movement every day. Additionally, they have determined not having a bowel movement for 2-3 days does not cause discomfort, only mental concern for some people. Medical researchers and doctors support there is no evidence that “toxins” accumulate when bowel movements are infrequent or that constipation leads to cancer. This statement is contrary to natural and Chinese herbs practitioner(s). However, the discomfort needs be resolved and the most effective source of relief and correction can come from a natural cure for constipation.

It is vital to distinguish acute (recent onset) constipation from chronic (long term) constipation. You need to approach your health practitioner with your constipation concerns regarding the following:

• Acute constipation needs immediate assessment because a serious medical illness may be the underlying cause (e.g., tumors of the colon).
• Additionally, constipation needs to be assessed if it occurs with serious symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, and involuntary weight loss.
• In comparison, the assessment of chronic constipation may not need attention, especially, if simple aid brings relief.

OK! THE NATURAL MEDICINE EXPLANATION

WHAT IS THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF CONSTIPATION & WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THE IMBALANCE?

While the medical model describes and defines the condition of constipation, it is not clear what the underlying causation is. To say there is an inflammation or infection behind constipation may fall short for our purposes. Though there may be inflammation, its important to understand the precondition and unseen phenomena creating this toxic condition.

The anology of weather and environment will serve us to understand what is happening with constipation. At what time, its hot and dry, we have a desert environment. What happens is that everything dries up. When the environment is cold and damp then the conditions are boggy-everything is moist. When these conditions occur in the elimination tracts, then our fecal matter is transformed. If our descending colon and rectum are too warm then it dehydrates our elimination. The result is that it becomes dry and hardened. It also slows down due to excess friction and lack of lubricating mucous. A constipation supplement will counter the above conditions.

FOOD THERAPY FOR CONSTIPATION

To counteract this drying process, ingest cooling food and herbs. Nutritional Food therapy such as: salads, green beans, spinach, etc. and cooling fruit like melons,pineapple, etc.

To cure constipation, taking a constipation supplement or eating a diet that cools the lower colon will change the sufferer back to a regular status within 24-72 hours.