Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints.
In fact, over $725 million is spent on laxative products each year in the US- Crazy I know!
So lets get down to the basics of constipation so that you can understand the root cause of constipation, and how to resolve it so that you can become an advocate for your own health!
Constipation early signs is basically difficulty having bowel movements, pain with bowel movements, bloating or only have 1-2 bowel movements per week.
Step 1: Let’s determine what the root cause could be for why you are suffering from constipation….
- Lack of fiber in the diet- are you eating enough vegetables with your meals?
- Lack of water
- Diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars- pastas, cereals, breads, sugar etc
- Lack of physical exercise
- Medication- pain meds, anti-depressants, antacids
- Dairy
- Eating food allergies
- Eating your INDIVIDUAL food intolerances
- Low thyroid function
- Poor Gut-brain connection
- Gallstones
- Lack of stomach acid
- Lack of bile
- Lack of enzymes
- Gut Infections
- Gallstones
- Stress
So know that we know possible reasons for constipation, lets resolve this issue so you can start feeling like your best self!
Step 2: Strategies to resolve Constipation
- Increase dietary fiber by adding vegetables with every meal
- Eat cooked vegetables
- Chew food slowly and thoroughly
- Exercise at a minimum of 30 minutes per day
- Drink water- and I mean plain water or water with lemon!
- Reduce stress
- Colon Hydrotherapy
- Cast Oil Packs
- Determine food allergies and intolerances through a food allergy test
- Determine gut infections, dysbiosis, parasite infections through stool and h.pylori test
- Supplement smart with magnesium citrate and psyllium seed husk or oat bran
Gallstones and Constipation
Ongoing constipation puts strain on your gallbladder and liver. Slow transit time has been associated with forming gallstones. Slow transit time can be a result of low thyroid function(hypothyroid) and poor gut-brain connection. In fact, one study stated that the state of the gall bladder in patients with constipation has been attracting attention because of growing evidence that cholesterol gallstones can result from slow intestinal transit. Slow transit allows the colon to absorb excessive amounts of bacterially degraded substances, including the toxic bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DCA). When DCA reaches the liver, it makes it secrete more cholesterol into bile and when it reaches the gallbladder it hastens the crystallization of cholesterol.(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8093323/)
So, patients with slow transit constipation should be at high risk of gallstones. Addressing constipation issues is extremely important to support the health of your gallbladder and liver.
In most often, constipation will resolve by increasing fiber. However, if you have been experiencing ongoing constipation it is best to address if there are any underlining gut issues.
Next steps: Request a complimentary 20 minute consultation today by clicking services icon on the top toolbar!