By: Richard Bleuze
What is Constipation?
Constipation refers to any irregularity in, or absence of, bowel movements. The slow movement of food through the large intestine and the amount of time the waste remains in the colon are factors that contribute to constipation. More and more water is absorbed while the waste is in our body and the stool becomes drier and bulky thus more difficult to pass.
Regular bowel movement is necessary to remove waste and toxins from the body. Some people will have movements every day, some others 3 times a week, this is normal, although some doctors consider a person moving bowels less then once a day to be constipated.
Constipation can be cause by lack of exercise, too much junk food, poor diet, painkillers, antidepressants and/or pregnancy. However serious diseases can cause constipation as well, including thyroid problems, circulatory disorder, diverticulitis, colon malfunction (fistulas, polyps, tumors, and obstruction).
Ways to cure constipation:
1. Physical activity is primary can combat chronic constipation. Walking, swimming and bowling are three perfect sports in overcoming constipation. Calisthenics, with particular emphasis on knee bends and other toe touching exercises, are equally effective.
2. Eating wisely and constant attention to bowel movements. The constipation sufferer cannot hope to attain regularity without providing a program of regularity for his eliminatory system. Once the cleansing and maintenance of a healthy digestive system has begun, you must provide a definite hour of the day for evacuation and you must keep that appointment as regularly as you keep your office hours. Morning hours, following the two large meals of the preceding day, are best. But morning, noon and night, consistency is demanded. You must not fool your system, for in the end it is yourself who is being tricked.
3. Add more fiber to your diet. Perhaps a few pieces of fruit on your ceral in the morning.
4. Take large doses of vitamin C to stimulate the intestinal wall, producing bowel movements in 1-5 hours. (Note: Those with ulcers should not use this method.)
5. Drink hot water or tea to help stimulate the bowel. If you're not a coffee drinker, try drinking one cup of coffee upon waking.
6. Try using a homemade enema mixture of 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 cup of warm water to help soften feces safely, creating an easier passageway. Olive oil is safer than mineral oil and can be used when necessary.
7. I hate punes. But, today you can find many prunes that are now flavored or can be added to foods and desserts for those of us who do not like the taste. Prunes stimulate the bowel naturally, are fat free and contain ample amounts of fiber, iron and calcium.
8. Make it a habit to use the bathroom regularly. The best and most natural time to have a bowel movement is about 1 hour after breakfast. Try sitting for at least 10-minutes at the same time each day. Regular repetition will work to train your bowels. Never hurry. Just sit..even if you don't produce a bowel movement.
9. Try drinking aloe vera juice. Aloe vera juice causes some minor cramping and can produce bowel movements overnight.
10. And lastly, drink lots of water every day. The experts recommend six to 8 glasses per day (I've read at least 1/2 your body weight!).
Constipation TIP: It was believed that castor oil was a good remedy for constipation, we know now that it can cause dehydration and mineral imbalance.
