Constipation is the inability to have a bowel movement every day. This creates symptoms of gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, backache, and possible headache. Causes come from a lack of water (dehydration), lack of proper diet and fiber, lack of exercise (movement of the body), emotional processes and fears, and many types of medications such as pain killers, some antihistamines, antacids, muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, iron, and some diuretics, etc. Many people resort to using laxatives for their constipation symptoms, which can have lasting side effects.<\/p>\n
Modern medicine should be evaluating prescription drugs to remove components which cause constipation instead of prescribing laxatives for drug-induced constipation. Doctors also do colonoscopies to look for blockages in the intestines, or sometimes use exploratory surgery.<\/p>\n
Identify the causes<\/strong> (they may be many) which interrupt the natural flow of your bowel movements:<\/p>\n First, evaluate any medications<\/strong> (for constipation as a side effect or from those that may be drying to your body<\/em>), then look at medications such as antacids, acid blockers which interfere with digestion and elimination. Next, antibiotics interfere with normal elimination by destroying friendly bacteria. Also look for other drugs such as pain relievers, even as simple as aspirin or heavier such as opiates. When a person can eliminate these medications, then we can look at diet and lifestyle.<\/p>\n Next, eat good food and drink water.<\/strong> First eliminate tobacco, alcohol, coffee, black tea, sodas which are high in chemicals, and fast foods which are high calorie and low nutrition with no fiber. Add whole fruits and vegetables which are high in fiber, and other fibers. Increase your water intake between meals.<\/p>\n Increase your fiber.<\/strong> Psyllium husk<\/strong> is great but must be drunk quickly as it gels up. Start with a teaspoon in eight ounces of water once a day and increase as desired.<\/p>\n Flax fiber<\/strong> (ground doesn\u2019t gel up and has a pleasant nutty flavor. You can also put a prune or two into 8 ounces of water over night and eat the prune and drink the juice in the morning. Figs can do the same thing and are great for children.<\/p>\n Note on fibers:<\/strong> insoluble fibers such as psyllium, flax will increase bowel movement; soluble fibers (dissolve in water) can cause gas and slow down bowel movements.<\/p>\n Exercise:<\/strong> Breathing and moving your body helps to massage your intestines while oxygenating your tissues.<\/p>\n Use natural supplements<\/strong> to get your digestive tract working better. Use liquid acidophilus to improve the friendly bacteria. Take magnesium as it helps to move the bowels by hydrating the colon to keep things moving.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening\/ tonifying properties.<\/p>\n Look for the herbal combination that fits your condition best, along with changing your diet and lifestyle, and try it for a month or so. If the constipation isn\u2019t better, try another herbal formula.<\/p>\n Dandelion root<\/strong> (2 caps two times daily) Use one capsule of the following before bed each night and increase as needed: Butternut, Rhubarb, and Fennel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Use one capsule of the following before bed each night and increase as needed: Aloe leaf (not gel), Peppermint leaf, and Fennel seed.<\/strong><\/p>\n Senna leaf<\/strong> \u2013 stimulant To make a cell salt solution<\/strong>, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.<\/p>\n #6 Kali phos 6X<\/strong> \u2013 nervous conditions Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.<\/p>\n Alumina<\/strong> \u2013 severe dryness; lots of work, very little results; soft stools that go in and out; works better squatting; great for traveling and constipation in the elderly.<\/p>\n Aloe Socotrina<\/strong> \u2013 constipation alternates with sudden diarrhea; can\u2019t make it to the bathroom in time.<\/p>\n Aesculus hip<\/strong> \u2013 rectum feels full of sticks; hip problems; hemorrhoids or varicose veins.<\/p>\n Bryonia<\/strong> \u2013 headaches with constipation; severe dryness; sharp pains from any movement.<\/p>\n Calcarea carb<\/strong> \u2013 constipation in children and the obese; feels better when constipated; very large stools; tendency to weak ankles; over-worker personality.<\/p>\nHerbs for Constipation<\/h2>\n
Constipation and grumpiness (irritability) formula:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nYellow dock<\/strong> (2 caps two times daily)<\/p>\nConstipation mild to moderate formula<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n
Constipation and cramping formula<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n
Stubborn constipation formula<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n
\nWild yam root<\/strong> \u2013 muscle relaxant
\nFennel seed<\/strong> \u2013 digestion and gas
\nSlippery elm<\/strong> \u2013 colon soother
\nGinger root<\/strong> \u2013 digestion<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nCell Salts to Help with Constipation<\/h2>\n
\n#9 Nat mur 6X<\/strong> \u2013 from dryness, grief, shyness in the bathroom
\n#12 Silicea 6X<\/strong> \u2013 ineffective evacuation, cold thin condition<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nConstipation Homeopathic Remedies<\/h2>\n