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Constipation
Constipation occurs when waste does not move through the large bowel quickly enough. The result is painful and infrequent elimination. Left untreated constipation can lead to a number of illnesses including indigestion, appendicitis, bad breath, body odor, and malabsorption syndrome. Because harmful toxins can begin to form in the colon, elimination should take place once a day. Usually consuming a diet sufficiently high in fiber and fluid will help to keep bowels moving. Inadequate exercise, old age, poor diet and bowel diseases can cause constipation. This problem is also fairly common during pregnancy.
Symptoms
- Difficulty or inability to have a bowel movement.
- Hard, dry stool; stomach bloating and discomfort.
How Alternative Medicine may potentially help?
There are many nutrients that may help relieve constipation. Numerous herbs and vitamins may be useful in destroying harmful bacteria, cleansing and healing the bowel and improving assimilation of nutrients.
Herbs
- Alfalfa may aid in detoxifying the body.
- Aloe vera promotes healing and cleansing of the digestive tract.
- Milk thistle may help to destroy harmful bacteria in the colon.
- The Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook suggests that eating a diet high in fiber such as psyllium husk is one of the best ways to treat constipation. Whole grains, beans, lentils or peas, dried and fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and nuts are the best sources of fiber.
- Commission E -- an expert committee on herbal remedies established by Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices -- has approved the following in treating constipation: aloe, buckthorn berrry, cascara sagrada bark, flaxseed, manna, blonde psyllium seed and husk, black psyllium seed, rhubarb root, senna leaf and pod.
- Be aware that aloe, buckthorn berry, cascara sagrada, rhubarb root, and senna leaf and pod should not be prescribed to children under 12 or to pregnant or lactating women. Individuals with inflamed intestinal disease (like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) should not use these herbs. Prolonged use can upset electrolyte balance -- in particular, causing a deficiency in potassium
Vitamins
- Vitamin C promotes cleansing and healing.
- Vitamin E may aid in the healing of the colon.
- Vitamin B-complex may assist improper digestion.
- Vitamin D has properties that may help to prevent colon cancer.
Other Considerations
Dairy products, meat, refined flour, alcohol, and sugar are difficult to digest and have very little fiber content. Avoid such foods and eat plenty of high-fiber fruits and vegetables.
Resources
- For more information, contact National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2 Information Way Bethesda, MD 20892-3570; 301/654-3810, M-F, 9-5 EST. Or check out the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse Web site.