Constipation - Embarrassing But Everyone Gets it!

Constipation. 

It's a cringe worthy word which usually induces blushing, lowered eyes and quiet voices. The funny thing is; nearly every single one of us gets it or have suffered from it at some point. 

If you poop, which we all do, you are prone to being constipated.

Many people who suffer from constipation have suffered in silence. They have also given into a regiment of anti-inflammatory medication, stool softeners, laxatives and other drugs to relieve themselves. (No pun intended)

There is another way to deal with the issue of constipation from a holistic and "get to the bottom of the problem" manner. (That pun was intended)

We never want to simply treat a symptom for the rest of our lives, we actually want to learn all we can about the underlining and source of what is causing the symptom. Wouldn't it be great if you just didn't have to be constipated?? If you could look at your body, your intake, and your lifestyle and say "Ha! That's what's causing it, so that is what I will stop doing/eating/thinking."

What is Constipation? 

Constipation, in-and-of-itself is not a disease, but a symptom of disease within the digestive system.

Specifically, it is a difficulty extricating the bowls. Usually from hardening of the feces due to varying reasons stemming from the stomach, liver, inappropriate diet, or even a physical blockage of the digestive system.

Most Common Constipation Reasons

#1 Dehydration

For some reason, we in the the western world, think drinking water is a chore. In the same way we have forgotten that food itself is our fuel.

Look at it this way: If we stop putting oil and gas into our car, it will eventually just stop and even break down irreversibly damaged by the lack of care.

Our bodies relationship with water and food are identical! If we do not hydrate, and in essence lubricate, our blood stream, liver, kidneys and digestive system, we do irreversible damage and begin to suffer from chronic symptoms like constipation.

#2 Inappropriate Diet

We have a love/hate relationship with food. Our stores and streets are lined with processed "fast" food, laden with chemicals, sodium, sugar and fats.

To be able to digest these things accordingly our bodies have to work extra hard and often just stop digesting at all. Resulting in Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS or IBD), Diarrhea, and Constipation.

By eating these types of food {processed} our body literally rejects the non-essentials causing more waste (feces). Ultimately, if we continually eat these things, our colon cannot absorb nutrients because they simply aren't there. 
For some people this results in hard, immovable feces.

Eating a mostly plant based diet full of leafy green vegetables, fruits, fresh and organic meats, whole and organic grains will help keep a regular and modest stool.

#3 Excess Medications

Sometimes we have constipation because our bodies are riddled with varying disease -and it's counterpart medication.
We live in a society of doctors who push to 'bad-aid medicate' every small symptom, instead of working with an individual to find the root problem and actually fix it.
Additionally, medications often have more side-effects which are detrimental to our systems than the original purpose of the medication. Therefore people who find themselves on excess medications will also have tremendous issues passing stool.

If you wish to change your lifestyle, and opt for a less medicated and more natural way of dealing with disease - talk to your doctor.

If you find your doctor less than accommodating or supportive, then may I suggest finding another doctor who will work with you, and along side a holistic dietician and holistic doctor to get you healthy, instead of simply medicating you.

#4 Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are the worst culprits for digestion issues. Yours may manifest as constipation, another's may manifest as IBS or painful and frequent diarrhea.
When you are stressed and anxious, you create a body full of excess chemicals, hormones and emotions.  

The idea that our bodies work apart from our emotions is an archaic and misguided idea. Our bodies and emotions are completely in sync and inter connected.

Therefore a person who is tense, cannot "let go" of issues, ideas and emotions will often also have issues with constipation. Or, if you have an attitude towards the world which is that of taking and keeping rather than releasing, giving and letting go, you will have issues with constipation.

We must train our minds and our bodies to let go through meditation, counselling and having a way in which to release. This will - in turn - be the best laxative of all. Holistic Doctors, yogi's, massage therapists etc. will be more than happy to aid you in your treatment.

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Simple Hydrating Stool Regulating Drink

• 2 Organic Lemons
• 1 Organic Ginger Root
• Licorice Root (Optional:if you like it, or have access to it)
• Raw Unpasteurized Honey

1. Chop the lemons and ginger roughly, place into a pot with filtered water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer
3. Simmer for 15 minutes
4. Either strain into a tea pot, or simply remove large pieces of ginger and lemon.
5. Drink with a teaspoon of honey.
6. Repeat 2-4 times daily.

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Disclaimer: the above article is not intended to be medical advice and is the opinion of the Author. Never stop taking medications without consulting your doctor. Please consult a doctor, holistic doctor or nutritionist if you have severe and chronic constipation and/or bowel pain.