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Constipation
What is constipation?
Constipation refers to the inability to defecate. Hard, small and difficult to pass stools is the most frequent complaint. The frequency of defecation and the consistency and volume of stools vary so greatly from individual to individual that it is difficult to determine what is normal. In general, most nutritionally-oriented physicians recommend at least one bowel movement a day.
What causes constipation?
There are a number of possible causes of constipation, but the most common cause of constipation is a low-fiber diet. Other common causes include: inadequate fluid intake; lack of physical activity; various medications (e.g, anesthetics, antacids, diuretics, etc.); low thyroid function; and the irritable bowel syndrome.
What dietary factors are important in constipation?
A high-fiber diet, plentiful fluid consumption, and exercise is an effective prescription in most cases of constipation. High levels of dietary fiber increase both the frequency and quantity of bowel movements, decrease the transit time of stools and the absorption of toxins from the stool, and appear to be a preventive factor in several diseases. Particularly effective in relieving constipation are bran and prunes. The typical recommendation for bran is 1/2 cup of bran cereal, increasing to 11/2 cups over several weeks. When using bran, make sure to consume enough liquids. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day. Whole prunes as well as prune juice also possess good laxative effects. Eight ounces is usually an effective dose. In addition, 25 to 35 grams of fiber from food sources are recommended.
Cow's milk consumption was determined to be the cause of constipation in roughly two-thirds of children with constipation according to studies published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. Presumably, the same significance holds true for adults as well.
What nutritional supplements should I take for constipation?
Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:
- MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
- Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
- RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.
Psyllium -containing bulk laxatives are the most popular fiber formulas used to relieve constipation. Other sources of fiber formulas are composed of natural plant fibers derived from psyllium seed, kelp, agar, pectin, and plant gums such as karaya and guar; others are purified polysaccharides such as methyl-cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium. These bulking agents are the laxatives that approximate most closely the natural mechanism that promotes a bowel movement.
Barley malt extract (e.g., Malsupex®) is an especially effective bulk laxative for infants and small children. Follow label directions based upon age and size of child.
Senna (Cassia senna) is the most gentle of the stimulant laxatives. Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) and aloin (from Aloe vera) are more likely to produce severe cramping, electrolyte and fluid deficiencies, and malabsorption of nutrients. Stimulant laxatives should never be used as an initial treatment of constipation, and they should be discontinued as soon as normal bowel function is restored. Follow label directions when using senna and other stimulant laxatives.
Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) is often quite helpful in chronic constipation. It works by increasing the output of bile. Bile acts to attract water to the feces and act as a mild laxative. Take 150 to 300 mg daily.
How do I know if the program is working?
Relief of constipation and the easy passage of normal, well-formed stools are the clear signs the program is working.
Feedback:
Please let Dr. Murray know how this program has worked for you by clicking here.
Condition Center Caution:
- Dr. Murray’s recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
- The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
- If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
- Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
- Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.
- If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.
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