Constipation is a lack of regular bowel movements. The bowel movements are irregular, hard, dry and difficult to pass. Constipation often arises from a decrease in fibre and fluids in the diet.
Fibre that is soluble in water takes on a soft texture which helps to soften the stool. Insoluble fibre adds to bulk of the stool which helps to stimulate bowel contractions.

Other reasons for Constipation

• Decreased fibre in diet.
• Decreased water.
• Decreased exercise.
• Aging leading to dehydration.
• Poor diet or high in takeaway foods.
• Delaying bowel movements.
• STRESS.
• Kidney failure.
• Diabetes.
• Cough syrups.
• Muscle disorders.
• Structural abnormalities.
• Iron supplementation
• Pain killers due to Codeine.
• Antidepressants.
• Can increase in pregnancy.
• Increased calcium and low thyroid hormones.

Constipation can also be related to other disorders

• Appendicitis, Body odor, Coated tongue, Depression, Diverticulitis, Fatigue, Gas, Headaches, Hemorrhoids, Hernia, Indigestion, Insomnia, Malabsorption syndrome, Obesity and Varicous veins.

Regular bowel movements are necessary to remove toxins from your body. People can have as few bowel movements as three per week and still not be constipated as we are all of different make up. Yet a bowel movement daily is optimal

Other reasons for Constipation

• Magnesium – Works with Calcium to regulate muscle tone.
• Vitamin C and Bioflavonoid – Cleansing and healing effect, increases immune system.
• Probiotic – Bowel flora replacement and to improve assimilation of nutrients.
• EFA – Restores fatty acid balance and aids proper bowel movement.
• Multi vitamin – Constipation blocks absorption of nutrients resulting in vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• B complex – Aids digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
• B12/Folic acid – Aid digestion. A deficiency can result in Constipation.
• D3 – Prevents colon cancer.
• Vitamin E – Healing to the colon.
• Celliods – PPMP + SS 69

Other reasons for Constipation

• Magnesium – Works with Calcium to regulate muscle tone.
• Vitamin C and Bioflavonoid – Cleansing and healing effect, increases immune system.
• Probiotic – Bowel flora replacement and to improve assimilation of nutrients.
• EFA – Restores fatty acid balance and aids proper bowel movement.
• Multi vitamin – Constipation blocks absorption of nutrients resulting in vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• B complex – Aids digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
• B12/Folic acid – Aid digestion. A deficiency can result in Constipation.
• D3 – Prevents colon cancer.
• Vitamin E – Healing to the colon.
• Celliods – PPMP + SS 69

• Eat foods high in pectin. Apples, carrots, beetroot, bananas, cabbage, citrus fruits, dried peas and okra.
• Decrease fat in diet. No fried foods.
• Avoid foods that stimulate mucous membrane Dairy, fats and spicy foods.
• Avoid soft drinks, meat, white flour, salt, coffee, sugar and alcohol, highly processed foods. There is no fibre in any of these foods.
• Quick relief for constipation is to drink a glass of water every 10 minutes for ½ an hour. Works wonders to flush out toxins and relieve constipation.
• Eat prunes and figs.
• Eat smaller portions – no heavy meals high in fat.
• Barley juice, wheat grass or chlorophyll.
• Regular exercise. Physical activity increases movement of waste through intestine.
• Exercise prevents constipation in the first place.
• Never repress the urge to defecate.
• Stress tightens muscles and can cause constipation.
• Psyllium seeds help constipation. Must be taken with a large glass of water.
• Flaxseed oil helps soften stools.
• Alternating Diarrhea / Constipation may be a sign of IBS.
• Avoid Tea as it is high in tannins and can cause constipation.
• Dehydration can cause constipation

For all your Nutritional needs ask to see our Nutritionist Lisa available 10-4pm Thursday and Friday. Saturday 10 – 2pm.