By Catherine Stack, Journey II Health, LLC
When assisting one in overcoming constipation, I often find her or she is likely to be constipated in other areas of life besides their intestines. It may be in relationships, finances, fear, anxiety and even spirituality. A great example would be to compare the constipated individual to a hoarder. They can’t let “it” go. They hold on for no good reason, which clutters up other areas of their life. When they learn to let go of their poop, they often let go of emotional baggage as well. You might not consider this a beautiful experience, but it is!
Because more than 63 million Americans suffer from chronic constipation, close to 700 million dollars each year is spent on constipation relief remedies. Doctors, gastrointestinal specialists and other health care providers typically offer little assistance when it comes to helping, often referring patients to take laxatives or eat more fiber. Some even suggest pooping every three to four days is normal – and I assure you it is not. Please don’t ever settle for that kind of normal!
The problem with fiber is when given to the constipated individual, it tends to backfire, leaving them in a state of pending explosion. Fiber is a bulking agent and the last thing the constipated person needs it to be “bulked up.” Don’t get me wrong, foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds do a great job in preventing constipation, but when constipation is well established even these healthy options will struggle to get through. Once an individual is constipated, he or she must be a bit more proactive and creative when it comes to reestablishing healthy bowel movements, which by the way, is more than one bowel movement daily.
How it Starts
Missing your window of “poopertunity” is where the problem begins for many who tend to shy away from going in public places. This bad habit may have started during the early school years. Once constipated, they become very self-conscious about the smell and sounds that may erupt from a public toilet—so they choose to hold. This ultimately leads to an over distended colon that is not easily reversed if the constipation is longstanding.
Also, not drinking enough water is an aggravating factor for some, and dietary intolerances, mostly wheat and dairy, are contributing factors when it comes to what constipates us. However, convincing people to give up their bread, cheese and milk doesn’t always work.
Based on my own patient population, I can estimate that at least 15 percent of the population is anatomically incorrect. What lies within their abdomen, fails to resemble the pretty pictures of the colon in the anatomy books. These are the toughest cases to treat, and they must learn to stay proactive and switch things up often. Prior abdominal surgeries predispose the individual to scar tissue and adhesions that may result in strictures and changes within the colon as well. Medications are rarely considered, but often a contributing factor that may be over looked.
Additionally, parasites should be considered, as they are not an uncommon finding in the constipated individual. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, have dark circles under your eyes or maybe a dull ache in the lower right quadrant of your belly, parasites are likely.
For those suffering from long-term constipation, the above information paints a pretty bleak picture when it comes to finding help. But there are many supplements, foods and other remedies that can help. These include Cape Aloe, magnesium, probiotics and therapies such as colon hydrotherapy, which can have an individual “moving well” in no time. The transformation is amazing to watch. Literally, the cloud lifts, energy soars and the feeling of wellbeing becomes addicting.
Catherine Stack ND, CNM is the author of the brand new book, “Free Yourself from a CONSTIPATED Life.” The owner, facilitator and Doctor of Naturopathy at Journey II Health, LLC in Niagara Falls, established in 2007, Stack has been employed at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital as a Certified Nurse Midwife for more then 14 years. Specialties include individualized nutrition, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), digestive health and bio-identical hormone replacement for women. For more information on her book, visit, http://constipatedlife.com.