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Constipation is defined as the condition of delayed, difficult
or deficient movements of the bowels. Constipation affects
more than five million North Americans, predominantly older
adults and women. Over the counter laxatives account for billions
of dollars in sales per year by offering a quick fix, however
they can cause dependency if over used and can make the problem
worse in the long run, ie. the colon gets accustomed to the
artificial stimulation provided by the laxatives and gradually
the muscles get too weak and lazy to function without it.
Fortunately
there are other approaches to curing constipation naturally,
while strengthening the colon and the rest of the body.
1.
Eat more raw fruits and vegetables. The enzymes required to
break down and assimilate food are found in raw fruits and
vegetables. Eating raw foods uses less energy from the body
and enables the body to digest and absorb nutrients faster
and more efficiently. Fibre, also abundant in fruits and vegetables,
creates bulk in the intestines and colon, scraping away at
hard fecal matter and allows the colon to move more freely.
Fruits and vegetables are also rich in phytochemicals, vitamins
and minerals that are essential to maintaining optimum health.
2.
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Good quality
water (steam distilled) should be consumed in small sips throughout
the day to maintain proper hydration. Water, or other liquids
should never be consumed during a meal because it impairs
digestion by flushing away essential enzymes, i.e. gastric
juices.
3.
Eat whole grains and legumes. Processed foods are heavily
consumed in North America and this is a significant factor
in the high incidence of colon dysfunction. Processed foods,
i.e. white refined flour and sugar act like “glue” in the
intestines, covering the hair like structures (cilia) and
inhibiting proper digestion and elimination. A diet rich in
whole grains is also rich in fiber and essential vitamins
and minerals, otherwise depleted in refined foods. Fiber has
the ability to “clean” out the intestines like a brush, sweeping
away at the hard fecal matter stuck over the cilia of the
intestines. Instead of white flour try adding whole wheat,
kamut, rye, spelt and oats to your diet. Legumes, i.e. kidney
beans, chickpeas, etc. are also an excellent source of fibre
as well as protein.
4.
Avoid meat and dairy. Meat and dairy (except yogurt) contain
no fiber and no enzymes and thus are very difficult to digest
and eliminate. In fact it takes two to three days for the
human body to digest meat since our intestines are long and
winding. Meat along with refined foods are the culprits in
fecal matter which tends to get trapped within the folds and
pockets of our intestines. This fecal matter will ferment
and rot creating a great deal of toxins within the system
and halting intestinal motility as well as intoxicating other
organs in the body.
5.
Exercise daily. Exercise increases the basal metabolic rate,
strengthens muscles and pumps the lymphatic system, encouraging
the release of toxins, mobility of the intestines and speeds
up metabolism.
6.
Eat more frequently and in smaller portions. Try not to eat
large meals, especially after 6:00pm. The biggest meal of
the day should be breakfast since digestion is more efficient
during the morning. Chew your food at least 10 times before
you swallow. This will allow the first step in digestion to
take place in your mouth and ease the burden on the stomach
and intestines.
7.
Fast periodically. Fasting is an easy and efficient way of
getting rid of toxins in the body and gives the digestive
system a period of much needed rest. Juice fasting is recommended
for 3-5 days at least twice a year. Never fast on water alone.
8.
Take supplements. Supplementing your diet with “essential
fatty acids” from sources like Primrose oil or Flaxseed oil
can remove excess mucous from the intestinal wall, which tends
to interfere with the absorption process. Also taking probiotics
like Acidopholus will help restore the normal flora in the
intestine. Normal flora aids in the breakdown of food and
fecal matter and also lowers the population of the “nonfriendly”
or pathogenic bacteria. Garlic is another supplement which
destroys parasites and other pathogens in the intestines.
9.
Stay regular with sleep patterns and behavioral patterns for
elimination. Your body is like a time clock. Train your body
to eliminate at the same time everyday even if the urge does
not exist. Also try to sleep at least 6-8 hours a day.
10.
Maintain a proper posture and healthy spine. When your posture
is correct and your spine is functioning optimally, the digestive
system will be properly innervated. Regular treatments with
craniosacral therapy, chiropractic and applied kinesiology
will maintain the health of
your musculo-skeletal system.
If you are suffering from constipation it is highly recommended
that you seek the advice of a Natural care physician, who
can prescribe a specific treatment plan which may include
homeopathic/ herbal remedies, cleansing programs or manipulation
designed to address the cause of your problem.
Dr. Lydia D’Astolfo , B.A., DI Hom. has a degree from York
University
and is a Homeopathic Doctor, CranioSacral Therapist,
Applied & Educational Kinesiologist.
Dr. Connie J. D’Astolfo, Hons. B.A., DI Hom, has a degree
from The University of Toronto and is a Homeopathic Doctor
and CranioSacral Therapist. Dr. C. D’Astolfo is presently
completing her doctorate in chiropractic medicine in the United
States.
Both Dr. Lydia & Connie D’Astolfo have been featured on
TV
stations though out Canada and the United States. They
have also
published many articles on natural health care in various
popular magazines.
Dr. Lydia D’Astolfo can be reached at The Centre For Innate
Healing at (905) 738-1948 Email address: innate@istar.ca
and Dr. Connie J. D’Astolfo can be reached at her Chicago
office at 1-630-495-0564 Email address: cure4all@yahoo.co
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