
Constipation refers to a difficulty or infrequency in the passage of stool due to sluggish action of the bowels. This can be a serious condition that can result in headaches, fatigue, depression, pain and other digestive problems. Constipation can undermine the whole body system, affecting digestion, the clearing of toxins from the system, energy level and the absorption of nutrients. Alternative health practitioners strongly agree that 2 to 3 bowel movements daily are ideal for health maintenance. Irregular bowel movements are directly related to serious health conditions such as breast disease, chronic inflammatory/autoimmune diseases (ex. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and autointoxications), and colon cancer (which accounts for 56,000 deaths a year and is rising.).
Constipation can be caused by a number of different factors including poor diet (highly processed foods, fast foods, fatty foods, sugars, low fiber) and nutrition, food allergies, lack of exercise, poor posture, emotional distress and anxiety, hormonal imbalances, contraceptives (the pill), drugs and medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxors, opiates, analgesics, antacids, anti-convulsants, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anti-hypertensives, diuretics, anesthetics, etc.) and the misuse of laxatives and enemas. Constipation for many patients can also alternate with diarrhea and abdominal cramps in a common condition known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.