subject: Constipation: Natural Relief [print this page] Constipation is defined as the infrequent bowel movements (less than one per day) and may result in pellet like stools that are painful to pass. While generally not considered a serious disorder by itself, it may be an indication of a more serious condition like irritable bowel syndrome, advanced diverticulosis, a tumor, hormonal imbalance, nerve damage, and various other disorders. Fortunately, in most cases constipation can be treated easily with dietary and lifestyle changes. The most important of these are eating a diet high in fiber, drinking a plenty of water, regular exercise and managing stress.
In order to determine the underlying causes of constipation, the physician must take a complete medical history, perform a physical exam (including a musculoskeletal exam), obtain routine blood, urine and stool tests. In addition, the following procedures may be ordered:
Barium Enema X-Ray
Double Contrast Barium Enema
Colonoscopy
Manometry
Dietary Recommendations
It is essential in the prevention of constipation that you eat a healthy diet. This must consist of fresh fruits and vegetable, foods high in fiber, and foods that provide Omega-3 fatty acids. It is also important to eat slowly and properly chew food (each morsel 15 times) to ensure time for digestion. Sugar and sugary foods should be strictly avoided, along with processed foods and dairy.
Foods that lubricate the intestines: Spinach, Bananas, Sesame Seed Oil, Honey, Pears, Prunes, Peaches, Apples, Apricots, Walnuts, Pine Nuts, Almonds, Alfalfa Sprouts, Carrots, Beets, Okra, Cauliflower and Seaweed.
Foods that promote bowel movement: Cabbage, papaya, peas, black sesame seeds, coconut, sweet potato, asparagus, figs, castor oil, bran from oats, and rice.
Foods high in pectin and fiber: Apples, Carrots, Beets, Bananas, Cabbage, Citrus Fruits, Dried Peas, Raisins and Okra.
Natural Laxatives: Prunes and Figs
Flora enhancing foods: Acidophilus, Sauerkraut, Yogurt, and Kefir (found at publics).
Foods high in Magnesium to improve bowel transit: Apples, Apricots, Avocados, Bananas, Green Leafy Vegetables, Kelp, Lemon, Lima Beans. Millet, Peaches, Watercress, Whole Grain, Alfalfa, Chamomile, Dandelion, Fennel Seed, Lemongrass, and Peppermint.
Common foods to avoid that cause constipation are: Milk, Cheese, Ice Cream, Chips, Pizza, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Pastries, Cakes, Cookies, Fried Foods, Processed Foods, Wheat-Based Foods, Red Meat, Dried Beans, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, White Sugar, White Flour, Iron Supplementation, and some Pharmaceuticals.
Alternatives to Dairy: Almond Milk (unsweetened original), Rice Milk, and Hemp Milk.
Natural Laxative Product for Children: Springboard Ready! Steady! Go! by Orthomolecular Products
by: Dr. Mark Lewis, D.C., HealthSource of Manatee East
