17) CONSTIPATION CAUSES AND REMEDIES

Constipation-Just a nice way to say, "You are full of crap!"

At some time or another we get constipated.  Constipation can be frustrating and painful. What happens when we constipate?



Basically, our bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length , of time between bowel movements differs widely from person to person.  Some people clear their bowels three times a day, others, once or twice a week.  Any longer than three days without bowel movement is too long.  After three days, the stool or faeces become harder and more difficult to pass.

You will know if you are constipated if you have two or more of the following for at least 3 months:

• Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.
• Hard stools more than 25% of the time.
• Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time.
• Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time.

What does incomplete evacuation mean?  Well, a friend of mine once told me that the simple logic is that the bowel is cleared when the second wipe comes away clean.  If it takes more than two wipes....that is an incomplete evacuation.  Let me know if you agree with her statement.  If not, then what do you think constitutes an incomplete evacuation?

Common causes of constipation

• Not taking enough water. 
• Insufficient fiber in the diet. 
• Travelling.  
• Lack of exercise.
• Eating too much dairy products and gluten.
• Stress. 
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.  
• Pregnancy. 

What can we do to counter constipation?

• Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to aid in digestion and flushing toxin build up in the colon.
• Eat more vegetables, fruits and nuts.
• When we travel, we drink less water or lack the time or clean toilets to get us in the state of mind to pass motion. Try drinking more water after dinner so that you can have bowel movement before you go to sleep.
• Sometimes by spending five to ten minutes exercising or walking up a flight of stairs everyday is all it takes to get the bowel moving.
• Eat less dairy products and gluten such as Milk, Cheese and Noodles increase our stomach  acidity which in turn causes bloating.  Milk and cheese contains casein, an insoluble protein that tends to block up the intestinal track.

Home Remedies for Constipation

There are many home remedies that people have tried and swear on their grandfather's grave that it works.  In reality, what will work for others may not work for you.  For example,  after taking bananas within fifteen minutes, my hubby will be doing a "brisk business" in the toilet.  Unfortunately, when I take a banana, all I get is gas.  So far, what works for me if I constipate is to take Lite herbal tea from Cosway.  After two cups, my bowel will give the green light to go.  Sometimes I will take a tablespoon of organic extra virgin coconut oil and that works as well.

Here are some remedies than you can try bearing in mind some may or may not work for you.

For Adults

• Dried Fruits such as dates, raisins or  figs which are high in fibre.
• Eat Guava with the seeds.
• Fresh fruits such as prunes, pears, grapes, oranges and papaya.
• 1-2 glasses of Prune, Orange or Watermelon juice.
• Eat Ladies Fingers or Okra.  It contains white pods and slime that aid ease in bowel movement.  They are slimy because they retain a lot of moisture. Boil it whole in 1 tablespoon of salt and half a saucepan of water for 10 minutes if you like it crunchy or steam for 15 minutes if you prefer a softer chew.  Add some light soya sauce and olive oil for taste.
•  Take high fibre grains such as Oatmeal or Wheat gram.
• Olive oil.  Try adding it in salads and soups.
• 1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil every day.
• Dilute half teaspoon of honey in half a cup of warm water 2-3 times a day.
• A glass of warm water with 1 teaspoon honey and juice of half a lemon in the morning on   an empty stomach.

My next topic for discussion is, I LOST 5 KILOS IN 2 MONTHS.  Find out how I did it.

You may also like to read:

4) DO YOU HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL?

5) HOW TO PREPARE PURE NATURAL JUICES.

18) I LOST 5 KILOS IN 2 MONTHS.

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Thanks for looking and taking the time to read my blog.  I welcome feedback and please feel free to share your experiences in relation to today's topic.

Until my next post, "Here's to your health!"

DISCLAIMER

Readers are advised that the information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical care and should not be used treating a health problem or a disease and that the materials here are not meant as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your ailment.