Posted on 22 November 2010 - 07:11pm
THE cause(S) of constipation as a health disorder is rarely addressed in conventional medicine, but is an important area of complementary medical therapy.
Decades ago, missionary doctors observed while serving in Africa that several foot-long stools every day would be normal and that constipation contributed to numerous chronic illnesses such as haemorrhoids, colon cancer, appendicitis, gallbladder disorder, heartburn and even heart disease.
Recent research suggests that a person could be ‘constipated’ and yet have regular bowel movement (Sandler and Drossman, 2000).
While our toilet visits are regular, we are not emptying our bowels completely with each visit.
Consequently, some of the stools passed out could have been in our system for months.
Wastes ‘retained’ within the intestines lead to adverse health consequences. For an average adult, a significant percentage of the dry weight of his/her stool actually consists of decayed waste products and bacteria.
CONSEQUENCES
Constipation slows transit of foods through the digestive tract causing putrefaction (decaying). Uncomfortable muscle spasm develops and gas gets trapped in the intestines.
Rotting of undigested food particles intensifies and toxic chemicals build up substantially. This helps explain why more than 50% of our immune antibodies are based in our digestive tract.
Toxins absorbed in the intestines lead to lowered immunity and other chronic health disorders.
During the 1920s, Nobel Laureate Eli Metchnikoff claimed that death began in the colon. Today, colon cancer is still the number one cause of cancer death for men in this country.
SIGNS OF CONSTIPATION
The signs of constipation include the following:
> passing hard and/or small stools;
> smelly and strong odour stools;
> relying on coffee enemas to cleanse colon;
> straining during toilet visit;
> frequent abdominal pain;
> excessive gas after meal – poorly digested sugars such as fructose (fruits) and lactose (milk) contribute to gas production in the colon. In addition, improperly chewed beans, nuts and seeds as well as the indigestible fibres they contain can contribute to gas production. When bacteria feeds on partly digested meat (from poor chewing), nitrogen gas is released;
> halitosis (bad breath);
> chronic diarrhoea;
> rectal pain; and
> incomplete or prolonged stool evacuation.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
The causes include:
> inactive thyroid glands leading to slow metabolism;
> lack of insoluble dietary fibre; ??dehydration;
> acid reflux;
> irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – the sensation of incomplete stool evacuation is one of several criteria used to diagnose IBS (Manning et al, 1978). Consequently, IBS is not identical to constipation;
> consuming too much refined starch and sugary beverages;
> lack of regular exercise;
> excessive intake of caffeinated drinks;
> sedentary lifestyle;
> long hours travelling by air; and
> taking iron supplements or diuretic drugs.
LAXATIVES
Unsupervised or indiscriminate long-term use of laxatives could result in loss of the bowel’s ability to move waste products on its own and may lead to subsequent dependence on this stimulant (cathartic colon).
Taking dried prunes and aloe vera is a better alternative as they are good laxatives.
INTESTINAL TRACT REPAIR
Nutritional therapists recommend L-glutamine to repair stomach wall and the inner layer of intestinal tract.
Good bowel flora promoted by dietary fibres, probiotics and prebiotics is healthful to our gastrointestinal tract.
Even allergies are known to be relieved by having sufficient friendly bacteria.
THE DIET FACTOR
Diets lacking in fibre is a primary cause of many diseases in the developed world (Nelson, 1998).
However, supplementing with pure fibre may not offer long-term benefits. Indeed, unsupervised use of supplemental fibre may injure your digestive tract, making you feel even more bloated or blocking absorption of essential micro-nutrients.
Not-too-ripe banana offers quality fibre known to reduce risk of colorectal cancer when consumed regularly.
Insoluble dietary fibres from cruciferous vegetables promote healthy bowel movements.
Generally, the higher the glycaemic index, the less dietary fibre the food contains.
Refined sugars and carbohydrates slow bowel transit time. Consequently, a breakfast consisting of bread spread with jam accompanied by a cup of sweetened coffee/tea is a recipe for constipation.
Locally sold wholemeal bread contains too little fibre and brown bread may have none.
Source: A constipated matter
