BEING WELL
Constipation: reasons and remedies BY CATHERINE STACK
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ast month’s discussion of the top ten side effects of constipation may have left you wondering how to prevent or cure this uncomfortable issue. Because constipation occurs for different reasons, there is no one-sizefits-all answer. The knowledge I’m about to of constipated patients for more than share didn’t come from medical or fifteen years. As there is little guidance even holistic training; it came from on this topic, I am currently writing experience with treating hundreds a course for healthcare providers on
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www.foreveryoungwny.com | March 2022
methods I’ve seen work. Research studies largely involve prescription medications, rather than magnesium or herbal remedies, as there is more financial incentive to study pharmaceuticals and/or medical intervention. Colon hydrotherapy, the most effective tool I have ever witnessed to help turn things around permanently, isn’t found in studies at all; it’s often shrugged off as “woo-woo.” Patients consistently report their doctors saying that colon hydrotherapy (colonics) will deplete healthy bacteria or cause harm. I disagree as this has been the most help to my patients, even after specialist visits have been exhausted. The constipated individual rarely has an abundant supply of healthy bacteria and being constipated is far more problematic, not to mention uncomfortable. A properly trained colon hydrotherapist will not cause harm, as he or she is well-versed in determining appropriate candidacy for this therapy. Acute constipation can occur when normal routine is disrupted by things like travel, surgical procedures, and pain medications. It typically responds well to use of over-thecounter laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas. Used infrequently, these methods will have no untoward effect. It’s worth noting, however, that many of the aforementioned acute episodes may be more chronic than one thinks. However, many of the acutely constipated people described above are more chronically constipated than they think. If this might be you, listen up.
Chronic constipation rarely responds to drinking more water and eating more fiber. Increased fiber intake can backfire, leaving constipated individuals feeling even more uncomfortable. I don’t recommend fiber supplements until things are moving well, at which point they can help prevent future back-up. Maybe. Based on my own observations and assessments, I estimate that fifteen percent of chronically constipated individuals are likely anatomically incorrect and therefore predisposed to long-term constipation. (With colonoscopy, be alert for terms like tortuous bowel or elongated bowel.) These individuals often say that they have had issues for as far back as they can remember. For this group, switching things up is the absolute key to success. It can be tedious but there is so much to gain. Magnesium is the staple of these remedies. Suggested intake may be 800-1200 milligrams of magnesium citrate—in capsule or powder form— every night. This is safe to use nightly and will not cause melanosis coli (darkening of the colon lining) like regular laxatives. It is easily excreted via the kidneys, and, if you take too much, you’ll have diarrhea. Oh, happy day! Supplements to rotate include aloe ferox (Cape Aloe), Smooth Move tea, Kondremul Oil, Mag07, a vitamin C flush and some of the over-thecounter supplements that contain senna and or cascara. Switching things up keeps your body guessing and moving and avoids complications
