Constipation: reasons and remedies...........Catherine Stack

Constipation: reasons and remedies

BY CATHERINE STACK

Last 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 share didn’t come from medical or even holistic training; it came from experience with treating hundreds of constipated patients for more than fifteen years. As there is little guidance on this topic, I am currently writing a course for healthcare providers on 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

from laxative abuse. Sameness allows the body to easily slip back into the uncomfortable state of constipation.

Dietary advice is simple. Steer clear of dairy—even yogurt. Eat flaxseed and/or chia seed daily. Of course, I highly recommend fruits and vegetables make up the bulk of your diet.

Clearing chronic constipation and healing a damaged gut is often a journey full of trial, error, and commitment. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Relying on laxatives for a longterm solution • Not getting to or even trying to find the root cause of the problem and settling for a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) • Expecting complete resolution or recovery in thirty days when suffering has been going on for much longer • Expecting dietary changes to solve everything • Not realizing that stress and anxiety play a huge role in gut health • Trying a new remedy and expecting it to work continuously

Stay positive, don’t give up, and email me with questions at journeyiihealth@gmail.com.

FY

Catherine Stack is owner, facilitator, and Doctor of Naturopathy at Journey II Health. She specializes in colon health and bio-identical hormone replacement and is a practicing staff midwife at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Her books, Free Yourself from a CONSTIPATED Life and PUSH, Labor & Delivery from the Inside Out are available on amazon.com. Visit cathistack.com for more info.

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From the desk of WECK Radio owner and local business advocate Buddy Shula CHILLE FOR BREAKFAST

It may not taste good, but it’ll sound great! Beginning March 7, local morning show legend Joe Chille will be waking up with you every weekday from 6 a.m.—9 a.m. on the BIG WECK.

Many listeners know Joe, a Buffalo Hall of Fame Broadcaster, from his fifty years of morning show hosting at JOY FM or, most recently, Mix 96. Now, he returns to the BIG WECK to host a fun, live morning show complete with local weather, traffic, news you need, and, of course, the best oldies to start your day off right. Joe will be joined each morning by Channel 2 meteorologist Patrick Hammer.

WECK is also thrilled to announce Buffalo Hall of Famers Tom Donahue from 9 a.m.—12 p.m. and Roger Christian from 12 p.m.—3 p.m. Fan favorite Bobby O sits down with you for supper from 3 p.m.—7 p.m., and Glenn Topolski rounds out your day from 7 p.m.— midnight, Monday-Friday.

When it comes to local radio truly made in Buffalo, think WECK: Buffalo’s #1 Oldies Station.

Listen on air, online, on your phone, and on your voice-activated devices.

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March 5, 12, 19, 26 Take a Look: Create!

Kids create their own art inspired by the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s collection.

March 16 Louise Blanchard Bethune

Join Bethune biographer Kelly Hayes McAlonie as she brings this Gilded Age icon, the first professional woman architect in the United States, to life.

9:30–10 a.m., Burchfield Penney Art Center

(1300 Elmwood Avenue; burchfieldpenney.org, 878-6011)

March 17–20 Plantasia

WNY’s premier landscaping and gardening show includes two buildings of beautiful gardens, vendors, and educational seminars.

10 a.m.–9 p.m. (Thurs, Fri, Sat), 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sun) at the Hamburg Fairgrounds

(5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg; the-fairgrounds.com, 649-3900)

6 p.m., Buffalo History Museum

(One Museum Court, buffalohistory.org; 873-9644)

March 27 - April 2 Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird

All rise for Academy Award-winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick To Kill a Mockingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history” (60 Minutes).

Shea’s Performing Arts Center

(646 Main Street; sheas.org, 847-1410)

March 31 Diana Krall

Grammy-award winning musician Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Her artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time.