Constipation, or difficulty in passing stools, affects 1 in 4 people. Constipation is an inconvenient phenomenon that can affect quality of life. In addition to digestive discomfort, constipation can have a number of undesirable effects, including overloading the body with metabolic waste, commonly known as toxins.
Take charge of your intestinal health with our advice and natural solutions.
Constipation: Signs, symptoms and complications
People are said to be constipated if they fail to pass at least three bowel movements a week. These people report sensations of digestive discomfort, bloating, abdominal cramps, the escape of gas and a feeling of heaviness. Constipation can be occasional or become chronic if it lasts longer than 3 months. Chronic constipation is worrying, as it carries health risks. The body uses various elimination systems, including digestion, to detoxify and maintain balance. So, when the digestive system becomes overloaded with toxins, the body is at greater risk of :
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Intestinal disorders : poor bacterial flora, irritable bowel, ulcerative colitis ;
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Hormonal disorders: estrogen excess and resulting hormonal/menstrual disorders;
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Cardiovascular disorders: hypertension and heart disease;
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Cancer : including colorectal and breast cancer.
Causes of constipation
The most common causes of constipation are :
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Lack of fiber in the diet: Dietary fiber is necessary for stool formation and evacuation. For good intestinal transit, you need between 25 g and 50 g of fiber a day, from a variety of foods.
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Dehydration: Hydration is essential for bowel movements. In the absence of adequate water intake, stools stagnate in the colon.
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Sedentary lifestyle: Physical exercise promotes intestinal movement and stimulates stool evacuation. Taking walks and doing abdominal exercises are excellent ways to promote proper elimination.
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Consumption of constipating foods: White flours, white rice and dairy products are constipating foods. Opt for whole grains, including brown rice and/or wild rice, and avoid pasteurized dairy products.
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Stress and anxiety: People suffering from stress and anxiety often report slow transit. So avoid bringing mental stress to the bathroom. For better stool elimination, practice breathing and visualization exercises on the toilet seat.
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Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland regulates metabolic functions. When the thyroid gland is dysregulated, the body's natural functions can also be affected, including intestinal transit time.
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Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause and premenstrual week are times when women are more easily affected by constipation.
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Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions and medications can obstruct the intestines. Talk to your pharmacist about the side effects of your medications.
Constipation: Natural solutions
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits today! Start each morning by drinking a cup of warm water, and consume 8 to 10 glasses of water throughout the day. Focus on fiber-rich foods, including legumes, whole grains, vegetables and fruit, and reduce your intake of meat, dairy and processed foods. Make sure you adopt a healthy exercise regime and restore your hormonal health.
The use of mild, natural laxatives is also recommended. The Laxatif d'Antan by Léo Désilets is an excellent choice. It contains a blend of three plants studied for their effective laxative and emollient action.
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Aloe : recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a first-line treatment for constipation;
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Cascara sagrada : constipation remedy approved and recognized by the German Commission E;
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Slippery elm : Traditional Native American remedy with emollient action.
The blend of plants contained in Laxatif d'Antan by Léo Désilets is highly complementary and synergistic, working together to promote stool elimination without irritating the digestive tract.
Visit us at La Boite à Grains to learn more about our Léo Désilets and/or natural deconstipants.
We wish you good health!
About the author
Naturopaths of La Boite à Grains
Team of licensed and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau, Outaouais.
Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath
