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OUR EXPERTS...
I have been experiencing constipation a lot lately. Is there a natural
why to become regular...quickly?
By RWM Editorial
I have been experiencing constipation a lot lately. Is there a natural
why to become regular again...quickly?
To do or not to do...constipation happens to many of us. If you are not
having at least one large bowel movement, or two to three smaller ones per
day, you may be suffering from constipation. Constipation, if not taken care
of, can actually lead to bowel disease or cancer.
Aside from infrequent, sparse, painful or very dry bowel movements that are
hard to pass, constipation also has its effects physically, mentally and
emotionally. Headaches, hemorrhoids, body odour and obesity are common
physical symptoms. Mentally and emotionally, you may experience fatigue,
insomnia or even depression.
Constipation most often occurs when we don’t drink enough fluids. Water is
extremely important to the complete function of the body, and especially for
digestion and elimination. If water just isn’t your thing, at least commit
to drinking herbal teas several times a day. Drinking juices or prepared
drinks is not the same. Your body needs plain, pure water.
Another contributing factor to constipation is not consuming enough fiber.
Our diets today lack in sufficient fibers, such as fresh vegetables and
grains. We also eat too much processed food which is high in sugar, sodium
and chemical additives - toxins that build up in the colon.
To alleviate and end your constipation forever, choose to include more raw
or steamed vegetables, such as cabbage or broccoli, with your meals (note:
lettuce is actually low in fiber.) To benefit from the highest fiber foods
add legumes, dried peas, lentils and other dried beans to your meals. Dried
or fresh fruit (with skin and pulp) and whole grain breads or cereals are
also effective as is hemp or flax seed. These seeds are available in natural
form or hulled, and they also come in powder form - great for smoothies!
Supplementing is also important when it comes to constipation. Along with a
quality multivitamin, extra vitamin C softens stools and strengthens your
intestinal capillaries. Magnesium citrate aids elimination. For a mild
laxative, try cascara sagrada or drink dandelion root tea.
You may also want to consider doing a colon cleanse or colonic. Consult a
repeatable, natural health practitioner, naturopath or homoeopathic for
advice. Good luck on your quest for relief!
For more details on this subject or to have your health questions answered
by a local expert, please email
experts@risingwomen.com |