Constipation is an extremely common problem in naturopathic medicine, and it is experienced by approximately 63 million people in North America. This condition is so common that people often do not acknowledge it as an abnormality!
Constipation means that a person is having fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week, those of which can be hard, dry, and/or painful to pass.
Conventional medicine and naturopathic medicine view constipation very differently. Conventionally, constipation is not usually viewed as a serious concern until complications occur (such as hemorrhoids or fissures that result in discomfort, rectal prolapse, and fecal impaction).
Conventional medicine and naturopathic medicine view constipation very differently. Conventionally, constipation is not usually viewed as a serious concern until complications occur (such as hemorrhoids or fissures that result in discomfort, rectal prolapse, and fecal impaction).
Naturopathic medicine views digestive and bowel function as one of the most important factors that contributes to optimal wellness. It is more often than not, one of the first conditions addressed when visiting a Naturopathic Doctor. Why? The digestive tract is responsible for not only breaking down the foods that you ingest, but also for the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste and toxins. Therefore, constipation can lead to nutritional deficiencies and toxin accumulation.
In fact, the digestive tract is one of the most important means of detoxification. Without healthy bowel movements, toxins accumulate and can spread throughout the body. This can impact a wide range of other bodily functions. Everything from cramps to acne an be a result of constipation.
Understanding the cause of constipation is important as it makes the treatment for constipation clear. For example, if there is not enough fluid or fibre-rich food in the diet, it becomes difficult for the intestines to move food through the digestive tract. This results in waste moving too slowly through the digestive tract, causing it to become hard and dry, and therefore even more difficult for the muscles of the intestines to contract.
Other factors that may play a role include:
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- Delaying bowel movements
- A change in routine or lifestyle
- Lack of physical activity
- A diet too high in protein
- Illness
- Frequent use or misuse of laxatives
- Certain medications (such as pain, high blood pressure, and depression medications, diuretics, Parkinson's disease treatments) and chemotherapy
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pregnancy
- Digestive tract conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction, diverticulousis, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, pelvic floor dysfunction (anismus), colon cancer, and in children, Hirschsprung's disease
- Loss of body salts through vomiting or diarrhea
The conventional medical approach to constipation is by the use of laxatives; which works by artificially increasing the movement of fecal matter along the colon. There are problems associated with the use of laxatives that should be noted. Laxative abuse and chronic use of laxatives is potentially dangerous, as it can lead to the loss of ability for the intestines to contract on their own, irritable bowel syndrome, and renal failure.
Naturopathic treatment approaches overlap with conventional approaches in the initial stage of treatment (stimulating bowel movements). However, it also places emphasis on long-term treatment, as it focuses on the root cause of constipation that is specific to the individual patient.
Once serious causes are ruled out, constipation is addressed initially by stimulating bowel movements using gentle and safe natural fiber and nutraceutical supplementation. It is then followed by improving regularity, using diet and lifestyle modification that are tailored to the individual. This takes away from the need for external stimulation of the intestines, therefore reducing the risks associated with treatments with laxatives and provides a more effective and sustainable treatment protocol.
Diet is the main focus, such as increasing fruit and vegetables, fiber, and water intake, avoiding foods with saturated fats, foods that are high in cholesterol, sugars, and animal protein. Lifestyle modifications include appropriate stress management, increasing exercise, and establishing routine.
Other modalities may also be used alongside diet and lifestyle modifications, including supplementation, herbal medicines, massage therapy, acupuncture, cleansing protocols, and Traditional Chinese Medicine depending on the needs of the patient.
Dr. Cristina
