Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where a person experiences hard faeces that are difficult to pass out. It may be extremely painful, and in severe cases, lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction.
Normally, waste products of digestion are propelled through one’s intestines by muscle contractions. Weak intestinal muscles may contribute to constipation. Water and salt is reabsorbed in the large intestine for the body’s functions. If too much water is absorbed, there is insufficient water or if waste moves along too slowly, constipation may result.
Possible signs and symptoms
Optimally, a person will go to the toilet 2 or 3 times a day depending on how many meals he/she has had. Going less than once a day is mild constipation. Anything less is serious constipation.
Constipation may result in bad breath, discomfort and bloating.
Possible causes
Insufficient fibre, water or calcium, lack of physical activity, stress, medication, changes in lifestyle and routine, ignoring the urge to go to the toilet or weak intestines.
Applied nutrition
Keep hydrated with purified water.
| Supplement | Benefit | Suggested Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Necessary to repair mucus membranes in the intestines. | 1 scoop, 3x daily |
| Calcium + magnesium | Needed for proper intestinal muscular contraction. May also reduce incidences of colon cancer. | 4 tabs, 2x daily |
| Fibre | Forms bulk and increases water content of stool, detoxifies colon and cleanses the breath. | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| B Complex | Aids in proper digestion of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Prevents anaemia. Deficiency may result in constipation. | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Garlic + licorice | Destroys harmful bacteria in the colon. | 2 tabs, 2x daily |
| Vitamin C + bioflavonoids | Cleanses and heals. | 3 tabs, 3x daily |
| Probiotics | Replaces bowel bacteria to improve assimilation of nutrients in foods. | 1-3 sticks daily |