Naturopathic Treatments For Constipation

You’ve likely experienced constipation at least once or twice before.

Straining to go the washroom is just as frustrating as it is embarrassing.

Many people aren’t likely to discuss this problem with their friends or family.

So, how do you go about getting help?

Constipation is a common condition, and you don’t have to feel embarrassed about it.

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural solutions for digestive concerns like constipation.

If you’re experiencing chronic constipation without a known cause, a naturopathic doctor can help.

My name is Dr. JJ, and I provide a safe, judgement free clinic where you can seek advice regarding embarrassing medical conditions, such as constipation.

At my clinic, I recommend many different natural remedies for people experiencing constipation.

Watch the video below, or keep reading, to find out how you can manage your constipation naturally.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation refers to irregular infrequent bowel movements.

However, there is a lot of misunderstanding about what “regular” is.

For most people, one or two bowel movements a day is fairly normal.

Of course, this depends on a number of different factors, like your diet and the presence of other digestive disorders.

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However, it’s safe to say that you might be constipated if you’re going less than once every other day.

The severity of constipation can vary.

Some people are only slightly irregular, whereas others experience a bowel movement as infrequently as once a week.

Holding waste inside of you for this long isn’t healthy, even if this level of frequency feels “regular” for you.

What Causes Constipation?

Dehydration is the primary cause of constipation.

Your intestines need water to help move along your body’s waste.

People who are dehydrated often experience constipation.

When they do manage to pass a bowel movement, their stools are typically dry and lumpy.

Many other factors may contribute to constipation.

Certain drugs, such as opiates (including Tylenol 3, which has codeine in it) have constipation listed as a side effect.

Iron supplements are also infamous for causing it.

That’s why doctors will frequently advise you to take them alongside a stool softener.

RELATED ARTICLE: Why Is Iron Deficiency So Common?

Diet and periods of high stress can also predispose you to constipation.

Other factors that may contribute to constipation include:

• Lack of exercise
• Not enough fibre
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Travel
• Pregnancy
• Advanced age
• Excess laxative use

Dealing With Constipation Naturally

I rarely recommend medications, such as laxatives, to my clients experiencing constipation.

That’s because there are other excellent natural methods for dealing with this condition.

In fact, Harvard Health recommends natural remedies before laxative use.

Your body can grow accustomed to laxatives over time.

Eventually, you’ll require more and more laxatives to pass a bowel movement.

This dependency leads to laxative abuse.

Therefore, consider trying natural remedies before you reach for your bottle of laxatives.

But exactly what types of natural remedies should you try?

Let’s explore together.

Natural Treatments For Constipation

Below, I’ve created a list of some of the most effective natural remedies for constipation management.

However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a naturopathic doctor before you begin any of these remedies.

Together, we can determine whether a given remedy is right (and safe) for you.

1. Magnesium

Magnesium has a number of benefits.

For instance, it’s a great support for anything muscle related, such as muscle spasms.

Many people also use it to help fall asleep.

This is because magnesium helps relax your muscles when you’re trying to nod off.

I also use it to help my patients experiencing high blood pressure.

It even can help relieve your constipation.

Magnesium helps increase your body’s water intake, and subsequently encourages healthy bowel movements.

You can get magnesium through diet, supplementing, or through magnesium IV therapy.

However, use caution when taking magnesium supplements; too much can cause the opposite issue to constipation: diarrhea.

2. Drink Water

As we previously discussed, water plays an incredibly important role in your digestive process.

It helps food travel through your gastrointestinal system.

Most people need about three pints of water a day to maintain a healthy body and regular bowel movements.

However, you can substitute some of this for other drinks, such as herbal teas, vegetable juices, and clear soups.

The key is to make sure they’re free of sugar or caffeine.

In addition to constipation relief, drinking water provides several great benefits.

Examples include:

• Oxygenation of your cells
• Bladder detoxification
• Blood pressure management
• Joint health
• Organ protection
• Body temperature regulation
• Sodium balance maintenance
• Healthier skin
• And much more

3. Eat A Balanced, High Fibre Diet

A balanced diet, which is high in fibre, can help you stay regular.

For optimal results, try to aim for at least one source of fibre in every meal.

Increased fibre in your diet can do wonders for helping you stay regular.

It also provides additional benefits.

For instance, getting enough fibre in your diet can help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

It can also help promote and maintain a healthy weight.

If you’re not sure how to incorporate more fibre into your diet, try increasing the number of fruits and vegetables you eat.

You can also add some ground flax or psyllium husks to really up your game.

Finally, an over the counter fibre supplement may also help.

But as always, be careful with the supplements you add to your diet.

Some medicines interact with fibre supplements and can cause malabsorption.

Also consider collaborating with a healthcare professional, such as myself, before starting any new supplements.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are another great option.

But what exactly are probiotics in the first place?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that provide a number of health benefits, including constipation relief.

They are found in many different foods, including yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, and other fermented foods.

While most of the studies done on probiotics and constipation so far involve research done on animals, the results are promising.

However, more studies involving humans might bring better evidence.

It makes sense, however; probiotics are excellent for normal gut function.

It also supports healthy gut flora, which can improve your constipation as it helps food travel through your gastrointestinal system.

In any case, adding more probiotics to your diet can provide other benefits as well.

They include:

• Immune system support
• Allergy management
• Skin health
• Bloating prevention
• Heart health
• Depression and anxiety management
• And much more

5. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fatty acids help maintain the healthy fats in our bodies.

They are found in many different foods, including fish oils, nuts and seeds, eggs, yogurt, juice, milk, and soy products.

Fatty acid deficiencies can sometimes exacerbate constipation.

Omega 3 fatty acid or fish oil supplements can help reverse this deficiency and subsequently promote healthy bowel movements.

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ

Have you already tried these supplements and are still experiencing frequent bouts of constipation?

Or are you looking to hear more about the natural remedies available to you for constipation management?

Either way, a naturopathic doctor can help point you in the right direction.

I’m Dr. JJ, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, and I’m here to help.

Book your appointment with me, Dr. JJ, today to get started on a healthy tomorrow.