Constipation is caused primarily by an insufficient amount of fiber in the diet. Fiber absorbs water in the intestines, creating a bulkier stool that is soft and moves easily through the intestinal tract. Constipation may also be caused by colon disease, pregnancy, prescription drugs, dehydration, or a lark of exercise. Chronic constipation can lead to hemorrhoids, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and other health problems. Relying on laxatives, whether conventional or natural, causes the colon to become lazy and creates a cycle of relying on stronger and stronger remedies. More appropriate long-term solutions to constipation involve getting more exercise (especially walking), eating a high-fiber diet, and drinking plenty of fluids. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Constipation caused by a fiber-deficient diet will disappear with the elimination of refined carbohydrates and fatty, low-fiber foods such as red meats, hard cheeses, and fried foods. Choose instead high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and beans, nuts, and seeds. Specific foods that stimulate bowel movements include prunes, figs, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Supplements that add fiber to the diet include: psyllium seeds, 1-2 teaspoons of seeds or powder in a glass of water, followed by another glass of water, one to three times daily flaxseeds, 1-2 tablespoons soaked overnight in a glass of water and eaten in the morning Other useful Supplements for preventing constipation include: acidophilus, 1 teaspoon three times daily: to establish healthy intestinal flora vitamin B complex, 50 mg twice daily: to prevent nutrient deficiencies (particularly of folic acid) that are associated with constipation BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies There are a number of herbal "stimulant" laxatives (as opposed to "fiber bulking" laxatives such as psyllium), and although most are less harsh than conventional, over-the-counter laxatives, they are still strong enough to cause intestinal cramps. Like any laxative that can stimulate contractions by irritating the lining of the intestines, even herbal stimulant laxatives should not be used habitually. Herbal stimulant laxatives, which can be taken as capsules or tinctures (follow label directions) for a day or two, include the following: aloe cascara sagrada senna Gentler herbal laxatives work by stimulating the secretion of digestive fluids and can be safely taken over a long period of time. These include the following: dandelion root, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture two to three times daily yellow dock root, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture two to three times daily BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Some of the most popular single remedies for constipation include: Bryonia: when the stools are large, dark, and dry Nux vomica: to break an existing laxative habit Sulphur: for an ineffective urge to defecate BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Methods for using essential oils for constipation include massage (to the lower abdomen) and baths. Use any of the following essential oils: black pepper: carminative, laxative, digestive stimulant fennel: carminative, laxative PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use