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Conquering Chronic Constipation: Holistic Strategies for Regularity

A simple google search on the causes of constipation will tell you all the same reasons - a low fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, and structural abnormalities. While these can certainly contribute to chronic constipation, these factors merely scratch the surface. If treating constipation was as simple as eating more fiber and moving more, then why would so many of our health-conscious DLW patients who exercise seven days a week and live off of salads and smoothies claim their constipation is only getting worse? The truth is that each individual has a unique set of dietary, lifestyle, and biological factors which are contributing to their lack of bowel motility,

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Featured

 People Rely on Laxatives So Much, There Aren’t Enough to Go Around

A surge in demand from an aging population and extra interest from younger consumers has created shortages.

Articles of Interest

Beyond aggravation: Constipation is an American epidemic

To many people, constipation is little more than an aggravation. To others it is a daily agony. Few realize that it can be a dangerous and even deadly affliction.

Can You Cure Constipation Without Laxatives?

Many people want to avoid taking medications. Experts weigh in on what else works. Constipation, usually defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, is the most frequent gastrointestinal complaint. And many people don’t want to take medications every day, or fear they will become dependent on laxatives (even though that’s a common misconception).

Chronic constipation

Chronic constipation is described as a common complication determined by difficult and/or rare passage of stool or both. The difference in definition of constipation has led to a wide range of reported prevalence (i.e., between 1% and 80%). Various factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, including type of diet, genetic predisposition, colonic motility, absorption, social economic status, daily behaviors, and biological and pharmaceutical factors. Diagnostic and therapeutic options play a key role in the treatment of chronic constipation. There are still debates about the timing of these diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.

Chronic constipation could be a sign of a worsening health condition

Pooping too irregularly (or often) may be linked to cognitive problems.

Chronic constipation: A common challenge for women

"The biggest barrier to relief from constipation is not a lack of treatment options, it's often not recognizing the problem and seeking help in the first place," says Michael Ney, M.D., gastroenterologist with Riverside Health.

Chronic constipation: Current treatment options

Chronic constipation is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects patients of all ages.

Chronic Constipation: Is a Nutritional Approach Reasonable?

Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common gastroenterological diagnoses in clinical practice. Treatment includes several steps, depending on the severity of symptoms. Lifestyle modifications and increased intake of fiber and water are suggested by most health professionals. Unfortunately, the recommendations in this regard are the most varied, often conflicting with each other and not always based on solid scientific arguments.

Chronic Constipation: What You Need to Know to Go

Chronic constipation can be distressing, and some people suffer immensely. If you have this condition, then you know that traditional remedies such as using a fiber supplement, taking a laxative, drinking more water, and exercising don’t necessarily work.

Constipation in chronic kidney disease: it is time to reconsider

Constipation is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is primarily characterized by decreased intestinal motility. This chronic disorder affects the quality of life of patients. However, nephrologist and dialysis clinicians have long had a disproportionately limited understanding of constipation.

Researcher Tackles Chronic Constipation Misconceptions

Increased physical activity does notappear to significantly ameliorate constipationin otherwise healthy young adults, but increased activity may be beneficial,along with other measures, for treatingconstipation in the elderly. Stimulant laxativesat normal doses do not appear to beharmful to the colon, and no data indicatethat their use is a risk factor for colorectalcancer. Lastly, there is no physiologicbasis supporting concern about dependence on or addiction to stimulant laxativesin otherwise healthy patients; however,long-term use is not recommended, andpatients with comorbid psychiatric disordersare more likely to misuse them.

Serious Toll of Chronic Constipation Overlooked

Chronic idiopathic constipation, which affects far more women than men, can be extremely debilitating. While it is normal to have a bowel movement anywhere from three times a day to three times a week, a person experiencing chronic idiopathic constipation has hard or lumpy stool that is very difficult to pass.

Simple Remedies for Constipation

Chronic constipation is an all-too-common problem rarely discussed in polite company and only reluctantly mentioned to doctors during checkups. Although it accounts for eight million doctor visits annually, only “a minority of those with constipation seek medical attention,” Dr. Arnold Wald, a leading expert on the problem, reports.

This Is How You’ll Know It’s Time to See a Doctor for Severe Constipation

When it comes to your bowel movements, it can be hard to tell when a little trouble crosses the line into chronic constipation territory. But since constipation can range from annoying poop problems to seriously worrisome, it’s basically priority number one when it’s been days since you’ve gone number two. Whether it’s the first time you haven’t pooped in a week and you’re freaking out or you’ve dealt with severe constipation for a while, here’s what you need to know about when to see a doctor for constipation.

TMI Post: Chronic Constipation and How I Fixed It

I know most bloggers don’t talk about their poop habits, okay.. but this is something that needs to be talked about. I know I can’t be the only one dealing with this issue – as a matter of fact I found out my friend’s kid has the same issue but nobody ever mentions this kind of thing so we’ve been friends for years and never knew! So, I’m going for it. I’m going to talk about chronic constipation, and how I’ve finally gotten a handle on it. This constipation remedy is safe for kids, too.

Treating constipation with biofeedback for the pelvic floor

The good news is that treatment typically does not involve medications. Instead, treatment involves physical therapy in the form of biofeedback. Currently, the best way to undergo physical therapy is in a private setting, with the help of a trained physical therapist who coaches you on the dynamics of defecating. During these sessions, the physical therapist inserts a probe into your anal sphincter and places sticky pads on your abdomen, to detect the movement of your anal sphincter and abdominal wall as you simulate defecation.

Resources

Mowoot

Did you know that the abdominal massage is the best solution to constipation? The solution to constipation you were looking for: An alternative to enemas and laxatives. The medical device MOWOOT has been developed and tested by the healthtech company usMIMA in collaboration with doctors and physiotherapists of the neuro-rehabilitation center Institut Guttmann.

The Mechanics Of Chronic Constipation – And How To Treat It.

In practice, it can be far from easy, so it’s good to understand why.

UCLA G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience

The presence of at least 2 of the six following symptoms over the past 3 months are diagnostic of chronic constipation: straining, hard stools, sensation of incomplete evacuation, sensation of anorectal blockage, use of manual maneuvers to facilitate evacuation of stool, and less than 3 bowel movements per week. These symptoms must occur at least 25% of the time. The main symptom that differentiates functional constipation from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation is abdominal pain which is a more predominant symptom of IBS.