Introduction:

Constipation is a common condition made worse by stressful lives and overly processed foods. When waste accumulates in the colon due to constipation, auto-toxicity frequently occurs causing lethargy, depression, skin problems and even allergies such as asthma which can appear unconnected.

Nutritional Advice:

A low fibre diet will hamper natural peristalsis. Pursue whole foods especially whole grains vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.

Raw food with plenty of fibre should make up 40% of your diet. (Superfood can provide some of this.) Try also linseed seeds and psyllium husks.

Mucus forming, binding foods must be avoided like eggs, cheese, potato starch and other starches like white bread (in fact all wheat products) and all dairy products because they literally 'gum up' the colon.

Take plenty of 'beneficial flora-rich foods': Make rejuvelac and eat sauerkraut or buy Acidophilus or Probiotics. For soil organisms contact Kiki ltd.

Plant proteins and fats are important in the diet for example olive oil, nuts and avocado. These should essentially be part of a generally balanced diet which contains generous amounts of vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds and whole grains like oats, barley, rice and quinoa.

For constipation that has is causes more rooted in the emotions (autonomic nervous system) then the above foods will be still be vital but other support will be needed. Nerve food support will be foods rich in magnesium and calcium e.g. oats - porridge and flapjacks, Coz lettuce in salads and soups.

Vitally, drink plenty of water to enable the bowel to move properly. Urination following a bowel movement signals that the bowel is completely empty. Two litres of fluid, mostly water, a day is a minimum requirement for good bowel movements. Always drink a large glass of water and fresh lemon juice first thing in the morning. Tea and coffee will increase the need for more water and will not assist the problem, although as stimulants they can induce peristalsis but long term they will not help in any way.

Soups made from whole grain organic barley with lots of onions, garlic, black pepper and raw chillies will be helpful as their high fluid content with 'food' stimulants will assist.

Natural Healing:

Always go to the toilet when you need to.

Take regular exercise, especially if you are elderly. Ensure that a regular walk is included in your daily routine. Cycling and riding are both excellent for massaging the bowel.

Take hot and cold showers, especially over the colon.

Drugs, whether GP-given or recreational ones like heroin and opium, often over-stimulate or completely freeze peristalsis. Antibiotics can kill off beneficial flora, causing constipation and even small doses of antibiotics can set the pattern for years of constipation.

Herbs:

Our herbal formulae are strong flavoured and effective. Our herbs enjoy a long history of use.

A large proportion of our herbs are grown in English soils, harvested using bio-chemistry analysis and many but not always, processed fresh, which heightens their remedial properties. The majority are grown organically and or sustainably wild-crafted. All manufacturing is carried out using licensed good manufacturing practice.

Please consider our A-Z of herbal products or ring our product advice line on 0845 345 3727 for support and help with your questions.