Chronic Constipation Affects 1 in 2 Women

The subject is unpleasant, but unavoidable. Constipation is a particularly annoying and unfortunately very common condition. A million boxes of laxatives are sold every year. Almost one per inhabitant! However, there are many natural ways to get rid of this “little” disease that can become very inconvenient.Am I normal, doctor?The colon intervenes to complete the digestion process. Thanks to its countless bacteria, it breaks down all foods, even those that are not digestible. But sometimes this process is slowed down, this is constipation. Doctors consider a patient to be constipated when he or she has fewer than three bowel movements…

Katrina Sevilla

Katrina Sevilla is a Filipino living in Belgium. She's happily married with two sons. Katrina loves to help people reach their full potential and unleash their creativity. She knows the importance of balancing family life, staying healthy, and getting in shape.
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    The subject is unpleasant, but unavoidable.

    Constipation is a particularly annoying and unfortunately very common condition.

    A million boxes of laxatives are sold every year. Almost one per inhabitant!

    However, there are many natural ways to get rid of this “little” disease that can become very inconvenient.
    Am I normal, doctor?
    The colon intervenes to complete the digestion process.

    Thanks to its countless bacteria, it breaks down all foods, even those that are not digestible.

    But sometimes this process is slowed down, this is constipation.

    Doctors consider a patient to be constipated when he or she has fewer than three bowel movements per week. This is an insufficient rate that can last for several months.
    Why are we more constipated than our ancestors?

    If there is a generalization of constipation today, it comes from the fact that our modern diet is unbalanced:
    not enough fiber,

    and insufficient hydration.
    Dietary fibers are like sponges: they soak up water, which facilitates transit by making the stools heavier and fatter.

    To enrich your diet with fiber, simply opt for whole grains, but also eat more fruits and vegetables.

    But this diet only works if you drink enough, i.e. at least 2 liters of water per day.

    In addition, make sure you are not taking any medications that promote constipation.

    Especially those containing iron, aluminum, but also painkillers, antidepressants and antihypertensive drugs.
    Take on some ballast!

    As you can see, a diet that is too light, lacking in water, fruits and vegetables, is conducive to constipation.

    Moreover, the cellulose in vegetables is recommended for a normal transit.

    Therefore, give preference to grapes, plums and prunes, but also to green vegetables. The latter contain potassium salts that stimulate the intestinal smooth fibers, which are one of the motors of the transit.

    Oatmeal, ground wheat and wholemeal bread are excellent – but your constipation must not be related to colitis. Wheat germ is particularly useful because its vitamin B1 supports the smooth muscle function of the intestine.

    Avoid milk, except for yogurt. A large glass of fresh water in the morning, a tablespoon of olive oil taken on an empty stomach and a very fresh egg yolk from time to time, have the power to provoke the reflex that will free you.

    Also avoid laxatives. Not only are they addictive, but they do not cure constipation! They even lead to an even faster intestinal infection (colitis).

    Plants that purge

    The first plant I recommend purging your digestive system is psyllium: 1 tablespoon of psyllium seeds in a glass of water at night at bedtime.

    For children, I recommend mallow: 1 cup of infusion prepared with 1 teaspoon of mallow leaves.

    These other plants can also be very useful:
    Elderberry bud: it promotes the elimination of toxins accumulated in the body and is indicated in cases of atonic constipation, especially in the elderly.

    The bilberry bud, vaccinim vitis idaea: it is indicated in cases of chronic constipation and acts as a regulator of colonic motricity.

    Tamarind acts as a laxative thanks to its fibers and the presence of tartaric and malic fruit acids, which exert a somatic action on the intestine and make its contents softer.

    Basil is used as a stomach antispasmodic and carminative (which promotes the elimination of gas). It is used as a supportive treatment for bloating and flatulence.
    To calm spasms and bloating, essential oils can also be very effective, although they should always be taken with caution:

    • EO of Anise
    • Dill EO
    • Caraway EO
    • Coriander EO
    • Cumin EO
    • Tarragon EO
    • Fennel EO

    I hope this will help you.

    In any case, don’t hesitate to send me your comments and your home-made recipes. I will be happy to read you!

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