Have you been – to put it nicely – backed up lately?
First of all, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Constipation is more common than you might think, especially in the age of pharmaceuticals and processed food!
Constipation is not pleasant. If you have fewer than three bowel movements a week, it’s highly likely that you’re constipated. Some other signs pointing to constipation include dry, hard, or even lumpy stool (yup, we’re getting really personal now). And, of course, experiencing difficulty while passing stool is another major sign that you’re constipated.
Curing constipation is about identifying the root of the problem and addressing it. Taking prescription medications and laxatives might help you to have a bowel movement, but at what cost? Loading your body with potentially harmful toxins and chemicals can cause even more problems. Your kidneys, liver, and blood can be affected because prescription medications are not foods.
If you’re constipated, you need to know why before you can get some lasting relief. So, here’s everything you need to know about why you’re constipated followed by some healthy herbs and solutions that can help relieve constipation (without taking any laxatives!)
To watch the video on this topic hit play below, or read on for more…
What causes constipation?
One of the most common reasons why you’re constipated is because you don’t drink enough fluids. When your body doesn’t get enough fluids, there isn’t enough water in your stool to help it pass easily.
A diet lacking fiber such as fruit and vegetables is another common cause of constipation. Some other possible causes include a lack of exercise, ignoring the urge to go to the toilet, and/or a change in your diet.
Now… here’s something that you might not realize.
While all of these causes may seem different from each other, they all stem from STRESS. Stress is the reason why we get sick in the first place. There are three forms of stress:
- Emotional – the things we say to ourselves silently can cause emotional stress, so treat yourself with kindness. Other triggers of emotional stress include relationships, the state of the world, grief, and so on.
- Physical – being involved in a car accident can cause physical stress. If you have a sports injury or another type of physical drawback, that can be a huge stress trigger.
- Nutritional – chemical and environmental stress also falls under the nutritional umbrella so this one covers a wide range of possible stress triggers!
If you’re constipated, you have to look at each of the three stresses and think which one resonates with you the most? Are you emotionally, physically, or nutritionally stressed? Maybe you’re all three?
Food is the ONLY medicine
I say this a lot because it’s true. Food is the only medicine. We get energy from the food that we eat and by food, I don’t mean junk food, refined sugars, or processed chicken, etc. I mean real food – carbs, proteins, and fats. Our body gets energy from foods in that order.
Our bodies would use carbs for energy 24/7 if it could, which is why you need to be careful that you don’t eat too many carbs.
I recommend eating less than 150g of carbs and consuming around 80g of protein and 60g of fat per day. This is the sweet spot for many people but of course, it might not work for everyone it’s just a good place to start.
If you’re constipated, you need to supply your body with enough energy to help you recover. You do this by eating food, not prescription medicines. Prescription meds are not going to cure constipation because they aren’t food. Laxatives are not going to solve the problem.
Being constipated means you have deviated from normal. Your body is no longer in balance and prescription meds will not help you return to homeostasis.
So, what will?
As I’ve mentioned multiple times already – the answer is FOOD.
There are some foods in particular, such as certain herbs, that are great when it comes to nourishing the body, helping with digestion, and to relieve constipation. If you’re not having a good bowel movement every day, you are constipated. When we talk about constipation, we need to think about the liver.
The liver is the quarterback of the gut. Your liver needs to be operating properly in order to create bile and digest food properly. When it comes to constipation, there are two herbs that can really help: dandelion and gentian root.
Health benefits of Dandelion
Dandelion is more than just a pretty yellow flower. Most people see dandelions and immediately fetch the weed killer. However, dandelions are known for their incredible medicinal properties and health benefits.
The Latin name for dandelion is Taraxacum officinale. Many people call dandelion the official remedy for disorders. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin A, B, C, D, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium.
Dandelion contains potent antioxidants, which helps to remove toxins from the body. It strengthens and invigorates while also helping to fight against inflammation caused by disease. It helps to promote a healthy liver, aid weight loss, support healthy digestion and of course, treat constipation.
Health benefits of Gentian Root
Gentian is a herb. It’s a bitter and anti-parasitic. It can be used to treat worms and it helps to stimulate bile flow.
Bile flow is so important because we need bile to help digest our food and move things along normally. If your bile is too thick, it leads to constipation. Thick bile slows everything down. When you’re under any stress, digestive secretions decrease.
So, herbs like gentian root can really help to normalise thick bile so that the digestive system can start operating as normal. It improves waste removal and strengthens the organs. Gentian is also great for helping other digestive problems such as heartburn, intestinal gas, and loss of appetite to name a few.
Need help with constipation and other digestive issues?
Constipation is something you should never have to deal with again. When your body can’t get rid of the waste like it’s supposed to, it enters your bloodstream which leads to autointoxication and brain fog. Not to mention it can cause dizziness, headache, heartburn, gas, and bloating. All of this stems from the fact that you have unremoved waste from your intestines, and you need to get rid of it.
If you’d like to work with me and get help when it comes to curing constipation and returning your body to homeostasis, you can schedule a call with me by clicking here, or get in touch by calling 586-685-2222.