What is Constipation?
A person in good health will likely move their bowels every day. Though there are sometimes deviations from this pattern that aren’t of medical concern, stool that doesn’t move from the body, or constipation, could recirculate toxins into the body and cause disease. Constipation is often the result of dry and hard stool, and it is sometimes indicative of another gastrointestinal condition such as irritable bowel syndrome or colitis. Constipation is prominent in Western cultures because of sedentary lifestyles filled with stress and poor eating habits.
How can I treat Constipation?
Traditional Chinese medicine considers constipation an indication of imbalances in the liver and spleen digestive systems, and may stem from prolonged blood and fluid deficiency that makes the stool hard to pass. Suggested remedies focus on changing the lifestyle to free the liver energy, and include eating fiber-rich foods, whole grains, and foods like figs, grapefruit, and yogurt. The intestine can be lubricated with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds. Other remedies include drinking 6 to 8 glasses of room-temperature water per day, as well as stewing 3 to 5 dried plums and consuming both the plums and juice before bedtime. Taking a brisk walk or other simple activity can reverse the symptoms of constipation that is caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
What should I avoid in my lifestyle for Constipation?
To move one’s bowels, it is helpful to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and substances that cause dehydration, such as alcohol, smoking, and coffee. It is also beneficial to avoid eating red meats, animal fats, fried and greasy foods, and processed and simple sugars.
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