Suffering From Constipation?
Regular bowel movements are different for each person. Ideally, healthy bowel movements occur within 20 to 24 hours after eating. Depending on the number of times you eat will reflect in the number of bowel movements you may have within the 20 to 24 hour time period. So, for instance, if you have a healthy breakfast at 8 am, you should expect to have a bowel movement related to that meal at roughly 8 am the following morning. The same pattern should also occur with your other meals of the day.
What If My Meals Are Inconsistent?
Unfortunately, our busy lifestyles may dictate for many of us a less normal pattern of meals which may vary in the times we eat and their proportion sizes. As such, you may or may not have a bowel movement every day. But If you have a bowel movement less than three times per week, your digestive tract will be defined as suffering from a transit time issue which can result in constipation. Symptoms associated with constipation are hard stools that are difficult to pass, which may elicit pain. In severe cases, no stool progress occurs after straining or pushing for more than ten minutes. Unfortunately, passing large, wide, or hard stools may even tear the anus, especially in children. This can cause bleeding and may lead to an anal fissure.
Constipation is Most Often Caused By
- Low bowel flora often occurs after antibiotic intake
- Digestive System Disruptors
- Poor chewing of your food/Eating too fast
- Being a “Chest “Breather vs. a “Belly “Breather
- Low-fiber diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Not drinking enough water
- Emotional Holding
- Delay in going to the bathroom when you have the urge to move your bowels
- Stress and travel can also contribute to constipation or other changes in bowel habits.
Other Causes of Constipation May Include:
- Colon cancer
- Diseases of the bowel, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Nervous System Disorders
- Pregnancy
- Underactive Thyroid
- Use of certain medications like opioids causes OIC.
Consider Alternative Care First
Dr. Van Dam has lots of experience helping people solve their problem of constipation. Helping to address the underlying CAUSAL components, physically, mentally, emotionally, allergy-wise, toxicity-wise, nutritionally, and physiologically, results in restoring normal bowel function.
Many have benefited from working with Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture.
