"The entrance of thy words giveth light (Psalm 119:130)."
Constipation
I was once in a support group with a woman whose whole life revolved around dealing with constipation. She was chronically constipated and stressed about having yet another "impaction." An 'impaction' means that the constipation is so severe that it requires hospitalization. Her doctor had foolishly prescribed a variety of laxatives and she was now dependent upon them. The doctor had made a bad problem much much worse.
There is an effective way of dealing with constipation. This article represents a common sense approach that should be helpful for just about everyone. Here's what I know.
First, for individuals who have a traumatic and/or abusive past—and have really never talked about it—talking about your issues can benefit you. It doesn't matter much where you talk about your issues, as long as the person or people involved are supportive. What helps is simply being able to express your feelings to another person. Often, under such circumstances, there will be a major and long-term improvement in your constipation.
A support group or individual counseling are available options.
Second, there is a cause and effect relationship between unresolved anger and constipation. Unforgiveness and resentment can cause constipation. Be sure to read my articles on Anger Management, How to Forgive and Getting rid of anger.
Third, avoid using laxatives and enemas—you will become dependent on them. These are only for rare occasions, as a last resort.
Fourth, aerobic exercise is necessary. You can't expect to avoid constipation if you're not exercising. Try to exercise every day. Look for a exercise routine that is not burdensome.
Every morning before breakfast, I ride my bicycle down a steep hill and walk back up.
Fifth, some prescription medications do cause constipation—especially opiate painkillers. An example is provided later in the article.
Prescription medications may also cause other problems in the digestive tract. My mother died as a result of a rupture in her intestines caused by the medication her doctors had prescribed. She had Parkinson's Disease and also experienced dementia.
The Parkinson's medication did greatly help her.
I believe, however, that the Parkinson's Disease and her dementia were themselves caused by other medications her doctors had prescribed.
If I had it all to do over again, I would have tried to get her off those medications and instead encouraged her to eat a healthy diet to deal with her health concerns.
Talk to your pharmacist—and do your own research—in regard to the side effects of any medications you are taking on a regular basis.
Sixth, calcium. Calcium is an important mineral needed to prevent osteoporosis. But it's best to get it from your diet and not from supplements. Calcium supplements have been linked to heart disease and other health problems.
Calcium supplements are also constipating. If you do take them, always take magnesium with your calcium—this will prevent the calcium from making you constipated. Take half as much magnesium as you take calcium. If you take a 500mg. calcium tablet, you should also take 250mg. of magnesium at the same time. For all supplements, look for USP (United States Pharmacopeia) on the label. This ensures that the supplement has been independently evaluated.
And don't exceed the Daily Value (DV) of calcium—or anything else—unless instructed to do so by a medical doctor.
Seventh, never strain at the stool. This can cause major problems. My father told me his need for an ileostomy was the result of doing this. Straining can also cause hemorrhoids.
If you do get hemorrhoids, buy a bidet toilet or a bidet attachment for a conventional toilet. This will also save you a ton of money on toilet paper.
Eighth, go to the bathroom immediately, don't wait. This is essential to avoid becoming constipated.
Ninth: Drink a full glass of water (about 12 oz.) as soon as you get up in the morning. It's also important to drink a lot of water during the day, every day. These will help you to avoid constipation.
If you drive a lot, you can put a pee bottle in the car.
Tenth, for occasional constipation, you can simply drink extra water. The weight of the water will usually be enough to relieve the constipation. You need to do this as soon as you realize that you're constipated. I weigh 165#. I drink about a quart of water (One liter), when needed. This should not be done, successfully, more than two days in a row. Otherwise, your bowels will become lazy and you'll need to do this every day—just like a laxative. If this technique doesn't work, don't worry. Just repeat the process the next day.
WARNING: Drinking too much water at one time is dangerous and can kill you. Do not drink so much water that it's painful. Stop drinking immediately if you develop a headache or feel unusual sensations in your head. If you're not sure how much water is reasonable for you, ask your doctor in advance. Do not use this technique with children without first consulting with your child's doctor.
Eleventh, eat a healthy, primarily plant-based, diet. This, in my experience, will greatly reduce constipation. Read my article entitled Diet & Health.
If you don't usually poop serveral times daily, you are not eating enough fruits, vegetables and other high fiber foods.
Also, I recommend using this simple recipe once every day:
- 1 Tablespoon flaxseed (ground).
- 1 teaspoon anise seeds (ground).
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds (not ground).
Grind the flaxseed and anise seeds in a coffee grinder right before using. Add water to the mixture and let it thicken a little and then drink. Only buy anise seeds from a reputable source.
I don't know why this works, but it does—a lot. This is also a very healthy addition to your diet.
Twelfth: Guard your thinking. Negative thoughts, usually the result of spiritual warfare, make constipation more likely.
Refer to the series entitled Stopping Spiritual Attacks.
On the other hand, positive thinking will help you to avoid constipation:
"A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV)."
Thirteenth, in particular, don't allow yourself to worry about constipation (Philippians 4:4-9). That's a sure way to make yourself constipated. Worry, in any context, is always a sin—and sins always have negative consequences.
Instead of worrying when you're constipated, always cast this burden on the Lord.
Read the series entitled How to Cast a Burden.
Fourteenth: Special Circumstances: 1) Laxatives may be used on rare occasions: For example, if you go on a long road trip—say once or twice a year—it may be appropriate to use a laxative in this circumstance if you become constipated. 2) If your doctor prescribes Vicodin or a similar painkiller for daily use, you will probably become constipated as a result. When I was in school, one professor told about becoming so constipated that he had to be hospitalized as a result of using Vicodin. If the Vicodin is only going to be prescribed for a short period of time, you may want to ask your doctor about taking mineral oil1 daily so you don't become constipated. This is available at any pharmacy. Read the product label before using.
If you follow the suggestions in this article, you may get to the point that you almost never need laxatives. At least, that has been my experience.
Finally, I have no medical training. Consult your doctor and pharmacist, in regard to your individual situation, before making any changes.
Disclaimer: Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
1 Some doctors have expressed concerns over the health consequences of using mineral oil.
You decide. It shouldn't be used very often.
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