The Dangers of Constipation

March 5, 2007:- In my early career I worked in advertising on a laxative account. I remember one of the television ads at the time being a testimonial from a constipation sufferer opening with the statement "constipation is disaster..." And so it is for the millions of Americans who suffer from it daily. If there's one thing I've learned in my years of association with Daily Health News consulting medical editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, it's that a well functioning digestive system is the core to a well functioning body. Conversely, a digestive system that is blocked, blocks the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes. All that can result in symptoms ranging from headache and fatigue to immune system breakdown to doggy breath, according to Dr. Rubman.

How to treat constipation if you have it? And prevent it if you don't? Dr. Rubman shared with me his secrets to keeping the body's digestive system flowing. He pointed out that constipation has several very common causes. Once you figure out the reason for it you can take the necessary steps to reverse it and prevent it from occurring again.

WHAT IS CONSTIPATION?

First let's take a look at what constipation is (and what it isn't). Constipation -- infrequent or difficult bowel movements -- is usually characterized by small, hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. There may also be straining during elimination, abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating and an uncomfortable sensation of a full bowel.

But what constitutes irregular bowel movements? According to Dr. Rubman, "normal" is on average one bowel movement a day, usually in the morning. However, everyone is different, and consistency is the real test of normalcy. If day-to-day you have roughly the same number of bowel movements, no discomfort, and the size, texture and color of stool are consistent, then you're likely fine. If, on the other hand, you are not consistent on a regular basis, then there is a potential problem.

COMMON CULPRITS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

Most people with constipation don't need strong medication. In fact, while Dr. Rubman considers it safe to take an occasional laxative, he warns that regular use of these drugs can be harmful. Over time, laxatives become habit-forming, as the body comes to rely on them in order to have a bowel movement.

Problem 1: Dehydration. The large intestine plays a primary role in water balance and excretion, explains Dr. Rubman. As food makes its way through the large intestine, the intestine absorbs water from it and stools form. By the time the stool reaches the rectum, most of the water has been absorbed and the stool is harder. Drinking too much -- or not enough -- water can disrupt this process.

Solution: Make water your beverage of choice. Water is the most healthful beverage, and Dr. Rubman advises that you think of other beverages as occasional treats. He is not an advocate of the overly simplistic "drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day." Far from it, as water needs vary from individual to individual, based on variables such as state of health, diet, medications, physical activity, environment, etc. If you're not sure whether you're drinking enough water, Dr. Rubman recommends asking your physician about the "urine specific gravity" test. The test will indicate the relative density of urine. If urine is too diluted or too dense, adjust your water intake accordingly.

Problem 2: Inadequate fiber intake. Fiber is the part of grains and produce that the body cannot digest. It adds bulk to stool and keeps it soft, making stools easier to pass. Fiber also stimulates the production of healthy flora in the gut, moves food efficiently through the digestive tract, and binds and transports bile acids and cholesterol for excretion out of the body. Most of us do not get enough fiber in our diets. The average American consumes 5 to 14 grams of fiber a day, even though experts recommend 20 to 35 grams.

Solution: Simple enough -- take in more fiber. Eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet with plenty of oats, whole wheat bread, bran, brown rice, beans, fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds and steamed vegetables. Ideally, at least half the diet should consist of unprocessed foods, says Dr. Rubman. When you need extra help, his favorite fiber supplements are oat bran (which increases the bulk of stool and softens the stool) and glucomannan (which absorbs and binds components within the bowel movement). Both are available at most health food stores.

Problem 3: Inadequate peristalsis. Peristalsis consists of a series of smooth muscle contractions in the digestive tract. These contracting waves move food along through the large intestine. Inadequate levels of calcium and magnesium can lead to inadequate peristalsis and consequent constipation.

Solution: Take magnesium and calcium supplements. Dr. Rubman recommends calcium and magnesium in the combination dietary supplement Butyrex, made by T.E. Neesby. These capsules contain butyric acid, calcium and magnesium. Butyrex supports the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for optimal absorption of nutrients, and helps maintain a balanced microbial population in the gut. Take Butyrex with meals. A lack of bulk from low fiber can also lead to inadequate peristalsis since the bulk stimulates natural contractions.

Problem 4: A salt imbalance. People on low-sodium diets can have problems with constipation, observes Dr. Rubman. Sodium is an important mineral that helps regulate the body's fluid balance.

Solution: Adjust your salt intake. Discuss with your physician what your salt intake should be, advises Dr. Rubman. When considering salt intake, factors to take into account include overall health issues (such as salt-sensitive high blood pressure), blood tests and bowel movements.

Of course, there can be other causes of constipation. For example, it may occur as a side effect of medications, or as a symptom of a disease such as a neurological disorder (multiple sclerosis) or metabolic or endocrine condition (diabetes or hypothyroidism). Most important is to work with a trained professional to resolve the underlying cause of the constipation and resolve it. Don't use laxatives to fix the symptom. Instead, identify and address the root cause. Exercise is an important measure to prevent constipation... and you should never ignore the urge to go. Constipation is about far more than inconvenience and discomfort. It can create even more problems down the road.

Be well, Carole Jackson
Bottom Line's Daily Health News

Sources: The Dangers of Constipation;

Andrew L. Rubman, ND, consulting medical editor, Daily Health News, and director, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines, Southbury, Connecticut.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, digestive.niddk.nih.gov

Daily Health News; bottomlinesecrets.com