I've suffered from constipation for 15 years. Have tried everything. Have you any suggestions? Thanks!

There are 3 definitions of constipation.

Chronic constipation is associated with diverticulitis and colorectal tumors.

Chronic constipation leads to a range of seemingly unrelated health problems. Part of the problem is the toxins that sit in the bowels longer. There are 3 sources of toxins. One is food; sitting longer in the intestines it has that much longer to decay. Another souce are the toxins secreted by the liver into the intestine for excretion. A third is intestinal dysbiosis, such as candida. This is often associated with chronic use of antibiotics. This is how chronic constipation can be associated with diverticulitis and colorectal cancer. More toxins use up more energy and can drain physical resources. Normalized excretion means the rapid removal of toxins. Health problems improve and there is more energy.

Some ways to understand and approach constipation:

Food. Fiber bulks up stool, stimulating intestinal vigor. Fiber grabs toxins and carries them out. Fruit, vegetables and whole grains are the main sources of fiber. Eat 5 pieces/servings a day. Refined foods are very deficient in fiber - avoid. Large servings of meat can be constipating - eat small amounts. Food allergy may be another cause.

Water. Deficiency can lead to hard stool. Thick or dark urine usually confirms that you aren’t drinking enough. Hard dark stools and dark, acrid urine usually are signs to increase water intake.

Supplements. Bran, slippery elm and psyllium are sources of fiber. Magnesium is useful as a natural laxative. Probiotics are essential for bacterial dysbiosis, candida, or a history of chronic antibiotic use.

Herbs. To nourish and gently stimulate the digestive tract, consider astragalus, carrageen or ginger. Ground flax seeds are great for fiber and for essential fatty acids. The strongly laxative herbs - senna, Rhamnus, whole aloe leaf - are easily abused and should neither be used long term nor in weak people. Other herbs are useful for calming the nerves of the digestion, eg chamomille, skullcap. If the stomach is cold, or better with warm foods, warming herbs are used.

Inactivity can be constipating: do vigorous walking 3 x a week. Stress and overwork are constipating: relax!

Shallow breathing can lead to constipation. Normal breathing pushes the diaphragm into the abdomen, massaging its contents and tonifying the intestines. With shallow breathing this does not happen. Shallow breathing can also indicate emotional problems – stress, being too controlling, sorrow, etc, and this can affect the intestines. Break the habit, practice deeper breathing.

Difficult emotions - depression, anxiety, insecurity, anger, stress, shock and sadness - affect bowel function. Find a way to deal with this. Work on a sense of peace.

Acupuncture is very useful. Chinese medicine recognizes many patterns underlying constipation. This understanding guides selection of points. I also find this understanding extremely helpful in the choice of herbs, dietary changes, etc for my patients.

Chronic constipation may be due to, or associated with, other medical problems, eg hypothyroidism, irritable bowel, pancreatic insufficiency, hypochlorohydria, diverticulitis, tumor, medical drugs, abdominal surgery and irradiation. These problems must be addressed.

Years and decades of chronic constipation are tough on the body. It consumes more energy and there may be fatigue. More toxic burdens for the body to deal with. Decreased antioxidant status. Poorer absorption of nutrients. The drain of chronic constipation aggravates coexisting health problems and brings on new problems. Optimal health is not possible with chronic constipation.