Chronic ConstipationClick on a link to jump to a topic of interest Chronic Constipation causes Digestion Elimination Chronic Constipation Causes IncludeSedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits such as junk food, food low in fiber, not drinking enough water, eating leftovers the next day, inconsistent food intake, emotional upsets, medications or physical impairment of the digestive tract due to disease. Eventually, all these problems add up and create a flaw in the digestive system. Also, when elimination is impaired for days, weeks or months waste backs up in the colon causing autointoxication(self-poisoning). This occurs when the bowel wall becomes encrusted with deposited fecal (faecal) matter and obstructs the absorption of vital nutrients thus providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. An unhealthy digestive tract can have a porous mucosal lining and Candida, parasites and toxins can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis (blood poisoning). DigestionThis topic is one of the most important steps of the health ladder in maintaining vibrant health. Our body is an amazing machine possessing restorative powers and capable of profound healing when it receives the right balance of nutrients from the right type of foods and supplements. It is critical that the food be properly digested, absorbed and eliminated in order to gain nutritional benefits from it. We often hear, "you are what you eat", rather, it should be "you are what you digest and assimilate". Some people claim that they eat very nutritious food but still feel the same. Well, nutrition is not just what we eat but it is what the cells of the body actually receive and the cells only receive what is broken down through the process of digestion. Fresh, wholesome, natural food does not assure good nutrition if the digestion process is flawed because poor digestion renders even the healthiest diet ineffective. The body has to be able to absorb the nutrients in order to create good health. Even a good diet may provide less than adequate nutrition. Why? Because today's modern fertilizers fail to replace many of the nutrients essential to both crops and humans. Digestion begins with good appetite, we are "hardwired" to assimilate food in a state of relaxation. It is important to eat consciously, eating while watching TV or reading during meals diminishes the digestive process. If we are in a "flight or fight" mode when we eat, we may experience a "short circuit" in the digestive process. Incomplete digestion results in the loss of important nutrients needed by our bodies. If undigested food reaches the colon, bacteria may multiply and release potential toxins into our system. A growing number of health authorities are targeting poor bowel function and colon blockage as key factors in ill health. Poor digestion can lead to a host of problems such as: bloating, acidity and chronic constipation. The three most important aspects of the digestive system are: 1) Efficient movement of food. 2) Complete digestion of food. 3) Proper maintenance of friendly bacteria. The digestive system begins from the mouth and ends at the anus. It consists of the gastrointestinal tract ie mouth, throat, esophagus, and the small and large intestines. Digestion occurs as a result of both mechanical and chemical processes. The mechanical process includes, grinding, crushing and mixing of the food with saliva and digestive juices.These digestive secretions are responsible for the chemical breakdown of food, and nutrients in the digestive tract are disassembled and moved to the systemic circulation to be absorbed and utilized. Usually flawed digestion and elimination develop in an individual through years of improper lifestyle and dietary habits which also result in accumulation of free radicals which are toxic to the body. The obvious symptoms of an unhealthy digestive tract are poor digestion, gas, poor skin tone, body odor, fatigue, bad breath, bloating and poor elimination. (Note:always consult your physician first before self diagnosing) Good health depends on good digestion and good digestion depends on enzymes. Chewing food stimulates enzymes which signal the digestive tract to get ready to do its part. Impaired digestion could be a result of a deficiency of digestive enzymes. Enzymes are energized protein molecules necessary for many functions in the body. Enzymes catalyze and regulate almost all biochemical reactions that occur in the body. Food enzymes are present in all raw foods but get destroyed by heat while cooking. So, the key to better digestion lies in enzyme supplementation. Enzymes are the spark of life, without them good health would not exist. Although the actions of enzymes cannot be seen, they are the driving force behind virtually every biochemical process that occurs in the body. There are an enormous amount of enzymes in the body each serving a specific function. EliminationAs important as digestion is, so is elimination of waste from the body. The health and function of the colon(the large intestine) is very important to proper elimination because the colon is responsible for forming, storing and excreting waste matter. If elimination is impaired it will cause constipation.
1) Relax during meals, rushed eating disrupts digestion and hence elimination. 2) Drink plenty of water 3) Eat lots of fiber, fruits and veggies, Cereal is high in fiber. Click here for our list of ten healthy foods. 4) Regularly exercise it will help tone up intestinal muscles and increase peristalsis(intestinal movement). Brisk walking 20-30 minutes three times a week should be a good starting point(before starting any exercise program please consult your physician). 5) Yoga - certain yogic postures will increase the intestinal tone of muscles, and allow food to move and get eliminated. |
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