It’s befitting to write this month’s newsletter on the topic of constipation given the 10 soiled diapers I changed with my newborn every precious day. \u00a0And though this simple act is the most natural part of being human, sometimes it just doesn’t feel natural. \u00a0Sometimes moving your bowels is a struggle.<\/p>\n
Constipation<\/strong>, defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week and at least 25% of the time experience straining and hard stool, is prevalent in 15% of the population under 65 and increases as you age. \u00a0It’s a common dread that signals important clues about the state of our diet, lifestyle, stress, what medications we take, and even how we we were born or fed as a newborn. If your answers are affirmative, and you\u00a0meet the criteria of chronic constipation, water intake\u00a0of at least 4-6 large glasses of water per day, preferably consumed in the first half of the day should be a routine habit. \u00a0Prunes, plums, apples, celery, peppers and other types of roughage found in a plant-based diet\u00a0are sure savers for a healthy gut flora. \u00a0And don’t forget your seeds, chia, hemp, mugworts, flax to emulsify the contents of the bowel to a mushy consistency and ease of passage. Your stool should look like frozen yogurt! Another common cause of constipation is drugs<\/a>, such as opioid-based pain relievers, iron supplements, and antihypertensives to name a few. \u00a0I encourage everyone to review their prescriptions with the pharmacist if they’re prone to this condition. \u00a0Click here<\/a> for comprehensive list of drugs associated with constipation.
\nI like solving the mystery of constipation in my patients because we get to focus on\u00a0many of the healthy lifestyle habits which ultimately lead to\u00a0cure.
\nIf you are experiencing frequent bouts of constipation in your life, then you should ask yourself these 3 questions:<\/p>\n\n
\nActivity is crucial in signaling healthy gut motility. \u00a0Inactivity on a flight or long car ride commonly leads to constipation. \u00a0One of the simplest ways we get hospitalized patients to start having BM’s after surgery or illness is an order\u00a0to\u00a0“Ambulate three times daily.”<\/p>\n
\nA thorough\u00a0survey of above generally guides us to the root of the problem, and\u00a0a straightforward\u00a0strategy of\u00a0lifestyle modification devised during our initial exam\u00a0restores the gut to its healthy state, whereby constipation becomes a thing of the past. \u00a0A follow up schedule in 6 weeks will ensure safekeeping of good habits and targeting areas of concern.<\/p>\nIntestinal Microflora<\/h2>\n