Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation occurs when waste material moves too slowly through the large bowel, causing the infrequent bowel movement. Bowel transit time should be about 12 hours. If the body's transit time is longer than 12 hours, then constipation is occurring. This may cause the excrement to become dry, hard, pellet-like, and difficult to pass. 

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Decaying food ferments and generates toxins, causing the colon to grow bacteria. Constipation can cause gas, insomnia, bad breath, obesity, indigestion, depression, and headaches. 

What causes constipation?

There are many things that might cause constipation. You might not have enough fiber or fresh foods in your diet. Certain foods might cause constipation as well, including:

• fried foods
• sugar
• dairy
• excess of red meat
• overeating
• dehydration
• overuse of drugs or laxatives

 

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"References"

Howson, Mark, and Manfred Porkert. Chinese Medicine. New York: Morrow, 1988. Print.

Mindell, Earl. The Herb Bible. London: Vermilion, 1994. Print.

"The Nutritional Protocol Manual by Dolores S. Downey." LibraryThing.com. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <http://www.librarything.com/work/8615616>.

Weil, Andrew. Natural Health, Natural Medicine: A Comprehensive Manual for Wellness and Self-care. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1990. Print.[/expand]