Constipation
I have just completed a really exciting training with Dr. Will Bulsiweicz from Charleston, SC on diagnosing constipation. I know I discuss bowel movements so often, but it’s honestly one of the biggest health problems Americans are having right now. The majority of people may not even realize that they are constipated at all, therefore, they don’t know that they need to address it. I’ve had numerous clients who have mentioned the following symptoms, but when I mention constipation, they may say, “No way. I go several times a day. I’m not constipated.” Constipation is not only uncomfortable, but it can cause a host of other health issues! This is definitely something that needs to be discussed.
Let’s look at some traditional symptoms of constipation, and some you may not have ever thought of:
Diarrhea: at first this may seem like the total opposite of constipation, and in some ways it is. However, overflow diarrhea is caused by constipation. Hear me out. When there is an impaction in the bowels, the only thing that can get through is liquid. Our bowels are not made to hold liquid, so it must come out. It flows through the cracks and crevices of the poo, while the poo remains stuck.
Food sensitivities: when you are constipated you can become sensitive to a variety of different foods, even healthy foods like fruits and veggies. They can cause gas, bloating, and discomfort due to the inflammation that is taking place because of the constipation.
Bloating: if you wake in the mornings with a flat belly and become increasingly bloating throughout the day, you may be constipated. This is caused by food sensitivities due to inflammation, impaction, and gas buildup in the colon and stomach.
Gas: weirdly enough, gas can cause constipation just as constipation can cause gas. This is indicated by slow bowel motility, or the slow emptying of the bowels.
Feeling like you haven’t emptied your bowels after a BM: classic symptom. Even if you are emptying 90% of your bowels, that other 10% will continue to back up each time, adding to quite the discomfort later on.
Nausea, queasiness, getting full too quickly, loss of appetite: these are so uncomfortable and are being caused by constipation! When your colon isn’t properly emptied it signals to the rest of your body that it is full and cannot take any more food. Your stomach then refuses to empty and sends the food back up. This can lead to the above symptoms, but also heartburn and acid reflux.
Fatigue: I cannot tell you how many clients I have that complain of fatigue! This is another classic symptom of constipation! Sluggish colon leads to a sluggish brain, impaired hormone function, and an increase in inflammation. Combined, you’ve got FATIGUE.
Belly pain: there are several locations in the belly that will indicate constipation. The most common takes place in the lower left area of your belly. Pain in the upper belly on either side that radiates to the back is another sign of constipation. Pain in the upper middle relates to your colon, while pain around the belly button indicates small intestine issues. These can show up in the form of “gas pains”.
Now that we’ve discussed the symptoms, let’s consider several other scenarios where constipation could be present.
Daily BM: if you have a daily BM but aren’t completely emptying, you could still have constipation
Several small BMs per day: your first in the morning is pretty normal, but you continue to go throughout the day (even as soon as 30-45 mins. after) and each gets looser as the day progresses
Fluctuation between constipation and diarrhea: you are backed up to the point of explosion
SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth): if you have been diagnosed with SIBO, you could actually have constipation. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for SIBO, but unfortunately it may not work because that’s not the primary issue. Fix constipation, then the “SIBO” may disappear altogether.
Ulcerative colitis: can cause constipation. There is so much new research about the benefits of a fiber-rich diet for UC. Ask me if you have questions.
So, after all this, what should we do next? There are many options ranging from small changes in your diet to CT scans and GI doctor appointments. Here are a few:
Add more fiber slowly into your diet each day (my super smoothie is a great place to start)
Move more throughout the day, every day
Drink more water. You need half of your body weight in ounces in water. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need to be consuming 75 ounces minimum of water every day.
Complete a detox to empty your bowels. I’ve got great ones that range from 3 days up to 4 weeks.
Constipation isn’t only a comfort issue…it’s a health issue. It can impact your immune system, weight, mental clarity, and mood, just to name a few. If you think you may be suffering from constipation and you’d like to discuss this, I am available. It’s my favorite subject! Haha
Still have questions?
My favorite resources: Fiber Fueled and the Fiber Fueled Cookbook, both by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz.
Happy Sunday everyone!