Constipation affects more than 4 million Americans and is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. Reports indicate that women and adults ages 65 and older are among the most affected.

Constipation is a condition of the bowels in which the feces become dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent. With constipation, bowel movements are typically fewer than three times per week. Some people who are constipated find bowel movements to be painful and often experience straining and bloating.

Constipation is not a disease. It is however, a very uncomfortable condition. At some point in their life, nearly everyone will experience constipation on some level.

The key to natural prevention and treatment is understanding how constipation occurs and its primary causes.

The colon is a part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum (the large blind pouch forming the beginning of the large intestine) to the rectum (the terminal portion of the large intestine, extending from the sigmoid flexure to the anal canal). The colon absorbs water from food while it forms waste products, or stool. The stool is then pushed toward the rectum through muscle contractions in the colon. Stool is usually solid by the time it reaches the rectum because most of the water has been absorbed.

When the colon absorbs too much water, constipation occurs. Constipation can also occur if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish. This causes the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry.

The most common causes of constipation are:

• Lack of Fiber in the Diet
  
  
• Lack of Physical Activity
  
  
• Medications
  
  
• Milk
  
  
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  
  
• Abuse of Laxatives
  
  
• Dehydration
  
  
• Colon and Rectum Problems
  
  
• Problems with Intestinal Function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

America currently spends around $725 million each year on laxative products. Instead, I recommend a host of natural alternatives such as:

Garlic - Nature’s anti-biotic will destroy harmful bacteria in the colon. Take 2 odorless capsules twice a day.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids - This supplement has a cleansing and healing effect. Take 5,000-20,000 mg daily in divided doses.

Apple Pectin- This is a great source of fiber that has been shown to aid in correcting constipation.

Aloe Vera - This will assist in forming soft stools as well as cleaning and healing the digestive tract. Drink ½ cup of Aloe Vera juice in the morning and just before bed.

Milk Thistle - One of my personal favorites. This will aid in liver function and soften stool by enhancing bile output.

Make sure your diet includes food high in fiver such as fresh fruits, raw green leafy vegetables, whole grains and brown rice. Other great sources of fiber include: Cabbage, carrots asparagus, beans, brussels sprouts, kale, peas and sweet potatoes.

Avoid fried foods, dairy products, soft drinks, meat, white flour, highly processed foods, salt, coffee, sugar and alcohol.

Drink more water.

If you still feel the need to take a laxative, try an herbal formula such as Naturalax 2 from Nature’s Way.

Sources
youtube.com
whfoods.com
nutraingredients.com
ngm.nationalgeographic.com