Elimination is an important action as the bowel is the potential source of many toxins. Bowel toxicity has been implicated in ailments such as diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, varicose veins, and headaches.  Intestinal conditions associated with constipation include excessive gas, indigestion, hemorrhoids, hernia, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, diverticulitis, and even bowel cancer.

Royal Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment

1.                  Increase your fiber intake with fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure that your bowels move at least once daily.  Oat bran, brown rice, and psyllium husk are also good sources of fiber.

2.                  Increase your water intake (especially if you are increasing your fiber intake).  Consuming between 6-8 glasses of distilled, spring, or reverse osmosis water daily is good for constipation and a good habit for anyone to acquire who is concerned about their health.

3.                  Avoid processed foods (e.g., white flour), refined foods (e.g., as white sugar), and dairy products.  Although most people cringe at the thought, prunes are still one of the best natural laxatives around.  (See “Allergy—Food.”)

4.                  Certain medications have constipation as a side effect and should be minimized.  These include iron tablets, pain-killers, and antidepressants.

5.                  Exercise is important.  How many constipated athletes do you know?  Increase your activity level, even if it is to walk 20 minutes a day, three times each week.  This speeds the movement of waste through the intestines.

6.                  Don’t inhibit the urge to defecate.  Taking time each morning or after exercise to have a bowel movement will help you to retrain your bowel function and keep it regular.

7.                  Consider taking your maximum bowel tolerance of vitamin C.  This is done by gradually increasing the amount of vitamin C until loose bowels is achieved.  Maintain at or just below this dosage divided throughout the day.

8.                  Supplements found to be helpful include acidophilus, B-vitamins, digestive enzymes, flaxseed oil, and magnesium.  Barley, wheat grass, and chlorophyll can provide nutrients needed for bowel cleansing and repair.

9.                  Herbs known to have stimulatory action of the bowel include cascara sagrada, senna, and aloe vera.  Herbal laxatives and bulk fibers are also effective.  However, none of these should be used for a prolonged period of time in the treatment of constipation.

10.             Homepathics to consider are Nux Vomica (especially if constipation is due to medications), Natrum Muriaticum (if the stool is dry), Opium (if there is impaction), Alumina (if there is total lack of intestinal activity), and Collinsonia (in obstinate cases, especially in children). All of these should be taken frequently, in a low potency, until desired results have been achieved.

11.             Mayr Therapy, a digestive detoxification therapy developed by the Austrian-born physician, F.X. Mayr, is excellent for improving bowel function as well as your overall health.  (See the chapter, “A Royal Flush,” in The Royal Treatment.)

12.             If all else fails, try an enema.  Everyone should know how to use this simple home treatment.  When done properly, it is also a good way to provide the body with natural medicines, such as herbs, acidophilus, and vitamins (depending on what is added to the enema preparation).  Coffee enemas are especially helpful as they have a reputation as a liver stimulant and detoxifier.  (See “Coffee Enema.”)

To learn more about healing and health optimizing therapies, go to www.NewHopeMedical.org or call NEW HOPE MEDICAL CENTER at (702) 476-0000 (direct line) or toll free (866) HEAL-NOW!