Common Conditions - Chapter 1: Constipation
Welcome to the first Chapter of Common Conditions - Constipation!
We have this fear or disgust around talking about our poop. The thing is, everyone poops! Whether you use a toilet, a diaper, a colostomy bag or the woods - we all go! and unless we talk about it, it can be difficult to know what is normal and what is constipation!
So let’s start with the basics - if you are going days without going to the bathroom, if you do not feel like you are fully evacuated when you go, or you need to strain to go to the bathroom - you are likely experiencing constipation!
We should not have to think about our digestion, let alone feel it. So if you are feeling every inch of that log as you strain it out, things are not working as they should. If you are having pain and cramping after days of not going number 2, there is work to do.
And, there are ways to make this better, ways to make it easier for you to go! The first step however is recognizing that you could use a little help in that department. Once you have done this the next step is to ask why is this happening?
Constipation can happen for a variety of reasons - diet, physical changes, alterations to the brain gut axis and more! It is even more likely to occur in some conditions - like hypothyroidism! Regardless of the why you think may be happening, it is always worth it to sit down and go over it with someone. That way they can take in your considerations and mix in some of the reasons they see from your health history.
If you have made it this far along the tract, then it is time to create an action plan to get things moving! I start with the basics in my office and then we add where we need to! Like I said constipation is not always a magical unicorn, there are some tried and true items in the research that help to get things moving on a more permanent basis! What I will do is take into consideration other conditions or symptoms going on and create a well rounded first step for you - then if we gave it a true heave ho, we step the game up and go for the next step.
I may not have a magic wand, but I do commonly see constipation and want to be able to help you through the journey to better poops more consistently, less painfully and in a way that makes your digestion feel better!
If you have questions or want some help with your own constipation, follow the link to book in a consult or full appointment!
Tune in next time for ‘Common Conditions Chapter: Diarrhea’
Disclaimer: As per usual, this is not medical advice, just education - if anything here resonates or makes you question, book an appointment with your friendly neighbourhood Naturopathic Doctor, Nurse Practionner or GP!