What is causing my constipation?

If you have less than three movements of bowel a week, it is usually considered as constipation. Most people suffer from constipation once in a while, but some people suffer from chronic constipation which can affect their daily life usually they feel sluggish, lethargic and sometimes irritable. It can affect your appetite and your concentration. Some people are afraid to eat or go to the toilet especially children.

Symptoms:

1. Passing hard stools
   
2. Difficulty in having a bowel movement
   
3. If it requires a lot of straining which in turn can lead to other problems
   
4. Movement is hardly ever satisfactory
   
5. In severe cases a person might need manual evacuation
   
6. Some people are prescribed laxatives or enemas once in a while others use over the counter medications to relieve their constipation.But in my opinion you should always consult your doctor before starting any self treatment or therapy.
   

Causes:

• Stress
  
• Dehydration
  
• Any physical blockage such as an obstruction, narrowing of the bowel or anal fissure
  
• Cancer
  
• Spinal cord injury
  
• Strokes
  
• Multiple sclerosis
  
• Parkinson’s
  
• It is very common in pregnancy
  
• Hypothyroidism
  
• If you suffer from diabetes
  
• It can run in families
  

Constipation is more common in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, if you do not drink enough water, eating a lot of processed or junk foods, if you suffer from anxiety / depression and take certain medications eg anti depressants and codeine.

If your doctor has identified a cause and ruled out any serious condition associated with your constipation then complementary therapies can play a great role in helping this condition. Therapies which are available at our clinic are Laser Acupuncture, nutritional therapy, lifestyle medicine, Low dose medicine (LDM), restoration of gut health and relief of stress and anxiety.

There is nothing like having a satisfactory natural bowel movement every day leaving you refreshed and full of vitality. In our clinic we are happy to announce new low dose medicine remedies (LDM) with great results.

Dr Bhatti is a medically qualified Doctor who specialises in complementary therapies has worked in medicine, surgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, geriaritics with 3 plus years in psychiatry and was in charge of the alcoholism and addiction unit in S.B.H. He has a post graduate Diploma from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons and a Practitioners Certificate in CBT and a Professional Certificate in Mindfulness.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.