What
is Constipation ?
Almost
everyone suffers from the accumulation of toxins in the colon, evidenced
by a coating at the back of the tongue. According to Ayurveda, normal
and healthy colon function is indicated by lack of tongue coating
(except for a normal thin white coating). One should have an easy
bowel movement the first thing in the morning. The stool should float
(if it sinks it indicates Ama, poor digestion and the accumulation
of toxins).
Toxins
in the colon and constipation, however, cannot always be simply treated
with purgatives. These can weaken the tone of the colon and breed
dependency. Their action on the system is strong and often traumatic;
it can unbalance other organ functioning and, particularly, aggravate
Vata, the biological air humor. Symptoms of excessive use of purgatives
include lack of appetite, excessive weight loss, insomnia, diarrhea
or continued constipation, palpitations, anxiety and vertigo or feeling
faint.
The
main cause of constipation on a physical level is dietary —
eating food that is difficult to digest. It may also occur as the
complication of a fever or infectious disease. Other factors include
sleeping late in the morning, or not heeding the urge to go. Life-style
of getting up quickly and rushing off to work tends to block the natural
urge towards elimination. Sex in the morning causes apana, the downward
moving air, to be weakened and can aggravate the condition. Coffee
or tea in the morning may promote constipation, as they tend to be
diuretic (drying).
Mental
factors include insomnia, nervousness, stress, worry, grief and fear,
as well as any excess stimulation of the nervous system (too much
television). Medical factors such as being bedridden or taking too
many drugs or medications (particularly diuretics) can come into play.
What
is the general treatment ?
According
to Ayurveda, the digestion must improve with the right use of spices;
the Agni or digestive fire must be normalized. Laxatives that tonify
the colon or Improve colon function are safer and often preferable
to short-term quick purgatives.
Mild
laxative such as Isabgol is better for use often. Castor oil is also
good for more severe constipation and is not as drying to the colon
as these bitter purgatives. Fever, thick tongue coating, severe bloating,
gas or abdominal pain evidences acute constipation. It usually indicates
Ama, toxemia or some kind of food poisoning (which may be caused by
bad food combinations). Hence, fasting or light diet should also be
followed. Care should be taken, however, if the pain is in the lower
right abdomen. This can indicate appendicitis, in which case purgatives,
though sometimes helpful, can be quite dangerous.
For
chronic constipation diet should be addressed first, with adequate
intake of oily or bulk foods. These include dairy, nuts, whole grains,
bran, raw fruit and raw vegetables. Many fruit juices are good —
prune, grape, cherry, but not so much apple or cranberry, which can
cause constipation. More oils or fats may be needed in the diet. Sesame
oil is excellent, as is Olive oil.
In
terms of life-style, it is important to arise at dawn (Vata time and
colon time) and to empty the bowels. Often a glass of water or herbal
tea will help stimulate peristalsis. Yoga postures or a mild massage
of the lower abdomen are helpful.
Squatting
rather than sitting on the toilet, is a more natural position for
elimination and helps relieve blockages or spasms in the intestines
that may inhibit normal evacuation.
A
good breakfast, particularly of oily or laxative food, such as
oatmeal with milk or ghee, may bring about normal evacuation if it
has not occurred by that point. Or taking prune or grape juices may
do the job. Cold food, like cold cereals, may block normal elimination.
Recommended
Diet
- Take
ample fruits, fruit juices, salads, leafy and green vegitables.
Whole grain bread can be taken. Unpolished rice can be taken moderately.
- Fried
foods and beans should be avoided. Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower,
broccoli are not good. Nuts and dry fruits should also be avoided.
- It
is very much necessary to from a habit of evacuating early morning.
Regular physical exercise is also important for having clear bowels.
One should try to have relaxed mind, free from anxiety, stress etc.
- Pasteurized
milk
- Cooked
Eggs
- Overcooked
Meats
- Refined
Starch
We
offer some classical Indian supportive remedies for this disease which
are supposed to be taken strictly under medical supervision. Kindly
Ask a Doctor
