Recent statistics show an alarming trend with at least a third of those older than 60 suffering from chronic constipation. It’s the reason for millions of doctors’ visits each year and more than 800,000 emergency department trips. The number of people admitted to the hospital primarily for constipation has more than doubled since 1997.
Constipation occurs when gut motility slows down, resulting in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. But constipation isn’t just about what happens in the intestines. The digestive system has many moving parts that all work together in harmony.
Digestion starts in the mouth with the mechanical breakdown of food and the secretion of enzymes from the parotid gland’s saliva. In the stomach, acid producing cells secrete buffered hydrochloric acid to digest proteins. The pancreas secretes enzymes and digestive factors that contribute to the digestion of proteins and other foods. The gallbladder releases bile to emulsify and digest fats. The small intestine completes chemical digestion and the absorption of nutrients. The small intestine is the main site for the absorption of amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water, with approximately 90% of nutrient absorption occurring here.
Finally, the large intestine absorbs water, electrolytes and some remaining nutrients from the indigestible material that passes from the small intestine. This process converts the liquid chyme into solid feces, with the large intestine absorbing approximately 1 to 1.5 liters of fluid daily. The large intestine hosts a vast community of symbiotic bacteria that ferment undigested dietary fiber and synthesize essential vitamins like vitamin K and certain B vitamins.
The most common causes of constipation include insufficient intake of fiber and fluids, eating sugars, refined carbohydrates and processed foods, lack of physical activity, and not responding to the urge to defecate.
I have found that supporting a person’s gallbladder can really help move things along. The bile it secretes stimulates colonic motility acting as a physiological laxative. When bile gets thick and gallstones inhibit the flow of bile, digestive problems arise.
Acupuncture helps alleviate constipation by promoting gastrointestinal motility and regulating the nervous system. It’s amazing ability to stimulate nerves, send signals to the brain, and enhance vagus nerve output to the GI tract make it a highly effective therapy for chronic constipation.
Chronic constipation can be easily reversed, and you can “go with the flow”. It’s important to learn why you’re constipated in the first place. Is your gallbladder producing enough bile? Is the Ph of your large intestine too alkaline? Is your stomach producing enough acid?
When you understand the root cause of your constipation you will be able to address it effectively and naturally. Ahhhhh. That feels better.
Ready to find real solutions for your digestive health? At Vital Health, we help patients uncover the “why” behind their symptoms and create a plan for lasting relief. Call us today to get started.
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