Constipation – many of us have had our experiences with this difficult symptom before and it is still one of the most common paediatric conditions that comes through the office. Regular bowel movements are essential for removing chemical and microbial waste products from the body, so plays an extremely important role in health maintenance. If one is constipated, it's may be an indication that the organs of detoxification are not functioning optimally, the nervous system may be exhausted and dysregulated, and/or that the probiotic flora may not be optimally diversified. Optimal Frequency For Bowel Movements· Adults and children over age 4 should have at least one sufficient bowel movement daily. Signs of constipation should always be first assessed by a medical professional - imaging may be required for an accurate diagnosis. Make sure to check in with a medical professional before trying anything on your own, especially if the affected person falls under one of the following:
Natural Treatments For Constipation1. WaterLots and lots of wonderful water will help move those stubborn bowel movements along. Constipation can be a sign of dehydration so making sure to keep your children sufficiently hydrated is essential for smooth moving stools. Water, fruits (not juice), herbal teas (non-caffeinated!) are all options for hydration 2. Insoluble FibreInsoluble fibre help keep the stools loose and fluid by adding bulk - the bulkiness of the stool will stimulate the intestines to contact, pushing the bowel through the colon. Sources of insoluble fibre include vegetables (especially dark leafy greens), fruit skins (apples, pears), bran, flax seeds, beans and legumes, beets. 3. Soluble FibreSoluble fibre helps with constipation by drawing water in to the bowels forming a “gel”. This softens the stool, making it easier to pass. The best sources for soluble fibre sources include psyllium fibre, oats, brown rice chia seeds, artichokes, green plantain, legumes. 4. Prunes4. Prune juice is an age-old remedy used to help treat constipation. The reason why prune juice is so helpful is that it contains biochemicals called anthraquinones which act as natural laxatives. Just like any laxative, this should not be used long term as your body to prevent dependence. It is recommended to provide a child 1-3 ounces of prune juice twice daily before meals to help treat constipation. Once constipation improves, you can cut this down to 1x/day. If the prune juice does not work within 1 week, discontinue this approach. 5. FloraHealthy Flora! Like I've pretty much said in all my articles, probiotics are wonderful for regulating the gastrointestinal tract and great for alleviating symptoms of constipation. This includes providing the body with probiotics through supplementation, and/or adding healthy prebiotic foods to encourage the growth of a healthy microbiome. 6. Castor OilCastor oil belly rubs - used topically on the stomach, this gentle massage technique encourages intestinal contractions (peristalsis) and helps encourage healthy liver function, which is important for digestive health. For the instructions, visit, http://tanyaleend.com/home-remedies/ If constipation does not improve with these home remedies, stronger treatments are likely needed. Naturopathic doctors are trained in assessing the root cause of constipation to determine what therapy is appropriate. Herbal medicine and dietary management are gentle and effective medical treatments when applied properly by a trained professional.
If you're curious to learn more about this subject or would like to consult with one of our NDs feel free to book a visit or contact us. Yours in Health, Dr. Tanya Lee, N.D 572 Bloor St W #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1 Read additional ways about health, wellness, naturopathy, and medicine at: naturopathic doctor Toronto
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Annex Naturopathic Clinic is a clinic in downtown Toronto that offers integrative healthcare solutions. Toronto naturopathic practitioners Dr. Marnie Luck, ND and Dr. Tanya Lee, ND offer a variety of treatment plans using a range of modalities individualized to each patient which can complement conventional health care.
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