Avoiding constipation

Press, 9 February 1989, Page 12

Avoiding constipation

When one is consti-. pated, waste materials accumulate and stagnate inside the body and toxins are reabsorbed into the system. Constipation causes many minor ailments such as headaches, abdominal pain, backache, sickness and lethargy and if it becomes chronic, it may result in serious ill-health. Besides poisoning the system, a distended lower bowel may drag on the supporting, tissues which produces a feeling of heaviness. The pressure aggravates piles or varicose veins and when severe may cause them to develop. People often suffer from constipation all their lives because they were dosed laxatives regularly during childhood. With less need to function efficiently, the peristaltic worm-like action of the

intestines slows down. This sets up a vicious circle, making increasing amounts of purgatives necessary. Our modern foods are so processed and refined that roughage as almost non-existent, yet the bowels need bulk if constipation is to be avoided. To keep well, everyone should go to the lavatory after breakfast if possible; drinking a glassful of hot water or weak tea on rising may help to develop the habit.

The diet should be planned to include foods which contain cellulose and fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals. An excellent breakfast to prevent or cure constipation is a serving of a bran cereal-with a handful of raisins. Dates, sultanas, figs and plums are all beneficial. Drugs should be

avoided, though a vegetable laxative may be needed until the bowels are retrained. Castor oil leads to constipation and should never be taken, while liquid paraffin prevents vitamin absorption. For chronic constipation, add a few senna leaves when cooking prunes for breakfast, then decrease the senna gradually when normal function is restored. Constipation can often be overcome by adopting a squatting position. This can be achieved by using a footstool in front of the lavatory, while a child can use a potty. Before starting a wellbalanced diet, a day’s fasting with only fruit juice works wonders. Fresh air, a daily walk and exercises will also help to improve bowel activity and improve the general health. — Copyright DUO, 1988