Constipation

Move Your Poo

Diagnosis:

► less than 3 poops a week

► strain when pooping

► dry hard difficult to pass turds

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) problems, affecting about 42 million people in the United States.[1]

Complications of Constipation:

► hemorrhoids

► rectal prolapse

► anal fissure

► irritability

► fecal impaction

► IBS

Branch Treatment (symptom):

► laxatives (drugs, fiber, herbs or combos thereof all considered branch)

Note: laxatives may cause constipation over time if the mechanism of action is irritation to the intestines which leads to compromised function.

Root Treatment (cause):

Possible Systems Involved

► digestion (upper GI tract)

► gallbladder

► mucosal lining

► pituitary

► thyroid

► small intestine dysbiosis

► autonomic nervous system

► immune

► motility

► exercise physiology

Constipation Causing Drugs:

► antacids

► anticholinergics

► anticonvulsants

► antispasmodics

► calcium channel blockers

► diuretics

► iron supplements

► narcotics

► antidepressants

A happy pooper is an empty pooper :)

1. Higgins PD, Johanson JF. Epidemiology of constipation in North America: a systematic review. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2004;99:750–759.​