Constipation

What Is It?

Constipation, derived from the Latin ‘constipatus’ meaning ‘to press or crowd together, to pack or to cram’, is the name given to a condition where the normally soft and pliable waste matter in the human colon, becomes dry, hard and difficult to pass. Constipation is also a condition in which the bowels are not moving regularly. An ideal situation is where the bowels move each time a meal is ingested, with a 12-24 hour transit time from mouth to bowel.

Problems of the bowel and colon health can be difficult to talk about, but we should all be aware that every organ, gland and cell in the body is affected by the condition of the large intestine - the colon.

Cause and Effect

Many people today are constipated because they do not eat enough raw, fresh and live foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Their diet is woefully low in natural fibre which is needed in significant amounts to protect against malfunction of the bowel. It has also been discovered that a deficiency in pantothenic acid can cause constipation.

Water is required in adequate amounts to help faecal matter become re-hydrated and softened. People often do not drink enough hydrating liquids, choosing instead tea and coffee which are diuretics making us urinate more liquid than they take in.

The ‘message’ our brain sends us to empty our bowel is all too often ignored, due to varying reasons. Children especially ‘hold it in’ until the need passes. Delaying bowel movements is not recommended as it can lead to constipation.

If taking any medications, it is always wise to read the leaflet contained inside as constipation is often one of the side effects.

Although they may provide temporary relief, laxative overuse can lead to a worsening of the problem as dependency may prevent the colon from working properly.

Colonic hydrotherapy is a therapy highly recommended by juicing pioneer Dr Norman W Walker. Historians have traced colonic hydrotherapy back to the ancient Egyptians. Descriptions of various methods of preparing enemas have been found in the Ebers Papyrus of 14th Century BC. (Colon Health – The Key to Vibrant Life by Dr Norman W. Walker)

Juice Pharmacy Recommendation

What to Avoid

As well as those listed below, it is also advisable to avoid overcooked and starchy foods, dairy and red meat.

Processed foods - All processed foods, refined sugar and white bread should be avoided. Food with low HI (human intervention) is always best.

Tea and coffee - As already mentioned these are diuretics which won’t help to keep us hydrated. Cutting alcohol and high sugar carbonated drinks will also be beneficial.

What to Include

The introduction of more fresh fruits and vegetables into our diet is imperative - the government’s 5 A Day is not nearly enough to shift stubborn constipation. A combination of increased mineral salts (which attract water into the gastrointestinal tract and re-hydrate faeces) and increased plant fibres will help to ease this condition. The addition of both soluble and insoluble fibre into the diet will help to sweep the waste matter from the intestines and facilitate soft, easy and frequent bowel movements. As well as the advice below it may also be helpful to include raw onion, apricot, banana, blueberries, boysen berry, gooseberry, grapes, guava, lemon, lime, orange, pear and watermelon in your diet. www.juicing-for-health.com

Apples and pears - These fruits contain a lot of soluble fibre in the form of pectin, which helps to lubricate the bowel.

Artichoke - According to a study of 553 patients, artichoke extract may help reduce constipation and associated complaints.

Exercise - As with most ailments, daily exercise is always beneficial. Find something you like doing and make it part of your daily life - just 20 minutes a day can help to make a huge difference to your overall state of health and how you feel.

Leafy greens - Daily consumption of raw leafy greens, alongside other raw vegetables (particularly raw radishes which can be chopped and put into salads), will help keep the bowels moving. Increased amounts of fresh fruits, freshly extracted fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies are also good.

Prunes - Freshly extracted prunes, plums and figs are renowned for their laxative effects. Try blending the fruit to help retain the fibre.

Water - Increased water intake should be the first step to help remedy constipation.

The Juice Recipes

Shot:The Electrolyte Sodium Shot - taken from Jason Vale's Super Juice Me! 28-Day Juice Challenge.
¼ Medium Cucumber
1 Celery Stick
Simply juice the ingredients and knock back as a shot!

Juice: Slimming Smoothie - taken from The Funky Fresh Juice Book
2 Apples
2 Celery Stalks
⅓ Cucumber
1 Lime
3cm Ginger
½ Avocado
Juice the apples, celery, cucumber, lime and ginger. Place the juice and avocado into a blender and blend until smooth.

Disclaimer

Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.

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