Digestion

What is Constipation?

Constipation is the passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. People who are constipated may find it difficult and painful to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms of constipation include feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.

At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually the causes. In most cases, constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.

What causes constipation?

To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.

The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. Common causes of constipation are

• not enough fiber in the diet
• not enough liquids
• lack of exercise
• medications
• irritable bowel syndrome
• changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel
• abuse of laxatives
• ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• specific diseases such as stroke (by far the most common)
• problems with the colon and rectum
• problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Not enough fiber in the Diet

The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and high in fats found in cheese, eggs, and meats. People who eat plenty of high-fiber foods are less likely to become constipated.

Fiber—both soluble and insoluble—is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines almost unchanged. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Not enough liquids

Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about eight 8-ounce glasses. Liquids that contain caffeine, like coffee and cola drinks, and alcohol have a dehydrating effect.

• pain medications (especially narcotics)
• antacids that contain aluminum and calcium
• blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers)
• antiparkinson drugs
• antispasmodics
• antidepressants
• iron supplements
• diuretics
• anticonvulsants

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is when loose, watery stools occur more than three times in one day. It is a common problem that usually lasts a day or two and goes away on its own without any special treatment. However, prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of other problems. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems.

People of all ages can get diarrhea. The average adult has a bout of diarrhea about four times a year. Diarrhea may be caused by a temporary problem, like an infection, or a chronic problem, like an intestinal disease.

What causes Diarrhea?

Bacterial infections

Several types of bacteria, consumed through contaminated food or water, can cause diarrhea. Common culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli.

Viral infections

Many viruses cause diarrhea, including rotavirus, Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis.

Food intolerances

Some people are unable to digest some component of food, such as lactose, the sugar found in milk.

Intestinal diseases

Examples include inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease.

Functional bowel disorders

An example is irritable bowel syndrome, in which the intestines do not work normally.

Some people develop diarrhea after stomach surgery or removal of the gallbladder. The reason may be a change in how quickly food moves through the digestive system after stomach surgery or an increase in bile in the colon that can occur after gallbladder surgery.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Diarrhea and Constipation

In Chinese medicine, we treat the individual's pattern not their disease. Because Chinese medicine is a holistic medicine, a person's pattern is determined by the entirety of their signs and symptoms, not just those that make up the disease. In Chinese medicine, disease is seen as stemming from an imbalance. Treatments are aimed at restoring balance to the individual, as well as alleviating symptoms of disease. The treatment principles necessary to correct the imbalance and restore the patient to good health vary according to the pattern.

In treating IBS or other digestive disorders with Chinese medicine, we use many modalities including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, and lifestyle counseling. The acupuncture points and herbs used will vary according to the individual's pattern, as will the dietary and lifestyle advice.