Constipation is defined in conventional medicine as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. Coming from a naturopathic and functional medicine viewpoint Dr. Knight defines constipation as having a bowel movement less than once a day. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.

 

Constipation can have numerous causes including:

•Low dietary fiber intake

•Insufficient fluid consumption or dehydration

•Stress

•Lack of physical exercise

•Food sensitivities

•Hypothyroidism

•Neurotransmitter imbalance

•Magnesium deficiency

•Imbalance in the bacteria in the intestines

 

Besides the immediate discomfort that accompanies constipation, it can also lead to more serious issues such as:

•Hemorrhoids

•Diverticulitis

•Increased risk of colon and other cancers

•Damage to the lining of the colon.

 

Having a bowel movement is one way that our body eliminates waste, hormone metabolites, and toxins. When waste is not frequently being moved out of the gastrointestinal tract it can allow toxins and hormones to be reabsorbed potentially contributing to more chronic issues such as:

•Hormonal imbalances

•Increased risk of autoimmune diseases

•Increased risk of neurological conditions

•Increased risk of cancers

 

Dr Knight’s approach to patients with constipation focuses on determining the underlying causes and helping to correct the dysfunctions that are causing the symptoms. This leads to a more lasting improvement that takes into account the whole person.

 

While each person is an individual some of the more common approaches that Dr Knight looks at with patients with constipation include:

•Increasing fiber and fluid intake

•Correcting underlying nutritional insufficiencies

•Identifying and eliminating food allergies and sensitivities

•Investigating and correcting alterations in bacteria and yeast in the gastrointestinal tract

•Assessing and improving digestive function

•Addressing underlying stress and anxiety

•Optimizing diet and nutrition to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract

 

If you frequently suffer from constipation, don’t go on suffering any longer. Call today or click here to schedule an appointment and begin your road to more optimal health.