1. Get checked for hypothyroidism. Constipation is one of the hidden symptoms of hyopothyroidism.
2. Check for food intolerance, leaky gut, pathogenic gut flora, infections and parasites. (Use the Alcat food sensitivity test and GI Effects Complete Profile Stool test) – http://www.metametrix.com/test-menu/profiles/gastrointestinal-function/dna-stool-analysis-gi-effects and http://www.alcat.com/
3. Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods. Vegetables are phenomenal sources of fiber. For added fiber to help normalize your stool, try whole organic flaxseeds. Grind the seeds in a coffee grinder, then add a tablespoon or two to your food.
You can also try organic psyllium. Psyllium is unique because it’s an adaptogenic fiber, which means it will help soften your stool if you’re constipated, or reduce frequency of your bowel movements if you have loose stools.
4. Exercise Regularly. This helps stimulate circulation and intestinal function, causing your bowels to move properly.
5. Take a high-quality probiotic. This helps to balance the good and bad bacteria in your gut, which is essential for proper digestive function. Probiotics are also useful in fighting IBS, which can contribute to constipation.
6. Aloe vera and magnesium supplements can also be useful tools to speed up your bowel movements. (Krebbs magnesium/potassium chelates – http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/integrative-therapeutics-krebs-magnesiumpotassium-chelates60.html)
7. Drink plenty of water. Try to drink half your weight in ounces. Start your day with 10 ounces of water with lemon before eating anything. Drink a large glass of water an hour or so before meals.
8. Avoid foods that cause constipation: Dairy, wheat and processed foods
9. Take a digestive enzyme
10. Try a detox fast
Here’s one that I recommend from Dr. Smothers, a clinical nutritionist in Memphis, TN.
Detox Fast: Accelerated Fasting Detoxification Program: Liquid Fast (By Dr. John Smothers)
Day 1: Juice 2 quarts of Organic Apple Juice with lemon
- Drink fiber shake first thing in the morning – 2 T of Colon Plus mixed in apple juice or water
- Consume 2-4 tablespoons of of vegetable oils per day (flax seed oil, coconut butter, olive oil) – Best if mixed with broth
- Unlimited water, green tea (no sugar or honey) organic vegetable/fruit juices and bone broth are also allowed during the fast
- Use a herbal laxative with fiber if not having 2-3 bowel movements per day.
- Healthy Option: HydroColonic to help irrigate toxins and waste from Large Intestine
Day 2: Drink 2 quarts of hot stock broth
- Drink fiber shake first thing in the morning – 2 T of Colon Plus mixed in apple juice or water
- Consume 2-4 tablespoons of of vegetable oils per day (flax seed oil, coconut butter, olive oil)
- Water, green tea (no sugar or honey) organic vegetable/fruit juices and broth are also allowed during the fast
- Healthy Option: HydroColonic to help irrigate toxins and waste from Large Intestine
Day 3-5: Drink 2 quarts of organic vegetable juice
Vegetable Juice Recipe – (8oz) 70% Carrot, (2oz) 20% celery, (1/2oz) 5% beet, (1/4oz) fresh ginger, (1/4oz) garlic and (1oz) wheat grass.
- Drink fiber shake first thing in the morning – 2 T of Colon Plus mixed in apple juice or water
- Consume 2-4 tablespoons of vegetable oils per day (flax seed oil, coconut butter, olive oil)
- Water, green tea (no sugar or honey) organic vegetable/fruit juices and broth are also allowed during the fast.
- Healthy Option: HydroColonic to help irrigate toxins and waste from Large Intestine
- Olive Oil Flush: Day 4 of fast.
- Mix 4-8 oz of extra virgin olive oil, 4-8 oz of fresh squeezed orange juice, 1-2 oz of fresh squeezed lemon juice. Mix well and drink at bedtime. Go immediately to bed and lay on your right side, with your right knee pulled close to chest for 20-30 minutes. Drink Fiber shake upon arising the next morning.
Related Podcasts Worth Listening To:
- Listen to an interview with JJ Virgin on the topic of food intolerance: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/undergroundwellness/2012/11/02/the-virgin-diet-w-jj-virgin
- Wheat Belly with Dr. William Davis – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/undergroundwellness/2011/09/28/wheat-belly-with-dr-william-davis
- Magnesium Deficiency: The Stealth Bomber in Chronic Disease – http://undergroundwellness.com/podcasts/magnesium-deficiency-the-stealth-bomber-in-chronic-disease/