How to Naturally
Restore Colon Function
This part two of a health care article covering chronic constipation and eliminatory health.
click here for part oneContents, copyright 2007 and updated 2008, Neva J. Howell, all rights reserved.
If you are constipated right now, you don't wanta hear what might help in the future, which is part of what the first section of this article was about. You want help now. I understand.
When this article was originally written in 2007, I covered some remedies that had worked for me, consistently, through the years.
Recently, though, I found a natural remedy for constipation that out-performs them all. It's actually what I depend on now but if you can't get it, these other suggestions will be helpful.
Here's what I use now for constipation and Here is info on Natural Moves from Native Remedies.
Tips for Easing Constipation
Walking for at least 15 minutes, taking care to swing the arms gently as you walk.Magnesium, in the form of a product called Natural Calm works great for me to get things moving. I drink a little less than a teaspoon in hot water. This is the most absorbable type of magnesium I know about, and goes into your system almost immediately. Look for Natural Calm at your local health food store.
Black eyed peas are a miracle cure for me. I eat a whole can when I'm constipated.
Important note: If you have IBS, diverticulitis, Krohn's Disease, or any other problem with the colon, check with your doctor about high-fiber foods being added.
Diabetic? Read how adding more beans to your diet could be very helpful
Aloe vera juice - I take about 6 ounces.
Listening to a meditation tape, or taking a long hot shower to relax. Also, try taking several deep, slow breaths while you are sitting on the toilet, and letting each breath out very slowly. This can help relax you enough so that you can go.
The good old stand by, prune juice. I drink about six ounces.
GT's Kombucha. This is a naturally effervescent drink. I happen to like the taste but some may not. Works well to help regulate elimination and also has positive effect on digestion.
If I also have bloating and gas, I take two capsules of activated charcoal. I keep this remarkable health supplement on hand at all times, for food poisoning. Not suggested as replacement for going to the hospital but it might save your life til you can get there.
Warning: Do not take activated charcoal within two hours of other medications because it will absorb those too, along with whatever other toxicity is in your system. Despite the good that many drugs do, they are still foreign to the body and toxic to some degree, hence the wide range of side effects that accompany your prescription.
The Importance of Maintenance Cleansing
I always feel better after cleansing my colon and I usually do a maintenance cleanse about twice a year. After a cleanse, I notice more regular elimination patterns, an increase in energy, better looking skin and hair, and better sleep.
If I wait too long between cleanses and let my body get overly toxic, I sometimes experience discomfort in the form of bloating, gas, flu-like symptoms and fatique, for the first few days of a cleanse. If it's been over a year since you did a colon cleanse, please read about Blessed Herbs Colon Cleanse
Important change in my own colon health regimen: After a terrible bout with chronic constipation, and discovering a product called Dr. Miller's Holy Tea, I have come to rely on this tea quite heavily. I drink it every day though the amount I drink will fluctuate with my needs.
As an herbalist, I was not overly impressed with the ingredients in this tea at first glance. They are all good herbs for cleansing and I'm certainly familiar with all of them (with the exception of persimmon leaves which may be the vital difference) but I have to say there is a definite synergy in having them all together in this tea, and perhaps there is an herb to herb ratio that also makes a difference. Whatever the reason, it works!
Important, please read: The alternative health care information on Ask a Healer is presented as an educational resource and not as a substitute for needed medical attention. Our goal is to help you learn to restore and maintain healthy bowel movements and eliminatory health.
If you are under the care of a doctor for some known health challenge, and particularly any colon health issue such as IBS, diverticulosis, diverticulitis or Krohn's Disease, you should always check with your health care specialist before doing a detox, to assess your body's ability to safely undergo a cleanse.
You may also enjoy reading the following article on constipation, which covers what constipation is, how to tell when you are constipated, and causes of constipation: What is Constipation
Eliminatory Health Disclaimer: Chronic constipation can be a sign of other, more serious eliminatory health conditions including colon cancer. Please have yourself evaluated by a qualified professional if experiencing pain, blood in stool or other signs of eliminatory distress. Do not begin a colon cleanse if you have any bowel-related health challenge, without checking with your doctor first.