Poor digestion can wreak havoc
We often don't realise that poor digestion can wreak havoc in our body leading to allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, rashes, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, skin conditions and more.
Constipation is one of the most common of the many digestive problems. Dry, hard, pebbly bowel movements are a sure sign that your diet contains insufficient fluids and soluble and insoluble fibre to produce a moist, bulky stool, and irregular bowel movements leave you feeling sluggish and out of balance.
As our digestive health is connected to literally everything that happens in our body, it is critical that we detect the signs of poor digestion, and also understand what causes this imbalance.
Symptoms of poor digestion
Following are most common signs of poor digestion
- Low or fierce appetite
- Nausea
- Cravings
- Bloating
- Poor nutrition/sub-nutrition
- Poor assimilation of nutrients
- Dry, acid or mucus stools
- Fatigue
- Blemished or congested skin
- Inflammatory health problems
- Weight fluctuation
- Indigestion
Most common causes for poor digestion and constipation
There are several, possibly simultaneous causes for constipation, and following are the most common drivers
- Chronic stress and emotional imbalance
- Dehydration
- Limited variety of foods
- Diet high in processed food and sugars (lacks soluble and insoluble fibre)
- Grazing
- Insufficient chewing of food
- Poor balance of gut flora due to antibiotic medication
- Lack of magnesium
- Lack of quality sleep
- Lack of movement and stimulation
- Extreme exposure to toxins and heavy metal overload can impair gut function
- Low thyroid function
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Common medications such as iron supplements, blood pressure medication, diuretics etc. (please seek professional help if you take these on regular basis)
- Raised alcohol consumption
- Seasonal disruption
To truly combat constipation needs a focused effort
As constipation is an accumulative condition, and therefore needs a multifaceted approach to repair the digestive system completely. Using the lists above, you may like to consider the following on your path to feeling easier and being regular again.
- Establish what might be contributing to your chronic constipation, and what needs changing
- Analyse all aspects of your lifestyle, eating habits, stress levels and prioritise - write it down
- Start with simple adjustments that suit you right now, review, adjust where necessary
- Intention and focus are key when changing or adopting new habits, stay the course….
- Evolve to the next phase now you are feeling the benefits, adding new healthful habits
- Regular bowel movement is so underrated!
Samantha Entwisle, Medical Herbalist (MNIMH DTLLS)
