Feeling Constipated?

Constipation is a symptom - not a disease. It simply means we are having a hard time emptying our bowels. Constipation occurs when the bowel muscles are contracting too slowly or if the bowel reabsorbs too much water and hinders normal stool movement.  There are different types of constipation.

SIMPLE CONSTIPATION

This is the most common type of constipation that our patients experience. Simple constipation is a temporary interruption of our normal bowel movements that may be caused by dietary or lifestyle changes.

Common factors may include things such as increased stress, traveling, sudden dietary changes, a new work schedule or medication.

CHRONIC OR LONG-STANDING CONSTIPATION (SLOW TRANSIT)

Chronic or slow transit constipation, as the name suggests, is a long-lasting form of constipation that can continue for several years if untreated. While this can be the result of a poor diet or unhealthy lifestyle choices, long-standing constipation can also be linked to bowel muscles that are not functioning properly and trauma. With this type of constipation, patients typically complain about not being able to empty their bowels fully, often resulting in fatigue, tired legs, constant abdominal discomfort, and other digestive issues. Chronic or slow transit constipation may trigger anxiety, causing a vicious circle of stress. Whether it’s our brain or our bowels that are steering the stress cycle, constipation is not fun. Figuring out why it is happening and what you can do about it may help.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

Most of our bodily functions are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, a network of nerves that connect the brain to major organs. The autonomic nervous system contains the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares our body for fight-or-flight emergencies and high-anxiety situations. It also includes the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm our body down after experiencing fight-or-flight. The parasympathetic nervous system also prepares our body for digestion by communicating with the enteric nervous system located in our gut. The enteric nervous system is filled with neurons and is sometimes referred to as a second brain. It uses chemical and hormonal neurotransmitters to communicate back and forth with our brain and the rest of our nervous system. The enteric nervous system is where most of the body’s serotonin is manufactured. Serotonin helps with digestion by constricting the smooth muscles, which support the movement of food in our colon. During periods of heightened anxiety, hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and serotonin may be released by the brain. This raises the amount of serotonin in our gut and causes stomach spasms to occur. If these spasms happen throughout our entire colon, we may get diarrhea. If the spasms are isolated to one area of the colon, digestion may halt, and constipation may result.

STRESS FACTOR

When we eat, the neurons that line our digestive tract signal our intestines to contract and digest our food. When we are under stress, this digestive process can slow down to a crawl. If the stress we have is severe or long-term, symptoms such as stomach pain, constipation and fatigue can become chronic. Stress can also cause inflammation to occur in our gastrointestinal tract, increasing constipation and worsening existing inflammatory conditions we may have. Along with some simple changes in lifestyle, colonic irrigation is one of the most effective treatment options that can resolve all types of constipation.