Why Am I Constipated? It Isn’t Just About Food

The Psychology of Constipation

Without proper pressure and lubrication, there is a high chance of constipation. However, it is not this simple. Constipation is not only about food, it is mediated by a variety of other mechanisms

Hormonal Constipation

Hormones are another influencer of constipation. Thyroid issues can cause the metabolism to move at an incredibly slow rate, processing food and nourishment very slowly, and expelling it in the same manner¹.

Estrogen dominance, which is an epidemic these days, also causes constipation². High progesterone is required to have healthy bowel movements. When there is no stress, progesterone levels are higher, allowing the lower sphincter to work properly.

Nervous System Constipation

Stress is the other highly notable factor in constipation³. If you’re stressed, not only are you low in progesterone, but also in the minerals that help with relaxation and laxation such as magnesium and vitamin C.

Lifestyle Constipation

Your lifestyle can also contribute to constipation⁴. Movement of the body is required for movement of the bowels! Makes total sense, right? In order for the smooth muscle of the bowel to contract properly, regular exercise and movement is required⁵.

Emotional Constipation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the picture of constipation is correlated to being unable to let things go. You may have a tendency of holding onto things and not working through them. If you hoard, on either a physical or emotional level, you likely have issues with constipation. The body tends to freeze and slow down its activity to protect you. 

3 Simple Fixes to Support Constipation

1. Analyzing Your Poo

If you learn how to read them, your poops can become your FREE daily oracle for the state of your health. They can help you decipher which factors are contributing to your constipation, and from there you can take the necessary steps to improve it.

Did you know that there are more than 50 Shades of Poo? Not really, but it sounds pretty cool, just like the movie 50 Shades of Grey. There are many colors, however, and it’s important to know which ones are normal and which ones could be a medical emergency.

Download our other free infographic, the 50 Shades of Poo, so you can find out what you should be looking for in the bowl. I promise you will be blown away by this one simple measure of poo yet there are so many more!

2. Castor Oil Packs

Castor Oil Packs are an amazing tool for constipation. In a study done in a home for the elderly, Castor Oil Packs were compared to conventional laxatives and found to be just as effective. The amazing thing is, there was no harsh urgency to run to the bathroom, as you get with laxatives.

Castor Oil Packs work on the physiological aspect of constipation, but they also indirectly help to balance hormones. Castor Oil Packs have a long history of use for supporting hormonal problems, including estrogen dominance and hypothyroidism. They may help with detoxification in the liver via glutathione⁷, which helps the liver to clear out excess hormones.

Castor Oil Packs work on the nervous system element of constipation by improving relaxation and balancing stress^8,9. Another bonus of using Castor Oil Packs is that they may help with inflammation^10,11, which can be yet another contributing factor in constipation¹². Get started on your Castor Oil Pack practice today with the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack for Liver Kit.

3. The Three Legged Stool

Now we know that constipation is about so much more than just food, but since the bowel runs on the principle of pressure and lubrication, it is still an important factor to support. We call this formula the ‘Three Legged Stool for Bowel Movement Success’.

• Fiber (pressure) – We are drastically deficient in the amount of fiber we are eating. The recommended dosage is 30 grams of fiber per day. On average, North Americans consume only 4-5 grams per day. Great sources of fiber are vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Chia seeds are also excellent because they are high in calcium as well as fiber
• Fluid (pressure and lubrication) – Our bodies are 80% water. Water is the universal solvent, so it moves and cleanses. Ideally, you want to consume 30ml/kg (or 2.2 lbs) of body weight each day, and more if you are exercising.

• Fat (lubrication) – Fat is like lubricant to your colon. Avocado (fiber and fat), olive oil or coconut oil are all amazing lubricating fats.

So, bottom line, pooping is dependent on so much more than just the foods you are eating. Digestion and elimination function is mediated by hormonal and nervous systems in the body, as well as your lifestyle and emotions.

Would you love a quick and easy recipe to help support colon cleansing and bowel movements? It incorporates what we like to call “ The Three Legged Stool” of…

1. Fiber (pressure)- Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber that help to bind and move toxins out of the body, plus they’re rich in calcium.

2. Fluid (pressure and lubrication)- The water in this recipe adds some fluid while softening the coconut oil so it can settle into your baking sheet.

3. Fat (lubrication)- Coconut oil is a great source of healthy fats that act like a lubricant to your colon.

Paleo Peppermint Bark Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp of chia seeds 
• 2 tbsp of softened coconut oil
• 1 tbsp hot water
• 2 drops of peppermint oil 
• Optional: Stevia for enhanced sweetness 

Directions:

1. Mix or blend all ingredients together and pour into a baking sheet. You may add stevia for enhanced sweetness.
2. Freeze overnight.
3. Once frozen, break apart into pieces to enjoy and keep the rest in the freezer.

Get ready to embark on a journey of deliciousness and well-being with “The Paleo Peppermint Bark”! It’s a recipe that not only supports your colon health but also brings joy and excitement to your taste buds. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into a world of flavor and rejuvenation!

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