Helping the bowels to detox

Constipation is widespread in the Western world. Poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and dehydration are some of the causes, and all are exaggerated by a general inclination to be embarrassed about our bowel movements.

Naturopaths would encourage people who are eating 3 meals a day to view 1 to 3 bowel movements a day as normal. As constipation is often long-standing, supplements are often needed initially to promote the happy state of regular bowel movements.

Linseed must be one of the most useful herbs for constipation. Most who are constipated will respond to an increase in dietary fibre, and a gradual increase in the intake of linseed. 

A very useful source of fibre is in the skin of Kiwi fruit, which also contains many enzymes. A Kiwi fruit eaten with its skin every day can go a long way to improving constipation. 

The most important use for Linseed is as a bulking agent. It contains mucilage which swells in the presence of water. This endows linseed with tremendous ‘bulking’ activity. The oils present in linseed also act as a lubricating agent. Linseed when used properly, does not cause irritation of the bowel but acts by increasing the ‘fibre’ content, mechanically filling the bowel. Hence the effect may not be as rapid as with the pharmaceutical laxatives, nor the stimulant laxatives.

It is always of great interest to Naturopaths to note how many symptoms can be resolved by improving bowel function.

Bloating, abdominal discomfort, cramping pains, fatigue, skin problems and even menstrual pains can disappear when the bowel is functioning well. 

In general, laxatives should not be used long term unless chronic constipation has rendered the bowel unable to move naturally. Once the desired effect has been achieved, gradually reduce the dose until it is no longer necessary. In practice however, this is not always easy to help with regularity.