Say Goodbye to Constipation: Tips for Relief and Wellness

Hello, Inner Wellness community!

We are delving into a topic that affects many of us but is often overlooked — constipation. Understanding its impact on your body, especially your pelvic floor, is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being.

What is Constipation?

Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. It's a common condition that can be caused by various factors, including diet, lack of exercise, medication, and stress. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic constipation can lead to more serious health issues. Bowel regularity is incredibly important for our health, as a main detox pathway, we aim to pass a bowel motion 1-2 times per day.

The Importance of Pelvic Floor Strength

Your pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. When these muscles are strong, they function efficiently to maintain continence and support pelvic organs. Chronic constipation can weaken the pelvic floor muscles due to straining during bowel movements, leading to issues such as incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Maintaining a healthy pelvic floor is essential for overall pelvic health and quality of life.

Why Constipation is Common at Certain Stages of a Woman's Life

Constipation can be particularly common during pregnancy and perimenopause due to hormonal changes.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone increases, which can slow down the digestive system and lead to constipation. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the intestines, making it harder for food to move through the digestive tract.

Perimenopause: In perimenopause, fluctuating hormone levels, especially a decrease in estrogen, can affect bowel regularity. Lower estrogen levels can lead to slower bowel movements, causing constipation.

Understanding these hormonal influences on digestion can help in managing and mitigating constipation during these life stages.

Structures Impacted by Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation can affect several structures in the body, including:

• Pelvic Floor Muscles: Straining weakens these muscles, compromising their ability to support pelvic organs.

• Rectum and Anus: Constant straining can cause hemorrhoids and fissures.

• Colon: Prolonged stool retention can lead to distension and damage to the colon wall.

• Abdominal Muscles: These muscles may become strained or weakened due to the effort required to pass stool.

The Role of Magnesium in Bowel Health

Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a significant role in muscle relaxation and bowel regularity. It helps to soften stools by drawing water into the intestines, making it easier to pass. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains into your diet can improve bowel motion and alleviate constipation. At Inner Wellness, we stock practitioner-only strength and quality magnesium powder to help you achieve optimal digestive health

Constipation and Back Pain: The Viscero-Somatic Reflex

Constipation can also be linked to back pain through a mechanism known as the viscero-somatic reflex. When the intestines are distended due to constipation, they can irritate the surrounding nerves, causing referred pain in the lower back. This connection highlights the importance of addressing constipation not only for digestive health but also for overall musculoskeletal well-being.

How Osteopathy Can Help with Constipation

At Inner Wellness Osteopathy, we understand the interconnectedness of the body and how digestive health impacts overall well-being. Our osteopaths use gentle, hands-on techniques to:

• Improve bowel motility by stimulating the nerves and muscles involved in digestion.

• Relieve tension in the abdominal and pelvic regions.

• Enhance blood flow to the digestive organs.

• Address postural issues that may contribute to constipation.

• Advise on management of the condition- toilet sitting position, movement, diet, lifestyle factors like stress management

  
  

Our holistic approach ensures that we address the root cause of your symptoms, empowering you to achieve lasting relief and improved health.

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