Constipation - Other
What Does It Mean?
Constipation occurs when there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, often associated with infrequent, hard, or painful stools. The causes can range from dietary factors and gut dysbiosis to nervous system imbalances and metabolic dysfunction. Functional medicine addresses constipation by identifying and treating the root causes, including nutritional deficiencies, motility disorders, and microbiome imbalances.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Gut Dysbiosis: An imbalance in gut bacteria disrupts normal bowel motility.
- Nervous System Dysregulation: Stress and autonomic dysfunction impair peristalsis.
- Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium is essential for smooth muscle contraction in the intestines.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Impaired ATP production affects intestinal motility.
- Dehydration & Electrolyte Imbalances: Inadequate hydration slows stool transit.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) reduces bowel movement frequency.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Infrequent bowel movements (less than three times per week)
- Hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
- Straining during bowel movements
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Fatigue and sluggishness (often linked to toxic buildup)
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach
The treatment protocol aims to restore bowel motility, improve gut microbiota, and support metabolic function through targeted supplementation, hydration, and lifestyle modifications.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Magnesium | Relaxes intestinal muscles, supports motility | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Supports mitochondrial function and energy production | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Vita-Aloe | Enhances gut motility and soothes the GI tract | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| GI Motility | Stimulates intestinal contractions | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Improves hydration, supports stool softening | ½ scoop of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports gut microbiome and reduces dysbiosis | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Increase Fiber Intake: Aim for 25-35g daily from vegetables, fruits, and flaxseeds.
- Optimize Hydration: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
- Stress Management: Incorporate deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Regular Physical Activity: Engage in daily movement such as walking or yoga.
- Support Gut Health: Use fermented foods and probiotics to restore microbiome balance.