Constipation or Diarrhea

Constipation and Diarrhea are common complaints for many patients, and most of them feel it is �just how they are� and that it is something they have to live with. Laxatives and other medications are not long term solutions to these problems. If you are not moving your bowels regularly and daily you could have a developing condition that could cause more serious problems later on. Chronic constipation can cause a back up of waste material into the intestines. This material can be harmful if retained in the bowels. Remember there is a reason that the body is trying to eliminate it.

Recurrent diarrhea or loose stools are frequently a sign of abnormal flora in the gut. There are normal beneficial bacteria which reside in our intestine that help aide in digestion and keep harmful bacteria from taking up residence. Did you know that antibiotic use often disrupts the normal beneficial bacteria living within our GI tract? When these �good� bacteria are killed off, it allows harmful bacteria and even yeast (candida) to flourish. This situation is called bacterial overgrowth. This can result in diarrhea, loose stools and even constipation.

Occasionally, constipation or diarrhea is a symptom of other internal conditions occurring within the body. Conditions such as thyroid abnormality, chronic candida, and autoimmune attack on the intestines can all cause bowel irregularity. Normal intestinal function and health is very important to your overall health and wellbeing. We can help to diagnose the cause of the irregularity and exclude more serious conditions.