Constipation

Constipation causes a toxic backup in the body.

• Ideally poop 1-2 times a day
• Want stools to be #4 on Bristol Stool Scale (a “smooth sausage”)
• Increase fluid consumption
• Increase magnesium. ex: Epsom Salt (baths), Natural Calm (drink), Ease magnesium oil (applied topically)
• (Winter is dry – use a humidifier in the bedroom – clean it frequently. If it has a sponge, get rid of it. If ultrasonic or boiling humidifier = good. Want 40% humidity level in bedroom air. Don’t want excessive humidity because might encourage mold growth.)
• If more than 3 days go without a bowel movement, do an enema. (just note that frequent enemas make the body dependent upon them and can have a rebound effect over time)
• (Don’t give gummy bears or coconut flour when constipated)
• Increase fiber consumption from vegetables. Aim for 4-5 servings of veggies per day. See BrainFood Cookbook veggie chart p. 39, veggie magic p. 174
• Increase fiber consumption from organic psyllium husks
• Apply castor oil topically over lower abdomen
• Fermented foods can help (ex: sauerkraut, homemade raw milk kefir)
• Cooked fruits, especially apples & plums (or prunes)
• Increase oils (Fish oil, olive oil, ghee, etc.) – add them to everything
• Purchase a toilet stool ex: SquattyPotamus
• Going back and doing the GAPS intro may help
• Stool testing (ex: GI-MAP) can identify dysbiosis (microbial imbalance in the gut)
• Exogenous Ketones ex: Instant Ketones (Coconut Cream Flavor) Adults take 1/2 scoop, kids take way less
• Probiotics, especially if they contain strains known to help constipation. (start with a pinch and work up) Try:
  • Standard Process ProSynbiotic
  • Culturelle – Kids Regularity Gentle-Go Probiotic Formula Flavorless Packets (note these packets contain some GAPS-illegal ingredients, but the packets make it easy to titrate the dosage)
  • Saccharomyces Boulardii – Even though it is said to help diarrhea, this friendly yeast also resolves constipation for some.