Constipation

Constipation is a condition of the digestive system in which a person experiences hard feces that are difficult to expel. In certain cases, constipation may be caused by medications, such as opioids, or food intake. Other times, it may be caused by gastrointestinal (GI) inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue. or immunopathologyA temporary increase in disease symptoms experienced by Marshall Protocol patients that results from the release of cytokines and endotoxins as disease-causing bacteria are killed.. For those Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. (MP) patients who experience constipation due to immunopathology, the symptom can be expected to last until the pathogens from the GI tract are eliminated or substantially reduced.

Constipation is uncomfortable and can cause other medical problems. MP patients with constipation should have the symptom treated for immediate relief and then measures should be adopted to prevent constipation.

Patients who suspect symptoms of bowel obstruction should seek medical attention.

Manual removal of impacted fecal material may be necessary initially.

There are a number of medications and therapies – only a few of which are contraindicated – for treating constipation, including laxatives.

Over the counter remedies include:

• oral stool softeners such as Colace (docusate)
• Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) – adult dose is four Tbsps with relief in 12 hrs; dose may be repeated
• magnesium oxide tablets – dose must be individualized and may be repeated or increased
• Epsom salt baths - may be helpful used in conjunction with other remedies
• senna – a laxative herb found in Senokot, Ex-lax, and senna herbal tea

A convenient way to manage chronic constipation is with magnesium oxide tablets. Start with 250mg and increase the amount every 12 hours until a daily dose that promotes a daily evacuation is found. Take it two hours before or one hour after antibiotics to avoid compromising their absorption. A daily dose of magnesium oxide may be taken long-term. It is not addictive like most laxative medications. Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) may also be used in this way.

Magnesium is fine. Milk of Magnesia is used by quite a lot of MP folks with GI tract problems. I used it myself for years. Only remember that you should not take the minocycline within two hours of magnesium to prevent malabsorption.

Trevor Marshall, PhD

Prescription remedies include:

• Dulcolax (bisacodyl) tablets
• Miralax (polyethylene glycol)
• Amitza (Lubiprostone) – approved by the FDA in 2006 for treatment of chronic, idiopathic constipation

Though helpful in the short term, long-term use of probiotics is not recommended as they are thought to achieve symptom relief by distracting the innate immune responseThe body's first line of defense against intracellular and other pathogens. According to the Marshall Pathogenesis the innate immune system becomes disabled as patients develop chronic disease..

The following foods and drinks may help prevent constipation:

• drinking water (8 glasses per day is sometimes recommended)
• eating high fiber foods
• fiber supplements (Metamucil, Citrucel)
• using olive oil on salads and in cooking
• sugar alcohols

Walking or increasing activity may reduce symptoms of constipation.

My constipation has resolved itself. I think the likely culprit was light exposure and related immunopathology (IP). A few days after I got my hat and gloves for driving (and wore them consistenly), there was no more constipation to speak of. That was about 2 weeks ago. So obviously I'm really watching my indirect light exposure more closely. I do start to feel more tired and worn out if I get more than 5 minutes of strong indirect sunlight. Consequently I've shifted my schedule around a bit so I can be in the kitchen without sunlight streaming in. I find it interesting (and somwhat annoying) that light exposure results in this type of IP, but it's what I'm dealing with. Better than some folks are having it! Quite the motivator for being diligent about exposure.

C…., MarshallProtocol.com