Constipation Can Have Emotional Basis

re: Constipation Can Have Emotional Basis

Rain Bow — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:27:05 GMT

I would like a reference to the actual study so I can read it myself and establish whether or not a cause-and-effect link has been proven. I am a 44 yr old man and have had constipation for most of my life despite a good diet, nothing seems to help much except aloe vera juice and some stomach exercises that I do, but they only help to manage the condition. I'm most intrigued as to why aloe vera provides some relief. I found this article to be quite interesting - www.google.co.uk/search regarding an emotional basis, i'd like to hear other peoples thoughts on this. I've used 'magnesium oil' transdermally but have not got any benefit from this.

Thanks in advance for your input.

re: Constipation Can Have Emotional Basis

friteningfutr — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:06:15 GMT

Okay, this is a kind of strange thing to talk about on a public forum but I'm fully aware that it's really no big deal. Anyway, here is something I have observed with myself and a couple of close friends who have talked about it with me. My being constipated or not has a very predictable pattern coinciding with my menstrual cycle. My friends have noticed the same thing themselves. Now what about this study? Could it be that it was actually hormone fluctuations causing both the constipation and the emotional issues? I wonder if this has ever been considered. One of my friends has the emotional aspect of this whereas I do not but we both have nearly identical patterns of constipation. I eat a much better diet than her so I don't have to rely on laxatives and a better diet also has a positive effect on PMS. Obviously I don't have the answer but it is food for thought. Its one of those "chicken or the egg" conundrums. Also, I'm not a doctor, but it seems men have more physical/mechanical reasons for constipation and don't suffer with it as much as women.

Have a great day everyone! Namaste

re: Constipation Can Have Emotional Basis

mgray37 — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:05:33 GMT

It is interesting to see the emotional component of constipation finally addressed. However, the reported studies merely found a link to people with emotional problems and people with constipation. The cause-and-effect link wasn't proven. As a woman who has suffered constipation her whole life, I have a different take on this issue. My constipation is emotionally-based, but I am not depressed or anxious. My problem is that I come from a family that is "hung up" about natural biological processes. When I was growing up bowel movements were treated as something to be hidden. My parents would emerge from the bathroom shyly, almost shamefully. It was something you didn't dare discuss. Now I am an adult and married to a man who is open about everything. I have even discussed my constipation with him! Needless to say, I am more relaxed about the entire issue and have become quite regular.

I am interested to know if Dr. Mercola has any insight into this issue.

re: Constipation Can Have Emotional Basis

jealexander — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:31:34 GMT

I take magnesium for my constipation on a regular basis. I have heard it is safe to take magnesium as long as you balance it with an equal amount of calcium. (In fact I have also read that it is GOOD to take more magnesium than the suggested daily amount for other reasons, such as to improve muscle problems and sleep.) My question is this: Does Dr. Mercola think taking 1000 mg each of calcium and magnesium to be an appropriate amount?