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Bowel Function

Symptoms of excessive gas, diarrhoea, or constipation respond very well to dietary change.

“After thoroughly reviewing the accumulated scientific literature, a Working Group of 22 experts from 10 countries convened by the IARC Monographs Programme classified the consumption of red meat as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), based on limited evidence that the consumption of red meat causes cancer in humans and strong mechanistic evidence supporting a carcinogenic effect. This association was observed mainly for colorectal cancer, but associations were also seen for pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.”
– WHO press release No 240, 26 October 2015

Constipation, Diarrhoea and Flatulence

Constipation, diarrhoea and frequent or foul flatulence are all conditions that many people find distressing and are often embarrassed to seek help for. At the Wilma Kirsten clinic we take care to be aware of our patient’s feelings and to handle such problems in a discreet and sensitive manner. Our main priority is to establish the causes of these conditions by way of non-invasive tests and help our patients to find relief.

Yes, the diet and advice work very well. I have no more pain in my stomach. – Mr V

 

What Constitutes a Healthy Stool?

Food travels from the mouth to the stomach and then empties into the small intestine, where absorption of nutrients take place, it then passes to the big bowel where water is extracted and waste products are finally eliminated from the body as a stool.

Elimination of food waste products from the body should be painless and regular with good volume and not too pungent in odour. Apart from the odd piece of undigested corn (maize) or nuts and seeds, one should not notice any food particles in the eliminated stool. An effective bowel movement leaves you feeling as if you have had a complete evacuation. The frequency of bowel movements may be related to the amount of meals that you consume in a day, and for good elimination one would expect at least one clearance in a 24-hour period.

Some factors that influence transit time:

  • Sufficient chewing of food to ensure adequate breakdown of vegetable and muscle fibres
  • Sufficient beneficial flora and absence of toxic-producing bacteria and yeast
  • Adequate secretion of digestive enzymes to ensure protein molecules are sufficiently digested. Undigested protein particles may promote the growth of toxic bacteria and yeast.
  • The presence of a sugar environment in the gut on which yeast and bacteria feast.
  • Inadequate ingestion of organic fibre.

It is lovely speaking to a professional who is so friendly and understanding. – James

 

When things go wrong

What is Diarrhoea?

When stools are loose and watery, occurring multiple times over a 24 hour period and accompanied by cramps, stomach pain, nausea and even excessive thirst then the need to investigate a possible parasitic or bacterial infection is the first natural step once food intolerances, adverse effect to medication or other trauma have been excluded as possible contributing factors. Stress may also induce loose stools and it is imperative to rule out hypo-adrenal function as a possible cause of diarrhea.

Non-invasive tests are available from the Wilma Kirsten Clinic that can be used to give a better understanding of what may be the cause of the diarrhea.

 

What is Constipation?

Infrequent bowel movements lead to constipation, especially if evacuation is only possible through straining and the stool produced is hard and even pellet like, and often dark in colour.

Some causes of constipation include:

  • Lack of fibre in the diet, which hinders gut motility
  • Intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis and abdominal tumours
  • Underactive thyroid function
  • Physical inactivity
  • Psychosomatic disorders, ie the fear of defecating in a public toilet

What is flatulence?

Flatulence, trapped wind, or commonly called problems with gas, occurs when an excessive amount of air is present in the stomach and intestinal tract. This can cause distention or noticeable bloating in the abdominal area and is sometimes accompanied by mild or severe pain. Constipated individuals often report foul smelling, embarrassing wind which is difficult to deal with in social settings. Individuals who experience diarrhea sometimes also report episodes of socially unacceptable and excessive flatulence. These symptoms are all congruent with IBS and necessitates further investigation to pinpoint which one of the following is causing symptoms of flatulence:

  • Insufficient beneficial bacteria
  • Parasitic or bacterial infections
  • Yeast overgrowth, commonly called Candida
  • Food intolerances

When bowel movements fluctuate between constipation and diarrhoea:
Oscillation between constipation and diarrhoea is often diagnosed as IBS. In light of the possible causes of constipation and/or diarrhoea it is imperative to investigate the following through non-invasive testing:

  • Level of beneficial gut flora
  • Identifying bacterial, parasitic infections, and possible yeast overgrowth
  • Adrenal function
  • Thyroid function
  • Female hormonal imbalances

The frequency and ease with which you pass a bowel movement is clinically indicative of many underlying, physiological imbalances. In order to address these unwelcome and embarrassing symptoms we at the Wilma Kirsten Clinic use non-invasive testing to ascertain the exact, quantifiable, root causes.

For any queries, to order a test kit or to make an appointment please contact The Wilma Kirsten Clinic by email.

If you would like to speak to Wilma Kirsten direct, call +44 (0)787 608 4829

Alternatively email your telephone number and Wilma Kirsten will contact you at a convenient time to discuss how to proceed without any cost to you.

For more information on Wilma Kirsten including her experience and qualifications please click here

References:

Anderson, MA. Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary, 6th Edition. Mosby, St Louis 2002. ISBN 0-7234-3225-2

Golan, R. Optimal Wellness. Ballantine Books, New York 1995. ISBN 0-345-35874-0

Haslett et all. Principles and Practice of Medicine, 19th Edition. Churchill Livingstone, 2002. ISBN 0-443-07035-0

Murray, MT. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Prima Publishing, 1996. ISBN 0-7615-0410-9

Nicolle, L and Woodriff Beirne, A. Biochemical Imbalances In Disease. Singing Dragon, London 2010. ISBN 978-1-84819-033-7

Pizzorno, JE Jr, Murray, MT, Joiner-Bey, H. The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Medicine. Churchill Livingstone, 2002. ISBN 0-443-07080-6