At Benehealth, we specialize in providing personalized, holistic solutions for chronic constipation through a functional medicine approach. Unlike conventional treatments that often rely on short-term fixes, we uncover the root causes of constipation to help you achieve lasting relief and restore balance to your digestive system.
What is Chronic Constipation?
Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements. While everyone experiences occasional constipation, chronic constipation is defined as persistent symptoms lasting three months or longer.
Symptoms of Chronic Constipation
- Straining during bowel movements
- Fewer than three bowel movements per week
- Hard or lumpy stools
- A sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
Chronic constipation affects approximately 16% of adults and 33% of people over 60 years old in the United States. Beyond discomfort, it can lead to complications like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or fecal impaction.
How Functional Medicine Differs from Conventional Treatment
Conventional Medicine
- Relies on laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas for temporary relief.
- Minimal focus on diet and hydration.
- Treats symptoms without addressing underlying issues.
- Limited investigation into lifestyle or stress factors.
Functional Medicine
- Focuses on addressing the root causes for long-term relief.
- Emphasizes personalized dietary changes and hydration strategies.
- Treats symptoms without addressing underlying issues. Targets systemic imbalances affecting gut health and motility.
- Recognizes the role of stress, activity, and routines in gut function.
Functional Medicine Approach to Chronic Constipation
1. Comprehensive Assessments
Our functional medicine practitioners start with a detailed evaluation of your health to uncover the unique factors contributing to your chronic constipation, including:
- Dietary analysis: Identifying fiber intake, hydration levels, and trigger foods.
- Gut microbiome testing: Detecting bacterial imbalances or yeast overgrowth.
- Hormonal evaluation: Checking for thyroid dysfunction or other hormonal imbalances.
- Lifestyle and stress assessment: Understanding how habits, routines, and stress impact bowel function.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans
Your care plan is tailored to address your specific needs and may include:
- Dietary modifications: Incorporating high-fiber foods, proper hydration, and elimination of processed or constipating foods.
- Supplements for gut health: Using probiotics, magnesium citrate, or psyllium husk to support regularity.
- Stress management: Introducing relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to improve the gut-brain connection.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Encouraging regular physical activity and establishing consistent bathroom routines.
- Natural remedies: Exploring herbal treatments like aloe vera or ginger to stimulate motility.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring
We provide continuous support to ensure your care plan evolves as your symptoms improve, helping you maintain regular bowel movements and overall gut health.
Why a Root Cause Approach Matters
By addressing the underlying causes of chronic constipation, functional medicine helps to:
- Improve bowel regularity and ease of evacuation.
- Relieve bloating, abdominal discomfort, and straining.
- Reduce reliance on over-the-counter laxatives.
- Enhance overall digestive health and nutrient absorption.
- Provide sustainable relief for long-term well-being.
Take Control of Your Digestive Health Today
Chronic constipation doesn’t have to control your life. At Benehealth, we empower you with personalized, science-backed solutions to address the root causes of constipation, helping you achieve long-lasting relief and better gut health.
📞 Call us at 623-440-5816
💻 Schedule an appointment here
Discover the difference a root cause approach can make in managing chronic constipation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Constipation
Still Have Questions?
📞 Call us at 623-440-5816
💻 Schedule an appointment here