Binge Eating Then Constipation

First binge eating then constipation. This is a dangerous combination.

Some of us know this routine well. We want to lose weight so we don’t eat. But sooner or later our cravings catch up with us, and we stuff ourselves.

In this article I would like to give some insights:

• What we are doing to our colon when we make this a lifestyle
• How to minimize the consequences of binging

How digestion normally works

The colon works best when we eat several smaller meals a day. Digestion begins in the stomach, then small amounts of food at a time are passed on to the intestines for nutrient extraction.

The muscles surrounding the intestines move foods along by rhythmic contraction and relaxation cycles.

Foods make their way through the system in an orderly manner, and are generally eliminated daily.

How binge eating then constipation works

Binge eating overloads the digestive system. Now, instead of an orderly progression, the stomach pushes larger amounts of food into the small intestines. This interrupts the normal contraction/relaxation cycle, creating a backup.

An overloaded system means that foods don’t move through as freely, kind of like a traffic jam. When the food reaches the colon, it overloads it as well. A slower transit through the colon results in the colon extracting too much water from the stool. This makes stools compact, dry and hard, and that is what constipation is.

One of the more unpleasant effects of binge eating then constipation is bloating. This was the last thing we needed.

Looking for Relief

Once we realize we are constipated, we start looking for help. Most constipation products aren't suited for long-term use, and can be habit forming.

Binge eating is a sign that other issues in our life need addressed. This is a good place to start. But you probably came to this page looking for some ideas on ending your constipation, so let’s look at another way to help.

Magnesium, the silver bullet

Although binge eating produces a longer transit time for food through our digestive system, there is something we can do to keep our stool from drying out, making it hard to pass.

Magnesium draws water into the colon, so that even when the stool stays in the colon for a longer period, it doesn't get so dried out. Magnesium is the best tool I know of to fight constipation.

Common constipation magnesium products are Phillips Milk of Magnesia and Epson Salt. However, these are not intended for daily use.

A daily magnesium supplement

I have found a sea mineral supplement that contains 106% of the US RDA in magnesium. Unlike other magnesium products, it is designed for daily use. (Magnesium has other health benefits as well)

There are times in my life when I tend to binge, including:

• Thanksgiving and Christmas
  
  
• Family get-to-gathers
  
  
• Potluck dinners
  
  
• Golden Corral and other buffets

I take the sea mineral supplement every day, and therefore rarely get constipation.

However, first binge eating then constipation follows. I have found that if I simply take a double dose of the sea minerals, it keeps my stool from drying out.

Of course, binge eating still backs up the digestive system, but at least it doesn't have to end in painful elimination. The sea minerals have been a real blessing in this regard.

(Return from Binge Eating Then Constipation to Causes of Constipation)