Constipation Followed by Diarrhea

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Having constipation followed by diarrhea is just plain confusing!

What is going on in there to produce this strange occurrence?

With a past life ladled with constipation experiences, I know this phenomenon well. Like you, I was curious for the reason behind the madness. Let’s explore it together, shall we?

The ABC's of Constipation

Constipation occurs when stool becomes hard and dehydrated.

Lacking much needed water to keep it soft and flowing in proper time, stool begins to build up within the colon.

One of the effects of constipation is that it can become a large compacted mass, allowing nothing to pass by. Liquid gathers behind it. When the body finally expels the stool, you may see constipation followed by diarrhea.

"D" is for Diarrhea

Discussing the subject of diarrhea is not for the faint of heart. Most of us are too embarrassed to discuss our diarrhea woes. But on this website we must expose the truth, no matter how messy it gets!

Diarrhea can be caused by many things, ranging from simple infections, medications, intestinal disorders and intolerance to certain types of food.

Many times the body goes into diarrhea mode in an effort to eliminate unwanted things from the body, such as toxins, infections, and oh yeah, hard stool.

Why Diarrhea Follows Behind

Ahem. As I was saying, diarrhea is the body’s way of “flushing out” unwanted hard stool.

Although it is not pleasant to have watery stool shoot out promptly after the painful passing of hard stool, constipation followed by diarrhea may be the body’s way of solving a very stubborn situation.

Why Diarrhea can be Dangerous

According to some sources, diarrhea (don’t you just love hearing that word) is a sign of deficiency within the body, in particularly a lack of good bacteria within the lining of the gut.

This deficiency of good bacteria can be restored by
the consumption of fermented vegetables, kefir,
yogurt, kombucha, a probiotic, etc.

These can re-colonize the
 gut with good bacteria, thereby 
reducing the overgrowth of fungi and yeast.

Diarrhea is a horrible dehydrator of the body.

If you are undergoing severe bouts of diarrhea lasting over several days, it is very important to drink lots of fluids, especially water.

Other ways that diarrhea can be fought off is by taking a probiotic or drinking bone broth. Bone broth carries in it L-glutamine, a powerful little amino acid that works wonders in restoring your intestinal permeability.

Constipation and Diarrhea Prevention

Constipation followed by diarrhea is no fun. Wouldn't it be great to keep them from happening in the first place? This really isn't all that difficult. Here is the plan of action I follow:

1. I take a daily doses of Ionic Sea Minerals.
   
   This magnesium rich mineral supplement paves the way like nothing else I know for soft, manageable stools instead of spiky hard or runny ones (I know, it’s gross, but it must be said). Plus, magnesium offers numerous health benefits.
   
   
2. I try to include a good amount of fiber in my diet. This provides a food source for the good bacteria in my gut. Second, as the magnesium draws water into my colon, the fiber soaks it up like a sponge. You can do this by eating whole wheat beans broccoli…the list goes on!
   
   
3. I try to stay hydrated. For Americans, dehydration is a major cause of constipation. The body will pull any extra moisture from the colon to other places it is needed more.
   
   
4. Even a little extra physical movement (as opposed to sitting in a chair all day) can help to get things moving. It doesn’t have to be intimidating or grueling. Any small effort you make to do so will be richly rewarded.

By giving my gut what it needs to thrive, I don’t have to wrestle with constipation or its ugly diarrhea aftermath. It is so refreshing to be rid of that two-headed monster.

Encouragement in Closing

If you are struggling with constipation, diarrhea or heaven forbid, both simultaneously, take heart. Relief is at hand.  I hope these constipation articles will help guide your colon to a happy and healthy state of being.

Should you have ongoing constipation that doesn't respond to the above protocol, please see your doctor.

Remember, your colon is a vitally important part of your over all health, so monitor it and show it love, and it will love you right back.

Thanks again for stopping by our site.

By Stephanie

(Return from Constipation Followed by Diarrhea to Constipation Complications)