WRITTEN BY: Tammy C. Perez, M.A., NCC, LCDC, LPC
REVIEWED BY: Dr. Terry Schroeder on April 18, 2023
Constipation
What is Constipation?
Constipation is a condition that occurs when bowel movements become less frequent, and stools become difficult to pass. It is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week along with symptoms of abdominal discomfort, bloating, and excessive straining while passing.
What causes Constipation?
Several factors can cause constipation, including a low-fiber diet, dehydration, certain medications, medical issues, lack of exercise, aging, pregnancy, and emotional stress.
A diet low in fiber can lead to constipation since fiber adds bulk to stool, making it easier to pass. Not drinking enough fluids causes stool to become hard and difficult to excrete. Medications, such as opioids, antacids, and antidepressants, may induce constipation. Also, medical issues, including irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, and neurological and thyroid disorders, can produce the condition.
Lack of physical activity and aging slow the digestive system, often leading to constipation. Hormonal changes and pressure on the bowels during pregnancy have also proved to cause the condition. Emotional stress can affect the digestive system and lead to constipation.
What are the symptoms of Constipation?
There are many symptoms of constipation, including straining during bowel movements, hard and lumpy stools, having fewer than three bowel movements a week, abdominal pain, and discomfort. Other symptoms of constipation are bloating, gas, nausea, and loss of appetite.
These symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on the individual and the underlying cause. Chronic or severe constipation can lead to other complications, such as hemorrhoids or fecal impaction.
How is Constipation treated?
Treatment for constipation involves a variety of methods depending on the underlying cause. Treatments that alleviate condition symptoms include increased fiber and water intake, laxatives, probiotics, enemas, medication, and regular exercise.
How does Constipation affect brain wellness?
Constipation can have several effects on brain wellness since the gut and brain are connected through what is known as the gut-brain axis. The condition could impact mental health factors, including mood, cognitive function, sleep patterns, inflammation levels, and nutrient absorption.
Constipation can lead to feelings of discomfort and pain, which can negatively influence mood and lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cognitive decline, including decreased attention, memory, and processing speed, has also been linked to the condition.
Constipation can cause discomfort and pain that disrupts sleeping patterns, leading to poor rest quality, insomnia, and daytime fatigue. It can also lead to increased levels of inflammation in the gut, affecting the brain and contributing to various mental health disorders.
Constipation can interfere with absorbing essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, harming brain function and overall health.
Managing constipation is essential to maintaining optimal brain wellness and overall physical health.
How can Brain Frequency™ help?
The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.
The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.
Those suffering from symptoms of constipation can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.
RESOURCES
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/
National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/
National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/