Functional Medicine Constipation: A Root-Cause Approach to Digestive Health

Constipation is a common digestive complaint affecting millions of people worldwide. It can lead to discomfort, bloating, and a sense of incomplete evacuation. Traditional treatments often focus on symptom relief, but functional medicine offers a holistic approach to identify and address the root causes of constipation, promoting long-term digestive health.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that seeks to understand and treat the underlying causes of disease. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, functional medicine practitioners consider the interconnectedness of the body's systems and how they influence overall health. This approach involves a thorough assessment of a patient's medical history, lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors to develop personalized treatment plans.

Understanding Constipation

Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three per week, accompanied by difficulty passing stool. While occasional constipation is common, chronic constipation can significantly impact quality of life. Several factors can contribute to constipation, including dietary habits, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and certain medications. A low fiber intake, dehydration, and excessive consumption of processed foods are common dietary culprits.

Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, high stress levels, and lack of adequate sleep can exacerbate constipation. Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and neurological disorders, can also play a role. Furthermore, medications like pain relievers, antidepressants, and antacids can cause or worsen constipation.

Functional Medicine Constipation: Holistic Solutions for Alleviating Constipation

Functional medicine practitioners use a comprehensive approach to address constipation by identifying and treating its root causes.

Step 1: Assessment 

The first step in the functional medicine constipation approach is a comprehensive assessment. Functional medicine practitioners start with a detailed evaluation of the patient's medical history, diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. This thorough assessment helps identify potential triggers, imbalances, and underlying causes of constipation.

Below is a picture of a sample assessment we use and some of the info it reveals. We provide a copy of this report with any of our Functional Medicine Services or packages (excluding stand-alone courses).  It also provides recommendations for nutrition and lifestyle tips, and we recommend supplements based on our overall evaluation. 

Functional Wellness Report we share with our clients and make recommendations

Functional Medicine Wellness report from FxRemedies.com

Step 2: Thyroid Optimization

In our functional medicine clinic, we often see a need for improving thyroid health, and this is usually our first step in improving digestion. 

Thyroid health can have a significant positive impact on constipation and overall gut health. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and influence the function of various bodily systems, including the digestive tract. When thyroid function is optimal, it helps maintain healthy motility in the intestines, ensuring regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can lead to slower digestive transit times, resulting in constipation and other digestive discomforts. By addressing thyroid health through appropriate medical interventions, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes, individuals can enhance their metabolism and digestive function.

Improved thyroid function can also support the balance of gut microbiota, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy gut environment. This holistic approach to thyroid health not only alleviates constipation but also contributes to overall digestive well-being and vitality.  

Step 3: HCL

Ensuring your body is producing enough hydrochloric acid (HCL) is vital for proper digestion and preventing constipation. HCL helps break down food particles, especially proteins, and creates an acidic environment in the stomach that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.

Symptoms of Low HCL:

• indigestion

• acid reflux or heartburn

• burping

• bloating

• food cravings

• pain after eating

• constipation

• gas 

• nausea 

• chronic cough

Supplements to Increase HCL

Functional medicine practitioners may recommend assessing HCL levels and, if necessary, providing guidance on how to naturally increase stomach acid production through supplementing HCL, zinc, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt.

Step 4: Gut Imbalances

Addressing gut imbalances is another key component of the functional medicine approach. Functional medicine practitioners use targeted therapies to address imbalances in gut bacteria, inflammation, and motility issues. 

Supplements to Address Gut Imbalances

Probiotics and prebiotics are often recommended to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improve bowel regularity. Digestive enzymes can enhance the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, preventing constipation.

Additionally, gut-healing supplements such as magnesium, aloe vera, and L-glutamine can support intestinal health for some. Bone broth, collagen, and gelatin are often used to calm inflammation and tighten the junctions in the intestinal lining. 

Step 5: Personalized Nutrition

The next step is creating a personalized nutrition plan. Diet plays a crucial role in digestive health, and functional medicine emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich diet based predominantly on whole foods, tailored to the individual's needs.

In our clinic, we work with clients to incorporate more fruits, natural sugars like honey, sugar cane, and maple syrup, which promote regular bowel movements. Staying hydrated by drinking adequate water is essential to soften stool and facilitate its passage. Avoiding PUFA's (polyunsaturated fatty acids), processed foods, and reducing the consumption of processed grains can also help alleviate constipation.

Check out our Food As Medicine: Pro-Metabolic Nutrition course for more on nutrition for a healthy metabolism.

Step 6: Lifestyle Habits

Lifestyle modifications are also crucial for managing constipation. Stress and lifestyle factors can significantly impact digestion, and functional medicine practitioners provide guidance on stress management techniques, such as gentle movement, walking outdoors, spending time in the sun daily, and healing baths, such as adding a cup of baking soda or a cup of Epsom salts, to reduce stress and its impact on digestion.

Regular physical activity is encouraged to stimulate bowel function and promote regularity. Ensuring good sleep hygiene and promoting restful sleep can also support overall health and digestive function.

The Benefits of Functional Medicine For Constipation

By addressing the root causes of constipation and providing personalized care, functional medicine offers several benefits. This approach aims to achieve long-term relief by focusing on lasting improvements in digestive health rather than merely masking symptoms.

Functional medicine practitioners consider the whole person, not just their symptoms, promoting overall well-being. Additionally, this approach empowers patients by educating them about their health and providing them with the tools to take control of their digestive health.

Functional medicine offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to addressing constipation. By focusing on the underlying causes and promoting holistic care, functional medicine practitioners can help individuals achieve optimal digestive health and overall well-being. If you're struggling with constipation, consider exploring the benefits of functional medicine and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.