Definition Of Peristalsis

Peristalsis means rolling. It is a vermicular motion or movement of the bowels--a contraction of the transverse or circular muscular fibers of the muscular coat of the intestine. When the contraction takes place, the movement starts at the head of a section of intestine with a circular contraction--perhaps constriction would be a better term. No sooner does the constriction begin than it starts, wave-like, to descend, rapidly passing to the end of that particular section of the bowel. If it starts at the head of the small intestine, the wave-like contraction ends at the ileo-cecal valve (a valve that guards the passage between the ileum and cecum). This contraction may be likened in effect to stopping a rubber tube with the thumb and finger; whatever the content of the tube, it is forced ahead of the stripping. The peristaltic movement produces the same effect; it forces the contents of the intestine onward.

Definition Of Constipation

Constipation is the opposite of diarrhea. In constipation there is a lack of normal secretion into the bowels; in diarrhea there is an abnormal amount secreted into the bowels, Anatomical malformation, stricture, adhesions, obstructions from tumors, and malposition of organs, or telescoping or twisting of the intestine, are forms of constipation that come under the head of mechanical obstruction, and are not to be considered under the head of constipation proper. There are many causes for constipation due to functional derangement.

Etiology Of Constipation

The commonest predisposing causes for constipation are neglect in answering nature's calls, and the unnatural position at stool that custom and modem bathroom equipment enforce. The position deprives the bowels of the thigh support and pressure that squatting gives. Postponing a desire tends to blunt sensation and educate a toleration for rectal accumulation. It is no uncommon thing to find, in obstinately constipated people , very large, pouchy rectums, which have become enlarged and made senseless from being allowed to pack with waste matter. It is not uncommon for physicians to be called to see patients with fecal impaction of the rectum requiring mechanical measures for unloading.

One of the causes of this state is spasmodic stricture of the anus. Spasmodic stricture is not a real stricture; hence it can be overcome very readily. Organized stricture means a thickening up, due to such derangements as fissure. and ulceration of the lower part of the rectum and unnecessary operations for piles.

Next to neglect--not answering the demands of the bowels to evacuate--is overeating. More food is eaten than can be digested, and it must decompose. As a result of this decomposition, the gastro-intestinal tract is overstimulated from the toxins. The irritation from toxin stimulation brings on enervation and catarrhal inflammation. The catarrhal secretions interfere with perfect digestion. The stomach derangements resulting are many. The diseases that develop because of the influence of fermentation on the stomach, small intestine, and auxiliary organs are many; namely: irritation, inflammation, and ulceration of the stomach and duodenum; catarrh of the gall-bladder and eventually gall-stones, pancreatitis, diabetes, albuminuria, etc. The irritation caused by decomposition in the large bowels becomes the exciting cause of constipation, colitis, ulceration, typhlitic ulceration, appendicitis, and, directly and indirectly, other affections of the colon, rectum, bladder, and the abdominal and pelvic organs.

The decomposition causes gas to form, and the distention from gas is a mechanical cause of pain and constipation. The distention causes pain, because the inflamed and ulcerated mucous membrane is put on the stretch. The distention and pain tend to fix the parts by putting the muscles. on guard to keep the inflamed and sensitive. parts quiet. This, of course, means inactivity--constipation.

When putrefaction is an established habit, toxin poisoning keeps the abdominal and pelvic viscera in a sensitive state, The sensitive state is made up of irritation and catarrhal inflammation. There is catarrh of the bowels and uterus, and an irritable state of the abdominal arid pelvic lymphatic glands; for these are worked overtime in keeping the blood from being overwhelmed with toxins.

This sensitive state favors fixation, because any movement is uncomfortable--even the moving of gas. The peristaltic motion necessary to pass the intestinal contents on to the outlet is painful. The consequence is that stasis--which means a standing still--is cultivated. Because of this stasis and gas distention, fecal matter and debris accumulate and cause ptosis (dragging down). The affections appearing as a consequence are dilation of the stomach, with retarded digestion, irritation, inflammation, ulceration, cancer; duodenitis with ulceration--perforating ulcer of the duodenum--gall-bladder diseases, pancreatic diseases, diseases of the cecum, colon, and rectum, diseases of the pelvic organs and bladder. These are a few of the affections of the alimentary tract and auxiliary organs caused by constipation, and are amenable to a plan of treatment that will cure gastro-intestinal fermentation and decomposition.

To be able to correct a disease, it is necessary to know its causes. Attention has been worked overtime in finding remedies which cause the bowels to move. It is an error to apply the name "remedy" to the thousand-and-one inventions and contrivances made to force the bowels to move. All so-called remedies are causes of constipation.

We have seen that overeating leads to decomposition, that decomposition (putrefaction) evolves toxins, and that toxins poison the entire organism. Certainly one of the most important things to do in overcoming constipation is to stop overeating and improper eating. Unless this is done, all arrangements, devices, drugs, waters, enemas, peculiar foods, etc., must continue to fail as they have done in the past.