Several recent posts have dealt with constipation. There are many things that can contribute to constipation; some less obvious and several with simple solutions. In no particular order:

Dehydration - perhaps the most primary cause of constipaiton resulting from inadequate water intake. A minimum of half the body's weight in ounces of water daily...and yet more if consuming any form of caffeine products, diuretics, during cleanses or detoxification programs, if any thermal treatments are used (saunas, steam baths, sweatlodges, etc.) and during times of strenuous activity and hot weather. Some activities and occupations are particularly prone to this cause, ie. frequent flyers, flight attendants, etc.

Bowel toxemia - any congestion in the bowel or toxins resulting from candida, parasites, etc.

Imbalanced intestinal bacteria with a high concentration of pathogenic micro-organisms.

Overuse of laxatives (pharmaceutical or herbal) which disrupt normal peristalsis of the bowel and lead to poor muscle tone in the bowel.

Structural abnormalities in the bowel including strictures, twists, prolapses and poor muscle tone.

Insufficient fiber in the diet.

Nutritional deficiencies, including mineral deficiencies.

Over-consumption of processed and devitalized foods. (Something to consider: They used to make wallpaper paste with flour and water?!)

Lack of adequate exercise, including those that tone the back and abdomen.

Stress and fatigue.

Low thyroid functioning.

Congestion and toxicity in the liver and gallbladder.

Iron in nutritional supplements - some have no problem, but constipation can result for others using iron.

Habitual failure to heed nature's call.

Releasing toxins from tissue and organs faster than the body can expel them can lead to constipation because of the increased toxins in the colon during cleanses and detoxification. This is why cleansing and addressing the organs of elimination (colon, kidneys, lungs, skin and lymph) are recommended prior to cleansing organs of detoxification (liver/gallbladder) and general cellular detoxification. Slowing the rate of cleansing is sometimes necessary to prevent constipation while on a detoxificatin program.