Constipation (The Sunday Times, 13 November 2005)

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Q I am 58, and have had constipation for years now. I have tried several commercial brands, but would like to try something more natural. Is there anything I can take that will help me?



A It’s all too easy sometimes to forget the healthcare basics. Drinking lots of water is often a simple solution to the problem of irregular bowels. You should also increase your fibre intake: eat plenty of fresh vegetables and soft, fibrous foods such as wholegrain rice and oats, which bulk out the stool. Psyllium husks are a classic way to treat constipation; they swell with water, forming a wallpaper-like solution, and are unsurpassed at loosening stubborn stools. The cheapest option is to buy loose psyllium-seed husks, available from health shops, and mix 1 tsp with 8oz of water. Drink swiftly, otherwise the mixture will congeal.

Alternatively, as you have been constipated for some time, I would suggest gently cleansing your colon.

One of my favourite cleansing formulas, which I use in my clinic, is Nutrigold’s Colon Support Formula. As well as psyllium, it contains bentonite clay, which helps remove old faecal matter from your colon, and many excellent traditional cleansing herbs, including barberry and Oregon grape root, which possess mild laxative properties.

The inclusion of warming spices such as ginger and cayenne makes this formula easier to tolerate than some of the others I have tested in clinic.

Take 2 capsules with a large glass of room-temperature water at about 3pm. Slowly build up to 4 capsules.

Colon Support Formula costs £16.95 for 120 capsules, plus £1.95 p&p; order it on 01884 251777. Solgar’s psyllium-seed husks cost £10 for 10oz and are available nationwide.



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