QuestionHi Evelyn,
I really like your answers, I looked through all of them, and I also admire your background! I have a question about hormonal changes during menstrual cycle and its relation to how digestive system functions. I know that progesterone has a tranquilizing effect on the body. It slows our digestive systems down a bit. On those days I am almost constipated (despite my very healthy diet and water intake), I absolutely can't have such "days" because I am trying to heal a fissure (I have revised my nutrition completely after I got it), so I was wandering if you have an advice on how to deal with such days-i tried to increase water intake as well as activity, i eat lots of fruits and veggies..
Second question i have is related to red meat and constipation-i've seen your previous answer but would like to know more on the subject of digestibility of red meat.
Thank you so much in advance.
AnswerDear Eva, (great name!)
Sorry for the delay, had problems with my server.
First, thank you so kindly for sharing your enthusiasm and interest in the holistic approach to health and diet I try to convey. I like to tune into each specific situation, which in your case has meant a bit of guess work on my part, since I am missing some specifics (age, type of current diet, and more details on the menses, for example). In holistic diet and medicine every detail counts. But I can give you a general picture of what is going on at your metabolic (lower) pole. It will be important to contemplate this fuller picture before you try any of the suggestions or remedies I will list below. These can only complement a more lengthy rebalancing or healing process, possibly, supported with more spiritual therapies.
The disorder of (chronically recurring but episodic) constipation is a modern condition which goes beyond the need for more fibre in one's diet. It's a good place to start, however, since keeping the colon bulked up is one way to encourage the massaging and hausticating contractions required to help pass stools easily. Note there is no peristalsis here (unlike in the small intestine) and things move more deliberately and gradually. A different dynamic is at work here.
Bran is often added to a diet for the purpose of increasing bowel content. The additional water intake is to help it swell up sufficiently. Soaked or crushed linseed adds fibre and lubricates at the same time, making it even more advisable. Dried prunes (or pasturised, vacuum packed ones are more tasty) and figs work laxatively too. Yoghurt is an essential daily dietary essential for all healthy bowels. It is cooling and full of lactose that keeps the gut healthy and rosy (full of flora). Sour milk products must be opted over sweet/creamy ones, which putrify the intestine, especially in combination with meat and processed foods (sugar, starch, additatives). More on meat later. Whole grains are best featured in every meal (rye has the most powerful effect, but not omitting brown rice, grits, wholemeal bread and the all essential muesli or oat porridge) - these meals must be regular, three times a day. Don't snack or pick! Rhythm is curative here. Relaxed, blessed and enjoyable meal times no less so. Naturally, fruit and veg is full of fibre, but you say you have a healthy diet already, so I trust these feature amply on your menu. Coleslaw (in summer) or Sauerkraut also give the tummy a work out, the latter specifically recommendable for the fermentation it has undergone (more lactose there). This work out keeps the metabolic (lower) pole "lively" and the I-organisation happy. Carrot juice with lactic acid is available at a good healthfood store: it might be a good place to start with a glass or two a day of this for a while (beneficial to the liver, besides, which may be involved somewhere down the line, with bile production also related to progesteron, and this hormone seems to trigger processing problems). If the kidneys are the weaker organ, beetroot juice and artichoke elixer are preferred.
Some of these foodstuffs, however, can be too heavy going on some organisms once used therapeutically; and anyway, diet is something that mainly precedes good health, but it is difficult to treat a local symptom with it. A more subtle and thorough understanding is required to appreciate this and help administer the right medications (herbs) and other therapeutic measures. Here goes.
All our organs, and systems, serve to help us attain a Higher Conscious. We incarnate into a physical organism to experience life. From this we learn about ourselves as spiritual beings. "Floating about" this is apparently not so easily attained. Life, therefore is a precious one-off gift (if repeated, in reincarnations, according to Anthroposophical philosophy). Getting it right is important, but the end result is not the point. The journey counts. This involves mainly doing the right thing in line with moral hygiene and self-knowledge (the Buddhistic eight-fold path or the Christian Beatitudes remind us of this, e.g. - as do all other truly religious, sacred and metaphysical impulses.)
Within the temple of our body we learn who we are. From this stand point, let us now look at the colon, the menstrual cycle and substance (nutrition) and find out how they all interlink. They are part of the metabolic system within us, connecting inner and outer worlds very directly. The digestive tract and the reproductive system involve anabolic and catabolic processes. This means we get to observe ourselves as co-creators of ourselves and our world.
In part, I have to presume a basic familiarity with the rudimentary terminology I use as taken from Anthroposophical medicine and nutrition. For more exact details there are sundry sources you could consult (anthromed.org, under General Materials for Patients for fairly straightforward expositions. If you so require or appreciate more information without the hassle of browsing for the right one, I can always send you the relevant publication per attachement (mail me with such a request clearly stated in the subject box at
[email protected]). For now, you may just have to take a few things on board and try to get a feel for the gist of interconnectiveness of spirit and matter.
It is actually not only possible but necessary to speak of bowel movements in spiritual terms! Before I elaborate, I must not forgo to say that your symptoms could point to a (minor) disorder (or energetic imbalance) in the metabolic organs. Often when it concerns a slight imbalance this merely shows up at the end of a process, such as in the large intestine. Such an imbalance in an otherwise healthy, fit and energetic person is usually "dormant" and only at play on the most subtle energetic level, giving vague, atopical, varying or intermittant symptoms.
The progesteron in your story, is but a messenger, as all hormones are. They trigger functions. A hormone test can show up too much or too little of this substance, but this is seldom the case. More often it is a case of a (temporarily) weaker organ not responding effectively to such a trigger. This in turn relates to your higher members (spiritual aspects). This is how emotions or attitudes, and environmental factors come into play on the field of hormones. The menstrual cycle helps a woman monitor her overall health by local discomforts, notable cramps, deficiencies or excesses. A blessing in disguise: because a stitch in time saves nine. So just bear the larger picture in mind and recognise when a (homoeopathic /non-invasive) medical consultation might be the next step forward.
To illustrate the spiritual function and interrelationship of the colon: the following. The large intestine, about 1.5 metres long, which is quite a length for a simple elimination procedure, follows a route which takes it past the major metabolic organs. This serves to let the formative processes (shaping of feces) go through the influence of these organs, incorporating the etheric, astral, then Ego forces respectively (up from the ileum/small intestine on the right, across and down the left side). The one responsible for the end product is therefore the I-organisation (Ego body). Your waste product is one of the few exclusively individual things you create (daily if all is well). In a sense you can smell how "full of it/whatever" you are. This is mirrored by the expression of self at the other end: in words. Many idioms reveal how we compare the two very naturally (verbal diarrhea; poppycock=South African for peacock pooh, etc).
The I-Organisation is the main force behind your incarnation. It connects your lower self (phyiscal body) with your Highest Self (spirit). The astral, sentient, body is the one you experience the most: in the emotions and thoughts of your heart and soul. The psycho-somatic aspect of most common constipational disorders not exclusively related to poor diet is not a bad estimation by modern science as to what is going on. But it's a bit more complex than just learning to "let go", ease up, relax: since this in itself is not so simple! I will show however why meditation, massage, warm baths, soothing teas, meditative exercise does all aid.
If the Ego-body is not strong or present (incarnated) enough (fully, and this takes a life time!), and there are variable or stressful circumstances (disease, environmental, psychological etc) physical conditions distracting or irritating the Ego, the soul or astral will have to cope on its own. It can then quickly become overburdened, or run amock. Symptoms of this are cramps and constipation. The progesteron would make this worse because progesteron is related to formative, maturing and excreting processes. Furthermore, the second half of your menstrual cycle, when progesteron levels are increased significantly, requires major Ego intervention to bring the period about routinely and in the right flow. The less grounded one is the harder it is to let go because one hasn't really got hold of something properly, has not become duely involved, immersed, engaged with life to the full. The more materialistic one is the more one gets swallowed up by stuff and matters. Right balance is not easily attained!
It is interesting to note that (according to Anthroposophical science) those organs we can best do without are the most spiritual organs. (Think of the stoma which can replace the colon.) The fairly superfluous length then, as compared to other organisms, or absent altogether in lower lifeforms, is all about the journey, and the formative, creative potential within our spiritual being.
Not for nothing have doctors from ancient times onwards taken such an interest in one's bowel movements. The earliest homoeopaths used stools to diagnose most illnesses.(Fortunately) dieticians (in preventative medicine) are turning to this product, again, which has become very taboo in our clinical, prim West. We like to dissociate food intake from waste output as much as possible. This is not, however, wise for a holistic understanding of what we are. We have become rather prim about pooh, nowadays. Only in India, e.g. can we find a different attitude: feces can become sacred, with a floral scent and all, when produced by an enlightened guru! The bio-dynamic farmer will take very special care to produce cosmically enhanced manure from his cattle. And it is abnormal for a mother to be (overly) disgusted by her baby's nappy contents. She must take an interest in the infants feces to keep check of its health, which it otherwise cannot well communicate before an actual malady errups. The state and condition of your feces report back to you how your spirit is faring today.
Constipation relates to a catabolic disturbance. The formative forces are over doing it. If you knead a ball of clay too intensely it will dry out and become hard in your warm, overly zealous, or nervous hands. In the large intestine, likewise. The subsequent problems of severe, chronic constipation are auto-toxification primarily, and an overall sense of stuffed-upness corresponding usually to depression or apathy. Most remedies from daily cups of warm water (Nettle, Yarrow, and or Chamomile tea) in the morning for ongoing regularity and (glycerine) enemas or carbon dioxide suppositories in acute situations to aloe-vera drinks, senna pods, Epsom salts all can have some (temporary) effect, but it is the cause of the problem that we need to focus on.
Know that hormones are messengers of your higher members.These hormones influence various processes in the organism. Progesteron is released to enable the ripening processes (second half of menstrual cycle). This is a phase under the dominion of the Astral and the Ego Body. The progesteron does not cause but shows up a weak spot. All secretions are effected too, including bile from the gall. Often an overheated gall or liver can cause chronic constipation. I can't say much more about this because I do not have enough of your particulars to go into this complex relationship further. By the same token, the kidney radiation could be excessive - a high protein diet would then make things worse during the stresses of progesteron increase. These details a homoeopath can go into.
Eating meat, in general, for people with constipation is not recommended or rather, it is recommended to be very selective about the quality of meat, and limit the quantity strictly. Aside the issue of fibre, a diet with meat simply does not help strengthen the Ego. And a strong Ego or I-organisation (big Boss) is desirable (if not essential!) during the second half of your menses. At this time the astral body causes a toning effect (arsenic levels increase in the blood, which carries astrality). There can then be a "raging" of hormones and an increase tension on many levels. It's not really the progesteron which is flooding your blood, but the astrality which caries it. This in turn affects moods and organic function (enter the psycho-somatic part).
Temperature rises after ovulation as an indication that the Ego is present. Chills, cold feet, dizziness, pallour etc, would indicate a particularly weak Ego. Bold measures must be taken when it causes weak periods beside. To begin with foot baths with rosemary and massage of calves with calendula, rosemary or lavender oil. The I-organisation is a formative, creative impulse.(One of self-knowledge, self-confidence and potential). On a physical level this is made manifest most at the head pole. Excessive cerebreal activities, intellectual pursuits, or high-flown emtions will intensify the astrality there, and preoccupy the Ego. Destressing during your constipational phases is therefore curative on a profound level. The more you keep energy stuck at the head pole, the less there is to help out in the lower pole. The astrality introduced by the progesteron there must not be intensified; it is therefore wise not to indulge in cravings, alcohol, or for some people obsessive (sexual) behaviour. Another source of added astrality can be found in a diet of meat or astralised vegetarian foods, such as kidney beans, soy, eggs, nightshade fruits: tomato, pepper, aubergine). Very spicy food too, will make a hot bed of activity in the metabolic system.
If you want to take this symptom as a wake-up call to address more intricate, underlying issues, in a truly fundamental manner, you will have to think about painting and/or art therapy or Eurythmy therapy, which simply work wonders on rebalancing all the Higher Members of your being and let you get into a more realistic touch with your inner self. The etheric, life-force becomes integrated with the I-force, keeping the soul in balance. The middle section becomes enhanced, de-stressing naturally the upper and lower poles. Rhythmic (or aroma therapy) massage can make a world of difference too. Begin by massaging your own tummy in firm but slow circular motion with a warming (lavender) oil (follow direction of bowels as described above). By the same token, a meditative Yoga course, and especially Tai Chi, can work well, too. Aikido or a friendly game of tennis, too, but make sure there are no competitive demands made on you, and take time to contemplate after strenuous activity. Fresh air is not luxury. It reaches parts no conscious effort can: an awake (brisk) walk is not only about muscle work. While you mind posture and observe your surroundings you invigorate sluggish energy - or stimulate the Ego. Swimming or (stress free, outdoor) cycling have a complementary effect. Stick to a daily routine and aim for harmonious and rhythmic practices, with oodles of positive intent. These subtle approaches and mindsets must take priority over homeopathic medication (which can only support this). An air of devotion to the woman within oftentimes plays a role in periodic constipation involving the menstrual cycle. Art, poetry, music can all help form the bridge between higher and lower. Healthy bowels take time to train up (see how a baby can't even form stools properly yet) and daily effort (fast food and a sedentary life-style creates constipation for sure). There is an art to simple living, eating, breathing!
Finally some notes on the vegetarian diet: it serves mainly to strengthen the Ego body. This is why it is often deemed the more "spiritual" diet. It requires more personal effort to make food out of the raw elements (or rather etheric forces) in plants (not complete proteins). In contrast, meat supplies substance fast. This, however, can make sluggish and ultimately lethargic because the Ego has little to do. Arterial or cancerous diseases stems from this problem really. The protein from animal products is easy to process into human-based protein. BUT the process to divest it of its own (astral) character (cow, pig, chicken, etc) is demanding and unrewarding. It does not do much for character building. This is what is meant when we feel a carniverous diet makes more aggressive/earth bound or more base, less refined or simply less spiritual. It also explains why men generally are bigger meat eaters than women (the former by nature more earth-bound), or why the East is more prone to vegetarianism (different world aura).
Meat consumption is causing many wide-spread health issues across the board because people eat it to feed the body, or fuel it; as a result we tend to fatten it up. Meat should be a last resort, a source of protein when the organism is too weak to make its own. A booster food. Some people can even make their own bodies/health out of light or air! (no kidding, see Life from Light: Is It Possible to Live Without Food?: A Scientist Reports on His Experiences by Michael Werner). However controversial this subject is, it does make you think about man's actual nutritional requirements and set eating in a more spiritual context. It is good to eat food, and partake (literally) of the earth and the cosmic influences thus transferred; it is, for sure, indispensible for 99,999....% of the population. (There will always be exceptions, but they, may not necessarily be trend-setters. Having said this, though: from a spiritual point of view, we will need to consume less and create more from our own INNER resources with the evolution of mankind. Awareness is the first quintessential step in this.)
If there are any further abnormalities in the menstrual cycle (too much or too little bleeding, infrequent or irregular periods, excessive cramps etc) I can highly recommend Menodoron by Weleda (over the counter). Breathing exercises and meditation work marvels. For other more medical suggestions you would need to know whether it is more a menstrual problem or a spastic colon problem. For now I leave you with this introduction to the general processes underlying constipation and the influence progesteron might have on it. Any subsequent questions are always welcome.
Hoping some of this was clear and helpful to you!
I wish you the very best, and pray your discomfort soon improves.
Love Evelyn.
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