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Estrogen Dominance and the “C” Word

What C word is she talking about? 

Cancer? Nope, though that’s an issue too! (source)

Before I let your imagination run wild, I’ll just answer the question: constipation is our C word today, my dears.

If you suffer from this condition, you’re not alone. One in three women are constipated (source).

The causes of constipation can vary. If you’re eating a diet that’s high in junk food and inflammatory substances, you’ll probably be constipated. If you rarely exercise or drink water, you’ll probably be constipated. If you never eat fruit or vegetables, you’ll probably be constipated.

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Most of us are familiar with the feeling of constipation, even if it’s only for a short time, like while traveling. But do you know what actually happens in the body to produce this annoying effect?

Listen to Ray Peat on the topic:

Often people visualize something like a sausage casing when they think of the intestine, but when the intestine is becoming inflamed its wall may swell to become an inch thick. As it thickens, the channel narrows to a few millimeters in diameter, and may even close in some regions. In the swollen, edematous, inflamed condition the contractile mechanism of the smooth muscle is impaired. The failure of contraction is caused by the same structural changes that increase permeability. (Garcia, et al., 1996; Skarsgard, et al., 2000; Plaku and von der Weid, 2006; Uray, et al., 2006; Miller and Sims, 1986; Schouten, et al., 2008; Gosling, et al., 2000.)

Obviously, in the very swollen, structurally deformed intestine, with almost no lumen, neither a stimulant nor a simple fibrous bulk could restore functioning, because even with stimulation the smooth muscle is unable to contract, and the closed channel won’t admit bulk. Even gas is sometimes unable to pass through the inflamed intestine. (source).

So that is a bummer. Essentially we need to reduce inflammation to increase normal bowel function. Today, I wanted to bring to your attention that the effects of estrogen dominance can cause constipation.

In fact, many clinical studies point out that increased estrogen actually causes the digestive process to slow down, causing constipation. (source, source, source)there’s lots more.

The findings of most of these studies are as follows:

In conclusion, estrogen, rather than progesterone, may be a detrimental factor of constipation via decreased bowel movement (source).

So, what are ways we can reduce estrogen to reduce the frustrating effects of constipation?

I’ve got three ways for you!

  1. The Mover

  2. The Raw Carrot Salad

  3. The Lemon Gut Shot

All three of these interventions are whole-foods, gentle ways to reduce inflammation, encourage the sweeping of estrogen out of the digestive tract, and provide the raw materials your body needs to break down estrogen in the liver so it can easily be excreted.

The Mover is your ancestor’s first line of defense. Prunes provide bulk for the digestive tract and contains anti-inflammatory substances that calm down the intestines. Take The Mover before bed each night. It can take a few nights of use before you see a difference, but be consistent.

The Mover

The Raw Carrot Salad contains carrots, which have a unique fiber that binds estrogen and allows for easy excretion. Enjoy the Raw Carrot Salad 1-2x/ day, with meals or as a snack.

The Lemon Gut Shot is the powerhouse of the digestive tract. Turmeric and ginger are soothing and anti-inflammatory, and the D-limonene in the lemon is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Vitamin C is also a powerful anti-oxidant. Enjoy 1 oz, 1-4x/ day.

Try all three of these for a week and you’ll see that your tummy will be quite pleased with you! If you’re still struggling even after adding these interventions, consider scheduling a Discovery call with me so we can run the ever-helpful GI Map.

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