Preventing Constipation Naturally

Preventing Constipation Naturally

Constipation

 

Constipation can be a painful frustrating and annoying problem. Too often people try to solve this problem immediately by taking a trip to the medicine cabinet where they figure a solution to this problem can be easily found. They would be considerably better off if they took both a preventive and natural approach to solving this problem.

Constipation is a common enough problem to have created a market in over-the-counter medications designed to provide quick and relatively painless relief. And relief does come at a cost that goes beyond the amount of money people may have paid for a stool softener or a laxative.

A quick look at the causes of constipation may direct us toward more natural solutions to the problem. Common causes of constipation include the following:

1. Inadequate intake of water
2. A diet that is inadequate in fiber intake
3. Inadequate activity or exercise characteristics of a sedentary lifestyle
4. Stress and other emotions
5. A diet that includes an excessive amount of dairy products, sweets or saturated fat

1. An adequate intake of water can be easily remedied by resolving to drink an extra two to four glasses of water a day. The only proviso to this solution would apply to people who’ve had their fluids restricted by medical advice. Drinking warm liquids earlier in the day can prove especially helpful.

2. Adding vegetables to one’s diet can improve overall health and addresses the problem of constipation in particular. It’s easy enough to forget that, along with the many nutrients and antioxidants that are found in fruits and vegetables, these foods typically contain healthy amounts of dietary fiber. The amount of dietary fiber in one’s diet can be further enhanced by consuming at least one serving of fruits such as prunes and cereals that contain a large portion of bran.

3. Long-standing anecdotal evidence has pointed to even a minimal amount of physical activities as a stimulus for bowel movements. Exercise has been proven to have health benefits in a more general sense as well. People who are generally healthy have been shown to have fewer problems relating to constipation also.

4. The emotional component of constipation is often overlooked. Once again the effect of stress on overall health is generally acknowledged and the effect of mental health on bowel movements has been shown to be significant.

5. It may be that not only dietary inadequacies in substances such as fiber can cause constipation, but excess amounts of certain foods can serve to stop up the bowels as well. A prime example of those sorts of foods has been found to be dairy products. Restricting or reducing the amount of dairy foods can improve symptoms of constipation for some people.

Thus far we have spoken of natural strategies that can improve the symptoms of constipation. We also mentioned the fact that many people seek to solve their constipation problems by taking remedies such as stool softeners and laxatives. Although these remedies can provide relief they also tend, when used excessively, to weaken the very muscles that are required for the bowels to function normally. This is yet another strong argument for attempting to address the symptoms of constipation naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions and Common Misconception Regarding Constipation

Constipation is a digestive complaint that troubles least 50 million Americans by some estimation. Headaches, bloating, cramping, vomiting, and nausea are some of the more common earmarks of this condition. Chronic constipation is especially troubling and costly considering that it’s the cause of around 2 1/2 million visits to the doctor annually and requires millions of dollars worth of medication.

Many people consider chronic constipation as a condition involving infrequency of bowel movements for weeks at a time. Other people describe chronic constipation is continually straining to pass stools. Of course these two descriptions can occur in a single individual. Both of these symptoms are caused by stools that are hard dry and difficult for the body to eliminate.

In terms of frequency constipation is defined as passing a stool less than three times a week that occurs for a period of time that lasts at least a month. Some people who feel they suffer from chronic constipation may be suffering from a mild form of hypochondria instead, in that they underestimate the frequency of their bowel movements.

Facts

One good way to get a handle on what can be done to remedy constipation, especially if it’s chronic is to take a look at some common misconceptions regarding constipation in general.

People should have a single bowel movement every day.

Not necessarily, less than 50% of people have a single bowel movement per day. If the number of bowel movements per week totals fewer than five then I’m suffering from chronic constipation.

In actual fact the normal range of bowel movements per week ranges anywhere from three to 21. I heard a guy on late-night television talking about how toxic chemicals can accumulate in my intestines if I don’t have enough bowel movements per week. He suggested that these toxic chemicals can cause generalized fatigue and diseases like cancer.

There is no concrete evidence that an accumulation of any chemical in the body is directly related to constipation of any kind. Older people tend to have more bowel movements per day or per week. Quite the opposite, as people age they tend to experience fewer bowel movements over any given period of time.

Constipation is one thing, but chronic constipation is really quite rare.

Chronic constipation affects more than 15% of people in the United States. It can be a debilitating condition and it costs millions of dollars in medical care and lost productivity.

Chronic constipation is pretty easy to fix; be sure to get enough fiber, drink a lot of water and get enough exercise and you’ll be fine.

Chronic constipation can be caused by a number of different factors. One commonly overlooked cause of chronic constipation is stress or depression. Medicine has come far enough to acknowledge that emotional issues can have a profound effect on health in any number of ways.

In addition, a number of medical problems can cause constipation. For example something called dyssynergic or outlet obstruction describes a condition where muscles located in the lower pelvis that surround the rectum don’t work in a normal fashion.

If you feel you are suffering from chronic constipation you should make an appointment to see your doctor.

Intestinal Worms Cause Various Health Complications

Intestinal Worms Cause Various Health Complications

Constipation worm

Our body plays host to many other living organisms. This is well known fact. But, how does our body cope with these living organisms? How beneficial or harmful are they to our health? Not just one or two, there are more than a hundred types of living organisms that call our body as their home. In addition they reproduce by constantly dropping eggs in our body. The human digestive tract provides all the favorable conditions required for these organisms to survive. Intestinal worms and other parasites are a threat to us and should be removed before they become the cause on any serious health problem.

First of all we need to know the symptoms that point towards the existence of these organisms in our body. There are many symptoms that indicate the presence of intestinal worms. If you have a bad case of constipation you are surely infected. Asthma, diarrhea, indigestion, rashes are all symptoms that confirm the presence of these organisms in your body. They lower the immunity of the body which makes you vulnerable to contract different diseases and all sorts of health problems. These are some of the symptoms that you should look out for in order to get treated from the attack of these organisms.

Parasites are bad news for us. They are present anywhere and everywhere we go. They spread through water, air and touch as well. The important thing is that we need to get rid of parasites and intestinal worms as they cause a lot many problems. IF they are present in side the body, we do not get the complete nutrition our body requires as they intercept these nutrients and absorb it themselves. This leaves us under nourished since they take away the essential nutrients. Not only this, some worms have the capability of chewing off our internal organs further damaging our body. Parasites on the other hand are dangerous too as they may cause metal and chemical poison.

Parasites also lead to various bacterial and fungal infections. They act as a source of toxins that is spread in our body which may cause plaque. As a result, the colon wall is blocked. This is one of the causes of irregular bowel movements. Obese people who find it difficult to shed weight in spite of exercising regularly also have these parasites to blame. Take all the measures to eradicate these germs with the help of herbs and medicine and avoid health complications.

How To Find Effective Hemorrhoid Relief

How To Find Effective Hemorrhoid Relief

Constipation Hemorrhoid

 

Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of pain. That is why most people end up trying to find a treatment for it. The itching can cause anyone to be pushed to the boiling point so we all search for anything that can offer some hemorrhoid relief.

The good thing is that there are ways to stop the itching and pain temporarily. There are hemorrhoid creams you can buy without a need for a doctors prescription.

Using hemorrhoid creams is a great way to get some quick hemorrhoid relief. But in order to treat your hemorrhoids you might have to make some sort of lifestyle change.

For example eating the wrong foods can cause hemorrhoids. Really anything that makes it tougher in the restroom when taking a number 2 should be avoided. The harder your stool the worse off you are when it comes to hemorrhoids.

What you want is a smooth stool that does not involve any straining. I know you are probably saying that’s harder said then that and I will 100 percent agree with you on that.

Matter of fact anything is easier said then done because nobody said it was going to be easy in the first place. Anyways that’s about it have fun treating your hemorrhoids!

Is there a connection between Constipation and Acne?

Is there a connection between Constipation and Acne?

Constipation

 

Are you experiencing delay in your bowel movement? Say almost every three days before you stool? Well, it is of no doubt you are constipated. Constipation can happen to anyone at any given time. It depends mostly on ones’ way of life.

Constipation occurs mainly in not having sufficient fiber in their diet. Secondarily, to those who lack physical activity, those drinking milk without drinking eight glasses of water every day, problems with the colons and rectum, and other activities that have something to do with the digestive system.

Constipation, on the other hand causes acne. Study shows that insulin resistance and cholesterol are two of the reasons in the development of that skin condition or spot. That is why it is advisable to have a high fiber diet in order to lower if not normalize high blood pressure and insulin levels. With high fiber intake, it lowers cholesterol. The skin will not have extra cholesterol to use to make androgen which triggers spot lesion. Insulin resistance triggers spot as well. To avoid acne, avoid constipation first. If you cannot have a high fiber diet, have an enough fiber diet instead. You can have 20-35 grams of fiber a day. You can actually seek the help of a dietician if necessary. To enumerate, fiber foods include wheat bread, fruits, cereals, and vegetables. Accompanied by this diet are the less intake of those low in fiber foods like canned goods, junk foods, etc.

Another solution in getting rid of constipation is a change in lifestyle which really works too. If you are used to drinking beverages every day instead of drinking water, you still have the time to make amends. Drink enough water so as not to become dehydrated especially when you are constipated. If you are used to not exercising, change it now. Try to do some exercise at least 15 minutes every day. You can do brisk walking or just running around your neighborhood. This change in lifestyle is not only to avoid constipation but also as your key in having a healthy life.

Better treat constipation because this might not only cause said skin condition or spot but it may lead to complications that include hemorrhoids which if chronic will need to undergo surgery. So each one of us should always put in mind that constipation chooses no one, it can be acquired by anyone. Again, bear in mind to have good and proper high fiber diet, exercise regularly and lots of liquid intake.

Is the title answered? Indeed. There is really a connection between constipation and acne — that if you are constipated more likely you are to acquire acne.

Using Laxatives to Remedy Constipation Safely

Using Laxatives to Remedy Constipation Safely

Constipation

Millions of Americans fight a battle daily against chronic constipation. If you are one of them you may be seriously thinking of using a laxative as your constipation relief. The enemy is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Hardened stools

• Three or fewer bowel movements in a week

• Straining during bowel movements

• Experiencing incomplete evacuation (real or imagined)

The laxatives designed to treat the symptoms are made up of chemicals that increase stool, motility, frequency and bulk. In the case of laxatives however, misuse and overuse can only serve to worsen the symptoms that laxatives are designed to remedy.

Alternatives to laxatives do exist, however. A diet that includes plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables, and as well whole-grains and cereals can improve your symptoms. Drinking as much as 2 quarts of water a day or including an equivalent amount of the right sorts of drinks also helps. Regular exercise can improve health issues that relate to constipation.

Attempting to overcome any hesitancy to move your bowels when you feel as if you should is sound advice. One has to wonder why around 80% of doctor visits for constipation conclude with the patient leaving with a newly written prescription for laxatives. At the very least an understanding of how these medications effect their changes will provide the right perspective on using them safely.

What types of laxatives are there?

There are at least five different forms of laxatives in common use. These include capsules, liquids, suppositories, pills and enemas. Later in the article we will categorize laxatives according to how they work. It’s important to remember that, like medications in general, laxatives can benefit one and cause unpleasant side effects as well. Sometimes the relative simplicity of an enema or suppository can work faster and more safely than a medicine based on a complex chemical reaction. What follows is a quick rundown of the kind of medications classified as laxatives:

Lubricants

A lubricant laxative is designed to make your stools more slippery. It adds mineral oil as a slippery layer to the walls of the intestine. Doctors consider lubricant laxatives as a suitable remedy on a short-term basis for constipation. Long-term use can cause the intestine to absorb fat soluble vitamins and decrease the effectiveness of certain prescription drugs.

Stimulant

Stimulant laxatives work very fast and very efficiently. They stimulate the lining of the intestine and this in turn accelerates the speed of a stool’s journey through the gastrointestinal system. This type of laxative also hydrates the stool. Ex-Lax, Senokot and Correctol are examples. Regular use of this type of laxative can weaken the muscles used for defecation and make one dependent on laxatives to remedy constipation. Cramping and diarrhea are also common side effects. Prunes are also sometimes classified as chronic stimulant laxatives.

Osmotic and Hyperosmolar Laxatives

Osmostic laxatives also increased the moisture level in the stool by drawing fluids into the intestine from surrounding tissue. Hydrated stools are softer and easier to pass. If you use this sort of laxatives it’s very important to drink as much water as possible. If you don’t there is a real possibility you’ll experience gas and cramping.

Stool softeners

Stool softeners (also. known as emollient laxatives ) use a chemical called ducastate to hydrate and soften the stool. The effect of this sort of laxative may take a week or a little bit longer to work. People with hemorrhoids or those who are recovering from surgery or childbirth frequently use this type of laxative.

Fiber

Certain commercial laxative products contain dietary fiber in an easily consumable form.

Whatever laxative you may decide to use, be careful not to overuse it and try to stay in touch with your doctor regarding your use of laxatives.

Aging and Constipation

Aging and Constipation

Constipation

Does this sound at all familiar? Your bowel movements have decreased in frequency. Your stools seem hard and small. You strain excessively to move your bowels. You feel that evacuation may not have been completed. You would very much like go but feel that you can’t. This should sound very familiar if you’re constipated.

How about the following statement?

Constipation is inevitable as we get older. That may sound familiar too, but it isn’t necessarily true– at least not completely.

It is probably true that the more we age the more likely we are to become constipated. However aging alone doesn’t account for this fact in its entirety. Many people who are advanced in years have never experienced constipation of any kind.

The best approach is taking a look at a few things we can do to prevent constipation from occurring as we get older.

People tend to become more sedentary as they get older and the more sedentary you become the more likely you are to become constipated. You may not be able to maintain the level of activity that you had no trouble maintaining when you were 25 years old, but a conscious effort to get up and do things can serve to prevent constipation — at least in part.

After people reach the age of 50 they tend to take considerably more medications for other health conditions both major and minor. Medications taken to treat arthritis, back pain, allergies, high blood pressure and depression can all increase the risk of developing constipation as well. It doesn’t make sense to stop taking medication that you need, but it might well make sense to take another look at the side effects of your medications in consultation with your doctor.

Certain studies also indicate that older adults actually tend to decrease the amount of fiber in their diet. Further study may be required because this does seem to contradict the common image of older adults heading for the fiber on a frequent basis. Regardless, whatever age you may be, it’s a good idea to make sure that your diet includes a sufficient amount of fiber if you want to cut down on your risk of developing constipation.

Older individuals have also been shown to have a higher risk of developing dehydration than younger adults. There also seems to be some evidence that the thirst sensation decreases as people age. It’s a good idea as you age to remind yourself to drink enough water to stay healthy. Dehydration is commonly regarded as a significant risk factor in cases of chronic constipation.

Older individuals also need to take heed of the fact that constipation may be a warning sign of other serious medical conditions. A visit to the doctor is in order if any of the following is occurring:

• bloody diarrhea

• diarrhea that lasts for more than a week

• constipation that continues longer than two weeks

• stools that are tarry in color

• severe diarrhea that lasts longer than two days

These symptoms may indicate infection or intestinal obstruction in the bowels or inflammatory bowl disease. Colon cancer is another possibility. Tests for colon cancer should be scheduled on a regular basis after you reach the age of 50—normally every three years or so.