Hemorrhoids and Constipation Relief

If you have hemorrhoids, then mostly likely you are constipated. Here is what you can do to have a quicker bowel movement. When go into the bathroom, go in there to have a bowel movement. Don't take a newspaper to read because that keeps you in there longer. Sitting on the toilet puts pressure on your rectum and anal veins and eventually leads to hemorrhoids or aggravates the hemorrhoids you already have. So, you don't want to sit there longer than necessary. Start taking and using some of the constipation remedies listed in other newsletters and you will be having an easier time when you go to have a bowel movement. I have updated my hemorrhoid e-book to include constipation remedies so that you have easy and quick bowel movement. Any straining you do is considered constipation and can lead to hemorrhoids later. When sitting on the toilet, there are a few things you can do to help your stools to come out easier. " Sit-up straight and lean back slightly " Raise your arms up above you, this helps to stretch and move your colon " Use a small stool to place your feet on to move your knees up a little bit. This takes off some of the pressure felt in your anal area. " Move your stomach in and out to help move your colon " Move side to side to stretch and move your colon If you have a job where you have to sit all the time, get up and walk around every hour or as often as you can. Exercise is necessary if you have hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are like extra skin or inflammation that accumulates around your anus. That area can become sensitive or painful to touch. Exercise is called for in helping to get rid of hemorrhoids. A good daily fast walk is the best. Yoga is very helpful since it helps to stretch muscles, and revive circulation. Any exercise will be beneficial. Check out my e-book on hemorrhoids, Hemorrhoid relief, if it does not help you, have a no questions asked refund for up to 8 weeks. You have plenty of time to see if my remedies work for you. You can do all the things for preventing hemorrhoids and constipation, but if you do not exercise regularly, you are bound to get these aliments. So plan to exercise, it is good for life and not just good for hemorrhoids and constipation. The other exercise that you can do is an anus exercise. Do this by pushing down like you are going to the bathroom and then pull back. Do this for a few minutes. This will help to build the tissue in that area. Yes I know, this is uncomfortable to do, but if you don't do some of these exercises, then these hemorrhoids will get worst as time passes.

Keeping regular with easy flowing bowel movements and exercise regularly can help you reduce or even prevent hemorrhoids.

Rudy Silva, a health researcher and nutritionist, provides you with more tips and information on hemorrhoids and constipation relief. Go to: http://www.hemorrhoid-remedies.for--you.info and http://www.remedies-for-constipation.com to checkout his constipation e-book and to http://www.constipationcured.info for more tips and information.

Combating Constipation

 Combating Constipation by Rulin Xiu, PhD

"Death begins in the colon" quote from Dr. Bernard Jensen

Constipation is more then a just an agonizing condition. It's downright hazardous to your health. Especially when occasional bouts of constipation become chronic. Left untreated, constipation can eventually lead to appendicitis, bad breath, body odor, depression, diverticulitis, fatigue, gas, headaches, hemorrhoids (piles), indigestion, insomnia, malabsorption syndrome, obesity and varicose veins. It may even be involved in the development of serious diseases such as colon cancer.

About 80 percent of all Americans suffer from constipation at some point in their lives. More than 2.5 million Americans seek medical treatment for it every year. In fact, it's the most common complaint patients have about their digestive system. Doctors regularly prescribe a host of medications that aren't always effective and can actually be harmful.

It is absolutely essential for the bowels to move daily and regularly. Why? Think of your colon as a holding tank for waste matter. This waste should be removed within eighteen to twenty-four hours. Any waste remaining for longer then this can produce harmful antigens and toxins from undigested food and bacteria ? which can lead to chronic gas, bloating migraines, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

What Causes Constipation?

In most cases, constipation arises from dietary factors such as insufficient fiber and fluid intake and from the heavy consumption of sugars, meats and highly processed foods. Constipation can also be caused by certain supplements and medications such as iron, painkiller and certain antidepressants.

Physiological problems such as diabetes, kidney failure, metabolic disturbances, low thyroid or high calcium levels can also lead to constipation. Other physiological causes include muscular disorders, structural abnormalities, bowel diseases, accelerated aging and neurogenic disorders. It is also common during pregnancy. In older individuals, constipation is usually caused by dehydration, a common problem among the elderly.

With people of any age, depression and stress can also be a trigger for constipation. Studies show that stress or emotional upset play a role in constipation by affecting the autonomic nervous system. These nerves control the natural contraction of the colon (peristalsis), and stress can trigger spasms or inhibit their normal functioning. Traveling can also cause bowel problems for many.

Recommendations:

The first line of defense against constipation should be a diet rich in high-fiber foods. Fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and legumes are all excellent choices. Adequate water intake is also essential, especially with a diet high in fiber.

Second, it's important to avoid constipating and mucous-forming foods such as processed, simple carbohydrates, rich dairy products, heavy meats and oversized meals. Instead, eat smaller, well-balanced, fiber-rich portions. You may also want to add 400 mg of magnesium in the morning and evening because this helps relax the intestinal walls and establish normal paristalsis.

In a discussion, Dr. Xiu spoke with Dr. William Wong, a classical naturopath for over 25 years about current laxatives and the difference between those and natural remedies. Wong cautions against various laxatives on the market: "on-going studies confirm that the chemicals in these products may cause abdominal problems and non are considered safe for long-term use."

Both agree that there is one product that stands out which employs an ancient Tibetan formula that has been found to have notable properties. The ingredients comprise of Chinese Rhubarb Root, Terminahia Chebulic Fruit, Inula and Tibetan Mineral Complex which was developed more then three hundred years ago to combat the relieve of digestive and bowel function disorders problems due to their diet of heavy meats and dairy products (much like our North American diet) that has shown considerable promise.

Chinese Rhubarb Root know as Rheum Palmatum L. Var. Tanguticum has traditionally been used to promote healthy bowel movements, release metabolic toxins, control parasites and remove excess heat from the body. Modern clinical trials demonstrate that rhubarb is a highly effective laxative that works by lubricating the colon and encouraging peristalsis ? without causing diarrhea. Other studies show that Chinese rhubarb also works to balance cholesterol levels and promote healthy blood circulation.

Terminahia Chebulic Fruit has been used throughout China for centuries for the relief of diarrhea, cramping and excess coughing. Modern research demonstrates that the fruit works by mildly relaxing the muscles, including those in the intestines. Chebulic has also been shown to have strong antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties.

Inula know as Vladimiria Souliei (Franch) Ling Root is traditionally used to improve digestion, relieve stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Scientific studies indicate that the root may have its effect through its natural anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tibetan Mineral Complex from the Mirabilite Crystal mineral beds in Tibet is naturally rich in calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, iron oxide and 72 essential trace minerals. The mineral complex is traditionally used to release body toxins, excess heat and accumulated body fluids. Modern research shows that this special mineral complex can neutralize stomach acid and also sooth and calm the central nervous system.

In Closing:

Eat a diet rich in high-fiber foods, drink plenty of fluids and choose a product this is all natural formula that will help promote normal healthy bowel function, balance the entire digestive system and help with the detoxification of your body.




Any Questions or Comments to Dr. Xiu, please call Sharon McKeague At Pharm East, Inc. ~ To Harness Nature's Power to Heal Contact Information: P 888-275-3570 P 808-982-3826 F 808-982-3829 E sharonm@pharmeast.com W http://www.pharmeast.com

Getting Rid Of Constipation And Improving Your Health

There is no avoiding this fact-constipation is a big personal issue. That flatulent discomfort can rupture your day, and negatively affect all your chores throughout a day. It can also be a bummer against that happy summer vacation you planned. But being constipated is just not a matter of physical discomfort, its terrible for the overall health too.

The basic reason of constipation is almost always poor eating habits. Constipation also signifies the inability of your bowels to execute their function due to poor quantity of fiber in your food. These bad habits of eating have fallouts for your body that reach beyond a simple discomfort. In fact what goes inside your stomach can have far reaching consequences for your body and can cause such serious diseases like cancer and heart troubles.

Fortunately you have many solutions for this problem that will stop constipation was well as build up your overall health.

It is common knowledge that lack of fiber is the central reason of constipation so your first aim should be to eat food with a high content of fiber in them. This will have an additional benefit, because reports show that fiber also prevents you from heart diseases too. You can begin with a bowl of oatmeal, and along the way can add several pieces of fruit, and a bran muffin together with the nutritious oatmeal. Most people will find that increasing your intake of fiber will serve as a healthy and natural way of putting a stop to constipation. Foods rich in fiber content will also reduce your cholesterol, your blood pressure, and lower the chances of developing cancer of the colon too.

You will find a great amount of fiber from vegetables and fruits. Just consume them with the skin on. They are not just rich with fiber content, but fruits and vegetables are full of minerals and vitamins together with powerful antioxidants that can help strengthen the defense mechanism of your body, protecting you from germs and diseases. Try to add 5 or more bowls of vegetables and fruits to your everyday diet and you will be surprised by your new high levels of energy and the factor of feel-good. Vegetables high in fiber content are cauliflower, sprouts, Brussels, peas, acorn squash, and artichoke. Pears, papaya, prunes, figs, blackberries and raspberries are some of the fruits that have high amount of fiber.

I would not advise the use of laxatives, although many people take that route to get rid of constipation. Constipation can be handled more naturally by less eating of junk foods, and more intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

If all these ideas do not help you much in the long run and you continue to suffer from bouts of constipation, then I guess it would be time to consult a doctor personally.

Rory Hawkins writes about "Getting Rid of Constipation and improving your Health" to visit it: chronic constipation, constipation relief, and constipation remedy.

Green Tea Is A Natural Remedy For Constipation

 

If you are looking for a natural remedy for constipation, there is help.

Although each person's routine is different, you pretty much know when you're constipated. However, you might not know what's causing the problem.

Green tea is considered a natural cure for constipation mainly because it promotes "friendly" bacteria in the intestines thereby encourages bowel regularity.

These friendly bacteria helps increase your resistance to infection, helps maintain bowel regularity, and promotes digestion. It has also been reported that regular consumption of green tea results in a reduced odor from the feces.

Constipation can also be caused by stress, dehydration, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. A colon with weak muscle tone can also cause constipation.

If there aren't any serious underlying causes, there is a natural constipation relief.

Make sure you drink plenty of water. Water adds soft bulk to stools. It's also required by the cells of the colon to lubricate the stools' passage.

You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you're physically active or if you drink coffee or soda that makes you urinate often, you should drink 12 glasses a day.

Dietary fiber absorbs water and makes stools fuller and easier to pass.

Good food sources include prunes, apples, kidney beans, and other legumes, and other oats.

Prune juice, of course, can help you with your problem.

Although it's best to get your fiber from food sources, you can also take a supplement when your meals aren't supplying enough.

If you can afford, eat organic foods. They are healthier choice because they are free from hormones, pesticides, and preservatives. These chemicals are toxic to our system which causes a "traffic" or delay to the normal flow.

In the long run, you would be saving money by buying o

Mary Rose Antonio is a physical therapist for 20 years now and is a great believer in natural healing. She also has a website where she offers organic japanese green tea, chinese green tea. She also invites you to visit this site to learn more about the amazing health benefits of green tea.

rganic items because you will be a lot healthier, thereby less prone to sickness.

Constipation A Rock-Hard Problem

Constipation, also known as irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system in which stools are hard and are difficult to pass.

In some cases, constipation may be quite painful, and in severe cases the hardened stool or feces, can be nearly impossible to pass resulting in a fecal impaction. There is often a decreased urge to have a bowel movement. If it occurs frequently, constipation can lead to hemorrhoids because of the straining associated with passing a hard stool.

What is a normal amount of bowel movements I should have each week? This common question is one asked to family physicians and gastroenterologist daily.

Family Practice Physicians and Gastroenterologist, physicians specializing in the practice of diseases dealing with the stomach and intestines, both explain that the normal amount of bowel movements each week depends solely on what is normal for you.

The frequency of one?s bowel movements depends on a variety of factors, including, diet, exercise and fluid intake. Poor diet seems to be primary cause of constipation most often. Even though constipation is routinely defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, it is important to remember that some people may have less and yet have no symptoms of constipation.

Constipation is a frequent complaint of patients visiting their physician.

It seemingly is most often reported by women and senior adults, over the age of 65. It is also often reported by pregnant women. However, when you realize the most often determined cause of constipation is dietary then it is also easy to realize that constipation can be fairly easily remedied.

Dietary changes are often some of the easiest lifestyle changes to implement in order to find relief from constipation.

One of the easiest dietary changes to make includes increasing dietary fiber so that daily intake equals 20-35 grams of fiber per day. Foods high in dietary fiber include beans, fresh fruits, whole grains, bran cereals and fresh vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.

Avoid foods with little or no dietary fiber is also important. These foods include things like processed foods and meats.

Constipation might be a common problem but it is certainly not one that you have to live with. Talk with your physician in order to determine the cause of your constipation and your best course treatment.

For more important information on stomach pain visit a-stomach-pain.com where you'll find advice on common stomach pain causes such as constipation, ulcers, and more.

A Guide to Constipation

Constipation is a major irritable, sickening and debilitating condition, when one experiences difficulty in eliminating hard feces. Constipation may occur because of dietary, hormonal, medicinal or anatomical problems. It may occur in infants, children and adults without any age or sex difference.

The causes of constipation include hardening of the feces, insufficient intake of dietary fiber, dehydration causing excess absorption of water from stools, consumption of certain medicines containing iron, calcium and aluminum, paralysis or slowed transit which results in diminished peristaltic actions, hypothyroidism, hypokalemia, injured anal sphincter, usage of antidepressants and certain tranquillizers, acute porphyria, anxiety or unfamiliarity with surroundings, tumors in the bowel, and narrowed or blocked intestine or rectum. Two colon disorders such as colonic inertia and pelvic floor dysfunction can also cause constipation.

The symptoms of constipation include hemorrhoid and anal fissures on straining, distended, diffusely tender and crampy abdomen, and enhanced bowel sounds. In severe cases, paradoxical diarrhea may occur in which soft stool from the small intestine bypasses the hard solid feces in the colon.

It is best to consult your doctor if you notice any sustained change in your bowel habits. Changes such as losing weight, severe abdominal pain and rectal bleeding are to be seriously considered as they are indications of the seriousness of constipation. The common tests include evaluation of patient's history, physical examination, blood tests, abdominal x-rays, barium enema, colonic transit studies, defecography, ano-rectal motility studies, and colonic motility studies.

The treatment requires change in dietary habits, laxatives, fiber therapy, enemas, and rarely surgery. The affected people must increase the intake of water and other fluids, and dietary fiber. Vegetables, bran and fruits are the chief source of dietary fibers. The treatment for constipation aims at one bowel movement in every 2 to 3 days without straining. If one's body does not seem to be responding to one treatment then the treatment should be stopped and another started.

Constipation provides detailed information on constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Constipation is affiliated with Are Cold Sores Contagious? .

Constipation and Leg Pain

Although constipation and leg pain are different conditions and occur in different parts of the body, they may be interconnected and can have a common origin. In most cases, the origin is related to nerve damage or dysfunction. It is also seen that people with leg pain have a greater chance of constipation and vice versa. In fact, constipation is one of the major symptoms of leg pain along with sharp or shooting pain and weakness or sensory disturbance of legs.

Many inflammations, diseases or conditions in the lower part of the nervous system can result in constipation and leg pain. Lumbar nerve root inflammations due to disk herniation, burst fractures, spondylolisthesis, foramina, and abnormal bone formation can lead to both conditions. Arachnoiditis, which causes spinal covering damage, can also result in constipation and leg pain.

The loosening of muscles and deficiency of calcium can result in malfunctioning or deterioration of the muscles which aid peristaltic actions and standing. The damages to these muscles result in diseases such as constipation, leg pain, frequent/uncontrolled urination, and diarrhea. Constipation and leg pain may also arise as a result of the diseases affecting the urinary system such as uterine fibroids.

Many pain relieving drugs such as morphine and aspirin used for curing leg pain can cause constipation. This is because all the pain killing drugs act on the central nervous system which causes a decrease in nerve impulse traffic. The result is the reduced functioning of all body muscles including that of the bowel wall. The frequent use of these drugs can result in severe constipation.

Overweight persons are the most prone to constipation and leg pain. Pregnant ladies are also more prone to have both conditions at the same time. Menstrual cramps and the use of some unnatural drugs which irritate the lower nerves can also result in constipation and leg pain. Pelvic bone dysfunctions are another common cause.

Drinking plenty of water and eating fruits can help in good functioning of the muscles, which in turn helps to manage both constipation and leg pain.

Constipation provides detailed information on constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Constipation is affiliated with Are Cold Sores Contagious? .

 

Constipation from Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis may result in constipation since most drugs and medicines used to treat arachnoiditis can cause constipation. The basic causes of constipation are excess dehydration of feces, relaxed or reduced bowel muscle activity and obstructions in the bowel passage.

Arachnoiditis is an incurable and dangerous condition in which inflammation occurs inside or around the spinal cord. This can damage the nerve roots. Arachnoiditis in the lumbar spine is one of the major causes for constipation. The nerve roots from the conus medullaris of the lumbar region control the nerve supply to the lower legs, bowels and bladder. The damage of the nerves controlling bowel activities (especially S3 and S4 nerves) by arachnoiditis can result in reduced muscle contractions and feces movement. This can cause constipation.

Constipation as a result of arachnoiditis has all the same symptoms as normal constipation. As the symptoms are almost the same, it will take some serious test to detect the proper cause. There will be pain at the end of the bowels and weakness in completing bowel action. The persons with arachnoiditis usually also experience the problem of urinary retention as both are regulated by nerve branches arising from same region. Often the patients? lower body parts have poor reflexes and diminished pain sensing ability.

Almost all drugs used to treat arachnoiditis can cause decreased mobility of bowel muscles. The most widely used drugs are opiates (e.g. Morphine, Pethidine (Demerol, Methadone, and Tramadol), anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Brufen, Mobic, Naproxen, and Vioxx), antidepressant drugs (e.g. amitriptyline and Prozac), anticonvulsant drugs (e.g. Tegretol, Neurontin and Vigabatrin) and muscle relaxants (e.g. Baclofen Robaxin Dantrolene and Zanaflex). As most of these drugs are pain killers, and nerve depressants, they reduce the ability of the nerves to carry impulses to respective organs. Because of this many doctors prescribe drugs for constipation along with treatments for arachnoiditis.

To minimize constipation, patients are given a chemical stimulant which performs digital stimulation for evacuation when placed inside the rectum. This is practiced once in every two days.

Constipation provides detailed information on constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Constipation is affiliated with Are Cold Sores Contagious

Natural Cures for Constipation

Natural cures for constipation require a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes. Unlike medicinal and other treatment methods, natural cures are simple and easy to practice, and also have less negative side effects. Often these natural cures enable one to completely eliminate infrequent and mild constipation.

Dietary changes include consuming fibers which are present in raw fruit (like bananas, apples, papaya, grapes and oranges) and vegetables, whole grains and pulses, and drinking plenty of water (minimum 8 glasses per day). Avoid alcohol, highly processed/junk foods and caffeine as they cause dehydration. Avoid drugs as much as you can.

Guava with seeds, due to its roughness, can give relief to constipation. Giving bran cereal to infants and children can help in safeguarding them from constipation. Drinking of milk with extra sugar or honey can also help in elders. Daily exercises are important in preventing constipation. You do not need to exercise vigorously; walking 30 to 40 minutes daily will be enough.

There are many natural laxatives available in the market to cure constipation. These laxatives make the bowel wall muscles relax, and reduce anxiety and tension. They also enhance liver and gall bladder functioning, and promote bile flow, which improves digestion of food.

The use of herbs, which was once practiced only by tribes and some cultures over the world, is becoming more and more popular in natural constipation treatments. Most of these herbs have laxative properties, which promote digestion and act as a liver tonic. The most used herbs are Aloe Vera, Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Passiflora species. These herbs can be used for both chronic and occasional constipation. Almost all of them do not have any side effect.

Herbal products from these herbs are available in tablet forms as well. Each tablet includes a definite amount of high quality fresh herbs. Thus you can change your dosage according to the state of t

Constipation provides detailed information on constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Constipation is affiliated with Are Cold Sores Contagious? .

he constipation. Most of these tablets can be used in conjunction with digestion tonics.

 

 

10 Ways to Win the Fight Against Constipation

Constipation is a fairly common problem for most people but its symptoms and the discomfort that comes along with it make it a horrible experience for most. Fortunately, it is easy enough to resolve and easy enough to avoid. Here are some simple tips to follow to prevent future bouts of constipation and maintaining regular, healthy bowel movements.

1. Fiber, Fiber, Fiber. A key to fighting constipation is to increase your fiber intake. It helps produce soft, bulky stools that are easy to expel. Beans, whole grains and cereals as wells as fresh fruits and leafy vegetables are foods that are rich in fiber. These vegetables include cabbage, brussel sprouts and carrots.

2. In fighting constipation, one must also increase fluid intake. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day so there is enough of it to produce soft stools that is easy to eliminate.

3. Eating more fruits and vegetables also helps fight constipation. They contain substances that remove toxins and help them be flushed out of the digestive system.

4. Fighting constipation does not mean sacrificing your protein intake. The key to enjoying the benefits of proteins without constipating is by eating it with a fiber- rich food. Suffering from constipation or being prone to it does not mean you have to give protein up entirely. To keep constipation at bay, balance your protein intake with vegetables so it will not bring out your constipation problem. Proteins that stay very long in the colon may lead to cancer so eating vegetable along with them help eliminate them eventually.

5. Engaging in daily exercise is also known to relieve symptoms of constipation and to promote regular body processes including bowel movement.

6. Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement is also a no-no in prevention of constipation. It is good to condition one's body to do bowel movement first thing in the morning to regularly eliminate body wastes and toxins. Even if you are busy, if you feel the urge to eliminate waste do so, before you have problems with constipation by habitually ignoring nature's call.

7. Maximize the marvels of papaya. Papaya is a fruit that is rich in fiber and has substances that have antioxidant properties. Papaya is an excellent source of relief from constipation. It has a rich, sweet likeable taste that provides not only relief from constipation but is also filling. It makes an excellent desert and can be eaten as it is or as a drink or shake or as an ingredient in salads. It is also known to have anticancer properties so it also protects the cells in the colon against this disease. Papaya also contains papain which is an enzyme that helps breakdown proteins (which is why it is used as a meat tenderizer in many cooking techniques.)

8. Limiting the intake of foods that are poor in fiber is also a key step in preventing constipation. During snacks, go for food that provides fiber such as cereals or wheat bread as well as fruits and vegetables. Fruit juices, especially those prepared from fresh fruits are also excellent sources of fiber that prevent constipation.

9. Go for natural foods rather than processed foods to prevent and fight constipation. This means choosing fresh vegetables and fruits rather than those that are canned or have preservatives in them. Fresh fruits and vegetables mean having all the important nutrients and fibers intact.

10. In cases where constipation had already set in, the best remedy is to take laxatives. There are a lot of over-the-counter laxatives available today but it is still best to consult to doctor before taking some. This is to know which one is the best for your case because it may depend on the cause of your constipation. Fighting constipation through the use of laxatives should also be done in moderation. Treatment with laxatives should only be done until regular bowel movement is achieved and not longer. For children, they should be also be used under the advise of a doctor and should not be used on a long- term basis.

Preventing and fighting constipation is easy enough especially if you could identify the causes of your problem. By following the above tips in fighting constipation, there is no way you should lose the battle and be deprived of a feeling of comfort that could only come from the regular exercise of one of your body' most important functions: waste elimination.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.colon-articles.com where you can find out just how important it is to care for your colon as well as learn more about preventing constipation.

10 Ways to Win the Fight Against Constipation

Constipation is a fairly common problem for most people but its symptoms and the discomfort that comes along with it make it a horrible experience for most. Fortunately, it is easy enough to resolve and easy enough to avoid. Here are some simple tips to follow to prevent future bouts of constipation and maintaining regular, healthy bowel movements.

1. Fiber, Fiber, Fiber. A key to fighting constipation is to increase your fiber intake. It helps produce soft, bulky stools that are easy to expel. Beans, whole grains and cereals as wells as fresh fruits and leafy vegetables are foods that are rich in fiber. These vegetables include cabbage, brussel sprouts and carrots.

2. In fighting constipation, one must also increase fluid intake. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day so there is enough of it to produce soft stools that is easy to eliminate.

3. Eating more fruits and vegetables also helps fight constipation. They contain substances that remove toxins and help them be flushed out of the digestive system.

4. Fighting constipation does not mean sacrificing your protein intake. The key to enjoying the benefits of proteins without constipating is by eating it with a fiber- rich food. Suffering from constipation or being prone to it does not mean you have to give protein up entirely. To keep constipation at bay, balance your protein intake with vegetables so it will not bring out your constipation problem. Proteins that stay very long in the colon may lead to cancer so eating vegetable along with them help eliminate them eventually.

5. Engaging in daily exercise is also known to relieve symptoms of constipation and to promote regular body processes including bowel movement.

6. Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement is also a no-no in prevention of constipation. It is good to condition one's body to do bowel movement first thing in the morning to regularly eliminate body wastes and toxins. Even if you are busy, if you feel the urge to eliminate waste do so, before you have problems with constipation by habitually ignoring nature's call.

7. Maximize the marvels of papaya. Papaya is a fruit that is rich in fiber and has substances that have antioxidant properties. Papaya is an excellent source of relief from constipation. It has a rich, sweet likeable taste that provides not only relief from constipation but is also filling. It makes an excellent desert and can be eaten as it is or as a drink or shake or as an ingredient in salads. It is also known to have anticancer properties so it also protects the cells in the colon against this disease. Papaya also contains papain which is an enzyme that helps breakdown proteins (which is why it is used as a meat tenderizer in many cooking techniques.)

8. Limiting the intake of foods that are poor in fiber is also a key step in preventing constipation. During snacks, go for food that provides fiber such as cereals or wheat bread as well as fruits and vegetables. Fruit juices, especially those prepared from fresh fruits are also excellent sources of fiber that prevent constipation.

9. Go for natural foods rather than processed foods to prevent and fight constipation. This means choosing fresh vegetables and fruits rather than those that are canned or have preservatives in them. Fresh fruits and vegetables mean having all the important nutrients and fibers intact.

10. In cases where constipation had already set in, the best remedy is to take laxatives. There are a lot of over-the-counter laxatives available today but it is still best to consult to doctor before taking some. This is to know which one is the best for your case because it may depend on the cause of your constipation. Fighting constipation through the use of laxatives should also be done in moderation. Treatment with laxatives should only be done until regular bowel movement is achieved and not longer. For children, they should be also be used under the advise of a doctor and should not be used on a long- term basis.

Preventing and fighting constipation is easy enough especially if you could identify the causes of your problem. By following the above tips in fighting constipation, there is no way you should lose the battle and be deprived of a feeling of comfort that could only come from the regular exercise of one of your body' most important functions: waste elimination.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.colon-articles.com where you can find out just how important it is to care for your colon as well as learn more about preventing constipation.

Constipation: A Rock-Hard Problem

Constipation, also known as irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system in which stools are hard and are difficult to pass.

In some cases, constipation may be quite painful, and in severe cases the hardened stool or feces, can be nearly impossible to pass resulting in a fecal impaction. There is often a decreased urge to have a bowel movement. If it occurs frequently, constipation can lead to hemorrhoids because of the straining associated with passing a hard stool.

What is a normal amount of bowel movements I should have each week? This common question is one asked to family physicians and gastroenterologist daily.

Family Practice Physicians and Gastroenterologist, physicians specializing in the practice of diseases dealing with the stomach and intestines, both explain that the normal amount of bowel movements each week depends solely on what is normal for you.

The frequency of one?s bowel movements depends on a variety of factors, including, diet, exercise and fluid intake. Poor diet seems to be primary cause of constipation most often. Even though constipation is routinely defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, it is important to remember that some people may have less and yet have no symptoms of constipation.

Constipation is a frequent complaint of patients visiting their physician.

It seemingly is most often reported by women and senior adults, over the age of 65. It is also often reported by pregnant women. However, when you realize the most often determined cause of constipation is dietary then it is also easy to realize that constipation can be fairly easily remedied.

Dietary changes are often some of the easiest lifestyle changes to implement in order to find relief from constipation.

One of the easiest dietary changes to make includes increasing dietary fiber so that daily intake equals 20-35 grams of fiber per day. Foods high in dietary fiber include beans, fresh fruits, whole grains, bran cereals and fresh vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.

Avoid foods with little or no dietary fiber is also important. These foods include things like processed foods and meats.

Constipation might be a common problem but it is certainly not one that you have to live with. Talk with your physician in order to determine the cause of your constipation and your best course treatment.

For more important information on stomach pain visit a-stomach-pain.com where you'll find advice on common stomach pain causes such as constipation, ulcers, and more.

Constipation, Is It Bugging You?

Different people have different bowel movement schedules. Some go to the bathroom as often as three times a day while others have their bowel movement three times a week, still others do it every day. However, there are times when our bathroom habits change. If you noticed that you have to strain in order to move your bowel, or you still feel "unreleased" despite the frequent trips to the bathroom and you exert too much effort just to have a bowel movement, then you may be constipated. Constipation happens when stools pass too slowly through the intestines.

Constipation may be caused by a lot of reasons. Most common of which are:

1. You have not taken enough fluids to facilitate the easy release of you bowel.
2. Your diet doesn't contain enough dietary fiber.
3. You are most often sedentary and do not engage in enough physical activity.
4. You let the urge pass every time nature calls for it.
5. Certain medications.
6. When you are over-dependent on laxatives and overusing these.
7. When you are experiencing depression.
8. In cases of hyperthyroidism.
9. When you are suffering from colon cancer.

Curing constipation includes firstly, drinking a lot of fluids and water by far is the best and second is eating a lot of fiber rich foods.

Drinking plenty of fluids, an equivalent of six to eight glasses of water daily together with a diet rich in fiber should keep you away from constipation. Fiber rich foods include unprocessed wheat bran, unrefined breakfast cereals, whole wheat, rye, fresh or dried fruits excluding bananas, vegetables except potatoes and legumes. The same approach should be tried first if you feel constipated. You should consume a rich serving of fruits and vegetables daily. Ideally, two to four servings of fruit and three to five servings of vegetables a day with the addition of extra grains such as bran breakfast cereal is recommended. Also increase your exercise regimen and use bulk-forming laxatives that contain psyllium.

Although bulk forming laxatives can help you ease constipation, you should not immediately resort to these every time you feel constipated. Bulk forming laxatives add water to your stools, softening them and in the process make the stools pass more easily through the intestines. Other types of laxatives stimulate muscle contractions in the intestine and when overused, these can actually cause more damage than help ease constipation.

Frequent use of laxatives can be more counterproductive than beneficial. Our intestines may become over dependent on laxatives. When laxatives are used frequently, our intestines may cease to function normally on their own. Our body's ability to metabolize drugs may be hindered by laxatives as well. Lastly, laxatives can facilitate easy movement of food through our digestive system so quickly that water and nutrients can't be completely absorbed.

Obstruction of the digestive tract that results in constipation commonly affects people older than 40 years old. This obstruction might be due to a benign or even malignant tumor.

If you have not experienced constipation and suddenly you find it very difficult to move your bowel coupled with accompanying symptoms like bloody or black stools, constipation that lasts three weeks or more and abdominal pain or pain upon bowel movement, then its best to see and consult your doctor.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Constipation

A Few Basic Facts About Constipation

At sometime or the other in a person's life they are bound to become constipated. This may last for a short period of time or it may be for a long period of time. In this latter instance, it is advisable to consult your physician. It is a condition hard to describe. Sometimes, people may think they are constipated but they really are not. Constipation could be a condition in itself or it could also be an early warning sign that something more serious is taking place in one's system.

It is the thought that having a bowel movement every day is the normal thing and is the essential thing. This is not necessarily true, as each person will have a different routine according to various reasons, including the food they eat, exercise and other factors.

A doctor's definition of constipation would be - the lack of a bowel movement for more than three consecutive days. However, a patient would see constipation in a different light and would say they are constipated if they had any of the following symptoms:

. The stools are large and difficult to pass
. Hard stools
. Infrequent passing of stools
. It hurts when passing stools

Causes of constipation

. Certain medication taken to treat ailments can result in constipation. Medication with Calcium, Aluminum and Iron in them causes constipation. Certain antidepressants can cause constipation. The substance Codeine contained in pain relievers bring about constipation. The above are just a few.
. Not eating a well balanced diet can also brings about constipation. A diet high in meats, eggs, dairy products, rich desserts and various other sweets too can cause constipation.
. Lack of exercise or inactivity is another cause for this condition.
. Traveling can be another cause, as sometimes when a person is comfortable only in using their own toilet and feels uncomfortable in using an outside toilet, they postpone going and therefore become constipated.
. Imaginary constipation when people are really not. This condition is said to be very common. People think they have to pass stools on a daily basis and if they do not they imagine that they are constipated.
. People abuse the use of laxatives sometimes and this can lead to constipation. This is because, as a habit, they take a laxative to pass a stool and become dependent on it when finally the intestines loses its sensitivity and does not work properly anymore.
. Pregnancy can be another cause owing to hormonal changes and also as a result of the intestine being narrowed as the fetus grows thereby blocking the stools from passing through.
. Postponing having a bowel movement. This usually happens when one is too busy and keeps putting off in having a bowel movement or it maybe due to another reason like unfamiliar surroundings.
. Insufficient intake of water or liquids.
. A bad case of vomiting and diarrhea can cause loss of body salts resulting in constipation.
. Certain diseases too can bring about a constriction in the intestine thereby blocking the passage of stools. Examples are tumors, scarring and inflammation of the intestine. Also another cause is the presence of fissures and hemorrhoids (piles).
. Certain diseases like diabetes, depression and a low level of the thyroid hormone.
. Another very common cause is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This is a condition where a person develops a series of spasms in the colon thereby delaying the speed with which the intestine contents move through the digestive canal resulting in constipation.
. Injuries to the spinal cord can affect the nerves that lead to the intestine.

How does one avoid constipation?

. Eat a well balanced diet high in fiber, fruits and veggies.
. Exercise on a regular basis.
. When you get the inclination, you should go to the toilet. Do not postpone it.
. Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, vegetable juices and plenty of other clear liquids.
. Train yourself to go at a particular time after breakfast preferably or after dinner.
. Do not misuse laxatives. They should be taken only on your physician's recommendation.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Constipation

Infant Constipation

Concerning Infant Constipation, while all agree that hard, dry and painful stools are the symptoms of Constipation, the frequency of bowel movements is controversial amongst pediatricians. Normally a newborn infant does it quite frequently, eight to ten times a day for about four weeks until the frequency drops to about one to two times per day by the eighth week. But there is a very firm school of thought amongst many physicians that even up to four days without a bowel movement, for breast-fed babies, is no cause for alarm. Breast milk is well constituted, so that the whole of it is absorbed by the baby?s digestive system, and what passes as stool is some curdled protein and stomach juices and mucus.

With formula-fed infants the baby does not use up all the bulk and the residue, if allowed to build for too long, would lose the water content and become very hard. So the frequency of bowel movements for these babies should be more. Babies do grunt and become red in the face while passing stools. This is quite normal until the anal sphincter muscles learn to relax and expand when making a bowel movement.

Parents can give about two ounces of water or diluted juice, if the stools are hard. Bicycling the legs and giving a gentle tummy massage helps if the baby has not had a bowel movement for too long. But if the Constipation is accompanied by severe vomiting, pain or other problems it calls for immediate consultation with the doctor. The parents should not attempt to treat the infant with laxatives or anything else. It is normal that babies undergo a phase of Constipation when solid foods are introduced. A corresponding increase of liquids like diluted juice would help manage the problem. A different type of solid food, avoiding constipating ingredients, will also help to solve the problem.

If Constipation persists, the pediatrician may recommend the use of mild laxatives, suppositories or enemas. These should be discontinued as soon as the baby is free of the symptoms. Continued usage of any aid to treat Constipation should be avoided.

Constipation provides detailed information on constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Constipation is affliated with Are Cold Sores Contagious?

A Guide To Obtaining Constipation and Bloating Relief

About 4 million Americans complain about constipation annually. Constipation is the irregular movement of bowels. This is because your stools are hard and you experience difficulty in passing them. When you do move your bowels, you may also get the feeling of incomplete evacuation. Constipation is triggered by insufficient water and fiber intake. Unhealthy diets and eating too much meat and unprocessed foods are all a precursor to constipation.

What is considered a regular bowel movement? The normal bowel movement of a healthy adult varies between 3 and 21 times a week. A healthy adult should pass at least one bowel movement a day. Less than three bowel movements is medically a condition of constipation and less than one bowel movement in a week is acute constipation.

Constipation can lead to bloating, which is the swelling of the abdomen. Bloating is simply a condition whereby the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas content. Constipation and bloating relief should be addressed, as lack of effective treatment can lead to several other diseases.

Stagnant stools which cannot be effective cleared and therefore stored in your colon can give rise to several harmful bacteria. These bacteria can create inflammation on the colon linings, which then lead to colon cancer. In acute constipation, the bacteria from colon can enter other parts in the digestive system. These hamper your entire digestive process. Other symptoms that emerge include eczema, acne, skin problems, headaches, a lowered immune system and mood changes.

So how do you obtain constipation and bloating relief? There are several natural methods for constipation and bloating relief. Constipation is directly associated with what you eat. A fiber rich diet is the most common remedy. Fiber retains water in the stools and also increases the size of it as this can lead to their easy passage. A fiber rich diet also helps in the growth of good bacteria. Psyllium is high in soluble fiber and consuming psyllium with large amounts of water provides much constipation and bloating relief.

Prunes are also highly recommended. Prune contains large amount of potassium which stimulates the linings of colon and this leads to easy bowel movements. Potassium also cleans the fecal matter attached to the colon linings. Thus, you may wish to consider having more prunes for constipation and bloating relief.

In addition, you should include more vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber and tomato in your diet. These vegetables are rich in potassium and should help you with your bowel movements. Fruits like pineapple also contains large amount of potassium.

Herbs like aloe, senna, buckthorn and frangula are proven natural remedies for constipation. Flax seed and Rhubarb are other two herbs that can provide much constipation and bloating relief. Most of these herbs are available in the market. Some of these herbs have high laxative properties. You should therefore use them only taking professional advice.

Thus, it can be seen that there are many ways to obtain constipation and bloating relief. You should not allow your constipation to go untreated. Accumulating toxic waste in your body can only create problems later. Start making some changes to your eating and lifestyle habits from today!

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Dog Constipation

A dog should defecate at least once in two days, with soft feces. The dog suffers from Constipation if it does not do so.

Mechanical obstructions such as tumors, strictures and foreign bodies are the most probable causes of initial Constipation. The ingestion of large meals of bones and some indigestible fibrous material can cause Constipation. If we do not notice it in time the feces accumulates in the colon, loses its moisture and becomes dry. It makes it all the harder to move the bowel. The older dogs are affected more. The dog may strain to defecate, and pass a small amount of liquid stool. Loss of appetite, vomiting and lethargy are other symptoms of Dog Constipation.

Frequent Constipation causes a condition called megacolon. When the feces accumulate in the colon, it dilates to hold the feces. Over a period it loses its ability to contract and expand to propel the feces out.

Clinical signs are the important methods by which the Constipation is diagnosed. Physical examination and, in certain cases, radiography can help in assessing the Constipation of the pet. First, treatment may involve enemas and or the physical removal of the feces in a veterinary clinic. If that doesn?t work then surgery may be used. The dog may need intravenous liquids to treat dehydration. Various laxatives are available for dogs, that soften the stools and improve colon contraction.

We can take several measures to prevent Dog Constipation. A high-fiber diet and the availability of water at all times are most important. Regularly exercising the dog is very important, and it also allows the dog regular chances for bowel movements. Encouraging the dog to pass stools by taking the dogs out often can improve the frequency. There are serious diseases that can cause Constipation. As the dog ages, the chance of Constipation also increases.

If the normal treatment is not effective, the veterinarian may do surgery to partially or fully remove the colon.

Chronic Constipation provides detailed information on constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Chronic Constipation is affiliated with Are Cold Sores Contagious? .

Constipation vs What Is Normal

What constitutes constipation or being constipated is defined primarily at the personal level. For some people, constipation can mean infrequent bowel movements. While for others, constipation can be defined as the stools themselves being hard or having to strain in order to pass them.

The causes of two types mentioned above are quite possibly different, as would be the approaches to provide relief.

For most people the frequency of bowel movements will normally decline with age. And what once seemed ?normal? a few years ago won?t be ?normal? today for the same person. In fact, most people that are regular don?t have a daily bowel movement or the same number each day.

Occasional constipation is not a serious medical concern particularly when the bowel movements provide relief from the bloating, or minor stomach pain. However, chronic constipation should be a whole other matter for you.

If the type of constipation is that you constantly have to strain in order to push the stool out, you should have these symptoms more closely evaluated and if necessary begin some type of doctor recommended treatment. If initial treatments recommended by your primary care physician do not alleviate your symptoms, you may wish to go ahead and ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist.

A bowel movement every day is not the desired outcome when attempting to treat the symptoms of constipation, rather a bowel movement about every two to three days (without difficulty or having to strain).

Start with the basics first such as going when you have to go. Don?t put off the urge to defecate? find a toilet. Also, if you are taking any other over the counter or prescription medications, have a talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Certain drugs can contribute to the problem, so you may want to see if they can be discontinued or at least changed.

Most people are aware of the importance of fiber in their diet when it comes to regularity. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are readily available and provide a good source for fiber. It may be difficult to increase the level of fiber your body needs; if so, don?t hesitate to take a fiber supplement. Do this by gradually increasing the amounts of fiber until you begin to achieve the desired result. Keep in mind that the effect of taking fiber won?t happen overnight. You?ll want to allow a week or more to truly evaluate your increased fiber program.

Stimulant type of laxities should not be used or only as a last resort because of the risk of permanent damage to the colon; and note that many herbal laxatives contain these stimulant type laxatives.

For more important information on stomach pain visit a-stomach-pain.com where you'll find advice on common stomach pain causes such as constipation, ulcers, and more.

Constipation Symptoms

Constipation is a subjective feeling of insufficient evacuation of the bowel, and dry or painful passing of stool. There is a popular misconception that it is a must to have at least one bowel movement every day. Medical facts do not support this view.

There are no fixed Symptoms of Constipation except for persons having a serious underlying cause, where Constipation itself is a symptom of that problem. However, some general Constipation Symptoms are followed as guidelines. When the bowel movement is less than three times a week it is considered to be a symptom of Constipation. Other symptoms include hard and dry pellet-like stools, straining too much to pass stools, painful bowel movement, feeling of bloated stomach, uneasiness and sluggishness, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

When the patient suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the colon goes into spasms. This alternately causes Constipation and diarrhea, abdominal cramps, gas and bloating. A physical examination may find local anorectal lesions, such as anal fissures, fistulae, strictures, cancer and thrombosed hemorrhoids and stenosis, abscess, rectal prolapse, bleeding, hernia, fecal retention or abdominal distention. In pelvic floor dysfunction the sphincter muscle of the anus tenses rather than relaxes when the patient attempts a bowel movement. In elderly woman a search may reveal a rectocele bulging into the vagina.

Apart from a physical examination, other examination procedures include blood tests (which may reveal hypothyroidism), abdominal x-rays, barium enemas, colonic transit studies, defecography, ano-rectal motility studies, colonic motility studies and more.

The history of the patients? Constipation may indicate various symptoms. It would include the factors like the time spent in the toilet to defecate, the changes - environmental and psychological - that have taken place prior to the onset of the problem, steps taken to control the problem, such as the use of laxatives (laxative abuse is one of the common cause of Constipation), other measures or behavior patterns adopted by the patient to facilitate bowel movements, and the psychological condition of the patient, where Constipation induces mental worries which in turn worsen the condition, in a vicious cycle.

Constipation provides detailed information on constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Constipation is affliated with Are Cold Sores Contagious? .