Constipation Treatment

Headaches-Insomnia-Anxiety and Constipation Have the Same Root Cause According To Ayurveda

2008-01-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

But today we know that the seeds of illness are sown way before obvious symptoms appear. The absence of a readily diagnosable disease is no longer the definition of health?people want to feel good, not just "not bad." The hammer-hitting-the-toe model of disease doesn't explain the wide variation in people's abilities to resist illness or recover from illness. When you encounter a cold virus, you have only one chance in eight of getting a cold. Seven out of eight times your mind-body is able to defend itself. Clearly the virus is only one small factor?the state of your general health is paramount.

By focusing on physical cause and effect Western medicine has looked at individual organs in isolation, as separate from one another and from the mind and spirit. By way of contrast ancient civilizations were intimately in touch with their nonphysical selves and had rich inner lives. They knew what modern science is just now starting to realize: The mind and body are so connected as to be indistinguishable from each other.In many ways modern science is only beginning to catch up with Ayurveda. In many ways modern science is only beginning to catch up with Ayurveda. For example research is discovering that certain people are constitutionally prediposed to certain illnesses, and proving that lifestyle practices and gentle herbal medicines can make a huge difference in our ability to resist disease, recover from illness, and extend our lives. That's exactly what the ancient science of Ayurveda has been saying for thousands of years. Headaches, insomnia, anxiety and constipation have the same root cause which is a vata imbalance and this is an example of genetic predisposition according to body type.

http://www.drhelenthomas.com Hi I am a practicing Chiropractor for the last 25 years. Ayurveda came into my life in 1984. I have study with the best in the nation and the best in India. It is a practice that takes a lifetime to become a master. I love teaching it and practicing it. The results in everyday practice are phenomenal. It takes seven years to get a degree in Ayurveda in India. It is a serious healthcare science that as a doctor of Chiropractic I was prepared to take it on as my specialty. It gives me so much as a human being and supports me as a professional and serves my community with such grace. California License to Practice Chiropractic 1983,

Bachelors From California Institute of Integral Studies Focus: Ayurveda. 1995 Self Procured Apprenticeship: In Practicing Ayurveda in California for fifteen years. First Ayurved Formal education : Maharishi Ayurved 1985-current. Apprentice: Vaidya Charya Ragu New Delhi, India teacher for Pulse Training.1989-90 Assistant to Vaidya Triguna, Palo Alto,Ca

A Herbal Cure to Constipation

2008-01-01T21:40:00.001-08:00

Constipation is usually associated with three things, the pain in bowel movement and the inability to have bowel movement after a long period of straining in the stool and the absence of bowel movement after several days, which is generally three days or more. However, there is really no clear definition on what would constitute a person suffering from constipation because bathroom patterns vary from one person to the next. For example, on person may have to go to the bathroom every single day, but similarly, another person's routine may involve going to the bathroom only after two days.

Generally though, the person himself will know if he is suffering from constipation if he experiences its symptoms such as irregular and infrequent bowel movement, a sudden decrease in the frequency of the need to go to the bathroom, his bowel still feels quite full even after the passage of stools and the abnormal difficulty in having bowel movements. You should also note that there are various causes of constipation. But in most cases, people suffering from constipation have some similarities with regards to their lifestyle like eating unhealthy food, lack of regular exercise, insufficient amount of fluid in the body because they do not drink enough water and the stress they have to deal with. But other factors can also contribute to constipation. For example, pregnancy can alter your bathroom habits and you may have some difficulty in the passage of stools. Some medical conditions can also prove to have some adverse effects like having difficulties in passing stools.

On the other hand, some people suffer from chronic constipation. This condition is actually very hard to live with because you experience difficulty in your bowel movements every time you go to the bathroom. However, chronic constipation is quite easy to cure if a person is committed to a lifestyle change because more often than not, chronic constipation is a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Also, you can use some medications such as laxatives that can let you have some relief from this condition.

Meanwhile, you can also try some alternative cures such as herbal medicines because it is proven to help in constipation in some ways. But you should also be careful when choosing herb supplement because like chemical laxative, herb laxatives is also not good for you in the long term if you constantly use it to cure your condition. Also remember that laxatives are generally reserved for people with sever cases of constipation or those looking for an instant relief because of an emergency.

For people experiencing mild constipation, it is better for them to try mineral oils or even the milk of magnesia for them to cure this condition. They can also try the bitter liquid derived from aloe vera, this can be a very powerful laxative if ingested, but this is also not good for long-term use because it can cause a person to have severe and painful cramping. In addition, you should first consult with a healthcare professional before you take any form of medication whether it is herbal or not.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Constipation

Best Herbal and Ayurvedic Home Remedies For Constipation

2007-12-30T21:18:00.001-08:00

Constipation is the name given to the condition in which a person finds difficulty in passing stools. Ideally, a person must void the wastes of the digestive tract one or two times a day. But in people suffering from constipation, this elimination of wastes becomes highly reduced, or may even be absent for several days together.

Constipation can be the reduction of the normal volume of feces voided, the complete absence of discharge or sticky discharge that the person has difficulty in passing out. In all cases, there is Ayurvedic treatment. Constipation is not a very dangerous ailment if treated properly in time. But if let be, then constipation can become chronic. Especially in elderly people, constipation for a prolonged period can be fatal.

From an Ayurvedic point of view, constipation is a disease caused particularly by the vitiation of the vata dosha. It is called as Anaha in Ayurveda. But the other two doshas can also be responsible for constipation. Constipation caused due to a high pitta dosha is characterized by dry stools. It is felt mostly in the hot months. Constipation caused due to a high kapha dosha is accompanied by pains in passing out the feces, which are sticky. In people with kapha vitiation, the excessive mucus may block the rectal passage which will obstruct the elimination of the wastes.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Constipation

- Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) The fruit of the bael is an effective laxative. The ripe fruit is better at this than the raw one. It has to be used for two to three months. It can be taken in the form of a sherbet. This will dissolve the wastes of the intestines and flush them out of the body.

- Belleric Myroblan (Terminalia belerica) The half ripe fruit of the belleric myroblan is a purgative. It is used in treatment of chronic constipation. However the fully ripe fruit may be disadvantageous to the treatment.

- Cassia (Cassia fistula) The pulp of the ripe fruit of the cassia tree is an effective laxative in the treatment of constipation. This remedy is popular because it has no side effects even when taken by children and pregnant women.

- Castor (Ricinus communis) Castor oil is effective as a purgative. This treatment also has no side effects. It can be taken safely, irrespective of the physiology of the patient and the climatic conditions.

- Chebulic Myroblan (Terminalia chebula) Chebulic myroblan is a mild laxative. Its pulp is taken with rock salt, or flavored with cloves and cinnamon. Regular use of this decoction relieves the person of constipation.

- Chicory (Chichorium intybus) Chicory has natural laxative powers. It can be used in the treatment of chronic constipation problems.

- Isphagula (Plantago ovata) This is the traditionally used remedy in the treatment of constipation. The seeds of this plant have a soothing effect on the mucus lining of the alimentary canal. The seeds must be soaked in water and then taken. Isphagula seeds act by binding the wastes in the alimentary canal and bringing them to a consistency in which they can be eliminated from the body.

- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Licorice is a laxative. In order to get better benefits, licorice powder is taken with water and jaggery.

- Rhubarb (Rheum emodi) Rhubarb is also commonly used in allopathic medicine for its purgative properties. Rhubarb contains several tannins that are beneficial in voiding the wastes from the alimentary canal. But rhubarb can be used only in simple cases of constipation, and it has no effect in chronic constipation.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Constipation

There are many dietary guidelines for people suffering from constipation. The following are some of them:-

- Water is very important to keep the intestines working well. Drink a glass of water early in the morning. For better results, keep the water overnight in a copper vessel and drink it when you wake up in the morning.

- The food that you consume should not be too dry. It should be vata pacifying. Hence it must contain adequate amounts of oil or ghee in it.

- Take a glassful of warm milk with a teaspoonful of ghee in it when going to bed.

- Avoid rice. Take wheat instead.

- Fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables must be an integral part of the diet. Papaya and sugarcane are especially beneficial. Tomato and beetroot salads are also very beneficial.

- Avoid beans, legumes, grams, cabbages, mushrooms and such foods which are difficult to digest.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation

- The Triphala Choorna is commonly prescribed. It contains a mixture of the three important fruits of amalaki, belleric myroblan and chebulic myroblan.

- Medicines such as Agastya Rasayana, Pancha Sakara Choorna, Abhayadi Modaka, Madhu Yashthayadi Choorna, can strengthen the intestinal valves and hence improve their functions. These treatments are even prescribed in cases of chronic constipation.

- There are some special therapies Ayurveda uses in order to treat the condition of constipation. These therapies are:- a) Vashthi Karma (enema therapy) b) Virechana Karma (purgation therapy)

- In addition, a massage of the abdominal muscles, known as the Udavartana, is also employed if the constipation is chronic. This makes the intestinal muscles stronger and work better in dispelling the wastes.

(4) Home Medications

- Every morning when you wake up, eat two apples. Bite them with the teeth instead of using a knife to cut them into slices.

- Drink a glass of water with a teaspoonful of honey in it at night before going to bed.

- The best and simplest medicine is to drink a glass of lemon juice in water with a pinch of salt in it. This will treat any kind of constipation that may be present.

Read More on Constipation Cure by Ayurveda and Constipation Home Remedies at http://www.ayushveda.com
Also read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Constipation - Causes and Ayurvedic Natural Cure

2007-12-27T21:50:00.001-08:00

According to Ayurveda, constipation is caused due to aggravation of vata. But it can also be caused due to aggravation of pitta or kapha.

Wrong eating habits and bowel habits are main reasons for constipation. Eating too much of food that the digestive system can't handle, eating food items that are not easily digested by body, not taking enough fibrous food like fruits and vegetables, irregular sleeping pattern, mental tensions, etc can cause constipation.

The best laxative is triphala. When used as a laxative, triphala strengthens colon. Other laxatives are harsh on colon, which is unfavorable condition. It balances metabolism, thereby ensuring more nourishment to blood. Take a teaspoon of triphala powder at bed time. Dietary recommendations to Prevent Constipation

Include fruits like papaya, mango, banana, grapes, oranges, apple etc in daily menu.

Carefully chew your food.

Avoid spicy, frozen food items. Also avoid food items that have preservatives.

Avoid food items that are overcooked, refrigerated, preserved or canned. Replace refined starch food items with whole grain food items.

Food prepared with cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric and fennel as condiments are easily digested. Lifestyle Recommendations to Prevent Constipation

Avoid stressful conditions.

Squat for 10 minutes in the morning and preferably while eliminating.

Make going to toilet early in the morning a habit.

Fast a day per week.

Don't wear very tight belt.

Practice yoga. Several yoga postures are especially beneficial in strengthening colon, promoting appetite and facilitating digestion.

There are generic directions to help you prevent constipation. Follow these rules to prevent constipation.

Dev Sri provides insider information about Ayurvedic herbal medicine practices and Ayurveda in Kerala. Find more about Ayurvedic medicines at http://www.KeralaAyurvedics.com/

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One Cause Of Constipation - Bad Bacteria

2007-12-26T21:51:00.001-08:00

Bad bacteria in the colon are one of the worst conditions that could exist in your body. Yet few people are aware that this is something to be concern about. Not only is bad bacteria one cause of constipation, it is also a source of toxic matter that filters into your body where it creates many familiar diseases.

When bad bacteria takes over your colon and if remains in control of your colon over a long period of your life, expect to have serious diseases as you age. You may or may not wonder why practically every older person you know has many health issues to deal with. Most likely it is the neglect of the colon and the constipation that they have lived with during their lifetime.

When bad bacteria control the colon, they live on undigested food and cause this food to rot and become putrid. This condition causes your colon to become slight alkaline making it difficult for the good bacteria to thrive. As more toxic matter accumulated in the colon, it attracts other pathogens and yeast.

When the colon is weak, it is unable to quickly move fecal matter through its long intestine. It weakens when it continual tries to move fecal matter along the colon and is unable. After while it just quits trying and constipation sets in.

Bad bacteria are but one cause of constipation. There are others but it is always best to work on one cause of constipation before going to another.

So what can you do when you have an excess of bad bacteria in the colon? The first step is to increasing the amount of good bacteria in colon, since these bacteria can fight and destroy the bad ones.

So, how do you help the good bacteria to multiple? You do it by,

* Feeding the good bacteria

* Eating the right foods so that the colon environment can changed from alkaline to slightly acid

* Taking supplements that can kill bad bacteria and not good bacteria

* Taking supplements that increase the good bacteria

* Doing a colon cleanse to sweep out some of the bad bacteria and their source of food - decaying, rotting fecal matter.

Good bacteria are available in various forms. The most familiar source is liquid milk like solution call acidophilus. You can also get multiple forms of good bacteria in capsules. It is best to choose a form call enteric capsules. These capsules move pass the stomach acids where they could be destroyed and open up in the more friendly area of the small intestines. The good bacteria can then move into the colon where they will do battle with bad bacteria, one cause of constipation. When the colon is overwhelmed with bad bacteria you need to supplement your diet with a good amount of good bacteria, so don't hold when taking this supplement.

There you have it. It is not easy to get rid of bad bacteria quickly. You have to work at it and you have to know what you are doing. But when you realize that one way to do it is to build up the good bacteria and let them take care of your fight. So go out and buy some good bacteria.

As a Natural Nutritionist, Rudy Silva researches and writes on natural remedies for various body conditions. He has written and accumulated a lot of information on constipation. To get free tips on how to get constipation relief, sign up for his 10 week e-lesson series called "10 Constipation Secrets Revealed" at http://www.remedies-for-constipation.com/constipation_relief.html

How to Relieve Constipation With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

2007-12-25T22:18:00.001-08:00

Irritable bowel syndrome, which is also known as spastic colon, is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects a lot of people. Constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is common, in men and women alike.

IBS does not discriminate against any age, as a person can get it regardless of age and statistics indicate that up to 1 in 5 Americans suffer from this disorder, with 1 in 10 visits to the doctors being related to IBS, albeit mostly mild cases.

Although IBS effects both sexes, more women suffer with IBS than men.

Oftentimes IBS goes completely untreated. This is because a lot of people are uncomfortable, or even embarrassed, about discussing the associated symptoms with a doctor. Also the symptoms tend to come in bouts and are not always constant so may have cleared up by the time your appointment comes round.

This disorder affects the functions of the colon, also known as the large intestine, but there is no structural damage that occurs in a person with IBS. However, there are several main symptoms that are recognizable. These include abdominal bloating, pain, cramping, diarrhea and constipation.

It is important to understand that there are several different types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If you suffer predominantly from diarrhea then it is sometimes referred to as IBS-D. On the other hand, if you suffer primarily from constipation, then you have IBS-C.

Of course, it is also possible that your symptoms might alternate, in which case you have IBS-A. There is also another type that you may not even realize is possible. IBS-PI (post-infectious) is a type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome that directly relates to your having a bacterial infection in your gastrointestinal system.

Currently there is not a specific cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome known. One popular theory is that patients who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome have an unusually sensitive colon. Their colon is said to react strongly to stress and certain foods.

One thing is known is that with the onset of IBS, the amount of water that the intestines absorb can be effected, which effects the consistency of the stool. Furthermore, it is thought that that the immune and nervous system is believed to affect either the symptoms or onset of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Recently there have been studies done that show that there may be a direct relationship between abnormal serotonin levels and IBS. Serotonin is responsible for regulating the movement and sensitivity of the bowels, and so abnormalities in seratonin levels can cause abnormality in the bowel function. Also, abnormalities in serotonin levels have been linked to increased levels of general anxiety disorders (GAD).

Thankfully this disorder can be controlled by changes to diet, lifestyle and medication where required

Continue reading to discover natural methods to control IBS and sign up for our free newsletter.

If your main IBS symptom is constipation, then there are some simple steps that can be taken to help ease the discomfort.

Increasing the levels of fiber in the diet help the digestive and waste elimination process by adding bulk and softening the stool. Fiber can be found in a variety of foods, but it is rich in cereal, bread, beans, bran and many vegetables.

Increase the levels of bran in the diet slowly, as adding more too quickly can cause some of the usual IBS symptoms to be triggered. There is also the option to increase fiber intake by taking fiber supplements.

Regular exercise can help the body process waste more effectively by ?massaging? the gut. The exercise does not need to be strenuous, just a brisk walk a few times a week to start off with will aid the body?s digestion and waste processing.

Ensure that sufficient water is being consumed. It is recommended that at least 6-8 glasses of water be drunk each day, which will help the body keep the stool moist and to ease the elimination process.

We have discussed a few methods to help relieve constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but it always advised that if you make any changes to your diet you seek advice from a qualified nutritionist, dietician or your doctor.

Sign up for the free Irritable Bowel Syndrome Newsletter and discover new and natural methods to manage your Constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You can also find more irritable bowel syndrome resources here.

Constipation Remedy - Two Seeds Paste

2007-12-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Here's a constipation remedy you can easily make at home and store for ongoing use. The ingredients can be bought in health food stores and Chinese or Asian supermarkets. This remedy for constipation is also highly nutritious and can be taken after illness and in cases of poor nutrition and anemia.

Constipation Remedy - Pumpkin and Sesame Seed Paste

Ingredients

Raw pumpkin seeds (60 grams), raw black sesame seeds (60 grams), raw peanut kernels (30 grams), sugar to taste. Double the amounts to make a larger batch.

Method

1. Heat the pumpkin seeds in a pan till they become fragrant. Remove the seeds from the outer shells as they open up from the heat. Put the heated seeds in a bowl.

2. Repeat step one with the sesame seeds, then the peanuts.

3. Place the pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and peanuts in a mortar and pestle and grind them up. Add enough water to form a thick paste and mix in sugar to taste. Or, use a blender.

4. Let the paste cool, then store in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Dose

Take one tablespoon of paste before breakfast and again before bed. Consume with a small glass of warm-hot (NOT cold) water if you wish. Continue daily till your bowels return to normal.

Benefits

Pumpkin seeds benefit the intestines and prostate and can also eliminate internal parasites. Black sesame seeds lubricate the intestines and nourish blood. Peanuts also have lubricating and nourishing qualities. Overall, this constipation remedy lubricates the intestines so it's especially useful in cases of hard, dry stools. It may also be taken as a tonic when you're not eating well, as a snack or when you're in a rush and have no time to eat.

Matthew Scott is a professionally trained Chinese medicine practitioner from Australia, living in China since 2000. His website http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com offers classic, time-tested exercises & techniques to stretch, strengthen, energize, relax, ease pain & improve overall health.

Oils Good For Constipation

2007-12-21T21:02:00.000-08:00

Some oils good for constipation include pumpkin seed oil, sesame seed oil, peanut oil and walnut oil. While a daily spoonful of oil, e.g. sesame oil mixed in warm water, forms a simple, effective home remedy for constipation, this article introduces a way you can use seeds (containing some of the above oils) to make a paste that you can store and eat when necessary.

Remedy Containing Oils Good for Constipation

Pine Seed and Walnut Paste

Ingredients

Raw pine seeds (500 grams), raw walnut kernels (500 grams), candied honey (250 grams).

Method

1. Crush the pine seeds and walnut kernels in a mortar and pestle.

2. Place the seeds/kernels in a bowl and mix in the honey to form a paste.

3. Steam the paste till the seeds are cooked.

4. When cool, store in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Dose

Take one tablespoon of paste before breakfast and again before bed. Consume with a small glass of warm-hot (NOT cold) water if you wish. Continue daily till your bowels return to normal.

This paste contains just two oils good for constipation - I have written another Ezinearticles.com article about a similar paste made from pumpkin and sesame seeds, for the same purpose of lubricating your intestines to relieve constipation.

http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com/abdominal-exercises.html

Understanding Constipation and Natural Remedies - Part I

2007-12-20T23:08:00.000-08:00

In today?s world many people suffer from constipation. We seek relief through medications, laxatives and natural remedies. Some work and some don?t. Unfortunately, many of those that do work only give temporary relief so the remedy is repeated time and again. This can worsen the underlying problem and cause new issues of physical reliance on the remedy.

One problem is that constipation is merely a symptom of a larger issue. Constipation can arise from stress or poor eating habits. In either case, if you are consuming more than one meal a day and having less than one bowel movement a day, you are constipated.

Think about it, if you eat 3 meals a day and have a bowel movement only one time during these three days, are 9 meals leaving your body? The nutrients that are absorbed by your body are microscopic so there should be quite a bit of waste leaving.

The small intestine can be anywhere from 18-25 feet. The colon is approximately 5 feet long. Combined, there is about 23-30 feet of tubes winding through your midsection from the bottom of your ribcage to about your hipbones, front to back. If you take a tube and laid it out, you will see there is plenty of room for storage along the walls. Stuffed inside of you, this doesn?t leave much room for storage.

Peristalsis must happen to move used food (or waste) through this ?tube.? Peristalsis is the muscular contraction of the small intestine and colon (large intestine) and it must happen all along your large and small intestine to create a bowel movement. If it slows down or if there is blockage, you become constipated. Most people have both problems, each contributing to worsening the other.

Your intestine is supposed to be a flexible tube and peristalsis is a wave-like motion. When this long and flexible organ gets lined with a buildup, the hardened plaque will slow or even stop the wave-like motions. As these muscles are inhibited, they also become weakened. Just as with any muscle, if you can?t use it, you lose it. As time goes on, instead of having a diameter of about 1 1/2 inches for waste to move through, there may be areas of your intestine that have only 1/4 inch diameter because of the buildup!

Most constipation remedies will give temporary relief as they attempt to either force extreme contractions or soften and turn the matter that isn?t yet hardened to liquid, making it easier to move through the smaller, weaker part of your tubing.

What is needed is a comprehensive approach along with the immediate relief. A colon cleanse fits both the short term remedy and, when done properly, will help create the long-term lifestyle changes needed.

When doing a colon cleanse, the healthier diet and herbs move through your digestive tract easier than processed foods. Over time, the type of fiber used during a cleanse will soften the buildup of older matter helping this buildup to be removed, also.

A longer and more permanent solution can work when given a chance. However, we must be cautious of choosing the correct colon cleansing program. Be sure that more helpful herbs are used. Laxatives, natural and pharmaceutical, should at a minimum (or even non-existent) and temporary. Gather your information from a few sources. Don?t rely on the propaganda or sales pitch from a supplement company.

Incorporate a healthy diet and possibly bodywork such as acupuncture or colon hydrotherapy with your colon cleanse to ensure success. You can learn more about the right way to cleanse and easing constipation at Springclean-cleanse.com.

Cindy Papp was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 1992. She learned how to cleanse in 1994 which lead to total recovery from Hep C in 1998. She is free of the disease to date. Her experiences led her to manage a holisitic health center where she became a Ceritified Nutritional Counselor, trained in massage therapy and a Certified Colon Therapist. She then owned and operated her own health center in the San Fernando Valley of California, specializing in total body cleansing, until she sold it 2004.

Cindy has put much of her expertise on cleansing on her website http://www.springclean-cleanse.com where you can learn more about the right way to cleanse, and how to choose the best cleanse for you.

Understanding Constipation and Natural Remedies - Part II

2007-12-19T21:44:00.000-08:00

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint. Unfortunately, many of the most common remedies only give temporary relief so they are repeated time and again. This can worsen the real reason for the constipation and cause more problems.

Constipation is mostly a problem of the small and/or large intestine. In order for food to move through your intestines and out, you need an unblocked tube (intestine) for waste to move through and muscular contractions called peristalsis. Peristalsis is a wave-like motion that starts at one end and continues in a ?wave? to the other end of your ?tube? or intestine.

If your problem is lack of peristalsis, or weak muscular contractions, fiber or juices alone will not create peristalsis. Forcing your muscles into an extremely strong contraction, using a stimulant such as a laxative, will not work well for long-term relief. In fact, this extreme reaction will cause your body to weaken as it becomes dependent on the stimulant.

Another reason for constipation may be old waste that never left your small intestine. This old buildup must be softened and removed in order for your system to function efficiently on its own. Since certain types of fiber can soften this, some believe fiber is all that is needed to alleviate constipation. However, fiber does not always stimulate peristalsis. In addition, it swells in your body and may contribute to your problem.

You can strengthen your peristalsis and slowly break down and remove the old buildup at the same time. Start by breaking down the old waste with a strong fiber such as psyllium. Eat healthy foods during your colon cleanse such as fresh fruits, vegetables, water and whole, minimally processed grains. These will naturally stimulate your digestive tract. As with any muscle, the more you use your intestinal muscles, the stronger they get.

This is why a healthy diet over a long period of time is necessary. These foods are easier on your body than white flour or processed foods, which turn to a glue-like substance in your digestive tract, creating constipation or worsening an existing problem.

The early stages of your colon cleanse is the time to use other natural constipation remedies such as fresh fruit juices that have their own fiber, herbal teas, and certain dried fruits such a prunes. If you use a laxative, try to slowly wean off of it by cutting the amount you take each day and replacing it with herbs such a cascara sagrada or triphala. (Of course if your laxative is prescription, check with your doctor, first.)

By combining fiber and herbs that gently stimulate your intestines to work as in a colon cleanse, you can help your body to break down the waste and move it through. As you eat properly and take your colon cleanse supplements, the fiber and herbs travel through your intestines. Some of the fiber will stay behind and bind with the old buildup along the intestinal walls, softening it. This softened buildup will eventually dislodge and it too will leave the body.

As the buildup becomes less, and you continue eating well, your large and small intestines will be freer to move, thus creating stronger peristalsis. Again, the healthy diet eaten during a colon cleanse will add nutrition and enhance the function of your digestive tract leading to a healthier and stronger system.

As with any exercise it takes time. Your body can handle junk and processed foods sometimes, but overall you need fresh, whole fruits and vegetables, their juices, plenty of water, and whole, minimally processed grains. This is the only long-term, holistic solution to a healthy digestive tract.

Use a colon cleanse to start clearing your digestive tract of old buildup. Incorporate a healthy diet and possibly bodywork to ensure success. Learn more about the right way to cleanse at Springclean-cleanse.com.

Cindy Papp was diagnose with Hepatitis C in 1992. She learned how to cleanse in 1994 which lead to total recovery from Hep C in 1998. She is free of the disease to date. Her experiences led her to manage a holisitic health center, became a certified nutritional counselor, trained in massage therapy and became a Certified Colon Therapist. She then went on to own and operate her own health center in the San Fernando Valley of California, specializing in total body cleansing, until she sold it 2004.

Cindy has put much of her expertise on cleansing on her website http://www.springclean-cleanse.com where you can learn more about the right way to cleanse, and how to choose the best cleanse for you.

Natural Home Remedies for the Treatment of Constipation

2007-12-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. In this condition, the bowels do not move regularly, or are not completely emptied when they move. The stools are unduly hard and unusual straining may be required to achieve defecation.

The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty of elimination due to hard faecal matter. Other symptoms may be coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, and constant fullness in the abdomen.

Natural home remedies for the treatment of Constipation. Here are some home remedies that may be used for the treatment of constipation.

Drink a glass of warm water early in the morning, walk around for a while, and then visit the toilet.
Eat a lot of raw salads and green vegetables. Drink plenty of water, but not immediately before or after a meal.
Drink a glassful of warm water with a spoonful of honey every night before going to sleep. However, be aware that you might go to the bathroom often!
Have a glass of warm water with fresh lime in the morning.
A tablespoon of castor oil.
Spinach cooked with green onion stalks, are very good for clearing the bowels.
A teaspoonful of slightly roasted fennel, taken at bedtime with a glass of warm water, acts as a mild laxative.
Another gentle laxative is china grass. Which is dried seaweed. When it is cut into bits and cooked in milk becomes a gelatinous substance. It is used to make a milk custard-like pudding. While cooking, add sugar and flavoring to taste, and set. It makes a good vegetarian pudding and sets at room temperature. It's not as "bad" as it sounds!http://remedyguidance.com

Native Remedy For Constipation

2007-12-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

Today, I would like to talk to you about...wait a minute...uh...okay! Have you ever had...

I'm sorry I just can't seem to get it out. You see, what I wanted to talk to you about today is...constipation. Yes, I know, who wants to even think about that? It's a very personal subject, and unless you happen to be potty-training a child right now, it's not something that you would expect to come up in conversation.

What's a normal bowel movement?

A bowel movement is the natural method your body uses to eliminate waste. But bowel movements are not something that we're likely to compare notes about at the gym, and constipation is not exactly break room conversation at work. Since constipation and bowel movements are not a usual subject of everyday conversation, you might not actually know what a "normal" bowel movement is.

Once a day is normal, right? Well, that's not necessarily true for everyone. Normal bowel movement schedules could be as often as three times a day, or as infrequent as three times a week. However, if you're not going to the bathroom at least three times a week, then you may have constipation, especially if you are passing hard stools.

Just about everyone will deal with constipation from time to time. Occasional constipation can be caused by not drinking enough fluids, eating the wrong foods, stress or even lack of exercise. Unfortunately, some people suffer from chronic constipation and as a result, they spend a great deal of time in pain and misery.

Chronic constipation can be a sign of more serious related illnesses like diabetes, colon cancer or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It's also possible to develop chronic constipation as a side effect of some medications. Sometimes constipation starts suddenly. Sometimes it occurs gradually over time and you may not even notice it happening.

The Disadvantages of Conventional Treatments

There are several conventional treatments for constipation, but most of them have some drawbacks. For example, you can try increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, or even take a fiber supplement. However, this may not work very quickly, and there's no guarantee that it will work at all due to individual differences from person to person. Plus, adding extra fiber often results in an increase in gas. You should be aware that increased fiber may lead to an obstruction of the intestine, especially if you don't drink an increased amount of water with the additional fiber.

You could try lubricant laxatives like mineral oil. Assuming you're able to swallow mineral oil without gagging on it. This could provide some short-term relief, but regular use of mineral oil laxatives could lead to vitamin deficiencies and decreased effectiveness of some medications.

The Advantages of Native Remedies for Constipation

Fortunately, nature has provided some wonderful natural remedies for constipation. Natural herbs, harvested from the earth and refined for safe usage, are strong enough to provide relief from constipation, but gentle enough to avoid unpleasant side effects.

Two natural herbs that are particularly effective native remedies for constipation are aloe vera and dandelion (taraxacum officianale). These herbs are widely known not only for their laxative effect, but also for their ability to actively provide benefits for your digestive tract.

Passionflower (passiflora incarnata) is another herb often associated with natural remedies for constipation. This herb is actually a gentle sedative that relaxes your nervous system. Overall, it helps relieve the anxiety and stress that constipation can cause, and it helps to provide direct relief by relaxing the muscles of the bowel wall.

Whenever you are comparing native remedies for constipation, take a look at the ingredients to make sure it contains these three essential herbs. Bowel movements are a natural part of life. If you develop either an occasional or chronic problem with your bowel movements, why not treat it with a natural solution?

If you would like to begin using native remedies you can check out my website at http://www.nativeremedy.org

Natural Remedy for Hemorrhoids and Constipation

2007-12-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

About half of the population in the U.S.A. will suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in life. Although hemorrhoids occur in almost everyone, they become large and cause problems in only 4 percent of the general population. Hemorrhoids do not usually go away completely once you have them. They can get improved, however, so that living with them is tolerable.
Living with hemorrhoids can become intolerable especially when they are accompanied with constipation. On the other hand, continuous constipation can became the main cause for development of initial hemorrhoids and their further growth. In order to avoid constipation and to ensure regular stools, practitioners suggest diet rich in fiber and drinking eight or more glasses of water each day... but this is easier said than done.

If you aren't able to eat enough high-fiber food or if you still suffer from constipation and hemorrhoids we suggest the following natural remedy based on common herbs:

- Boil one cup of Chamomile tee (Latin name: Matricaria recutia) and wait to chill for 5 minutes.
- Put one spoon Psyllium Seeds (Plantago Psyllium) in the cup and leave it for 30 minutes.
- Drink the mixture every day before bedtime.
- Don?t forget to drink a lot of water during the day.
(The needed herbs are available over the counter in the most pharmacies)

Regular consumption of the suggested herbal mixture will not only regulate your stool but also will help hemorrhoids to shrink as a result of the ingredients in the herbs and their combined effects. Children under two years, pregnant women and people allergic to dust or grass should avoid Psyllium.
Using natural herbal remedies to treat hemorrhoids is the best way to improve your general health, to avoid expensive surgeries or bothersome and long term conventional treatments. Sometimes the natural medicine has more efficient and less expensive therapies than the conventional medicine. When the hemorrhoids are in question, we can say that the conventional medicine has failed.

This natural remedy is not cure for hemorrhoids but it should relief hemorrhoidal pain, reduce rectal bleeding and will make living whit hemorrhoids much easier at no or very small cost.Hemorrhoids Information Site

The Missing Link Between Acne, Insulin Resistance and Constipation

2007-12-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

Among homeopathic treatments for acne, we find alleviating constipation. Yet presently, no medical studies have made the direct link between bowel regularity and acne. Nevertheless, there is a clear relationship between a hormonal imbalance called ?insulin resistance? and acne. Moreover, according to the American Dietetic Association, regularity is great for mitigating acne because regular bowel movements can reduce the chances of developing insulin resistance.

Insulin Resistance & Acne
The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin. The body needs insulin to access the body?s primary energy source- the blood sugar glucose. Insulin binds to key receptors in the blood in order to release glucose as the body requires more energy.

Insulin resistance happens when the normal amount of insulin the pancreas secretes proves insufficient to signal the release of glucose. So, to compensate, the pancreas secretes more insulin in order to free the needed glucose.

Insulin Resistance in PCOS
Insulin resistance, acne, excessive hair and obesity are just a few of the traits that characterize the endocrine disease called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Substantial research has linked a rise in circulating androgens in PCOS patients to insulin resistance.

An excess amount of the hormone androgen in women promotes facial hair growth and can lead to infertility. Moreover surplus androgen increases facial oil secretion. This extra oil can cause more clogged pores and acne.

Medical Treatment for Insulin Resistance
Treatments for PCOS include the drug metformin. A study published in Gynecological Endocrinology found that treating women with metformin reduced the symptoms of PCOS because the treatment lowered the patients? fasting blood sugar level and testosterone levels. Testosterone is a member of the androgen family and can likewise lead to acne lesions.

Natural Treatment for Insulin Resistance
Besides using drugs to control insulin levels, the American Dietetic Association recommends a fiber-rich and therefore constipation preventing diet to help normalize the blood glucose and insulin levels.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends consuming 31 grams of fiber per day. Getting this amount of fiber would take enjoying roughly one of the following groups of fruits and vegetables:

13 fresh bananas

7 cups of blueberries

9 small apples

31 baked potatoes

15 red peppers

3 cups of cooked lentils

Surprisingly, regardless of all the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, the Food and Drug Administration still reports that Americans are not eating enough of Nature?s harvest.

In short, insulin resistance creates an upsurge in androgen hormone. And so, staying constipation free reduces the likelihood of developing insulin resistance and having more circulating hormones that can provoke an acne outbreak.

Whatever your acne facial regime involves, make certain to enjoy a few constipation-preventing foods like oat bran, spinach or apples everyday.

Sources:
Kazerooni, T and M Dehghan-Kooshkghazi. Effects of metformin therapy on hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gynecological Endocrinology; February 1, 2003, vol 17, no 1, pp 51-56.

United States Department of Agriculture. Diet and Health: Food Consumption and Nutrient Intake Tables. August 17, 2004

Wijeyaratne, Chandrika N, Adam H Balen, Julian H Barth, Paul E Belchetz. Clinical manifestations and insulin resistance (IR) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among South Asians and Caucasians: is there a difference? Clinical Endocrinology; September 2002, vol 57, no 3, pp 343-350.

Naweko Nicole Dial San-Joyz founded Noixia, a San Diego based research firm dedicated to helping people intelligently, safely and affordably enhance their image by offering custom skin solutions to people with acne scars on the face and body. San-Joyz She has appeared on radio stations, in newspapers and on TV shows across the United States promoting beauty through health consciousness. Anyone seeking to enhance their image and remove acne scarring can find custom, clinically proven solutions at Noixia.com.

Can Constipation Really Cause Acne & If So How?

2007-12-12T21:47:00.001-08:00

How rich would you be if you had a nickel for every time you heard about some kooky acne cure? Was overcoming constipation included in that list? While, clinical studies of the relationship between acne and colon health are lacking, medical research does lend validity to the possible link. For example, regular bowel movements help maintain hormonal balances that are critical to clear skin.

There is overwhelming evidence that constipation and acne do affect significant number of people. Just this past march, a survey in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics interviewed over 500 people. And of this sample group, at least 96% used laxative treatments and of those, 47% were dissatisfied with their constipation relief. Like constipation, acne affects people from puberty and can mysteriously reappear in the adult years.

Overlapping cases of acne & constipation
Even though numerous people suffer from constipation and acne, this does not validate the link between the two conditions. However, findings from the American Dietetic Association do make the connection.

According to the American Dietetic Association, a fiber rich, and therefore constipation-preventing diet, lowers blood cholesterol levels and helps normalize the blood glucose and insulin levels.

Cholesterol & acne
Moreover, research studies have implicated both insulin resistance and cholesterol in the development of acne. To illustrate, a report in Journal of Investigative Dermatology points out that the skin can actually use circulating cholesterol to make the hormone androgen.

Androgens can provoke acne lesions by increasing the amount of oil secretion on the skin. With regular bowel movements, the hair follicles and oils glands do not have excess cholesterol floating around the skin that can be used to create zit-promoting androgens.

Insulin resistance induced acne
In addition to cholesterol, insulin resistance can provoke a pimple invasion. Insulin resistance, acne, excessive hair and obesity are just a few of the traits that characterize the endocrine disease called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Considerable research has linked a rise in circulating androgens in PCOS patients to insulin resistance.

In brief, acne is a multifaceted skin condition that can be triggered by a number of variables including hormonal shifts, nutritional changes or immunological weaknesses. Constipation undeniably influences the body?s endocrine system in measurable ways. A backlogged bowel can increase circulating cholesterol levels and increase the chances of developing insulin resistance. Both of these hormonal changes can generate excess androgens, surplus facial oil secretion and ultimately more acne outbreaks.

Sources:
Johanson, JF and J Kralstein. Chronic constipation: a survey of the patient perspective. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics; March 2007, vol 25, no 5, pp 599-608.

Kazerooni, T and M Dehghan-Kooshkghazi. Effects of metformin therapy on hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gynecological Endocrinology; February 1, 2003, vol 17, no 1, pp 51-56.

Thiboutot, Diane, Sami Jabara, Jan M McAllister, Aruntha Sivarajah, Kathyrn Gilliland, Zhaoyuan Cong and Gary Clawson. Normal Sebocytes, and an Immortalized Sebocyte Cell Line (SEB-1). Journal of Investigative Dermatology; June 2003, vol 120, no 6, pp 905-914.

Relationship Between Cod Liver Oil and Constipation Explained

2007-12-09T21:29:00.001-08:00

The relationship between cod liver oil and constipation is one of natural treatment and ailment. In other words, cod liver oil has been used to provide natural relief from constipation for many years. Other fish oils provide the same benefit, without the risks that can be associated with excess consumption of cod liver oil. Both of these oils provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, necessary for optimal brain, heart, joint and digestive function.

Both my parents and my grandparents took regular doses of cod liver oil and constipation was not a problem for them. After complaining of a ?tummy ache?, my mother gave me a spoonful of the nasty tasting, smelly stuff. After that, I kept my tummy aches to myself. Sure, it relieved the constipation, but ?Yuck!? I could taste it for hours, every time I burped!

Today, the better fish oil supplements are molecularly distilled to remove the odor. In capsule form, they are tasteless. Storing the capsules in the freezer and/or taking them with food can prevent both the burping and any aftertaste, while still relieving occasional constipation.

Most people experience constipation occasionally. Too little fiber in the diet is one common cause, as is too little water. But, many other factors can contribute to occasional constipation. Prescription medications, dietary supplements containing iron, a sedentary lifestyle, traveling or other changes in routine and stress are some of the many things that can lead to constipation.

Excessive use of stimulant laxatives can cause the eventual dysfunction of the digestive muscles, leading to chronic constipation. Most people find that even occasional use of stimulant laxatives can cause cramping and discomfort. Fish oils improve digestive function, can be taken regularly and are ?gentler? than most over-the-counter laxatives, like Ex-Lax. Many people relate cod liver oil and constipation prevention.

Just remember to choose wisely. All supplements are not the same. Cod liver oils contain vitamin A. Pregnant women should avoid supplements containing vitamin A, as it has been associated with a significant increase in birth defects. Too much vitamin A, in even healthy adults can be toxic. In general, it is safer to get your daily vitamin A requirements from food or beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A on an as-needed basis and is therefore non-toxic.

Other concerns over cod liver oil consumption are related to mercury contamination and contamination from other industrial pollutants. Mercury is stored in the livers of fish. Thus, there is a greater chance of mercury contamination in oils that come from fish livers. The source of most cod liver oils is the Atlantic Cod fish, which has been over harvested and swims in some of the most polluted waters in the world.

Fish oils derived from the ?flesh? of the fish are generally safer alternatives. But, it is still necessary to choose carefully. Some oils are not molecularly distilled and contain mercury and other contaminants. And, if you are concerned about environmental issues, some fish are over harvested and their populations are not considered sustainable. Manufacturers should list the ?source fish? (cod, shark, salmon, etc.), the distillation process used and the ocean from which the fish is harvested, but most do not.

To learn more about cod liver oil and constipation relief or prevention...and to learn more about choosing the best supplements, please visit The Fish Oil Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles about omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil. Read more at http://www.best-fish-oil-dietary-supplements.com

Use Acidophilus, a Bacteria, to Prevent Constipation

2007-12-07T21:38:00.001-08:00

That sentence alone could turn a few heads. Whoever heard of using bacteria to cure and prevent a disorder? Well, apparently quite a number of people already have. The again, Acidophilus is known to be the "friendly bacteria."

So just what is Acidophilus and how can it prevent constipation?

Acidophilus is a natural occurring bacteria in the human body that produces lactic acid, which in turn helps in braking down food and getting the proper nutrients needed by the body.

The decrease in number of the population of Acidophilus in the body is one of the main causes of several digestive disorders. Factors that reduce the number of Acidophilus in the body are antibiotics, alcohol, improper diet, old age, drugs, smoking and stress.

Aside from preventing constipation from occurring, Acidophilus also aids in reducing the chances of other disorders from happening. This includes; prevention of diarrhea, lowering blood cholesterol, enhancing the nutrients absorption, eliminates halitosis, reduces the chances of acne, prevents growth of some harmful bacteria, lessens symptoms of candidasis and vaginal yeast infection and recent studies have shown that it can help in preventing growth of carcinogens.

When food is digested well, the body can get the proper nutrients from them, plus, the chemical reaction of the body to the break down of the food eaten goes smoothly, reducing the chances for constipation.

Acidophilus aids in the digestion of food. That is why it is necessary that we have sufficient amount of Acidophilus bacteria to help us feel better.

Hector Milla at http://www.TheNutriSystem.com shows you how to get one week absolutely free of Nutrisystem Diet , website associated with http://www.AcidophilusEffects.com a website about side effects of lactobacillus acidophilus.

Conditions Caused By Constipation

2007-12-06T21:40:00.001-08:00

Constipation can cause problems for your body. If you are suffering from constipation you will no doubt strain to pass the hard stools when having a bowel movement, this straining can cause haemorriods and anal fissures. Straining can also cause a condition known as rectal prolapse, this is when a small amount of the intestinal lining is pushed out of the anal opening.

Constipation can also cause you to suffer from a condition known as fecael impaction. This is when the hard stool is so impacted in your colon that normal pushing can not expel it and an enema is needed to break up the stool and remove it.

When your bowel is clogged with faeces due to constipation, it provides an ideal environment for harmful bacteria and parasites to thrive. Poor bowel cleanliness is the source for many disorders for the body, such as:

? Appendicitis
? Arthritis
? Cancer of the colon
? Clotting in deep veins
? Diverticulitis
? Gall-bladder problems
? Heart disorders
? Hiatus hernia
? Varicose veins

Intestinal toxaemia and auto-intoxication are caused directly from intestinal constipation. Constipation aids in the lowering of your body?s resistance, thus leading to many acute and chronic illnesses.

Intestinal constipation causes extra workload for your other excretory organs such as:

? Kidneys
? Liver
? Lungs
? Lymph
? Skin

by causing cellular constipation. This causes the functioning of these organs to become overworked and depleted. Repair and growth are delayed, the ability to eliminate waste products is limited and cellular metabolism becomes sluggish. The cells become dead and inactive, instead of active and alive, this process helps in the decline of organ and tissue functioning ability.

Constipation causes auto-intoxication, this is a process where your body literally toxicants itself by keeping decaying matter within your colon. The toxins which are released within your bowel, find their way into your bloodstream and from there around your body. This slowly affects every cell in your body and causes illnesses.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Did you like this article?

Well, it was an excerpt from "How To Beat 'That Bloated Feeling' Naturally".

Click here to find out more about "How To Beat 'That Bloated Feeling' Naturally

You Need Food High in Fiber for Constipation Relief

2007-12-05T21:40:00.001-08:00

Food high in fiber is found in fruits, vegetables and grains. It is the complex fiber structure that gives produce and grains their shape and keeps them from falling apart. Fiber is a subclass of carbohydrates. It consists mostly of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose and pectin.

In the stomach fiber bonds are broken apart so nutrients and fiber particles and strands can do their magic in your stomach, small intestine, colon, and anus. Once food high in fiber is completely digested in the small intestine, fiber moves into the colon to complete its cycle in your body. If you have eaten enough fiber during a meal, your stools will have a certain shape, size, color and consistency and chances are you will not have constipation.

If you have not been eating food high in fiber, especially for many years, then mostly likely you will be struggling with having regular bowel movements.

Eating the right amount of fiber is not only necessary for keeping free of constipation but it is tied to your overall health. In the past, no one knew much about fiber. It was thought that it had no value as it entered and exited the body. But now, we know that if you don't eat food high in fiber you will live a short and painful death. Here are some of diseases that are related to not eating enough fiber.

Heart disease
Diabetes
Appendicitis
Breast cancer
Colitis
Prostate cancer
Gastrointestinal disorders
Hemorrhoids
Hiatus hernia
Ulcers
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
All types of colon diseases

These are only a few diseases that you could develop. Do you see any of the diseases in this list that people come down with as they age? Did they eat enough fiber today? Will you eat enough fiber in the future? I hope so.

How should you eat fiber?

A general rule is to eat fruits and vegetables every day. Eat fruits in the morning to assist in purging out fecal matter that has accumulated in your colon and removing urine that your kidney has created by cleansing your blood during the night.

By eating fruits for breakfast you help remove toxins out of your colon by promoting a bowel movement. The fiber in fruits helps to clean your colon walls of tacky matter that accumulates there. This tacky matter is created when you don't eat enough fiber and your stools are mushy and sticky.

When you eat lunch or dinner, always eat vegetables with these meals. Vegetables are needed when you eat meat which does not have fiber. Vegetables are needed when you eat processed food that has no fiber. Always eat vegetables when eating bread since processed bread has no fiber. When bread is eaten without vegetables, fecal matter, chime, in the colon is hard to move and is sticky. It is this sticky matter that clings to your colon walls, which prevents your colon from being strong, flexible, healthy, and non-toxic.

Always chose to eat food high in fiber everyday. This is a necessity. You were built to thrive on fruits and vegetables. Without them you commit yourself to a life of pain and disease. And it all starts in the colon with constipation.

Constipation and IBS

2007-12-04T22:12:00.001-08:00

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (or IBS as it is known for short) affects over 20% people living in the United Kingdom. It is also widespread in many other parts of Europe and also in North America.

There are a number of unpleasant symptoms associated with the condition including constipation. If you are an IBS sufferer and find that regular constipation is part of your IBS then it may be worth looking at your daily meal patterns.

Like many busy people you may find that and go for long periods during the day without eating and drinking, perhaps without even realising that this the case. If this is so, then you might find that adopting a more regular eating pattern could help you towards a more regular bowel habit.

For example, skipping breakfast could mean that your bowels are missing the important reflex triggered by the first meal of the day. Furthermore, a frequent intake of fluids, especially water, helps the contents of the bowel to stay soft which makes them easier to empty. After all, passing a rock solid stool can be very difficult as well as extremely painful. In some severe cases, this can even cause tearing of the anal tissue and resulting in bleeding.

Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day and try not to skip breakfast. If you don?t have time to eat a proper breakfast before leaving home in the morning, you might want to think of taking something to eat with you on your way to work.

Increasing fibre in the diet has long been hailed as the way to improve constipation in cases of IBS. Bran fibre and wholemeal bread in particular are popular recommendations, but they can in fact aggravate and worsen the symptoms of IBS.

However, the fibre found in fresh fruit and vegetables can be extremely helpful. Combining a diet rich in fruit and vegetables with the previous recommendations can go a long way to relieve and reduce the effects of constipation in IBS.

Elizabeth Harfleet is the author of a new book entitled ?IBS Secrets Most Doctors Won?t Know!?. It provides long awaited answers to questions about how to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of IBS.

Curing Constipation on the Atkins Diet

2007-12-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

Is constipation somehow caused by the Atkins diet? If so, what can you do to prevent it? What usually causes constipation??

This is actually a pretty common issue with Atkins dieters. There are many reasons why someone might get constipated, and a few actually do have to do with the Atkins diet.

A big reason why a person can become constipated is that he or she may not be getting enough fiber. This correlates to the Atkins diet because most people get the majority of their fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Since all of these are very limited on the Atkins diet, a lack of fiber could be the reason why you are becoming constipated.Another reason for constipation that could come from the Atkins diet is a change in lifestyle. If you were eating completely differently before starting the Atkins diet, this could also be a reason why you are becoming constipated.

Some other causes that do not necessarily correlate to the Atkins diet are: lack of physical activity, certain medications (pain killers, blood pressure meds, etc.), abuse of laxatives, or dehydration.

While these are not necessarily connected with the Atkins diet, they could still be contributors to your constipation. If you are not drinking enough water or getting enough exercise, you should definitely be doing these things while on the Atkins diet, whether you are constipated or not.

There are a few different methods you can choose from in order to cure constipation. Being hydrated at all times is imperative to having normal bowel movements. You may also consider switching medications, or discontinuing your medications altogether.

If your constipation does not go away, your doctor may be able to prescribe certain kinds of laxatives for you. Laxatives should not be a solution for those who are only mildly constipated. If you have already attempted to cure your constipation yourself, however, laxatives may be a good solution.

Note: The Author is not a doctor. Please consult a doctor before starting any new diet plan.
For more free information (over 300 pages!) about the Low Carb Diets, including Atkins Diet Advice and Free Recipes, visit http://www.AtkinsDietHelp.com

Most Constipation Is Self-induced

2007-12-03T21:32:00.001-08:00

If you suffer from chronic constipation, you should discuss it with your health care provider. The condition can lead to very serious long-term health problems, even death! There is hope however, because usually it is caused by lifestyle choices and can be relieved with some changes in your habits. You certainly want to do whatever you can to avoid taking any medications because all medications have side effects and most treat just the symptoms, not the real problem.

What is the real problem? Usually it is caused by a lack of exercise, a lack fiber in the diet and not enough fluid consumption. By increasing these and a few other changes we'll discuss, most people can be completely regular which is what your digestive system is designed to be. Constipation is a symptom of disease; it is not normal.

For exercise, you must do something that keeps your body moving. Simple as that. It can be as simple as a twenty-minute power walk each day, or a complex routine of various exercise disciplines combined. The main point is that your body can't relieve itself without some muscle tone and a little 'stirring things up'.

Many people are not aware that their bodies contain a substance, more abundant than blood, that functions to rid the cells of waste materials and flush them out. It is called lymph and you have more lymph than blood in you by far. This system is quite efficient, but has no pump. Your heart pumps your blood; muscle contraction moves your lymph. Perhaps this helps you to understand the huge overall benefits of exercise - it assist the body is cleansing itself from the inside out!

Another helpful physical aspect that helps is inversion, which simply means getting the body above the head. Standing on your head like a Yogi may seem strange in relation to constipation, but think about what's happening. All day long, you stand and gravity is pulling on you, including your intestines. Waste material can become packed firmly into the lower intestinal walls, causing blockages and mal-absorption of food. By inverting yourself, you let gravity pull the other way and move that stuff along. You don't have to stand on your head to invert, but this is not a Yoga lesson. Please speak with a Yoga instructor about this. If you have the means and space, another good option is an inversion table - simple and effective. The reason you are advised to eat five servings of fruit and vegetables a day is primarily for the fiber these foods provide. That fiber absorbs water, keeping the waste matter soft and therefore able to pass through the digestive tract easily. If you find it difficult for some reason to eat that each day, consider a natural fiber supplement, but food is the best source.

As mentioned above, fiber absorbs water and there wants to be plenty of water to do the trick. You have probably heard before that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of pure water per day. My advice is to double that, but if you constantly have a water supply with you and sip at it throughout your day, you can easily increase your intake of this "King Of Foods" (That's an African proverb.)

Finally, consider the modern toilet. It was apparently created by another species, because the natural position for elimination in humans and primates is to squat. This positions the bowel properly for an easy emptying, whereas sitting puts a bend in it creating a stopping point. Just because we've been sitting on toilets for hundreds of years does not mean it's the best way and many cultures do not do this. They squat and few have constipation.

So place a stool (a step stool!), in front of the john and put your feet up on it. Use a low one at first, as this will seem awkward and then slowly raise the feet until the knees are above the hips. You may find it difficult to believe, but this simple thing can be hugely beneficial in easing this most natural of functions.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Constipation

Home Remedy for Constipation - Tips and Suggestions

2007-12-02T21:50:00.001-08:00

In this article we will not only look at what may cause constipation but also some different types of home remedy for constipation treatments that you may wish to try.

So what causes constipation?

Often constipation can be caused by the kind of diet you have and the type of lifestyle you lead. People suffering from constipation will not be drinking enough water but plenty of tea or coffee. They will be eating lots of refined and rich foods along with irregular eating habits can lead to constipation. Tea can be dehydrating and it is not the same as drinking water.

Below we provide you with a number of different home remedy treatments you may wish to try in order to help alleviate your constipation if you should be suffering from it.

1. Try drinking a glass of warm water with 1 teaspoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon or lime in the morning before you eat or drink anything else.

2. Integrate raisins, figs ,dates or prunes into your diet. Children love raisins and dates.

3. Why not trying chewing a few sticks of liquorice (mulathi) each day as this is a natural laxative.

4. Before you go to bed , put 3 teaspoons of psyllium husk (Sat Isabgol) into a cup of warm milk or water and drink.

5. Substitute white rice with brown rice and have a fiber cereal in the morning. Many taste very good.

6. Try and eat at least 350 grams of grapes each day. The combination of the properties contained in the grapes, namely cellulose, sugar and organic make it a natural laxative food. By eating grapes you are toning up your stomach and intenstines plus can relieve the most chronic types of constipation.

7. Try eating some bael fruit. This is regarded as the best of all natural laxatives and it can also clean and tone up a person's intestines. Using it regular for 2 to 3 months will even help to get rid of old accumalated faecal matter.

If you find yourself suffering with constipation then why not try a few of the home remedy for constipation treatments that have been suggested to see if you can cure it through natural foods readily available.

Dee Cohen is an author and publisher at http://www.healththingz.info/are-you-suffering-from-chronic-constipation.html where you can find Home Remedy for Constipation tips and suggestions.

Constipation - Sometimes Not All Things Come to Pass

2007-11-30T21:17:00.001-08:00

There is a famous saying Jesus once quoted, ?All things must come to pass.? Sometimes, no other words ring more true. Unfortunately, there are people who suffer from an inability to pass anything. I?m not talking about exams, either. I?m talking about a subject that?s a little more sensitive and a lot more personal. I?m talking about constipation.

We asked a few leading doctors on the subject of digestive disorders about constipation and here are some of the more common questions doctors get asked concerning the subject matter. Some of these doctors were also kind enough to give some answers and suggestions.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation happens when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length oftime between bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people have bowel movements around three times a day; while others, only one or two times a week. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.

You are considered constipated if you have two or more of the following for at least three months:

Straining during a bowel movement more than a quarter of the time.
Hard stools more than a quarter of the time.
Incomplete evacuation more than a quarter of the time.
Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem.

Common causes of constipation include:

Inadequate water intake.
Inadequate fiber in the diet.
A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling.
Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.
Eating large amounts of dairy products.
Stress.
Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, this is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.
Overuse of laxatives which, over time, can weaken the bowel muscles.
Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.
Depression.
Eating disorders.
Irritable bowel syndrome.
Pregnancy.
Colon cancer.

How Can I Prevent Constipation?

Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread and cereal (especially bran) are great sources of fiber. Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.
Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day. Liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, seem to have a dehydrating effect and may need to be avoided until your bowel habits return to normal. Some people may need to avoid milk, as dairy products can be constipating for them.
Exercise regularly.
Move your bowels when you feel the urge.

What Should I Do If I am Constipated?

Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Try drinking warm liquids, especially in the morning.
Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative. Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor, as laxative overuse can aggravate your symptoms.

Seek the opinion of your doctor before following of any diet treatment and regiment. Only a doctor can provide you with advice on what is safe and most effective for you.

For further information on keeping your colon healthy, visit the experts at Dual Action Cleanse at http://www.dualactioncleansenow.com Dual Action Cleanse?s all-natural herbal ultimate colon cleanse formula has changed hundreds of thousands of people's lives through gentle and effective whole body safe and effective internal body cleansing.

Treatments For Constipation With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

2007-11-30T03:13:00.001-08:00

The most common treatments for constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are fiber supplements and taking a laxative, but do these options offer the best approach?

When a person suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome they will more than likely find themselves caught in 1 of 2 extreme situations: loose bowels or constipation.

It is likely they have already taken numerous over-the-counter remedies for several years before being formally diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

However, over the counter treatments are usually not effective in clearing up the problem, as they tend to treat the symptoms of IBS, rather than the cause of the condition.

A much better approach that can get to the cause of IBS misery is to make changes to your diet, lifestyle and exercise patterns.

Many people have seen improvements to their IBS symptoms by making lifestyle changes. In fact there are a number of studies that suggest it is the lifestyle of the person that can often be the original cause for the condition in the first place.

One of these lifestyle changes includes reducing stress either through counseling or other methods. You should also make sure that you exercise regularly, one of the best methods for promoting good digestion and effective bowel function is simply walking.

You will also need to maintain proper hydration and nutrition. This means that you will need to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, which will help minimize your bouts with constipation.

It is also important to understand that there are likely to be foods that can further irritate your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bring on IBS symptoms.

In order to figure out what foods you are going to need to avoid try maintaining a food diary. It is a useful way to keep track of the food you eat, the quantity, what time the food was eaten and if there where any symptoms that followed.

This diary system has helped thousands of IBS sufferers pinpoint the foods that leads to symptoms like constipation.

There are some common foods that IBS sufferers seem to be more sensitive to, these tend to be diary products, chocolate, soda and carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks including coffee, and foods high in fat, like french fries. So it is really worth keeping a close track on these foods when consumed to see if they are the ones causing IBS symptoms in you.

There are also 3 different medications that your doctor may prescribe. The first is an antispasmodic, which will reduce colon spasms and pain. These spasms can also upset the balance of your digestive tract and lead to additional health issues.

The second medication you may be prescribed is an antidepressant, which will help you to relax and thus potentially reduce some of the IBS triggers.

The third and final medication that may be prescribed is a muscle relaxant. These are usually prescribed instead of the first two because antispasmodics and antidepressants can cause dehydration, which may only lead to more problems with constipation.

There are natural alternatives to these medications, which you can find out about by signing up to our free newsletter below.

Please ensure that you consult your doctor, nutritionist or dietician if you are going to make considerable changes to your diet, as although the changes may be beneficial in the long run, changing your diet too quickly can actually bring on IBS symptoms.

Researchers are working to develop combination medications that will treat constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However, they have not been able to determine what causes this disorder yet. Until they figure this out, doctors can only treat you for the symptoms that you have.Sign up for the free Irritable Bowel Syndrome Newsletter and discover new and natural methods to manage your Constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Some Of The Most Common Causes Of Hemorrhoids Include Genetics, Constipation And Ruptured Veins

2007-11-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Having a hemorrhoid condition can often lead to the patient having jokes cracked about his or her condition. It is however, not a very funny matter and deserves to be taken seriously, and if you happen to be the unfortunate one that has hemorrhoids you will certainly not be amused by being laughed at given the fact that it is an extremely painful experience that you would not wish your worst enemy to suffer.

Hemorrhoids can also lead to other serious health concerns, if it is left untreated. You may have either internal or external hemorrhoids with the latter being more painful, though internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding in the rectum as well.

You can be sure that the cause of hemorrhoids will most probably be a rupture of a vein, which will cause blood to spill from the rupture and even turn into a blood clot. This is the springboard from where hemorrhoids can exacerbate into one of the two forms ? internal or external hemorrhoids.

Possible Causes

The cause of hemorrhoids may also be a genetic factor where the rectal veins may not be strong enough, and thus may easily get ruptured resulting in hemorrhoids. Another cause of hemorrhoids could be straining too much while passing motion, and this is a common cause of hemorrhoids that may even occur in a person that has strong veins, but need to strain excessively, thus rupturing a vein.

If you are overweight, then this is another probable cause of hemorrhoids, and it is a condition more pronounced in obese persons who are always going to be at greater risk of developing hemorrhoids. Not exercising enough too can be adduced as being a cause of hemorrhoids; while continuing problems with a person?s bowel movements is it diarrhea or constipation may help in the person developing hemorrhoids.

The instance of pregnant women developing hemorrhoids is also quite common and the childbearing period is another time when a person will likely suffer from hemorrhoids. Thus pregnancy can also be linked to being a cause of hemorrhoids. Age does not seem to impact whether a person is at risk of developing hemorrhoids or not, and anyone of any gender may get it.

You may also attribute standing to be a cause of hemorrhoids, which causes blood to pressurize the rectal as well as anal areas. Constipation too is a cause of hemorrhoids as is frequently putting too much stress when having bowel movements. Being erect can cause hemorrhoids due to the amount of pressure placed on the veins in the anal parts of the human body.Ann Marier has written many articles on different health issues Her latest articles are about hemorrhoids and the best hemorrhoid cures

Eliminating Constipation And Dehydration To Eliminate Weight Retention

2007-11-25T22:02:00.001-08:00

Does your practitioner ever stop to ask you how are your bowels moving? What about your nutritionist? Your personal trainer? Chances are, unless you are suffering from a serious bout of irregularity or IBS, no one has brought it up yet, have they? It?s interesting, because the more you think about what you eat, the more you should be concerned about what is making its way out!

The old saying goes, ?You are what you eat.? Generally speaking, our meals travel through our digestive system in about 12-24 hours. This passage is called transit time, and when all systems are firing properly, (ie: stomach acids, digestive enzymes, bile production) we will typically have 1-3 healthy bowel movements per day, assuring that nutrients are used, and waste is excreted. Healthy digestion means our body is able to use the nutrients we consume, and a healthy system finds its natural weight. It also makes for an absence of symptoms such as gas & bloating, nausea, and constipation.

The nutrition industry, often modifies the saying above to read ?You are what you eat, and what you absorb,? recognizing once you consume good foods your digestion and constitution must be strong enough to break down and utilize what you are getting through the diet. Unhealthy or impaired digestion can lead to a failure to absorb ones? foods properly, causing a cascade of problems including acid indigestion, irritable bowel and a failure to thrive.

Digestive care specialists will often comment, ?You are what you eat, but also what you do not eliminate.? Indeed, if your bowels are irregular, then what are you made of? Where is all that undigested & constipated food going? A-ha, waste and trash build-up! I don?t intend that to sound flippant, I am genuinely serious about this. So there we have the connection between constipation & weight retention. And the answer is simple: Improve digestion & eliminate constipation, and you will encourage your body to naturally shed excess weight. Simple dietary changes such as adding more fiber, and seasonal colon cleansing can help you promote regularity & associated weight loss.

The scale is a difficult measurement tool to trust, especially over a short period of time. That is because our weight fluctuates due to the amount of food in our belly, as well as the amount of water we are retaining around our cells. So what we see on the bathroom scale isn?t necessarily representative of our fat stores. If your body is dehydrated, it can become constipated, and will do all it can to hold onto what little liquid we consume. This can lead to a decrease in the number of healthy eliminations, (i.e. constipation,) which leads to a greater likelihood of a higher reading on the scale.

It?s a vicious cycle, but one that can easily be broken if you give your body the right tools. If the body has sufficient water to hydrate the system, it will eliminate more water through urination. If the bowels are given a fiber rich diet, they will be more regular, and these eliminations will also promote a natural weight.

So let?s assure that, ?We are what we eat and that we eliminate properly.? A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains will provide the nutrients & fiber which keep our body functioning optimally, keep our energy high and our constitution strong and healthy. And isn?t that better than being full of waste & suffering from overweight?
Cassandra Cox is a 10-year veteran of the natural products industry. Having received her credentials as both a Nutritional Consultant and Digestive Care Specialist. Nutrition Weight Loss

Insomnia, Constipation, And Anxiety Are Treated With Daily Oil Massage

2007-11-25T22:01:00.001-08:00

Daily oil massage plays a major role in preventing complications from stress like hypertension, depression, headaches, and more. In India massage is a natural part of daily life. Infants are massaged every day from the day they are born to age three, and weekly after that. By age six, children are massaging their elders. It's common for entire families to massage one another once a week. Pregnant women are massaged daily during pregnancy and for more than a month after giving birth. Sensual massage with aphrodisiac oils is advised in treatises on sexology.

In Ayurveda, bathing is a ritual designed to clean you inside and out, and begins with the application of oil. Applying oil to your skin lubricates, protects, detoxifies, and rejuvenates your skin and nervous system, while soothing your endocrine system. The oil helps loosen and liquefy ama so that the toxins can drain into the body's gastrointestinal tract for elimination. It is an excellent antidote for modern stresses and is said to help you achieve the balance that is the foundation of spiritual development. As the body's largest and most sensitive organ, your skin deserves abhyanga every day.

In Ayurveda getting a massage or giving one to yourself is one of the most effective and pleasant ways you can balance vata and is a wonderful way to start the day. With regular practice you'll see why abhyanga is considered to be the crown jewel of rejuvenation, prevention, and longevity. Sesame oil is recommended for vata, pitta, and kapha types, and for healthy people as well as those suffering from an illness. The only exception is when your kapha is aggravated in this case you should use a dry massage, described below. Be sure to get cold-pressed organic oil from a health food store. Olive oil is also acceptable, and coconut oil works well for pitta types. Never use mineral oil or any other oil that is not digestible (the skin is a digestive organ). It's traditional to cook the oil one time, heating it until it forms tiny bubbles. This is said to cure the oil and prevent it from turning rancid. Certain condi?tions respond best to medicated oils?oils to which special herbs and fragrant spices have been added, as specified in the A?Z section. Once you've been treating yourself to abhyanga regularly, it's hard to stop, and even busy people manage to make time.

"If I get lazy or pressed for time and skip my daily abhyanga, I really start to miss it. I feel scattered, less grounded, less able to cope. I love the little pool of serenity it creates in the morning . . . a quiet, sensual time just for myself before I get swept up in the madness of the day. I think what a different world it would be if everyone had v,p,k, massage in the morning

http://www.drhelenthomas.com/health_care/store/massage_oils_2.html California License to Practice Chiropractic 1983 Bachelors From California Institute of Integral Studies Focus Ayurveda Trained In Practicing Ayurveda in California for fifteen years. First Ayurved Formal education : Mah

Overcoming Constipation Naturally

2007-11-23T22:42:00.000-08:00

Constipation may be defined as infrequent or incomplete bowel movements often characterized by stools that are hard, dry and difficult to pass due to slow transit time through the gastrointestinal tract. Transit time is the amount of time that elapses between the ingestion of food and when it is excreted in the form of stool.

In conventional medical circles, it is considered ?normal? to have a bowel movement as infrequently as three times each week, but many holistic practitioners would consider the normal range of bowel movements to be between two and three every day. The thinking here is that three movements would be ideal because we generally eat three meals daily. Ideally, when food enters the stomach, a nerve impulse is sent to the colon, prompting it to contract and release its contents. This gastrocolic reflex, when functioning properly, would cause us to empty our colons after each meal.

With constipation, a wide range of symptoms may be experienced. These can include abdominal discomfort, rectal discomfort, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, lower back pain, and a general feeling of malaise. When bowel transit time is slow, waste is not promptly eliminated from the body. It will consequently decay or ferment, producing poisonous chemicals. This reabsorption of toxins into the body can increase the risk of developing colon disease and other serious digestive health problems.

As an alternative to conventional laxatives, optional nutritional approaches may help prevent and provide relief for occasional constipation. A high-fiber diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds may help ease elimination and promote two to three healthy bowel movements each day. These foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which work together to soak up toxins in the digestive tract and sweep the colon free of debris by removing toxins from the intestinal wall. Herbal supplements may also help to cleanse and detoxify the body, and a gentle, natural colon cleanse formula can hydrate and strengthen the colon.

Lifestyle changes may also help reduce the risk of becoming constipated. Try waking up a little earlier each morning and allowing yourself time to go to the bathroom, and set aside time during the day to do the same. Make sure when you are on the toilet that your feet are elevated and you assume a squatting position. This will ensure that the colon is in the proper position for elimination.

Exercise also helps stimulate the body?s digestive process. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise into your daily routine may help stimulate peristalsis (the wave-like movement of food through your intestines) and promote healthy elimination.
Brenda Watson is passionate about helping people worldwide live healthier, longer lives through daily diet and lifestyle changes. She is the President of Renew Life Formulas and founder of five natural healthcare clinics. Constipation Remedy

Headaches, Insomnia, Anxiety And Constipation Are Rooted In Vata Imbalance.

2007-11-20T22:08:00.000-08:00

Headaches, insomnia, anxiety and constipation have the same root cause which is a vata imbalance according to ayurveda. Until recently modern Western medicine believed that health was simply the absence of disease. Illness was caused purely by something outside the body, the way a hammer hitting your toe causes pain?viruses caused colds, allergens caused allergies, stress caused anxiety, carcinogens caused cancer, and so on. The solution was to find the right pill and the disease would be cured.

But today we know that the seeds of illness are sown way before obvious symptoms appear. The absence of a readily diagnosable disease is no longer the definition of health?people want to feel good, not just "not bad." The hammer-hitting-the-toe model of disease doesn't explain the wide variation in people's abilities to resist illness or recover from illness. When you encounter a cold virus, you have only one chance in eight of getting a cold. Seven out of eight times your mind-body is able to defend itself. Clearly the virus is only one small factor?the state of your general health is paramount.

By focusing on physical cause and effect Western medicine has looked at individual organs in isolation, as separate from one another and from the mind and spirit. By way of contrast ancient civilizations were intimately in touch with their nonphysical selves and had rich inner lives. They knew what modern science is just now starting to realize: The mind and body are so connected as to be indistinguishable from each other.In many ways modern science is only beginning to catch up with Ayurveda. In many ways modern science is only beginning to catch up with Ayurveda. For example research is discovering that certain people are constitutionally prediposed to certain illnesses, and proving that lifestyle practices and gentle herbal medicines can make a huge difference in our ability to resist disease, recover from illness, and extend our lives. That's exactly what the ancient science of Ayurveda has been saying for thousands of years. Headaches, insomnia, anxiety and constipation have the same root cause which is a vata imbalance and this is an example of genetic predisposition according to body type.

http://www.drhelenthomas.com Hi I am a practicing Chiropractor for the last 25 years. Ayurveda came into my life in 1984. I have studied with the best in the nation and the best in India. It is a practice that takes a lifetime to become a master. I love teaching it and practicing it.

The Best Natural Cures For Constipation Come From The Choice Of Food We Eat

2007-11-20T22:07:00.001-08:00

Even though it is not something that a lot of people like to talk about, we all have to deal with constipation on occasion. As a child I was told that I had a problem with this, but I never felt any sort of pain. When I would get sick, someone would always inevitably ask me when was the last time I used the bathroom. At that time in my life it was only once every two or three days, and they were always concerned that something was wrong with me. One particular babysitter was very concerned about my problem even though it wasn?t bothering me. She often talked about natural cures for constipation to make things better for me.

My mother wasn?t concerned because she had talked to my doctor about it and he wasn?t concerned. As long as I was not in any sort of pain, or is not affecting my health, he saw nothing wrong with the frequency of my trips to the bathroom. He did however say that natural cures for constipation may help me become more regular as I got older. When you think of natural cures for constipation you may be thinking of some sort of medicine, but you should know that there are simpler ways to go about this.

Some of the best natural cures for constipation are things that you eat every day. In many cases, there are no medications needed. If you were to eat, for example, raisin bran on a daily basis, you will find that you are more regular thing you ever were before. Other natural cures for constipation might be eating prunes, though they are not very pleasant, or any other type of fruit that aids in digestion. You may also want to try cereals that are high in fiber each morning for breakfast.

For some people though, these natural cures for constipation don?t work. When you are constipated, there is not enough liquid in your system. You may want to concentrate on drinking more water, and staying away from foods that are known to cause constipation. If you have a thing for cheese, you may want to cut back on how much you eat. If you find that you are still having problems, you may want to talk to your doctor about other natural cures for constipation that you have not considered yet. If these don?t work, your doctor may have to give you a prescription or do some additional testing to find out what is going on with your body.
Ann Merier writes articles about and health issues. Article topics include diabetes,detox diet,yoga,pilates exercise Natural Cures For Constipation Articles on Health Care

How To Find Relief From Ibs Constipation

2007-11-19T22:29:00.002-08:00

A person, who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, primarily suffers from one of three symptoms.

1. Diarrhea
2. Alteration of diarrhea and constipation
3. Constipation

Although, it is less common for a person with IBS to suffer from predominant constipation than diarrhea, for those who do, there are ways to find relief from constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.

There are different treatment options - both medicinal and alternative remedies -for those who suffer from constipation. The following is information regarding diverse treatments and what you need to know about each.

Diet
Constipation symptoms may be caused by specific foods that are being ingested. Therefore, try keeping a food diary to find out what foods may not only be making constipation worse, but may help to relieve your symptoms.

For instance, gluten is recognized as one of the leading causes of constipation in IBS sufferers. Therefore, a gluten-free diet may help alleviate symptoms. In order to eliminate gluten from your diet ensure you read food labels to see if gluten is among listed ingredients. However, keep in mind that gluten-free foods tend to be low in fiber. Therefore, you may require other sources of fiber such as eating more fruits and vegetables.

If you are considering a gluten-free diet it?s a good idea to consult a dietitian to find out how effective this diet control is for constipation.

Fiber supplements
Fiber supplements are designed to add bulk to the stool so that waste can travel faster through the intestines. That being said fiber supplements need to be taken with great care, as problems can occur.

For instance, inundating the boy with fiber without sufficient water intake, can cause bloating, gas and make constipation worse. It is imperative to drink plenty of water when taking fiber supplements because fiber absorbs water.

Furthermore, natural fiber sources, such as bran, can aggravate the stomach of an IBS sufferer. This is because bran contains high amounts of wheat and gluten which are not tolerated well by an IBS stomach.

Nonetheless, the right fiber supplement taken as recommended may be helpful in relieving constipation in some sufferers. Fiber supplements such as Metamucil, Konsyl or Citrucel can be found in pharmacies, but it is a good idea to talk to your doctor first and learn more about supplements before starting treatment.

Laxatives
Laxatives are an effective short-term solution for relieving constipation. However, there are different types of laxatives and some are stronger than others. Although laxatives may work in the body differently, depending on the type, each is designed to soften stool so it can slide easier through the intestines. One such laxative that is often recommended to IBS sufferers is milk of magnesia. This is a gentle laxative that is known as a hydrating agent and causes the intestines to retain more water to soften stool.

Laxatives are not recommended for long-term use and can be habit forming. If laxatives are taken for long periods of time, the body will eventually develop immunity and require stronger laxative methods. Prolonged used of laxatives can also make constipation worse and make the body laxative-dependent. Furthermore, be advised that stimulant laxatives such as Ex-lax are powerful and very hard on the system.

Make sure you investigate different over-the-counter laxative products, and speak to your doctor about laxative treatment before using this remedy.

Prescription drugs
Consider talking to you doctor about prescription medication for relief of constipation. Zelnorm is one of the newer drug treatments for IBS constipation and works by increasing stool movement in the bowels. Zelnorm has been found to effectively alleviate abdominal pain, bloating and constipation, and is only prescribed for short-term use.

Finally, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water helps to relieve constipation, and are natural remedies that can be used with any form of constipation treatment.

By S. Reynolds. Sign up for a free IBS newsletter & discover more about treating IBS symptoms.

Finding A Natural Cure For Constipation

2007-11-19T22:29:00.001-08:00

If you want to use a natural cure for constipation you need to do a number of things relating to how you live your life and what your diet consists of. But unlike medicinal treatments and other treatment methods a natural cure is both a simple and easy to practice and have far less side effects than the others. Often natural cures are able to eliminate completely infrequent or mild bouts of constipation.

Dietary changes which a person suffering from constipation should make should include them eating more fiber which is found in fresh fruit (bananas, apples, papaya, grapes and oranges), fresh vegetables, whole grains and pulses. They should also ensure that they drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water each day.

A good thing that you should avoid if you are suffering from constipation is alcohol, processed and junk goods, foods and drinks which contain caffeine as they can cause dehydration and avoid drugs and medication if you can.

Guava (but is must have the seeds) because of their roughness is a great way of getting relief from constipation. Also eating bran cereal not just for adults but for children as well is another way of safeguarding against constipation. A more natural way for the elderly to deal with constipation is to drink milk that has either extra sugar or honey in it.

A great natural way of helping to prevent and alleviate constipation is to exercise daily you do not need to exercise vigorously all you need to do is walk for about 30 to 40 minutes each day will be more than enough.

Today there are many kinds of natural laxatives available which will help cure constipation and they are made to relax the bowel muscle walls and reduce any anxiety or tension that a person feels. They are also good for enhancing the functions of a person?s liver and gall bladder and improve the flow of bile in the body which improves the digestion of food.

For many centuries herbs were used by tribes and some cultures around the world and are becoming more and more popular as a natural way of treating constipation. Herbs such as Aloe Vera, Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) and the Passiflora Species are ones which have laxative properties and also help the digestive system as well as acting as a tonic for a person?s liver. These herbs can often be used in treating both chronic and occasional bouts of constipation and almost all of them have no side effects associated with them.

You can buy these herbs in tablet form as well and each tablet contains a definite amount of the fresh herb within them. So with these you are able to change the amount you take according to the type of constipation you are suffering from. Also most of these tablets can be used alongside a digestion tonic as well.

So as you can see there are a number of natural cures for constipation that are available and which will assist if you should suffer from this problem at any point in your life.
Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn more about the importance of a health colon as well as find out about more natural cures for constipation.

Your Dog Can Suffer From Constipation Too

2007-11-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

It is not only humans that suffer from constipation, but our pets can too! Dog constipation is normally caused due to a lack of exercise and an incorrect diet. In this article we will look at ways that dog constipation can be treated using some home remedies.

As previously mentioned ensuring that your dog's diet is good and that they are getting sufficient exercise are the most important components for ensuring that your dog's bowels work correctly. Any dog that is kept in the home should be walked 2 times a day whilst their diet should be correctly maintained.

However if your dog does become constipated a good way of alleviating the problem is to add 1 or 2 teaspoons of bran to it meal. This allows extra moisture to appear in its stools.

Another way that you can treat your dog should it become constipated is by adding Psyllium (Metamucil) to their diet. Just giving them ? teaspoon each day plus providing them with lots of drinking water will help to alleviate the constipation that they have.

The next option you could try is to add 2 teaspoons of mineral oil to their meals twice a day for a week and this is especially good where there is a large build up of hard stools in your dog.

As you can see there are a number of steps you can take in order to help your dog if they should suffer from constipation but by keeping his food moist (add a little water) will help? Or if your dog is a little more mature then include some raw meat and vegetables into their diet.

Often there are certain signs which will alert you to any potential problems your dog may have and for which you can act on immediately. If your dog has a long coat then sometimes the stools can become entangled in the coat and it is vital you keep your dog properly groomed.

Also dogs have a tendency to eat everything in sight so make sure there are no bones or other materials that they may ingest. Dogs may also suffer from constipation because of a medication that they are on. But there may even be a psychological reason as to why your dog has become constipated (they could be stressed even dogs get stressed to).

Although it has been suggested that dogs of all breeds and no matter what age can be prone to constipation and so there may be some other factors that need to be taken into consideration which may be caused by you as an owner. Do not ever feed your dog from the dinner table as you are contributing to his constipation.

It is important that you do not feed your dog food which contains flour, sugar, rice, dairy or are high in protein as they will on excacerbate the situation. Also included in this would be ice cream, cooks, bread, chocolate or any other foods that we consider to be unhealthy.

Not only can constipation in dogs be caused by lack of fiber or fluids but also by a mega colon (an inflamed colon which prevents your dog from discharging their stools).

The time you should decide to visit your vet if your dog is suffering from constipation is when they have a loss of appetite; begin to pass small amounts of blood and general they look and act very lethargic.

It is important that you are very vigilant to any signs of stress and make your that your dog's diet and exercise regime is appropriate for them and hopefully this will alleviate or prevent dog constipation in your pet.

Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn more about keeping a healthy colon and read more about constipation in humans and animals.

Get Regular With This Constipation Remedy Guide

2007-11-15T21:40:00.001-08:00

Finding an effective constipation remedy that will help relieve the pain can seem quite daunting for those who regularly suffer from constipation. Constipation is a condition where a person has difficulty moving their bowels and there are a number of ways in which it can be diagnosed such as a physical examination, colorectal transit study, anorectal function tests, barium enema x-ray, and sigmoidoscopy or through a colonoscopy.

However there are number of constipation remedies around which should hopefully help to improve the situation as well as remove the problem.

A good one to use is to train your bowel. If you can attempt to have a bowel movement at the same time each day (preferably first thing in the morning) as this is when your colon activity is at its highest and you can practice this quite easily.

Ensure that you improve your eating habits but including plenty of high fiber foods (cereals), and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. It is important that if you suffer from constipation you limit the amount of ice cream, cheese, meat and processed foods that you consume.

Drink plenty of water (about 1.5-2 litres each day) and avoid those drinks which can cause dehydration such as coffee and alcohol.

Also take up some form of regular exercise and not only will it help to alleviate the problems associated with constipation it will provide you with other health benefits as well.

However, if you find that are still not having regular bowel movements even if you have made the changes above then you wish to consider using a bulk forming laxative such Psyllium or Methylcellulose and they can be used for a long time without any side effects.

There are also other medications that can be used to remedy constipation such as Hyprosmotics, Lactulose, Polyethylene Glycol, Glycerin and Sorbital as well as salines like Magnesium Hydroxide, Magnesium Citrate and Sodium Phosphate.

However if you have found that neither of the above methods work for you then you may try such medications as Anthraquinones such as Cascara Sagrada, Emollients such as Docusates, Senna and Mineral Oil. There are also stimulants such as Phenolphthalein, Castor Oil or Bisacodyl which may also help to remedy the problems associated with constipation but such medications as these need to be used under strict supervision of a doctor or healthcare worker and only as a short term measure as most of these have some side effects.

People who are using laxatives should discontinue use slowly and after some time the colon will be restored to its normal working balance.

Finally, you should only use enemas or suppositories as an emergency treatment and if all else fails then surgery may be your only alternative.

Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn more about having a healthy colon and read about more constipation remedies.

Treating Infant Constipation Gently And Safely

2007-11-14T23:03:00.000-08:00

In this article we will look at infant constipation treatment and how best to deal with constipation when an infant is suffering from it.

The best way in which any parent could treat an infant who is suffering from constipation is by changing the child?s diet. The constipation will not improve without a change of diet and they will also probably be using stool softeners as well.

The goal of any infant constipation treatment is so that the child has 1 or 2 soft stools each day. So why not give them 2 to 4 ounces of water or diluted fruit juice once or twice a day. Or you may want to swap the formula they are drinking at the moment for a soy formula instead.

If however your infant is older than 4 months and suffering from constipation then you may want to try feeding them lots of fiber which are contained in cereals, strained prunes, apricots or spinach.

A great way of helping an infant suffering from constipation is by massaging their stomach. Begin at the belly button and then massage outwards in circles in a clockwise direction. Put some baby oil or cream on your fingers as this will help with the massage. However if your child becomes upset or uncomfortable with the massage then stop it.

Or you try moving your infant?s legs in a cycling motion whilst they are laid on their backs. Just hold their legs and then gently move them in a quick cycling motion. This will cause the stomach muscles to move and this in turn will put gentle pressure on the infant?s intestines and make them move.

Another great way of helping an infant suffering from constipation is to give them a warm bath which will help them to relax and thus their stools will be passed more easily. After the bath and when your infant is more relaxed you could try massaging their stomach again. Also after a bath apply some cream or Vaseline to the area around the infant?s anus. It is important that you do not put a thermometer or anything inside your infant?s anus to stimulate bowel movement as this will only cause damage to your child.

There are a number of different ways as shown above which can be used for infant constipation treatment and as long as you watch what they eat and ensure that they have plenty of fluids they should not suffer with this problem too much.

Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn more about keeping your colon healthy and ways to deal with constipation.

Pregnancy Constipation Symptoms And Treatments

2007-11-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

During this article we will discuss the problem of pregnancy constipation and hopefully provide you with some ways in which to treat it.

Where some women may feel bloated or they may pass small rabbit like stools others may often have to strain when they are actually having bowel movement.

Pregnant women will often suffer from constipation during the pregnancy and in the days after they have actually delivered the baby. Some women may even suffer from painful bowel movements after having a episiotomy (a repair made to torn rectal tissue). Women who have had an episiotomy will often consciously or unconsciously try to prevent themselves from having a bowel movement. Whilst some women who have had a caesarean section will find that their bowel movement is temporarily paralyzed and is known as an ileus.

Below are some helpful hints wish should help to alleviate or prevent constipation from occurring.

1. Make sure you exercise daily. It is a great way of preventing constipation and even light to moderate walking will help to loosen your bowels as well as making you feel lest bloated.

2. Drink lots of fluids. Whilst pregnant the amount of water absorbed from your intestines into your blood increases. So it is important that you increase the amount of water you drink to keep both your intestines and the baby healthy. You really should try a drink at least 10 x 8 ounce glasses of water a day and if you are somewhere that is hot and humid then your water intake should be increased further. By keeping your body hydrated with water you will help to prevent constipation.

3. Calcium and Vitamin Supplements. It is important that you take the appropriate supplements but be aware that there are some which can cause bloating and constipation. Studies have been carried out which show the best calcium supplements for a pregnant woman to take are those which dissolve easily in the pH of vinegar such as TUMS and Cal citrate. It is vital that you avoid antacids which contain aluminum as these will only cause constipation.

There are prenatal vitamins around which have been specifically formulated for use by pregnant women and that their digestive tract will tolerate. These types of vitamins will cause less nausea and bloating and they contain iron, Folate and B Vitamins all of which are essential to a pregnant woman.

4. However there are some pregnant women who will need to take a stool softener in order to relieve their constipation and these work by decreasing the wall tension between the colon and the stool. They act mainly as a way of keeping a pregnant woman?s stools soft so making their removal from a pregnant woman?s body much easier.

5. A great natural remedy you could use when pregnant is to alternate between hot and cold food and drinks. A simple way of doing this is to either drink cold fluid or eat ice chips and then drink a warm fluid (may be tea). Doing this will help to stimulate and tone your bowel as well as helping to release gas that has been building up in your bowel.

6. Other women may find that resting in bed for either all or part of their pregnancy helps.

Hopefully the hints provided above will any constipation problems that occur during your pregnancy and it is important that you talk to your doctor about any problems you are having in relation to constipation. Unfortunately pregnancy constipation that a lot of women will have to contend with when they are having a child and normally clears up after the birth.
Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn more about taking care of your colon and read articles on preventing and treating constipation.

8 Steps For Avoiding Constipation

2007-11-12T21:51:00.000-08:00

Many people suffer from constipation and, in fact, it is so common that you might think it is normal and cannot be avoided. But this couldn't be further from the truth, constipation is not a normal state it is a direct result of you lifestyle you lead which includes the food you eat and those which your diet lacks. Luckily, you can avoid constipation and here are nine things you can do to ensure that your digestive system always runs like clockwork.

1. Get enough fiber. I'm sure you've heard this one before, but are you really getting enough? The average adult should get 25 to 35 g of fiber a day and if you aren't eating a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole wheat products then chances are you are getting way less than that. Fiber helps add roughage to your bowel movements and aids your bowels in working correctly so it is vital if you want to have regular movements and avoid constipation.

2. Get enough fluids. If you don't drink enough fluids, your stools will become hard and this will make it more difficult to have a ball movement. You should drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water a day and avoid caffeinated beverages as these do nothing to add water to your intestines where it is needed most.

3. Dieting? If you are on a diet that has you eating foods you are not used to or foods that don't have a lot of fiber such as some of the low-carb diets that put a big emphasis on protein than the changing your eating habits as well as the lack of fiber can be causing constipation. Make sure you get plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits every day.

4. Medications. Many medications cause constipation so if you're on any medicine it's a good idea to check it to see if it is constipation causing. If it is, you'll want to counteract it by adding even more fiber into your diet and making sure you get enough water to correct.

5. Pregnancy. Pregnant women often suffer from constipation due to the many changes going on in their body. The best way to combat this, and also the healthiest way, is to get a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet as well as drink a lot of water.

6. Decrease your coffee consumption. Caffeinated coffee can cause you to become constipated because the caffeine acts as a diuretic and causes water to be lost in your urine instead of placing the water in your colon where it can help solve your stools.

7. Distress. If you're stressed out than chances are this can be adding to your bowel problems. Try practicing stress relief by taking a hot bath, doing yoga or just relaxing in front of the fire.

8. Exercise. Exercising is a great way to get everything moving and help relieve constipation. Walking is especially good as the gentle rocking motion can help stimulate your bowels into action. Try taking a half-hour walk every day it is many health benefits not the least of which is helping you to avoid constipation.

Constipation doesn't have to be a way of life. If you live a healthier lifestyle with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and avoid package and processed foods as well as include some moderate exercise and you'll find that you become more regular as well as healthier.
Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn about good colon health and get more tips on avoiding constipation.

Avoid These Foods That Cause Constipation And Really Get Things Moving Again

2007-11-11T22:00:00.001-08:00

There are quite a few foods that cause constipation and eliminating this problem from your life may require a bit of a change in the way you eat as you will have to add in more fiber as well as avoid the foods that content to bind you up.

The biggest cause of constipation is a lack of fiber in the diet. That combined with eating high-fat foods, not getting enough exercise and dehydration from not drinking enough water all contribute to lack of movement in your bowels. So if you really want to get things moving again you?ll need to take some action.

Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and especially those high in fiber such as pears, peas, broccoli and apples with the skin on will certainly help as they will add fiber to your diet. This fiber turns into a gel like substance when combined with water in your body and passes through the intestines adding bulk which helps make stools softer and easier to pass.

But how much fiber is enough?

The recommended daily amount Is 25 to 35 grams and I think if you do the math and look at all the food you eat during the day you?ll probably see that you are getting somewhere between only five and 14 g which is what the average American gets each day. No wonder there is such a problem with constipation in America in such a glut of laxatives and fiber products on the market!

Now if you can?t fit 35 grams of fiber and via fruits vegetables and whole grains you can try a fiber supplement. If you do, however, be sure that you drink enough water along with the supplement in during the day so that It can do Its thing. of course, it?s best to get your fiber the natural way into either way you want to make sure to drink plenty of water as this will help to make softer stools.

In addition to adding fiber to your diet there are some foods which can contribute to constipation and if you have a problem in this area you should probably avoid them. These foods include:

Meats
Ice Cream
Cheese
Snacks like pizza and chips
Processed foods (most anything that comes in a package!)

In today?s fast-paced society, everyone in adults and children included even way too many refined and over processed foods. these foods have had not only all the nutrients stripped out but the fiber stripped as well.
You go to the grocery store take a look at a few of the packages and see what the fiber content on some of these foods is - how much of these foods we do have to eat to get your 35 g of fiber a day? So you can see why constipation is such a problem today.

So if you want to get things moving again and have a satisfying bowel movement every day ( or two or three times a day) then you want to avoid the above foods that cause constipation, stop eating processed foods and start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables which will give you the necessary fiber as well as nutrients that are vital to your overall health.

Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn more about how to take good care of your colon and never suffer from constipation again.

Effective Home Remedies For Constipation

2007-11-07T21:52:00.001-08:00

Disturbance in your digestive tract is commonly referred to as constipation. In this disorder, there is an irregular movement of your bowels. Constipation itself is a root to many diseases and disorders. This is because it produces toxins in the blood serum and then those are carried to the other body parts. It can cause other diseases such as rheumatism, appendicitis, arthritis, cataract, high blood pressure and even cancer in some of the rarest cases.

The symptoms of constipation include irregular elimination of faecal matter that is hard in nature. The other symptoms are foul breath, coated tongue, loss of appetite, depression, nausea and dizziness. Ulcers in the mouth can also occur sometimes with varicose veins and heart burn.

The main cause of such a state of disorder is the bad lifestyle patterns that you follow, coupled with improper diet. Insufficient intake of water and excessive use of coffee and tea can also lead to this state. Drinking, irregular eating, insufficient chewing, all together makes the functioning of your bowels poor. Apart from this lack of physical activities and and irregular defecation habits with emotional stress and strain, also lead to constipation.

But you can always cure constipation. If the medicines are doing nothing good to you, then you have the option of home remedial treatments. They are:

1. Pear: It is an effective fruit for the treatment of constipation. Making it a part of your regular diet, can help you a lot.

2. Grapes: Since ages, grapes have proved to be a very effective natural remedy to cure constipation. Grapes contains sugar, cellulose and various organic acids that make them an ideal constipation healer. Besides cleaning your stomach, they also tone up the tissues of your stomach and the intestines.

3. Bael Fruit: It is regarded as the best fruit in curing this disorder. It cleans and tones up your intestinal space.

4. Guava: Guava provides you roughage that is very essential for the proper digestion of food. Roughage helps in the normal evacuation of your bowels.

5. Spinach: Spinach is the most vital food for your entire digestive system. The organic elements that are present in spinach cleanse, reconstruct and help the regeneration of the worn out tissues of your intestinal tract.

A simple diet surely helps you to keep away from constipation as it clears your stomach. A simple diet is one that consists of unrefined foods, like honey, bran, wholegrain cereals, lentils, fruits, green leafy vegetables and various milk products.

Apart from them there are also other home remedies that help in treating constipation. For instance, a glass of hot lime water, with added salt is very effective. It is also said that taking an overnight kept water in a copper container helps you considerably in this direction. Linseed is a useful product as it provides both roughage and lubrication to the stomach.

To get more information on home remedies, home remedies for commen ailments and home remedies for other problems visit http://www.newhomeremedies.com/

Finding A Solution To Crohns Constipation

2007-11-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

Constipation is a symptom of Crohn’s disease but it’s not as common as diarrhea. It often occurs during a flare up, and is characterized by having a bowel movement less than three times within a week. Constipation can be very uncomfortable and cause bloating, straining and the feeling of a full bowel.

Constipation is quite common, and is something the average person experiences regardless if they suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other digestive condition. Constipation results when the colon absorbs too much water from the waste material or the colon’s muscle contracts slowly or is sluggish. This causes stool to dramatically slow down on its journey through the colon. The outcome of constipation is often dry, hard, pebble-like stool that is difficult to pass.

What causes constipation in Crohn’s sufferers?

Causes of constipation may differ depending on the person. For instance, while constipation may be a result from a poor diet in one person, it could be the result of taking medication in another. Therefore, in order to treat constipation, a Crohn’s sufferer should first learn about the most common causes of constipation and then assess their condition.

Poor Diet – A diet low in fiber and water consumption can lead to constipation. Eating too many dairy products such as milk and cheese, and foods high in starch such as potatoes, white pasta, white bread, and rice, can trigger constipation.

Medication – If you are taking medications to treat other Crohn’s symptoms, or another condition, one of the side effects of these drugs could be constipation. Furthermore, taking too many laxatives can actually have the opposite effect and result in constipation.

Stricture – Sometimes the cause of constipation in Crohn’s disease is due to a slight obstruction in the small intestine called a stricture. A stricture is an abnormal narrowing that occurs in a natural passage in the body, in the case of Crohn’s the small or large intestine. Strictures result from ulcerations and scar tissue. The obstruction in the intestine slows down digestion and creates problems – constipation.

How can you relieve constipation?

Up your insoluble fiber intake – There are two different types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Although both sources of fiber should be apart of your diet, if you are constipated, insoluble fiber is more beneficial to you because it helps to move food through your intestines. It is this fiber that encourages regular bowel movements. Excellent sources of insoluble fiber include dark green leafy vegetables, fruit skins, corn bran, and whole-wheat products.

When there is enough fiber in your diet, stools should be soft and passed without problem. If you have a problem naturally increasing your fiber intake, talk to your doctor about fiber supplements.

Drink plenty of water – Most people don’t drink enough water and this can lead to chronic dehydration and cause constipation. You need to make sure you are well hydrated by drinking the recommended eight, 8oz. glasses of water daily, and avoid caffeinated drinks that lead to dehydration.

Exercise – Exercise improves your overall health, reduces the risk of constipation and can even prevent it. By improving your body’s circulation and increasing your energy, you are providing your body with the power it needs to digest food.

Drugs – if your constipation is severe (lasts for more than 2 weeks) it’s time to consult your doctor about taking laxatives. Although these meds are available without prescription, it’s a good idea to seek the opinion of your doctor first. You should never abuse laxatives, as this will only cause further complications with your colon.

When you prevent and effectively treat constipation, you will avoid ugly complications that can arise from chronic constipation such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Sharon Dobson has an interest in Crohn's Disease. For further information on Crohn's Disease please visit http://www.natural-crohns-disease-relief.com/crohnsdisease.html or http://www.natural-crohns-disease-relief.com/blog/2006/12/28/finding-a-solution-to-crohns-constipation/ .

Treatment of Constipation

2007-11-05T22:11:00.001-08:00

People who tend to ignore their body signals over time have lost the ability to recognize when it's time to move their bowels. This is common in constipation. In this situation, it may help to go to the bathroom at the same time every day when a bowel movement is most likely to occur, usually about thirty minutes after breakfast or after a cup of caffeinated coffee (caffeine is a stimulant of the gastrointestinal tract). Remember, however, that caffeine is a Flag Food for heartburn - again what helps an gastrointestinal problem may exacerbate another. Nicotine, while a recognized stimulant of the intestines, is not recommended as a treatment for constipation.

When you attempt to "retrain" your bowel, remember to take your time. Your mother may have told you to "do your business" quickly and get off the toilet, possibly to avoid hemorrhoids but probably because most of us grew up in a house with one bathroom. Today, even small houses usually have at least two bathrooms, so take your time. If breakfast time finds you at work, any large meal will do for bowel retraining. When food enters your stomach, it encourages the colon to contract. This impulse is transmitted by nerves that innervate the colon; certain hormones may also be involved. Some people, especially those with inflammatory bowel disease, have an exaggerated gastrocolic reflex - soon after they eat, they have to run to the bathroom. In bowel retraining for constipation, the gastrocolic reflex works in your favor in moving your bowels.

Drugs may also be used to treat constipation. Scores of laxatives on the market can provide a quick fix to relieve constipation. They fall into several different categories according to their mechanism of action. Bulk laxatives add volume and fluid to the stool. Metamucil, Efferyllium and Perdiem are psyllium seed laxatives that add non-irritating bulk and promote normal elimination. FiberCon, which has a similar bulking action, contains the fiber calcium polycarbophil. You may notice an increase in wind (flatulence) and stomach bloating when you are taking fiber supplements. This is normal and tends to settle down after a few months after the gut becomes used to the increase in fiber. Stool softeners are not laxatives but contain surface-active ingredients that keep soft for easy, natural passage. Magnesium salts like Milk of Magnesia work by increasing the fluid of the gastrointestinal tract. Dolculax is a stimulant laxative that acts directly on the colon to make it contract. Miralax is a prescription drug that works very well for some constipated individuals. Zelnorm can be used to treat garden variety constipation not related to irritable bowel disease. Lactulose is another prescription drug to treat constipation.

In general, it is always best to try the gentlest agents first. Over time, harsh laxatives can damage the bowel and ultimately make you dependent on laxatives to move your bowel. For most people, it is recommended to start with a bulk laxative or stool softener and, if necessary, adding Milk of Magnesia. Only in very difficult cases would a stimulant laxative or prescription drug be the treatment of choice for constipation.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Constipation

Finding a Solution to Constipation

2007-11-05T22:10:00.001-08:00

Constipation is a symptom of Crohn?s disease but it?s not as common as diarrhea. It often occurs during a flare up, and is characterized by having a bowel movement less than three times within a week. Constipation can be very uncomfortable and cause bloating, straining and the feeling of a full bowel.

Constipation is quite common, and is something the average person experiences regardless if they suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other digestive condition. Constipation results when the colon absorbs too much water from the waste material or the colon?s muscle contracts slowly or is sluggish. This causes stool to dramatically slow down on its journey through the colon. The outcome of constipation is often dry, hard, pebble-like stool that is difficult to pass.

What causes constipation in Crohn?s sufferers?

Causes of constipation may differ depending on the person. For instance, while constipation may be a result from a poor diet in one person, it could be the result of taking medication in another. Therefore, in order to treat constipation, a Crohn?s sufferer should first learn about the most common causes of constipation and then assess their condition.

Poor Diet ? A diet low in fiber and water consumption can lead to constipation. Eating too many dairy products such as milk and cheese, and foods high in starch such as potatoes, white pasta, white bread, and rice, can trigger constipation.

Medication ? If you are taking medications to treat other Crohn?s symptoms, or another condition, one of the side effects of these drugs could be constipation. Furthermore, taking too many laxatives can actually have the opposite effect and result in constipation.

Stricture ? Sometimes the cause of constipation in Crohn?s disease is due to a slight obstruction in the small intestine called a stricture. A stricture is an abnormal narrowing that occurs in a natural passage in the body, in the case of Crohn?s the small or large intestine. Strictures result from ulcerations and scar tissue. The obstruction in the intestine slows down digestion and creates problems ? constipation.

How can you relieve constipation?

Up your insoluble fiber intake ? There are two different types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Although both sources of fiber should be apart of your diet, if you are constipated, insoluble fiber is more beneficial to you because it helps to move food through your intestines. It is this fiber that encourages regular bowel movements. Excellent sources of insoluble fiber include dark green leafy vegetables, fruit skins, corn bran, and whole-wheat products.

When there is enough fiber in your diet, stools should be soft and passed without problem. If you have a problem naturally increasing your fiber intake, talk to your doctor about fiber supplements.

Drink plenty of water ? Most people don?t drink enough water and this can lead to chronic dehydration and cause constipation. You need to make sure you are well hydrated by drinking the recommended eight, 8oz. glasses of water daily, and avoid caffeinated drinks that lead to dehydration.

Exercise ? Exercise improves your overall health, reduces the risk of constipation and can even prevent it. By improving your body?s circulation and increasing your energy, you are providing your body with the power it needs to digest food.

Drugs ? if your constipation is severe (lasts for more than 2 weeks) it?s time to consult your doctor about taking laxatives. Although these meds are available without prescription, it?s a good idea to seek the opinion of your doctor first. You should never abuse laxatives, as this will only cause further complications with your colon.

When you prevent and effectively treat constipation, you will avoid ugly complications that can arise from chronic constipation such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Sharon Dobson has an interest in Crohn's Disease. For further information on Crohn's Disease please visit Crohn's Disease or Crohn's Disease Symptoms .

Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

2007-11-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

There comes a time in everyone's life when constipation rears its ugly head. The same holds true for dogs, unfortunately. Lack of exercise and proper diet can lead to bouts of constipation (sound familiar?). While you may seek a variety of ways to "eliminate" this problem in your own life, let's explore some home remedies for dog constipation which can be utilized in the eventuality it occurs in theirs.

As mentioned earlier, a proper diet and exercise are key components in ensuring your dog has the ability to move his bowels as often as necessary. House dogs usually need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a proper diet. If your dog becomes constipated, one method to alleviate this problem is by adding one to two teaspoons of bran to his meal. This allows for extra moisture in the stool.

Another method to soften the stool would be to add psyllium (Metamucil in the adult world) to his diet. Half a teaspoon twice a day, in addition to drinking plenty of water, will suffice. A third option would be mineral oil. This may be used in cases where there is a large build-up of hard stool. Two teaspoons, twice a day should be added to his meal, but for only a week. There are several other steps you can take to alleviate your dog's constipation. Keep his food moist by adding a bit of water. If your dog is getting on in years, add some raw meat and vegetables to his diet.

There are certain signs which can alert you to potential problems, and for which you can take immediate steps. Long hair on dogs can cause feces to become entangled; therefore, keep your dog properly groomed. Dogs tend to eat everything in sight, ensure no bones or other material has been ingested. Just as we experience constipation due to certain medications, dogs are no exception. Psychological stress is another indicator relating to constipation.

While it has been suggested that all breeds and dogs of any age are prone to constipation, there are other aspects which you may need to consider, and for which many dog owners are culpable. Never feed your dog from the dinner table. While you may indulge the dog with a few scraps here and there, you are contributing to his constipation.

Foods that contain flour, sugar, rice, dairy and high protein are the main source of the problem. Ice cream, cookies, bread, chocolate, or other unhealthy food items can cause your dog unnecessary pain. As mentioned earlier, a lack of fiber and dehydration are common causes. Another cause for concern would be a condition known as mega colon. This simply means your dog has an inflamed colon which prevents the discharge of feces.

The time to visit the vet will become evident when your dog's inability to defecate is hampered by a decreased appetite, passing blood in minimal amounts, and overall lethargy. Keep in mind, contributing to the overall health of your dog should be of the utmost importance. A dog's love is unconditional, therefore, he or she is totally dependent upon you to maintain a healthy and harmonious life. Be ever vigilant to any signs of stress and ensure his diet and exercise regimen is appropriate and on-going.

Concerned about your pet's health? Ethan recommends "boning up" on holistic pet health care right away at: http://www.NaturesHealthyPet.com

Treating Constipation Using Natural Products

2007-11-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

Constipation is of two basic types, functional and organic constipation. Let us look at functional constipation and how to treat it using natural remedies.

What is Functional Constipation? Constipation, which is a result from not eating the right diet and the lack of drinking adequate fluids, is called Functional Constipation. The lifestyle that you lead is very important. The lifestyle that you follow must help to digest food through the colon and intestines properly. Eating the right food is very important. Here right food consists of all food that your body will accept and digest easily.

Constipation has many definitions, the simplest one being a condition in which the fecal matter stays for a long time in the colon before it is discharged out of the body by the rectum.

Constipation is not a disease and is a symptom. A gastrointestinal disease or irregular functioning of the colon is what leads to constipation. Constipation is caused by a wrong lifestyle and a wrong diet that one follows and is an indication that there is an imbalance in your system and your body is not working properly. The use of unnatural laxatives to correct constipation may lead to further problems. One must avoid drugstore laxatives as they are addictive. They can cause damage to the colon if used for a long period of time and they can cause side effects. The use of laxatives may make constipation more acute in the long run rather than eliminating it.

If you want to maintain a chemical balance in your body, the most important thing to do is to use natural products to get rid of constipation. Natural remedies include the use of herbs and foods that will strengthen your colon by giving it adequate nutrients and help restart your body?s natural peristaltic action.

While you are using natural remedies you must know that all remedies that you use will not be effective on you and may not work. You may have to use the trial and error method and try various different products and different dosages and see if it helps. If you give your body the right remedy that suits it, then the results will be positive. The best way to find out which remedy will be the most effective on you is to experiment with the various natural remedies available, and of course, the Internet is the best source to look up natural remedies that help constipation.

The most important thing that one must remember is that the remedies should not be used continuously for a long period of time. These remedies should be used for two to four days but not longer than two weeks and must be used only to clear constipation. The treatment may take a couple of weeks to help your system function properly. Many herbal combinations or herbal mixtures are available that can help improve the function of the colon and getting the bowels regularized.

An imbalance in the functioning of the body and the colon causes constipation. The use of natural remedies will help correct the functioning of the colon and rectify your constipation problem.

To learn more about remedies for constipation or cures for acid reflux visit http://www.remediesguide.com

Coconut Oil and Constipation

2007-11-02T22:30:00.001-07:00

Are you suffering from constipation? If you are, you have probably tried numerous ways to find constipation relief. Constipation can be caused by numerous reasons including not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough liquids, a lack of exercise, certain medications, changes in lifestyle or routine, ignoring the urge to move your bowels, abusing laxatives, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, traveling and other various reasons.

There are many products on the market which people purchase to try to find constipation relief. These include laxatives, stool softeners, Epsom salts, herbs and enemas. Many people are very disappointed in these products. Many of them only offer temporary relief of constipation. The good news is that there is a natural product that can prevent and alleviate constipation. It is coconut oil.

The latest news is that the coconut oil that is probably sitting in your kitchen cabinet can prevent and alleviate constipation. Since the studies have been released touting the many benefits of coconut oil people are testing it out and getting incredible results. Not only are they finding constipation relief, but many of them are losing weight, getting healthier and acquiring more energy.

The unique thing about coconut oil is that it is safe. It does not turn into fat like other oils. In fact, it can lower your cholesterol. People who use coconut oil not only reap the benefits of constipation relief, but they are also benefiting from the many other healthy benefits that are a byproduct of adding coconut oil to their diets.

Coconut oil stands next to mother's milk as being one of nature's highest sources of medium fatty acids. It raises the metabolism which can lead to weight loss. In addition, the fatty acids in coconut oil enhance the immune system and it helps to fight infections, bad bacteria, yeast invasion and diseases. To put it plainly, coconut oil acts as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and an anti-fungal.

Coconuts have been held in high esteem in diverse cultures around the globe for thousands of years. It served not only as a source of food, but also as a medicine. Modern medicine has finally discovered what natives in other cultures have known for years - that Coconut and coconut oil can be used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following:

1. Constipation
2. Bronchitis
3. Bruises
4. Coughs
5. Earaches
6. Influenza
7. Jaundice
8. Nausea
9. Scabies
10. Toothaches
11. Dropsy
12. Menstruation problems
13. Swelling and Inflammation
14. Ulcers
15. Urinary tract infections
16. Pneumonia
17. Gonorrhea
18. Herpes
19. Hepatitis C
20. Thrush
21. Diaper rash
22. Ringworm
23. Athlete's foot
24. Candidacies
25. Lice
26. Tapeworms and other parasites
27. Diabetes
28. Pancreatitis
29. Osteoporosis
30. Ulcerative colitis
31. Crohn's Disease
32. Hemorrhoids

If you are suffering from constipation you should supplement your daily diet with coconut oil. It is touted as being the "healthiest dietary oil on earth." Coconut oil is great for baking and cooking and it can easily be added to salads and dressing. If you want to get your internal machinery running again, oil it up! Coconut oil tastes great and it smells good. It is sure to be the easiest constipation cure that you have ever tried. Just think, it was sitting in the grocery store the entire time. Who would have ever suspected?

The Colon Cleanse & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's Web site features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleanse & Constipation Resource Center.

Coconut Oil and Constipation

2007-11-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

Loniten Constipation

2007-11-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Loniten users have found that one of the associated side effects of use of this medicine is that they can become constipated during their treatment. Because Loniten can cause constipation, it's important to treat for constipation while taking this medication.

One of the main factors of this medication is blood pressure. High blood pressure is extremely dangerous to your health so taking medication to lower your blood pressure is important. While constipation is uncomfortable, it can be managed and tolerated when the benefits are life saving. Because this medication is generally not a short-term medication, it's also possible that users will face on-going problems with Loniten related side effects. While this can be a bit frustrating, again, the benefits of this medication make it worthwhile to find ways to manage the side effects.

Your doctor may recommend that you take a laxative while you are taking Loniten. Using harsh laxatives will not only be rough on your system but can affect your body's ability to absorb nutrients and even medications so it's important to treat your constipation in such a way that relieves you of the symptoms and allows you to have regular bowel movements without lowering the effectiveness of any medication you are taking. Over the counter laxatives can not only harshly induce bowel movements but they can have a negative impact on your overall health, should they be used long term.

Loniten, also known as Minoxidil was initially used as a blood pressure lowering medication. This drug is a vasodilator drug, which means that it helps to open (or dilate) the blood vessels. One of the positive side effects of Loniten that was discovered was that it caused excessive hair growth on people who were taking it. This was considered serendipity for those suffering from hair loss or male pattern baldness and it resulted in Loniten being used as a treatment for baldness. Many people began taking Minoxidil to treat baldness. While their hair grew and their blood pressure was lowered, they did have to face a few unwanted side effects.

Those using Loniten for hair loss need to closely monitor their blood pressure due to the lowering effect of the medication. Anyone who doesn't have high blood pressure but is taking this product for hair growth could take a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Loniten can also blur your vision or cause acne and headaches. Sometimes these effects are simply a result of your dose of Loniten or Minoxidil being too high. Whether you're using Loniten for blood pressure or Minoxidil for hair loss, be sure to proactively work to ensure that you can continue to have regular bowel movements and stay under the care of a physician.

Taking extra fiber and drinking plenty of water will help. Taking a bulk laxative such as Psyllium can also be beneficial when taking any medications that slow down your bowel functions as well as eating fiber rich foods.

Loniten or Minoxidil users can use a product called Oxy Powder safely while they are medicated. Oxy Powder promotes regular bowel activity, which can be very beneficial when taking medication that can cause constipation. It also works in harmony with your body's healthy bacteria (or flora) so that your system doesn't face the harsh effects of loss of healthy bacterium. Many people who are on medications that cause constipation want the benefits of their medication, and in some cases it's vital for their survival. Constipation can completely drain you of energy and leave you feeling bloated, cramped and sluggish. Using a product like Oxy Powder when taking a medication with this side effect can help you function without contraindicating your medicine and without having a harsh effect on your body.

Many Oxy Powder users rave about how well it works in relieving constipation, bloating and about the fact that it doesn't chain you to your toilet like some laxatives or bulky food will. Oxy Powder gradually works over a twelve-hour period so that you aren't rushing to the bathroom the moment that you take it. The benefits to using this product go above and beyond simply relieving you from Loniten induced constipation. This product is even used as a colon cleanser. It can have a positive impact on your overall health.

Whether you are taking Loniten or Minoxidil for blood pressure or for hair loss, you want to ensure that your bowels are running at peak efficiency. Constipation not only makes you miserable but also on a long-term basis will have negative health impacts. Because these medications are not short-term products, rather something that only works if they are being consistently taken, you will likely need to manage your constipation on an on-going basis. Using a harsh product long term can have some ill effects on your health. Using a natural and proven product that not only cleanses your bowels but has a positive impact on your colon health makes sense.

Hemorrhoids and Constipation Relief

2007-10-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-29T01:25:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-26T22:28:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-22T02:17:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-17T01:48:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-17T01:48:00.000-07:00

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.

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

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

2007-10-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-10-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-07T22:23:00.001-07:00

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!

Are you one of those that suffer from acute constipation but is leaving the problem untreated? Learn about the dangers of doing so. Check out this site by Sandra Kim Leong who writes on ibs symptoms at http://www.ibs-treatment-options.com

Dog Constipation

2007-10-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-02T23:07:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-02T23:06:00.000-07:00

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? .

Constipation

2007-09-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

The general guidelines as to what is generally considered Constipation include bowel movement less than three times a week, 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.

Most of us get constipated at one time or other due to change of food habits, travel, surgery, pregnancy and other minor G.I. tract disorders.

There is an interesting survey on Constipation.

?In America black people suffer from Constipation more than whites.

?Constipation is not very common amongst Asians, but increases sharply when they adopt a western diet.

?In South Africa, Constipation is more common in white people than in blacks.

The conclusions are that our digestive system has evolved over a long period of time, adapting to particular types of food and other cultural and environmental lifestyles. When these are changed, the system cannot cope with it immediately, and this results in Constipation.

In addition, Constipation is caused by slow movement of the stool in the colon, not enough fiber or liquids in the diet, certain medications, abuse of laxatives and certain specific disorders and diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson?s disease, stroke or diabetes.

The most important lifestyle correction to be done in the treatment of Constipation, except for those involving serious disorders, will be to have a high-fiber diet with plenty of cereals, fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water, about 1.5 to 2 liters a day. One should also avoid drinks that cause dehydration, such as ones containing caffeine or alcohol. Training the bowel to pass stools at a certain time every day, particularly early in the morning when the stomach is unsettled, is also useful. If medication for another disorder is the problem, change to a different type. Use laxatives only for short periods.

Only a physician should decide the use of enemas, suppositories and other prescription laxatives.

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? .

Chronic Constipation

2007-09-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Constipation can be divided into three categories, by the time it takes to treat the problem. The short-term ones are caused by travel, diet, medication, surgery and other known causes. They mostly correct themselves. The medium-term ones are caused by low-fiber diet, low liquid consumption, lack of exercise, old age, pregnancy, abuse of laxatives and consumption of dehydrating things like caffeine and alcohol. These can be treated with changed in diet, life-style changes and laxatives.

The long-term Constipation, or Chronic Constipation, is caused by serious disorders of the GI tract or other chronic diseases. The GI tract problems include irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction, colonic inertia, anorectal dysfunction and structural problems like tumors, fissures, hemorrhoids, fistulae and other problems. To diagnose the above problems many tests are used, including barium x-rays, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, colorectal transit study, anorectal function test and defecography.

If no structural obstruction is found in the GI tract, the Chronic Constipation is treated like other less serious ones. Educating the patients about bowel movements, maintaining a high-fiber diet and a lot of liquid intake, avoiding dehydrating substances, exercising and bowel training are the starting treatments, along with bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium and methylcellulose. If the problem persists, more harsh laxatives, such as hyperosmatics or saline, can be tried. Stronger laxatives like anthraquinones, emollients or stimulants are tried next. Biofeedback is a good treatment if the Constipation is caused by outlet inertia.

Surgery should be considered a last resort if no improvements is seen in three to four months of treatment. Abdominal colectomy, ileorectomy and ileoanal pouch are the surgical procedures with a very good chance of relief. Other underlying causes are neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine problems, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson?s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, uremia, hypercalemia, amyloidosis and scleroderma.

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? .

What You Should Know About Constipation

2007-09-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

The world "constipation" has its roots in the Latin "con" (meaning together) and "stipare" (meaning to press). This derivation suggests an early belief that constipation caused the bowels to be pressed together, thereby inhibiting natural function, or alternatively that the contents of the bowel become compressed, with the same result. Experience of general practitioners reveals that lazy bowels bother every person at some time, regardless of age.

There are two main types of constipation-primary or functional constipation and secondary constipation, which accompanies various conditions.

Basically, primary constipation comes about when too much water is absorbed back into the body from the bowel. This leads to a drying-out and hardening of faeces, and makes their passage through the bowel uncomfortable or even impossible through lack of natural lubrication.

Primary constipation occurs often in elderly people as a result of senile changes. The loss of the tone in muscles of the abdominal wall can result in senile changes and irregular bowel movements. Children, suffer from it when their growing systems have not yet adjusted themselves to an accustomed pattern of bowel behaviour. When a proper habit is established in childhood, the basis for a healthy routine in adult is created. Radical "crash diets" frequently lack the proper balance the body requires of its food mix, and the normal rhythm is disturbed. Nearly every mother-to-be finds constipation a problem as a result of increasing pressure against the bowels during pregnancy.

There can be few ailments about which there is such wide opinion on treatment and "cure".

Certain primitive tribes, obsessed with maintaining inflexible regularity, still practise elaborate rites involving reed enemas and violent herbal preparations; even tiny babies, displaying the slightest sign of a sluggish bowel, are subjected to this drastic treatment. To the more enlightened world, it is obvious that such measures are injurious.

A great many people, however, are still ignorant of the dangers which are attached to persistent use of harsh laxatives. These laxatives-numerous on the market-contain phenolphthalein compounds, bowel irritants, or mineral oils. They are not only immediately harmful to the system but can cause long-term damage through creating a dependence. The bowel movements become impossible with out increasing doses of the purgative. Even the time-honoured favourites of earlier generations, castor oil and liquid paraffin, fall into this category because they interfere with the natural bowel behaviour.

Under normal circumstances, regularity can be maintained by bearing in mind the following hints:

Have a leisurely, light breakfast. The physiological gastro colic reflex will signal the large bowel to empty itself soon after food enters, the stomach.
Establish a set, unhurried time for using the lavatory.
Be sure to include a certain amount of roughage in your diet.
Light exercise is essential if your work keeps you at a desk for long hours.

If, however, constipation occurs, then it assumes first-aid importance. It should be tackled immediately to prevent a bad pattern of bowel behaviour becoming established. A suitable treatment is a safe, effective and non-habit forming laxative such as milk of magnesia. Milk of magnesia contains Magnesium Hydroxide which draws body fluids into the intestines through the process knows as osmosis. This increases the bulk and softens the contents of the large intestine rhythmic bowel movements called peristalsis and assisting evacuation through a gentle flushing action. Practice regular and sensible eating habits and establish a routine that your body gets used to, so that bowel movements occur at a fixed time every day or every other day. The key is to establish a pattern that your body will get used to so that at that time it ready to empty itself! When nature finds you ready and willing, you will not have any difficulties.

Stella Marie is a trained Beautician & Dietician. Alongwith her clinic, she also runs the popular website www.greatoffers4u.com. Visit www.greatoffers4u.com/library for more articles.

Try Yoga for Chronic Constipation

2007-09-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

Chronic constipation may perhaps be the main cause of most ailments common to humans. From the common cold, acne to even depression, avoiding constipation may perhaps be the first step for prevention of illness.

It must be noted that the average person is constantly carrying 10-15 pounds of un-eliminated feces in their bowels. This in itself has a toxic effect on the blood stream. Experts in autopsy have stated that in 60-70% of the colons examined, foreign matter such as worms and decades old feces-stones have been found still present within.

Now, Chronic Constipation may be caused by:

1. Failure to pay attention to the desire for bowel movement.

2. Lack of sufficient fruits and vegetables in the diet.

3. Lack of fluids by not drinking enough water. (Not just liquids as in sodas and alcohol!)

4. Poor food combinations and consumption of mucus forming and hard to digest foods.

Obviously, a healthier and wiser choice of dietetic habits could help in combating constipation, but to even make this endeavor more successful, some physical actions may come in handy towards aiding one in reliving the body of excess debris in the alimentary canal.

When it comes to chronic constipation, the following Yoga Poses can and will definitely come in handy in regards to alleviating constipation problems.

1. The Bow Pose

2. The Shoulder Stand

3. The Peacock Pose

4. The Abdominal Lifts

5. The Breathing Exercises.

These poses specifically target the abdominal region of the body and in executing them; one finds a natural remedy for constipation.

Adequate information on these poses can be found on several Yoga sites online or you can fire up your favorite search engine and get the information on them.

Nonetheless, if combating constipation is a much needed process you need to undertake, then Yoga as a choice for physical treatment (externally) along with other methods will not hurt and could possibly help immensely.

Here? s to health and wellness.

In Friendship,

Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Website today for more on Healthy Living Tips and information on Yoga for Beginners.

Natural Constipation Relief

2007-09-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

The digestive system is a marvel of engineering with up to 25 feet of small and large intestines coiled in our abdomen. In order to function properly it requires three things: water, fiber and exercise. If these essentials are not provided, the result is stagnation. The intestines can become compacted with dry waste matter, and moving the bowels becomes a strain. If the condition continues, bowel movements become infrequent or don't occur at all. Abdominal pain and gas often occur, caused by waste trapped in the system.

Defining constipation can be difficult, because everyone's definition varies according to what she feels is normal for her. It's generally considered that having five movements a week is normal. Having fewer than two movements per week or experiencing a change in bowel habits is considered abnormal.

Causes and natural relief

Several factors lead to constipation, and poor eating habits are the most obvious cause. Cutting down on high-fat, over processed foods, and substituting foods that are high in fiber can help create soft, bulky stools that move through the intestines quickly. Grains, fruit, vegetables, brown rice, bran cereals and beans help promote regularity. Eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is highly recommended. (If, for example, you consumer three half-cup servings of vegetables, eat an apple and drink a glass of orange juice, you've fullfilled the day's fruit-and-vegetable requirement.) Eat white flour, white rice and cheese in moderation and in balance with high-fiber foods.

Too much stress can also affect bowel habits. Constipation tends to occur in people who lead a high-stress lifestyle. Stressed-out overachievers may literally be holding in too much. A pressing job, moving, emotional turmoil and similar stress-inducing situations can trigger constipation. Travel and the on-the-run eating habits that go with it can also cause bowel problems.

A problem called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes erratic bowel habits, cramps, gassiness and bloating. People with IBS have an overly sensitive gastrointestinal tract and, under stress or in response to certain foods, can have spasms, disrupting digestion. Learning to cope with stress and to eat properly can help control this problem.

Breathing exercises can help keep stress at bay. In her book Heal Thyself With Health and Longevity (Heal Thyself Press, Brooklyn, $ 14.95), holistic practitioner Queen Afua recommends an exercise called "full body breath." Start by inhaling deeply on a count of four. Exhale on a count of eight. On the inhalation, extend the abdomen out as the chest expands while relaxing the shoulders and the rest of the body. With each breath, relax the body and the mind deeper and deeper. Do this several times a day for quick stress breaks.

Getting moving can also get your bowels moving. The digestive tract depends on the muscular activity of the intestine to facilitate the passing of stool.

Participating in some kind of aerobic activity at least three times a week for 20 minutes per session may help. Walking is one of the best ways to activate the whole nervous system and bloodstream. When you're constipated, it means material is stuck. Walking will change that immediately.

More tips for beating constipation:

1. Drink the juice of half a lemon in a glass of warm water or four to six ounces of prune or apple juice in the morning to stimulate bowel activity.

2. Eat dried fruits such as raisins, prunes and apricots.

3. Drink more water throughout the day, at least six to eight glasses, since when the body gets dehydrated, the waste matter in the colon becomes hard and almost impossible to eliminate without strain.

4. Eat a large salad with avocado and lemon juice as dressing every day

Here's one of Rita's favorite natural elimination recommendations: Natural Constipation Relief

How Constipation Creates Colon Cancer

2007-09-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

In 1911 Dr. Alexis Carrel received the Nobel Prize for growing live tissue cells. He discovered that removing their digestive wastes every day, these cells could live indefinitely. When he did not remove their wastes for three days they become weak and unhealthy.

This simple experiment showed that whatever waste we create whether it?s in our lymph liquid, our blood, or in the colon, it must be removed daily if we are to have excellent health.

Looking at colon waste, we should be having a bowel movement every day for every meal we eat. Most of us have only one or none each day. Many doctors say it?s ok if you only have one bowel movement every two days. Yes, it?s ok if you want to create colon cancer.

Studies have shown that if you have a bowel movement every 3 ? 4 days, you are more at risk for having a heart attack, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, IBS, and many other illnesses.

As in 1911, Dr. Alexis showed cells become weak and die if they remain in their own metabolic waste for over three days or longer. This is exactly the condition called constipation.

Fecal matter that remains stagnant in the colon gives rise to bacteria that create colon wall irritations and inflammation. This then can lead to colon cancer.

And another thing, if you continue to have constipation, then this bacteria and toxic waste tend to slip into the small intestine where they can then get into your blood stream. There, this toxic matter goes all over the body creating damage and excess inflammation.

Here?s how to make sure your fecal matter does not become stagnant in your colon and produces colon cancer.

Just by increasing the amount of fiber you eat daily by 3 / 4 ounce, you can dramatically change your risk of getting colon cancer and many other colon diseases. If you are like most people, you eat only 1 / 4 ounce of fiber. In terms of grams, you are likely eating 8 grams. Raise the amount of fiber you eat by 20 grams to 28 grams and reduce your likelihood of getting colon cancer.

Here?s what fiber does in your colon:

* Increase the size of your stools

* Feeds your good bacteria and keeps them healthy and plentiful

* Traps carcinogens so they don?t collect on your colon wall

* Reduces the amount of bile salts that are changed to carcinogens by bad bacteria

* Keeps you pH slightly acidic and in favor of good bacteria

* Reduces stagnation of fecal matter in colon ? reduces constipation

? Traps water so stools are not hard

Here?s how fiber works. By keeping your stools large, they move quicker in your colon and don?t allow carcinogens to stay in contact with your colon wall for very long.

Large fiber stools brush along the colon walls keeping them clean and causing the nerves to activate peristaltic action.

Fiber provides food for the good bacteria and makes them stronger than the bad bacterial. This limits the carcinogen producing activities of the bad bacteria. When the good bacteria exceed the bad bacteria, the colon pH is slightly acidic and this makes your colon work better - less constipation and more nerve sensitivity

When your stools have more water, they are softer and move easily through the colon. Hard stools are hard to move through the colon. Since the colon sucks water out of the stool to recirculate it into the blood, less toxic material is pull out of a fecal bulk if it has plenty of water.

Add 3 / 4 ounce of fiber to your daily diet and avoid the misery and devastation that colon cancer brings to you and your family.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. To get more tips and discover more ideas on how to prevent getting colon cancer, go to: http://www.coloncancerawareness.info

To discover how to eliminate constipation go to: http://www.remedies-for-constipation.com

How Constipation Affects Your Colon, and Health

2007-09-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

Seventy percent or more of the population struggles with constipation. Some believe the number is even higher, 80- 90%. The market for laxatives is now approaching 1 billion each year. It appears that constipation is an issue that most of us have to deal with at one time or the other. Using natural means to clear constipation is what this e-book is all about.

I believe that to have good health we need to use mostly foods and supplements that are free of additives and food enhancers that are harmful to the body. We need to eat the right foods and watch how we prepare them so we can digest and absorb them without creating or leaving residues that get turned into toxic matter in our colon.

The first question that a nutritionist or any other health practitioner should ask you on your first visit is, ?how many bowel movements do you have each day or each week??

If you visit a doctor, your colon is the last area they discuss with you. And perhaps, this is an area they may never discuss with you at all.

In his article, The Bowel is an Ecosystem, in Healthy & Natural Journal, April 1997, Majid Ali, M.D. recounts,

?When I returned to the clinical practice of environmental and nutritional medicine after years of pathology work, I began carefully testing the assertions of nutritionists, naturopaths and clinical ecologist who claimed that various types of colitis [a deterioration of your colon wall] could be reversed with optimal nutritional and ecologic approaches. To my great surprise, I found that such professionals, who are usually spurned by drug doctors, were right after all. My patients responded well to the unscientific therapies vehemently rejected by my colleagues in drug medicine.?

Without good regular bowel movements and colon function, you will create various illnesses, colon discomforts, and diseases ? including constipation.

By concentrating on eliminating constipation and preserving colon health, you can take a major step in preventing many body conditions and illnesses that can shorten your life or make your senior years a miserable time.

As with so many past health practitioners, I believe your colon is so important that any improvement you can make in your colon?s health will help you avert many unnecessary illnesses and suffering. If you make only one effort in improving your health, it should be towards creating a clean and healthy colon.

Heart attacks, cancers, senility, pathogenic organisms and so on cause most deaths that occur in the US and throughout the world. There are few deaths related to natural causes or old age.

Your colon provides nutrients and water to all parts of the body. So, when a specific organ has degenerated it is important to see what part colon toxins have played in this degeneration.

If your colon is toxic, the blood will also be toxic. If your colon is toxic, these toxins will gradually reach all parts of your body through the blood and lymph liquid. The result is the body and various organs affected will become less efficient. Overtime this decreased efficiency will cause the body will become diseased and you will lose your good health.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. For more informatin on his writings go to http://www.stop-constipation.com

Constipation Causes & Relief

2007-09-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

Relief from constipation relief can be a welcoming feeling if you are the one who is suffering from constipation.

The most common gastrointestinal complaint in America is in fact constipation.

Constipation happens when your body waste remains in the colon for too long and too much water is absorbed into the intestines leaving a dry, hard stool which causes discomfort and can eventually lead to constipation.

If the problem becomes sever enough, bowel movements may become uncomfortable, difficult and even painful. You may even experience bloating as a result of being constipated.

Many people feel that if they do not have a bowel movement once a day they are constipated.

This in fact is not true.

Regularity differs from person to person. For some, three bowel movements a day may be normal; while for others three a week may be the norm.

Knowing what is normal for you can help relieve anxiety, however if you feel you are indeed constipated, there are several ways to get relief.

Prevention is the best form of relief.

A poor diet is one of the leading causes of constipation. A diet high in animal fat or refined sugar combined with not enough whole grains and vegetables are a couple eating habits that can lead to constipation.

Fiber is an essential nutrient to promote regular bowel movements. According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the average adult should get 20 to 35 grams of fiber every day. However, the ADA also reports that Americans currently take in only between 12 and 17 grams a day. Making it no wonder that constipation is the number one gastrointestinal complaint in America. Fiber helps to prevent excessive water absorption by the colon allowing your bowels to move the waste through the colon.

Constipation is also caused by certain medications. If you have started a medication and notice that you have become constipated talk with your doctor to see if he can change the dose or possibly put you on an alternative medication to give you constipation relief.

A lack of exercise can also lead to constipation. Becoming more active and mobile will help your bowels to move, resulting in constipation relief.

It is important to go to the bathroom if you have the urge, as resisting the urge to have a bowel movement can cause constipation.

Severe cases of constipation may require laxative treatment.

Constipation relief is generally achieved with lifestyle change. Getting plenty of exercise, drinking sufficient amounts of water and eating a diet high in fiber can help you get constipation relief.

If you are constipated, see your doctor to get the underlying cause of your constipation. With your doctors help you can obtain constipation relief.

For more important information on stomach pain be sure to visit http://www.a-stomach-pain.com where you will find advice and tips on common stomach pain causes such as constipation, ulcers, and other articles that you can view at http://www.a-stomach-pain.com

Constipation Causes and Relief

2007-09-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

Relief from constipation relief can be a welcoming feeling if you are the one who is suffering from constipation.

The most common gastrointestinal complaint in America is in fact constipation.

Constipation happens when your body waste remains in the colon for too long and too much water is absorbed into the intestines leaving a dry, hard stool which causes discomfort and can eventually lead to constipation.

If the problem becomes sever enough, bowel movements may become uncomfortable, difficult and even painful. You may even experience bloating as a result of being constipated.

Many people feel that if they do not have a bowel movement once a day they are constipated.

This in fact is not true.

Regularity differs from person to person. For some, three bowel movements a day may be normal; while for others three a week may be the norm.

Knowing what is normal for you can help relieve anxiety, however if you feel you are indeed constipated, there are several ways to get relief.

Prevention is the best form of relief.

A poor diet is one of the leading causes of constipation. A diet high in animal fat or refined sugar combined with not enough whole grains and vegetables are a couple eating habits that can lead to constipation.

Fiber is an essential nutrient to promote regular bowel movements. According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the average adult should get 20 to 35 grams of fiber every day. However, the ADA also reports that Americans currently take in only between 12 and 17 grams a day. Making it no wonder that constipation is the number one gastrointestinal complaint in America. Fiber helps to prevent excessive water absorption by the colon allowing your bowels to move the waste through the colon.

Constipation is also caused by certain medications. If you have started a medication and notice that you have become constipated talk with your doctor to see if he can change the dose or possibly put you on an alternative medication to give you constipation relief.

A lack of exercise can also lead to constipation. Becoming more active and mobile will help your bowels to move, resulting in constipation relief.

It is important to go to the bathroom if you have the urge, as resisting the urge to have a bowel movement can cause constipation.

Severe cases of constipation may require laxative treatment.

Constipation relief is generally achieved with lifestyle change. Getting plenty of exercise, drinking sufficient amounts of water and eating a diet high in fiber can help you get constipation relief.

If you are constipated, see your doctor to get the underlying cause of your constipation. With your doctors help you can obtain constipation relief.

Fiber and How it Eliminate Constipation

2007-09-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

A diet with 40 grams of fiber provides protection and prevention against diseases such as kidney stones, varicose veins, obesity, heart disease, appendicitis, colon disease, diabetes, appendicitis, diverticulitis, and constipation.

When you eat fiber, it passes into your colon without getting digested in the small intestine. The good bacteria will use some of it as food, which makes them stronger, able to multiply, and keep bad bacteria in check.

Eating fiber reduces your fecal matter transit time from 3 days to 1 1/ 2 - 2days.

All processed foods, such as white flour products, have little or no fiber. Fiber is removed when various natural flours or grains are processed to make junk food. During this processing, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are also removed. Only plant foods and lightly processed grains have fiber of varying amounts

Foods that are "fortified" with vitamins and minerals are unbalance and unhealthy since manufacturers cannot replace all the nutrients the food once had.

Fiber, bulk, or roughage, is one of the main nutrients you need to eat daily to relieve and prevent constipation and prevent many other diseases. Most fiber is fermented in your colon and provides some energy for the body. Fiber has two forms - soluble and insoluble.

Soluble Fiber

Soluble Fiber become gummy and viscous after it dissolves in water.

Soluble fiber has the ability to slow down digestion in the small intestine and prevent simple sugars from entering the bloodstream right away.

Because it absorbs water, soluble fiber softens and gives weight to fecal matter, and this makes fecal matter easier to pass through your colon.

Soluble fiber consists of pectin, gum, and mucilage. Pectin is found in carrots, apples, beets, cabbage, citrus fruits, and
bananas. Gums and mucilage are found in oat bran, sesame seeds, oats, oatmeal, legumes, guar gum, and gum arabic

Besides helping prevent constipation, soluble fiber provides the following benefits.

? reduces the risk of heart disease
? reduces the risk of gallstones
? helps to remove toxic heavy metals and toxins from your colon
? helps to prevent the toxic condition call appendicitis
? regulates movement of sugar into the bloodstream
? helps to prevent hemorrhoids and fissures
? lowers cholesterol
? lowers absorption of fats in the intestines
? and most importantly, help prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria in your colon.

Insoluble Fiber

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and consists of cellulose, hemi cellulose, and lignin. This type of fiber is extremely beneficial to your health. Because your body's enzymes cannot break down this fiber, like it does food, it remains in tack as it travels through your intestines and colon.

Insoluble fiber helps fecal matter travel faster through the small intestine and your colon and thereby prevents constipation.

It provides bulk to your fecal matter. It makes your stools larger, softer, and stimulates peristaltic movement as it touches your colon walls.

Insoluble fiber, like soluble fiber, slows down digestion. It also slows down absorption of protein, starch and fat and has the ability to inhibit the action of digestive enzymes.

Insoluble fibers are found in vegetables, wheat, and wheat bran. This type of fiber is considered an anti-carcinogen and a digestive aid. It is credited with preventing colon cancer and many other colon diseases.

You body needs soluble and insoluble fiber to help relieve and prevent constipation. It also helps to prevent many other diseases. Start adding more fiber to your diet and gain the benefits of better health.

Rudy Silva is a nutritionist that writes on constipation. To get more free tips on how to get rid of constipation go to: http://www.constipationcured.info and if you want to get a free report on "Eliminating Constipation" sign up for his newsletter at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com

Cat Constipation

2007-09-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

Normally a cat has bowel movements once or twice a day. If the pet does not do it or strain to do it with hard feces, the cat is suffering from Constipation. It is a very common problem with cats and an occasional bout of Constipation is nothing to worry about.

But when a cat is chronically constipated it needs serious attention. As the cats age they are more prone to this problem. There are quite a few causes of Cat Constipation. Obstructions like hairballs, tumors and foreign bodies stop the movement of the feces inside the colon, and the fecal matter builds up. This becomes a hard dry mass and distends the colon, which looses its ability to contract and expel feces. This condition is known as megacolon.

When the cats are constipated they behave in a typical manner. They run to their litter box quite often and strain to pass stool. They make noise and start licking the anal area. They lose their appetite and become sluggish. Vomiting and passing a small amount of liquid feces is quite common.

If the Constipation is not very severe, an enema will clear the colon. Hard impacted feces may have to be physically removed in a veterinary clinic under anesthesia. Intravenous liquid is also given to prevent dehydration.

After the bout of Constipation is cleared, the underlying problem, like obstruction in the colon, has to be tackled. For the cats suffering from megacolon or an untreatable or unknown problem, a management regime has to be adopted. A high-fiber diet increases the bulk and assists in bowel movement. Increase the liquid consumption of the cat by feeding canned cat food rather than dry. Milk and soup can also be tried. We have to try and get the cat to consume liquid by a means that the cat likes.

If the megacolon is advanced, no amount of management can make it propel the stool to the exit. The only alternative is surgery. The colon is removed, and most surgeries are successful.

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? .

Wonder Remedies For Curing Constipation At Home

2007-09-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

Constipation does not come of its own. You extend the cordial invitation to it by your wrong life style habits. It is more about wrong intake of food without understanding how the human mechanism functions.

Fortunately though there are many time tested home remedies to treat constipation. But before you begin with these remedies, you are required to learn to identify the symptoms of constipation on time.

Well, constipation makes its presence felt in many parts of your body. You may feel heaviness and pain in the stomach, tongue mucus coat accompanied with loss of appetite, wind formation, fever and hypertension, drowsiness and palpitation.

"Your food is your grave," goes the wise saying. Eating at all the times without rhyme or reason leads to constipation. So you are always advised to add lots of vegetables and salads in your diet as it is easy to digest and prevents constipation.

The other mind level causes are late night sleeping, emotional disturbance due to worry, fear and stress. Such disturbances in your lifestyle will only hamper the inner mechanism of the body and hamper the easy passage of stools. They may stimulate the nervous system in excess and result in concentration of toxins within the body. Next, consuming excess of tea, coffee, cigarettes and alcohol, you will only add fuel to the fire. These elements worsen the situation.

The home remedies for constipation are simple and direct. Mix 2 tspns of caster oil in the warm milk and take it before going to bed. This will help easy evacuation in the morning. This works wondrous in the severe cases.

Immediately after waking up, eat one liter of warm water and walk around. Or, alternatively drink warm water mixed with lemon juice. You can also take two spoonfuls of aloe gel twice a day. The good results will be seen soon.

The master remedy for constipation is the Ayurvedic one. It is known as Trifala Churna. It is the mixture of powders of three types of herbs in specified proportions. You need to take it along with warm water or milk at the time of going to bed.

The home remedy that you will take will lose much of its effectiveness unless you take certain preventive measures. Pay special attention to your diet. It should be easily digestible.

The emphasis is again on fruits, vegetables and salads. Don't take stale food. Chew the food thoroughly. Unless you are hungry don't eat. Maintain a gap of at least 4 hours between the meals. Also, it is proper time for you to consider about certain physical exercises. See that you get sound sleep and this is possible by the overall discipline that you are going to implement in your lifestyle.

Many Home Remedies articles are available at Disease Remedies & http://www.newhomeremedies.com/

Many Home Remedies articles are available at http://www.newhomeremedies.com/ for Home Remedies.

How to Massage Your Colon for Constipation Relief

2007-09-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

Massage of the abdominal area is a great way to tone the muscles in your colon area. If done regularly, this massage will strengthen your colon walls and help to loosen stagnant chime that is causing constipation. If you are trying to relieve constipation, then you can massage for a week or two until you get past your constipation. Regular massaging can be of great benefit to your colon and to your surrounding organs.

You can do this colon massage with oil as you lie in your bed or, as I do, in the shower where I use a soap solution to slide my hand over my abdomen with relative easy.

Start on the right side down near your appendix. Start with small circular or short movements, in one direction, and move upward toward your rib cage. This is the direction your fecal matter travels in your colon. If you have long fingernails, you may have a problem doing this massage.

You can apply pressure in your massages. You may want to start gently and increase your pressure in subsequent days.

When you start your circular massage near your appendix, you are also strengthening your ileocecal valve. In the shower, everyday, I massage this spot to strengthen and tone my ileocecal valve. This one way valve is the gateway between your small intestine and your colon. You want a strong ileocecal valve so fecal matter moves into your colon it does not move backward into the small intestine.

Massaging near the appendix also helps to move any stagnant fecal matter that is stuck there. Stagnant fecal matter in the appendix can lead to bacteria build up and inflammation.

So, massage your ileocecal value every day in the shower or with oil just before getting out of bed for 1-minute or so.

Now, once you?ve reached the rib cage, move to the left to the outer point of the left rib cage. Now move downward a good length toward your groin.

Take 2-3 minutes to do this massage and you will get constipation relief and you will start to improve your overall feeling of well being.

As you massage your colon area, notice if you find areas that have a slight pain or a lot of pain. With areas that have a slight pain, you can work these areas and probably reduce the pain with daily massages.

With areas of deep pain, in the colon area, do not continue the massage. Consider consulting with a doctor, if the pain persists.

Remember to move your hands in one direction in short strokes, upward, then to the left, then downward. Massage your ileocecal valve everyday and this will stimulate you appendix area.

These massages will help to loosen and move fecal matter that is stagnant in your colon. Combine this massage with other constipation remedies and this should help you get constipation relief.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. For more excellent tips and information on constipation go to: http://www.stop-constipation.com or at http://www.constipationcured.info

How to Use Apples to Clear Constipation

2007-09-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Apple can be used to clear constipation and they can help to keep you free of constipation. There are so many variations that it does not matter which one you use. But there are some apples that are more frequently used for baking than others.

Apples are high in vitamin C but don?t have a lot of vitamins or minerals. They are high in soluble fiber, which is a gummy type fiber. This soluble fiber, called pectin, absorbs water in the colon allowing you to clear your constipation. It keeps your stool soft and prevents them from getting hard

Apples have additional health benefits in that they control how you absorb sugar during your digestion. This has tremendous benefits for diabetics. Also pectin fiber can lower your cholesterol levels. It has the ability to trap cholesterol in its gummy consistency and rout it out of your body.

Eat raw apple in the morning. If you eat only fruits in the morning and not egg, bacon, cereal, or any thing heavy until noon time, you stand a better chance of clearing your constipation and keeping regular.

You can combine apples with other fruits like oranges, peaches, or apricots. But it is best to eat 2-3 apples during the morning.

Baked Apples

Now you can also use baked apples to get constipation relief. Eat one baked apple at night, right before bedtime, and one just upon rising. Do this until you constipation is cleared.

In his book, John Heinerman, Heinerman?s Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, describes how to bake apples:

Cut apples in half and clear out the centers. Add chopped dates to the center. Pour some cranberry juice over the dates and apples. Then sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg on the top. You can pour cranberry juice on some of the apples and see if you like the taste after they are cooked. Cook apples for 46-60 min at 375-400 C.

Dried Apples

Dried apple slices are also a good source of fiber. However, when the slices are dehydrated most nutrients are lost but fiber is retained. Sulfur dioxide is typically used to dry apple slices and this can cause allergic or asthmatic reactions in some people. I do not recommend using dried apple slices in place of fresh organic apples. But use dried apples if you do not have raw apples.

Just Apples and Mineral Water

Just after waking, eat two unpeeled apples, chew well, and then drink 8 oz of water that has 4 drops of Alkalife, which is an alkalizing liquid supplement. Or, you can use any other mineral additive or supplement you use.

This combination of apples and activated mineral water will stimulate your colon to become less sluggish and to move fecal matter out of the rectum.

Now you know how and why to use apples to clear your constipation. Apples can also help your diabetes and lower your cholesterol. Use them raw, baked, or dried. When used as breakfast, in a fruit salad, you can eliminate constipation and improve you colon function.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. For more excellent tips and information on constipation go to: http://www.stop-constipation.com or at http://www.constipationcured.info

Get Rid Of Constipation And Improve Your Health

2007-09-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

Lets face it, constipation can really be a bummer. That bloated uncomfortable feeling can affect everything from your day to day chores to having fun on that summer vacation. But not only is being constipated uncomfortable, it can be bad for your health too.

While most instances of constipation signify nothing more than the inability of your bowels to do their job due to lack of fiber, the underlying reason most always stems from poor eating habits. These poor eating habits have effects on your body that reach much further than a simple inconvenience, in fact what you eat could be contributing to many illnesses and even setting your body up for serious problems like heart disease and cancer.

Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do that will help you eliminate constipation as well as improve your overall health.

Well all know that lack of fiber is the main cause of constipation so your first goal should be to eat high fiber foods. Even better, studies show that eating foods high in fiber can help protect you against heart disease. A bowl of oatmeal is a good start, but a bowl of oatmeal, several pieces of fruit, and a bran muffin is even better. For most people, boosting your fiber intake will serve as a natural and healthy way to get rid of constipation. These high fiber foods can also help lower your cholesterol, your blood pressure, and reduce your chances of getting colon cancer too.

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fiber - remember to leave the skins on when you eat them. Not only are they a great source of fiber, but fruits and vegetables also are loaded with vitamins and minerals as well as powerful antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and protect you from disease. Try adding 5 or more cups of fruits and vegetables to your diet every day - you'll be amazed at how much energy you gain and how good you feel. Some fruits that are high in fiber include raspberries, blackberries, figs, prunes, papaya and pears. Vegetables high in fiber include artichoke, acorn squash, peas, brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

Although many people use laxatives to relieve constipation, this is not a method I would recommend. You can get rid of it and improve your health by eating less junk processed foods and adding more whole grains, fruits and vegetables to your diet.

If you do find that these methods don't help or you suffer from chronic constipation, a trip to your doctor might not be a bad idea.

Lee Dobbins writes for Herbs and Home Remedies where you can learn more about natural ways to treat health problems.

Say "no" to Constipation and Internal Discomfort

2007-09-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

In modern society, people worldwide have very stressful lifestyles, conducting their daily activities under constant pressure. Common factors like working in stressful conditions, bad eating habits, fatigue and anxiety cause unbalances in the human body, weaken the immune system and may lead to illness and diseases.

One of the most frequent disturbances that appear because of these factors is constipation. Constipation is a common condition and it occurs due to improper activity of the digestive and excretory system. It is characterized by stomach aches, nausea, infrequent intestinal movement and difficultly eliminated feces.

The extended symptoms of constipation are infrequent stools, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and even fever, flatulence, gas, bad body odor, unhealthy aspect of the skin and weakness of the body.

Basically, constipation occurs due to poor diet, insufficient fiber intake and improper digestion. Occasionally, it is caused by nervous tension, anxiety or other emotional conditions.

Constipation alone is not considered to be a serious condition. Usually, it is just a sign that there is an unbalance or malfunction inside the body. Therefore, constipation may be the symptom of another disease.

Despite the fact that it is a very common disturbance and sometimes it disappears naturally, it is advised to pay a visit to a physician when you suffer from constipation. If left untreated, it may persist and lead to complications such as migraines, severe indigestion, appendicitis, obesity, hemorrhoids and even intestinal cancer.

Therefore, if you are constantly confronted with constipation, ask your physician to perform an elaborate examination and follow the prescribed treatment in order to prevent any complications from occurring.

In order to prevent constipation from reappearing, you should first try to improve your lifestyle and your diet. Restore and maintain the balance in your system by eating properly. Make sure you drink enough fluids and increase the amount of fibers in your diet by consuming plenty of fresh vegetable and fruits. Reduce the amount of carbohydrates and saturated fats by saying no to fast food and improvised meals and try to respect an eating schedule. Also, try to avoid stressful activities and make sure you get enough sleep.

By following these simple steps, you will fortify your immune system, improve your health condition and prevent the reappearing of constipation or other disorders.

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Constipation & Free Clinics

2007-09-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

When an individual begins taking new medication, undergoes surgery or changes their diet, they may not realize that they could also be dealing with constipation in the very near future. This is a condition relating to the digestive system where an individual has difficulty with bowel movements, which may be painful or altogether impossible.

Regular bowel movements are necessary in order to keep the digestive system working properly and to avoid hemorrhoids or additional pain. Early symptoms of constipation may be a reduction in or irregularity with bowel movements. Severe stomach pains, cramps or nausea may also be an early warning sign of constipation.

The diagnosis for constipation is fairly simple and may require a brief discussion with a physician, who will note any recent hormonal, dietary or medication changes. An exam may also be required in order to confirm the diagnosis. Once a determination has been made, constipation can be treated in a variety of ways, including the patient being told to drink plenty of water, increase their dietary fiber intake and/or prescription medication.

If home remedies do not relieve constipation, including the consumption of more water, vegetables, foods high in dietary fiber or other over the counter products, some individuals may be forced to look for other options at curing their discomfort. An increasing number of individuals go to work every day, but cannot afford medical insurance or have a job that does not offer coverage. In either of these instances, a free clinic may be the patient's only hope for relief from constipation. Available to both children and adults, free clinics are located throughout the United States.

While free clinics primarily offer general care and are not equipped to handle surgical procedures, they are crucial to helping patient's find relief from many common ailments. If an illness requires additional treatment, the patient may be referred to an emergency room or other medical center. Free clinics are typically utilized to treat the onset of common cold or flu symptoms, provide immunizations and treat other common illnesses.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone who has reason to believe that they, or someone they know, suffers from constipation should consult a licensed physician prior to beginning any treatment regimen and in order to receive a proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

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Constipation In Children

2007-09-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

If you think your baby has constipation just because he has infrequent stools, then you better think again. Having infrequent stools does not really mean constipation although this malady is characterized by erratic bowel movement.

Constipation is a result of a deficient and wrong diet, inadequate intake of fluids or a problematic colon. Babies who take in too much refined food can be candidates for constipation.

So how does one know when a child has constipation? A child may have constipation if he has very dry and hard stools. A person?s feces or solid waste passes through the colon because the latter normally gets rid of the water that is within the stool. However, when the colon is not functioning well, it may remove too much of the water in the feces resulting to very dry and hard stool, thereby resulting to constipation.

In simple words, constipation occur when the body?s solid waste stay in the colon, thereby extracting more fecal stool than what is necessary. This happens when a person?s colon has lesser movement as a result of a diet that does not properly stimulate the colon to do its normal function. Constipation also occurs when there is a barrier in the GI tract as when there are problems with the anus or a tumor blockage.

Babies, especially those who are breast-fed, do not really experience constipation because the baby absorbs nearly all of the milk and there is little residue left. Infants naturally release their waste less often but it does not mean they are constipated. However, when they are ready to get their feces off, they usually do it with a lot of grunting and forcing. This should not worry parents though because it is normal as the baby?s anus may still be a little taut and needs more stretching before the stool can be released.

It is a different story though for formula-fed babies who can get constipated due to the milk residue in the colon. When these infants become toddlers and given a more solid diet later on, then they can be more prone to getting constipation.

For babies with really tight anus and who regularly experiences discomfort when passing stool, it is best to have a rectal examination by a trusted doctor to make sure there is no obstruction in the anus.

So how is constipation in children treated? One way of avoiding and treating child constipation is to improve his diet. There are mothers and even doctors who recommend the mixture of Karo syrup, the one used for hotcakes, with the baby?s milk. The intake of fruit juices like apple or prunes may also help in loosening the stool.

Always seek your pediatricians advice.

The author is a regular contributor to Constipation Gone where more resources are freely available.

Probiotics for constipation

2007-09-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Question : My sister, 20, has had difficulty moving her bowels since childhood. She usually does so once a week. The excreta is large and hard, resulting in pain. She takes fruit and vegetables daily.

Answer : Constipation is characterised by difficulty in passing stool or an absence of the urge to eliminate. In general, if the bowel movement is less than three times in a week or the bowel movement is regular but the stool is hard or difficult to pass, it is defined as constipation.

Symptoms include bloating, loss of appetite, mild nausea, indigestion, headache, coated tongue, tiredness and bad breath. Chronic constipation can affect one's health as waste remains in the intestines for excessive periods, causing toxins to be absorbed by the body.

Constipation is the common ailment that happens in all age groups. The underlying causes include lack of dietary fibre, high intake of refined carbohydrate, inadequate fluid intake, sedentary lifestyle and the unnecessary usage of laxatives.

Your sister may supplement her diet with probiotics which are friendly bacteria that play a role in preventing the growth of undesirable microorganisms, including candida yeast and bacteria that cause diseases by maintaining healthy intestinal flora necessary for the proper digestion and assimilation of food.

Increase intake of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruit which are rich in fibre. Dark green leafy vegetables, papaya, prunes, wheat bran, oat bran and psyllium husks are all the effective natu- ral sources that enhance bowel movement.

Limit the intake of refined and processed foods which have been stripped of their fibre content. Foods high in sugar and fats tend to stay in the body for a longer period of time and slow down the bowel transit rate.

Drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Two glasses of water are recommended after each serving of fibre. This helps to soften the stool and make the stool bulky and easy to move through the gastrointestinal tract.

www.medical-explorer.com

Enema Or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation Managed With Intestinal Cleansing

2007-09-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

Ever had an enema? Do you suffer from constipation? If you suffer from abdominal cramps, bloating and some diarrhea then you might be a sufferer of irritable bowel syndrome. If you are looking for relief, good news?

The subtle symptoms creep into our life one at a time until we find a barrage of complications we never had before. Constipation is the most obvious difference, then pain, abdominal cramps and bloating followed with occasional diarrhea, all add up to irritable bowel syndrome.

Our lifestyles have shaped our habits to fit an unnatural pattern of elimination. We eat and rush to work or school, suppressing the natural elimination that should occur within 20 minutes after eating.

Some individuals may wait as long as a week between bowel movements. This only complicates the impaction, toxic build up in the bowel, which comes back into the blood stream as toxic waste, and creates a need for laxatives or enemas.

Enema can be a natural remedy for irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. The early 1900?s medical practice was that when a patient was admitted to the hospital for any ailment, the patient first received an enema. A bit messy and inconvenient, enema is usually a last resort. Diet and intestinal cleanse using all natural herbs has become more popular and healthy.

Colon cleanse has become a buzzword as it has been determined that the origin of most disease starts in the colon. The impaction of fecal matter that lines the walls of the colon without being eliminated can easily be 15 pounds. Decay and putrefaction in the bowl throws the immune system in extreme overload, ridding the body of toxins and trying to fight off disease. If the immune system fails, disease grows in the body.

Irritable bowel syndrome can be controlled before permanent damage is done to the colon. Herbal colon cleanse is the most effective on a long-term use. Herbal colon detoxification is also called colon cleanse. High fiber foods in the diet are natural scrubbing agents for the colon to cleanse the cilia that absorb nutrients.

Constipation is not all corrected with a laxative. Drink 5 glasses of water a day. Avoid excess bread and pastry. Augment your diet with foods high in fiber. Choose an intestinal formula supplement that will stimulate the peristaltic action in your bowel and strengthens the colon muscles.

Avoid harsh laxatives that are not all natural. Dependence on over the counter laxatives can lead to weakened elimination muscles and loss of natural body function.

It is claimed that all habits can be learned in 21 days. In the next three weeks try an intestinal herbal formula and make time to eliminate within 30 minutes of eating. Your body is designed to heal itself if you do not override the master plan.

James Zeller is the new "Euell Gibbons" for natural supplements. For more information about Intestinal Supplements or help for "50 and Over" Baby Boomers.

Treating Your Dog & Constipation

2007-09-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Constipation usually occurs when the dog does not get enough bulk in his diet or when he does not get enough proper exercise. When a dog does not get the chance to eliminate when he needs to, he may develop the habit of holding it in. A dog that is not let out enough will also likely to develop this habit. In these simple cases of constipation, you may use the following treatment to ease your dog's discomfort:

1. Feed your dog a natural diet that includes fresh vegetables with sufficient amounts of bulk. Raw meat is also considered a natural laxative for dogs. If your dog's stool looks dry, add ? to 1 teaspoon of bran (depending on his weight) to each serving of meal. Adding bran helps the stools hold extra moisture. You may also apply a similar treatment using ? to 2 teaspoons of powdered psyllium seed. This is available online and in most health food stores.

2. You may also use mineral oil temporarily in cases where there is a large build-up of hard stools. Depending on the size of your dog, add ? to 2 teaspoons to his meals twice a day, for no longer than a week. Continued use of this method is not ideal because the oil will draw reserves of vitamin A from the dog's body. In addition, continued use of this process may create a dependency on its use for normal elimination.

3. Make sure that the dog is getting plenty of opportunity to go outside to relieve himself. Another treatment that is very effective is to make sure that your dog is getting enough sufficient exercise. Exercise is vital for massaging his internal organs and increasing the blood flow all over his body, which also stimulates a slow metabolism. Running, long walks, or playing fetch are great forms of exercise that both you and your dog can benefit from.

Chronic case of constipation

If your dog is suffering from chronic and prolonged constipation, you may also try homeopathic treatment, which is a natural form of remedy. Consult a vet who specializes in this form of treatment to determine if this is the best route to take.

Aluminum poisoning is also possible with a dog that has a weak rectum. Signs of aluminum poisoning include chronic constipation with straining and sticky and messy stools rather than hard ones. Even if the stool is soft, weak rectal muscles make passage difficult. If you feel that aluminum poisoning is the cause of your dog's chronic constipation, stop using aluminum cooking pots and dishes when preparing your dog's food. Avoid pet food that is sold in aluminum cans. In addition, do not feed your dog processed cheeses, table salt, white flour, and tap water. To remove the aluminum from his body, use high doses of vitamin C - about 500 milligrams to 3 grams per day along with zinc supplement-5 milligrams for small dogs up to 20 milligrams for large dogs.

Gene Sower is the publisher of the DOG BYTES newsletter and owner of http://www.naturalpetsworld.com, a site devoted to offering a huge selection of natural pet foods at discount prices.

How Sesame and Sunflower Seeds Can Relieve Constipation

2007-09-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Sesame seeds for constipation

Using sesame and sunflower seeds for constipation make a lot of sense. If you like to eat seeds then this is once way you can add more fiber, vitamins and minerals to your diet and at the same time reduce your constipation.

Maoshing Ni, Ph.D., C.A. and Cathy McNease, B.S., M.H. in their book, The TAO of Nutrition,1987, recommends using black sesame seeds for chronic constipation. Here's what he says,

"Grind black sesame seeds into a meal by using a small coffee grinder.
Mix with dark honey into a small ball.
Eat one three time a day dipped in rice wine."

Black sesame seeds also provide nutrition and action on the liver, intestines, kidney, and blood.

You can also prepare a sesame seeds soup with brown rice.
Soak 10 parts of sesame seeds with 1 part brown rice in distilled water
After they are soft, about an hour, pour out the water grind them in a small food grinder to produce liquid. Strain the remaining liquid to remove coarse particles.

* Dilute liquid with distilled water and add some honey.
* Cook on low heat until liquid becomes syrupy
* Drink around two cups to relieve constipation with in hour or so.

And also, peas and brown sesame seeds - help to lubricate the intestinal walls. This makes it easier for fecal matter to move through your colon.

Sunflower seeds for constipation

Sunflower seeds promote regularity. Use them raw shelled and unsalted every day. They contain omega-6 fatty acid just like olive oil. You can use them grounded and add them to your morning smoothie, 1-2 teaspoons, or to your homemade salad dressing

* Add them to your salad
* Add them to your morning cereal

Here's a sunflower drink you can make.

Take 1-2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds. Grind them in a coffee grinder. Add them to a cup of boiling water. Sweeten this mixture with honey, maple syrup, or blackstrap molasses. Drink this combination morning and night to help you with you constipation.

When you use grounded sunflower seed to add to your salad dressing your can also use sesame seeds at the same time. Use both of these seeds and experiment and find out how you like preparing them and eating them.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid e-books. He writes a newsletter called natural-remedies-thatwork.com and his information on other topics can be seen at http://www.stop-constipation.com or at http://www.constipation-remedies.for--you.info

Colon Clenz is the best Product for Constipation

2007-09-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION: Colon Clenz is a complex formulation of botanical ingredients that help normalize the entire digestive tract, with emphasis on the colon. Rather than simply acting as a powerful laxative agent, Colon Clenz helps to normalize and gently regulate colon function. Colon Clenz is a gentle blend of nature's cleansing herbs which promotes regularity and a clean internal environment. Colon Clenz is perfect for occasional constipation All Colon Clenz product are available at Colon Clenz (Colon Cleanse) For Your Inner Health - Colon Clenz is a gentle blend of nature's cleansing herbs which promotes regularity and a clean internal environment. Sometimes eating and drinking the right things just isn't enough. Now, with the soothing proprietary blend of nature's herbs, your regularity can return overnight. Just take it before you go to bed and experience the working benefit in the morning. Colon Clenz (Colon Cleanse) is perfect for occasional constipation.
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Constipation Cures Exposed!

2007-09-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

Constipation Cures Exposed!

by: Dr. Edward F. Group III

If youre suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking for some answers to bring relief. Treatments for constipation vary with the type of constipation from which youre suffering. Most people do not know that they should have 1 bowel movement for each meal they eat. At a minimum people should have two bowel movements daily.

If you experience constipation for more than 1 week, you should consult your healthcare provider to determine the cause of your problem. Most people are suffering as a result of lifestyle changes and choices. For some people, though, constipation can signal a more serious problem such as a bowel obstruction or even colon cancer. If your bowel movements smell foul it is your body giving you a warning signal! Listen to your body.

If youre diagnosed with a bowel obstruction, you and your physician will have to make a decision about appropriate treatment. If youre suffering from constipation as a result of lifestyle, there are several treatment options for you.

Changing your diet. People who have chronic constipation will almost certainly need a change in diet. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can help relieve chronic problems with constipation. Eating raw fruits and vegetables, brown wild rice, flaxseeds, bran and whole grain cereals will provide a good source of fiber.

Adding exercise. Its also important to increase the amount of activity youre getting. Starting an exercise program can help regulate your bowels. Exercise can be as simple as taking a brisk 20 minute walk every morning of evening.

Keeping your body hydrated. People who suffer from constipation are often dehydrated. Make sure to drink 6-8 glasses of purified water each day. Avoid tap water!

Tap water can contain harmful chemicals, viruses and bacteria. I recommend adding raw organic apple cider vinegar to the water you drink. Organic apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a remedy for all sorts of health problems.

Check your medications. Many medications are the cause of constipation. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure that youre not making your problem worse with prescriptions. Be aware that there are natural alternatives available if you know where to find them. A good source of information and high tech natural alternatives to prescription drugs and surgery can be found at www.globalhealingcenter.com

Be wary of laxatives. Try to avoid over-the-counter laxatives. They are often very harsh on the large intestine and overuse can actually cause more problems with constipation. Laxatives can cause serious health problems such as diarrhea, bloating, dehydration and damage to the intestinal lining.

Herbal remedies. Many herbal supplements are designed to aid in constipation. If you decide to try an herbal remedy, make sure that you talk with your physician first. Some herbal remedies interfere with prescription medications you may be taking. We suggest the following: Pure aloe vera, ginger, senna, yerba mate. The best is a concentrated green formula such as Perfect Food OM manufactured by Garden of Life.

Improve your bowel habits. Try to go the bathroom at the same time every day, after meals and as soon as you feel the urge. Give yourself enough time to go to the bathroom. Never, Never hold in a bowel movement.

Cleanse the colon weekly. It may be a good idea to begin a colon-cleansing program every week that will help remove impacted feces from the large intestine. Its best to participate in a program, such as using oxygen colon cleansers such as Oxy-Powder, that is non-invasive and will not remove the good bacteria in the large intestine. Oxy-Powder will also deliver oxygen into your system. This is the secret used by the stars in Hollywood.

Its always best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before beginning any treatment option. Everyones body is a little different. Youll want to make sure that your treatment choice is safe and will be effective for your body.

A prolific author, Dr. Edward Group has written seven books and dozens of articles on subjects such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, ultimate health, constipation, pain relief and more... In addition he is editor of the worldwide Internet monthly newsletter Alternative Health and Healing.

His latest work, Transforming Your Health in 90 Days or Less! shows people the seven most important steps to feeling good and looking younger without using drugs or surgery. Dr. Edward Groups knowledge of alternative/natural protocols is thorough and his expression is opinionated and passionate. He never fails to share inside tips and helpful ideas that his audience can gain immediate benefit from.

staff@globalhealingcenter.com

Information Constipation

2007-09-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you've been in the process of starting a business (or
thinking about starting a business) for more than 6 months,
but you haven't made any progress, you may be suffering from
Information Constipation.

Information Constipation is a dreadful disease that strikes
over analytical people, procrastinators, and the fearful.
People have so much information that they are paralyzed and
unable to act. The condition is generally marked by an
elongated period called "research". Some people refer to
this period as "getting ready", "information gathering", or
"preparation". The main symptom is several months
(or years) spent checking out a business opportunity in
lieu of actually pursuing it. People generally suffer from
a feeling that they don't have enough information or they
aren't very knowledgeable about the subject and hence they
are unable to move forward. This is quite often to the
contrary because they have spent so much time gathering
information that they are now more "book smart" about their
potential business than many people who have a successful
business up and running.

There is really only one known cure for Information
Constipation and that is (in the famous words of Nike):
Just Do it! You will never have all of the information you
need. You will never know everything there is to know .
Not to mention, a little fear and apprehension is normal
and healthy.

So if you or someone you know is suffering from Information
Constipation get them to the nearest coach, friend or
motivator so that they can get a much needed push to make
their idea a reality.

Myrtis Smith is a
personal coach. She gets people to stop hating thier jobs.
To see how she might be able to help you, sign up for
her free newsletter (Change Now!) or visit her on the web
at www.premeditatedlife.com
.......because life doesn't just happen!

Constipation Prevention And Natural Remedies

2007-09-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Constipation is a problem that affects many Americans every day. Constipation is mainly due to poor eating habits, insufficient exercise, not getting enough fiber and not drinking enough water. Constipation is quite uncomfortable and most everyone knows when they have it. Common symptoms include:

Straining to have a bowel movement

Hard stools pellet like stools

Not having a bowel movement every day

Not totally emptying your bowels each time you have a movement

If you eat right and adopt a healthy lifestyle, you need not every suffer from constipation, but what can you do in the meantime?

One way to help get things moving is to increase your intake of potassium through eating foods it naturally occurs in. You remember your grandmother telling you to eat prunes to relieve constipation, right? Well that is because prunes are high in potassium!

Potassium works wonders on the walls of the colon and helps to stimulate peristaltic action which makes your bowels move. It also helps to clean out layers of mucus and dried fecal matter that have built up along the colon walls.

Other foods that contain potassium include: tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, kale, sesame seeds, wheat germ, brewers yeast, pineapple and cauliflower.

Another natural remedy for constipation is Aloe. This herb that works so good on your outsides can also help your insides too! Aloe and its cousins buckthorn, frangula and senna have natural laxative chemicals and can be very powerful constipation cures It is recommended you take any of these herbs with caution and not for extended periods of time.

Psyllium has long been used to help relieve symptoms of constipation as it is loaded with soluble fiber. Make sure you take psyllium with lots of water.

Flax seed is used in may packaged products that treat constipation. You can buy the flaxseeds and crush them yourself. Take one or two tablespoons a day with lots of water. You will need to make sure you get at least 8 glasses of water a day when using flax.

Rhubarb has laxative properties and is high in fiber. Since the properties that give it it's laxative qualities are similar to those in senna, this can be very powerful so use with caution!

While using natural remedies for constipation is much better then taking laxatives, the best thing to do is to practice prevention by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, getting adequate exercise and drinking lots of water.

Lee Dobbins writes for where you can find a wealth of information on how to take care of your colon. Find more articles on constipation and colon care at

Six Smoothie Recipes for Constipation and Acne Relief

2007-09-06T01:30:00.000-07:00

I recommend drinking a morning smoothie if you have constipation or if you have skin problems like acne. Drinking a high fiber smoothie relieves and prevents constipation. It will also provide the nutrients that are necessary for having or keeping a nice clean and smooth skin.

So, here are the six smoothie recipes you can blend.

. Apple Smoothie
. Apple-Barley Smoothie
Apricot Smoothie
Peach-Rice Dream Smoothie
Pineapple Smoothie
Strawberry Smoothie

Apple Smoothie

Mix in the blender the following.

1-2 small apples cut into wedges
1 banana
1 cup 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
cup or less of raisins soaked overnight
1-teaspoon honey
1-2 cubes of ice
1-teaspoon lecithin granules
2 tablespoons flax seed oil

Start by mixing the banana and the liquids. Then add slices of apples to get the consistency you like. In all of your smoothies add flax seed oil for nice smooth skin. I also add a tablespoon of flax seed straight into the blender and the blender will chop them up.

Apple-Barley Smoothie

Mix in the blender the following.

1 cup of sliced apples with peel
1/2 cup of cooked barley
1/4 cup of soaked raisins
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
1-1 cup of 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
1-teaspoon lecithin granules
2 Tablespoons flax seed oil

Make sure you use the lecithin granules in these smoothies since lecithin helps to breakdown the flax oil into tiny droplets and makes it more digestible.

Apricot Smoothie

One cup of fresh apricots or dried apricots that were soaked overnight
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Two oz. of prune juice
One teaspoon or more of oat ban
One teaspoon of mineral whey
One tablespoon of flax seed oil
One tablespoon of lecithin granules

Add a slight amount of distilled water or ice cubes to make the consistency to your liking. This smoothie is good for constipation and acne.

Peach-Rice Dream Smoothie

Mix in the blender:

2 fresh peaches with peel
1-cup rice dream
1/2 banana
1-teaspoon sesame seeds
1-teaspoon sunflower seed
1-tablespoon lecithin granules
2 tablespoons flax seed oil
In place of rice dream you can use almond milk. I now only use almond milk to make my smoothies. Place all of the seeds straight into the blender. This smoothie has plenty of fiber. You may want to increase the amount of sesame and sunflower seeds.

Pineapple Smoothie

Mix the following in a blender.

1-2 cups of fresh pineapples
1/2 cups apple slices
1/4-cup fresh apple juice
1/2-cup almond milk (more or less as needed)
1 banana
1-tablespoon lecithin
2-tablespoons flax seeds
2 teaspoons bran (wheat, oat or rice)

You can add more lecithin if you like. Lecithin does not have a taste. This smoothie is jam packed with fiber.

Strawberry Smoothie

Mix in a blender the following ingredients.

1 banana
1-tablespoon of lecithin granules
1-teaspoon of any type of bran
1 cup or more 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
Now add strawberries one by one with the blender on until you get the consistency you like.
1-tablespoon flax seeds
1 or 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1-teaspoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of flax seed oil

You can add liquid minerals or vitamins to these smoothies and give them an additional nutritional value.

There you have the smoothies that I make. Start making and drinking them and see the health benefits that you'll get

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call "natural-remedies-thatwork.com" More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at:

How Your Constipation Causes Toxicity

2007-09-06T01:28:00.000-07:00

Having regular constipation can lead to some serious illnesses. Fecal matter should move through your colon easily and in a short time. When fecal matter remains in your colon for days, your colon becomes toxic and spreads this toxicity into every part of the body. In the bloodstream, these toxins interfere with the deliver of oxygen to the cells and tissues of your body.

If you have to strain and squeeze to have a bowel movement, you can damage the tissues in the lower part of your colon and the blood vessels in your legs.

In the Past

Over 90 years ago and more, doctors knew about the importance of a clean colon. In 1908 Eli Metchnifoff, director of the Pasteur Institute, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine. His research showed that pathogenic colon bacteria, bad bacteria (I will cover this in a later chapter) produced toxic secretions and by products, which acted as slow poisoning of the entire body.

Metchnifoff believed that toxic matter coming from your colon was responsible for every degenerating disease. His belief was so strong that he suggested that man's life span was certainly cut in half when his colon was neglected and allowed to have excessive toxic producing bacteria.

In 1931 Dr. Joseph H. Greer, was telling his patients what to do to end constipation and how to prevent it. Today, nutritionists and other health practitioners are telling their clients the same thing.

In his small book, The Drugless Road to Perfect Health, 1931, Joseph H. Greer, M.D. reminds his patients,

"You must have 'roughage' to make the bowels move freely. Concentrated food (processed foods) and constipation go hand in hand, (and) then pills (laxatives) are used. More constipation and more pills, it is a vicious circle with bad results.
Don't be afraid of cracked wheat, cornmeal, cut oats, raw cabbage, onions and celery. They are far better than refined flour and the package foods that flood the market. They may save some labor in the kitchen, but they produce constipation."

Today, it is well accepted by nutritionists, Naturopathic doctors, and other alternative medicine practitioners, that constipation is a signal that cannot be ignored and your colon function must be kept efficient and well functioning. To ignore constipation for long periods of time can lead to some serious illnesses. Mostly likely you will not live to be a ripe old age and if you do it will be with some disability.

Constipation is a symptom you cannot ignore - even if it occurs only occasionally -because it leads to slow poisoning of your entire body.

Many doctors, for a longtime, have refused to believe that constipation can cause other parts of the body to become weaken and become unable to perform their function. You will still find Internet articles, anatomy books, and health books suggesting that for some people bowel movements in 3 days or more can be normal.

You do not have to wait for a disease to take hold of your body so doctors can see you are ill. Take responsibility for your health and don't let constipation become a reoccurring condition.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. His information can be seen at

Acne Program- Step 3: Relieve Your Constipation with a Three Day Mini-Juice Fast

2007-09-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Getting your bowels moving and cleaning out your colon is necessary for having facial skin without blemishes or acne. By reducing the toxins in your colon, you minimize the toxins that can seep out of your facial pores and contribute to acne.

If you eat 3 meals each day, you should have at least 2 bowel movements a day. If you only have one, then you are short 1 bowel movement.

To get your bowels moving like they should, you need to, clean out what is in your colon right now. So the first day is for cleaning out your colon. The next two days is too keep cleaning the colon and to detoxify the body.

Doing a 3-day mini-fruit juice fast is the best way to start cleaning out the colon, to detoxify the blood, and rejuvenate your body. Just doing a fast for three days is not a cure all and it will require more work on your part by starting to eat more natural foods.

In her extensive book, Coking For Healthy Healing, 1991, Linda Rector-page, N.D., Ph.D., talks about what a fast does,

"Fasting works by self-digestion. During a cleanse, the body in its infinite wisdom, will decompose and burn only the substances and tissue that are damaged, diseased, or unneeded, such as abscesses, tumors, excess fat deposits, and congestive wastes. Even a relatively short fast can accelerate elimination from the liver, kidneys, lungs and skin, often causing dramatic changes as masses of accumulated waste are expelled. Live foods and juices can literally pick up dead matter from the body and carry it away."

Day before the fast

The day before the fast, eat a large salad and two apples. This will give you plenty of fiber to scrub the walls of your colon as you move fecal matter out of your colon the following day.

First day of colon cleanse

Do this cleanse on a Saturday, Sunday or any other day that you don't have to go anywhere. You will be going to the bathroom all day and at times you need to be there quick.

Buy the following items.

* Organic apple juice - one gallon
* Organic apples - 6 for one day
* Organic prune juice - one quart

When you first wake up in the morning, drink,

* 8 oz of prune juice
* 10 minutes later drink another 8oz of prune juice
* 10 minutes later again drink another 8 oz of prune juice
* wait 20 minutes than drink 8 oz of apple juice
* wait 30 minutes than drink another 8 oz of apple juice

If you haven't sped to the bathroom yet, you will in a little while.

Now you will be drink 8 oz of apple juice every hour until the end of the day. You can stop drink apple juice around 5pm.

During the day you can eat three apples in the morning and 3 apples in the evening.

This process will clean out any fecal matter that has been sitting your colon for days and gets you ready for the next step.

Second way to start the colon cleanse

Another way to start a colon cleanse is to use a product that is called "Oxy-Powder." This product is in capsules and is used to 30 days. Simply by taking capsules everyday, you will clean out your colon and any build up along your colon walls.

You can get this product on the internet, just type in Oxy-powder.

Second day of mini fast

During the second day you can drink different kinds of juice and eat 2-6 apples. You can drink any kind of juice be it fruit or vegetable. A combination of fruit and vegetable juice is good.

Third day of mini fast

The third day is like the second day where you can drink different kinds of juice and eat 2-6 apples. You can drink any kind of juice be it fruit or vegetable. A combination of fruit and vegetable juice is good

Fourth Day, after the fast is done

After you have finished your three-day mini fast, start eating soft foods to gently adjust your system to food. Here are some of the foods you can eat:

* Baked potato
* Fruit salad
* Fruit smoothie
* Light soup
* Oatmeal, multigrain cereal
* Salad
* Yogurt

If you are ill, not feeling good or your immune system is down, do not do this mini-fast. Wait until you feel strong. After do the mini-juice fast you are now ready for the next step in clearing your acne.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call "natural-remedies-thatwork.com" More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at:

How to use cascara sagrada as a constipation remedy

2007-09-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Cascara Sagrada comes from the bark of the buckthorn tree. It stimulates your colon to produce stronger contraction than normal. When it does this, it can work on the most difficult and chronic cases of constipation.

It is one of the herbal constipation remedies with a strong laxative effect. It will be found in many herbal combinations that are mixed for constipation. Cascara has Chrysophanic acid, which stimulates your colon wall to produce peristaltic action. Cascara also contains a chemical called emodin, which controls the strong action of Chrysophonic acid thus producing a balanced laxative effect.

If you use cascara in a constipation remedy mixture, do not use this mixture for more than thirty days. After 30 days take a rest from it. Do not use Cascara in large amounts and for long periods since it can cause intestinal distress and become habit-forming. When you use it, you will see results in 1-2 days.

Cascara Sagrada also stimulates secretions from the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and stomach. These secretions give Cascara additional laxative effects.

Do not use Cascara Sagrada if you have irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, or ulcers. Use Cascara for a limited time. It can become habit-forming and, if used for an extended time, it can increase the risk of colon cancer. Its use also causes you to lose potassium with each bowel movement.

If you have liver problems do not use cascara sagrada full strength. Use it in combination with other herbs. Cascara is known to put a strain on the liver.

You can take Cascara Sagrada as a single herb for constipation. As a single herb, it can cause cramping and nausea. However, I recommend you used it with other herbs. In an herbal combination, the combination can detoxify your colon, tonify your colon walls, cleanse the blood and produce other synergistic actions.

In Michael Murray, N.D., book called The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines, he talks about the drug interaction of cascara sagrada,

Cascara and other stimulant laxatives may decrease absorption of other drugs that pass through the gastrointestinal tract. If you are currently taking an oral medication, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before self-medicating with cascara.
Cascara may potentiate the action of digoxin and other heart medications due to potassium depletion. The use of cascara with thiazide diuretics and corticosteroids may further decrease potassium levels.

Recommend dose for the cascara sagrada, as a single herb, is 350 1000mg just before bedtime.

Use 1-4 cascara sagrada powder capsules a night, but do not use these capsules for more than 10 days. Start with 1 capsule a night and increase the amount each day until you get results you want.

For a laxative tea, use one teaspoon of cascara bark in 3 cups of boiling water for 20 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups of tea just before bedtime after it has cooled to room temperature.

Cascara Sagrada is a strong constipation remedy and will help you clean out your colon even if you have chronic constipation. Use it sparely and for a short time.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid e-books. He writes a newsletter called natural-remedies-thatwork.com and his information on other topics can be seen at or at

A constipation home remedy - cayenne

2007-09-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

Cayenne is a constipation home remedy that is effective in producing peristalsis in your colon and aids digestion. It can be used regularly at every meal and when needed for constipation. Cayenne pepper is known to help thin the blood. So, it is good for improving blood circulation.

Cayenne is available in capsules of different strengths, from 5,000 heat units (HU) to 100,000 and even higher. In addition, cayenne when used with other herbs helps to deliver these herbs more efficiently to where they are needed in the body.

As a constipation home remedy, start with one capsule of 40,000 HU and always take it after you eat. You will feel a hot or slight burning feeling in the upper stomach and thats when you know its working. The feeling is like when you get heartburn. This burning sensation will pass as your body gets use to you using cayenne.

Do not use cayenne seeds, as they can be toxic. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding do not take cayenne supplements. Use cayenne only as directed on its container and only as capsules.

Cayenne has the ability to block the ulcer producing effect of NSAIDS. It also has shown to increase the bodys absorption of theopylline, a drug used to treat asthma.

In his book, Left for Dead, Dick Quinn tells how Cayenne pepper saved his life after coronary bypass surgery failed to restore it. In this book, Shannon Quinn, say,

One of the most effective stimulants, mostly, cayenne targets the digestive and the circulatory system. Cayenne regulates blood pressure, strengthens the pulse, feeds the heart, lowers cholesterol, and thins the blood. It cleanses the circulatory system, heals ulcers, stops hemorrhaging, speeds healing of wounds, rebuilds damaged tissue, eases congestion, aids digestion, regulates elimination, relieves arthritis and rheumatism, prevents the spread of infection and numbs pain.

Use the recommended dose shown on the bottle of cayenne you use.

You can also add cayenne pepper into other foods. Add cayenne to soups, salads, and other foods you like.

In soups or salads break open a cayenne capsule and mix it in. You can add 1 2 capsules, but first start with 1/4 or 1/2 capsule so you can get use to the hot taste.

If you are pregnant, it is considered safe to use cayenne.

Use this constipation home remedy and you will see results. It definitely has the power to eliminate constipation and keep you regular and has many other benefits, especially for your heart.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid e-books. He writes a newsletter called natural-remedies-thatwork.com and his information on other topics can be seen at or at