Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Can Constipation Really Cause Acne & If So How?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

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

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

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Monday, November 5, 2007

Finding a Solution to Constipation

 

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 .
 

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Friday, August 31, 2007

Kyolic clears constipation and strengthens your colon

Garlic is another wonder herb. It has action in all areas of your body and can help you eliminate constipation. You can find it in capsules in a brand call Kyolic.

Kyolic is a special garlic preparation, which is aged for 20 months in stainless steel tanks. With this aging, garlic odor is eliminated and certain chemicals are enhanced S-allyl-mercaptocysteine, S-allyl-cysteine. These chemicals are powerful sources for fighting various diseases cancer, heart and liver disease.

Kyolic cleanses, soothes, and reduces inflammation throughout your gastrointestinal tract. It is rich in potassium, which is necessary colon wall contraction.

Kyolic is also effective in killing pathogens and bad bacteria that live in your colon and elsewhere in your body. It also binds to heavy metals and other toxins that exist in the blood and colon and sweeps them out of the rectum. Aside from helping in constipation, it is helpful for reducing,

fungus and other bacteria in your ear
skin lesions due to bites or insects stings use liquid form
arthritis requires 12 capsules a day
diabetes requires 12 capsules a day.

You can buy it in capsule and liquid form. Capsules are easy to take and have no side effects.

Heres how to use it,

For mild cases of constipation take 2 tablets once or twice a day.
For moderate cases of constipation take 2 tablets three times a day
For severe cases of constipation take 2 tablets five times a day.

Or if you prefer you can take 4-5 Kyolic capsules just before going to bed.

Continue this until your constipation is cleared. You can combine this Kyolic remedy with the apples and spinach remedy to help rebuild and remove toxic material, which builds up along your colon walls.

Continuous use of Kyolic is not harmful. It is the allicin in garlic that provides the stimulation to your colon to produce peristaltic movement.

Kyolic can be bought in health food stores or on the Internet. Just type in Kyolic into the google search engine.

Garlic has blood-thinning abilities. Using it with blood thinning drugs, pentoxifylline, NSAIDs is potentially dangerous since excessive blood thinning can increase blood-clotting time. Do not use 3 days before any surgical procedure.

Garlic can also cause an allergic reaction or an upset stomach in some people.

Do not use garlic if breast-feeding. Garlic can get into the breast milk giving the baby colic.

Garlic in the Kyolic capsules is an excellent way to deal with constipation. Using it improves you colon function and gives you body nutrients that make it stronger.


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.comor at http://www.constipation-remedies.for--you.info

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