Friday, December 21, 2007

Oils Good For Constipation

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

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 and improve overall health.
 

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Thursday, December 13, 2007

The Missing Link Between Acne, Insulin Resistance and Constipation

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:

    7 raw avocados

    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.

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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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Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Constipation, Is It Bugging You?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Constipation

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Friday, September 21, 2007

How Constipation Creates Colon Cancer

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

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Friday, August 31, 2007

Relieve constipation with aloe vera

Menstruating or pregnant women should not use Aloe Vera, in any form, to relieve constipation

Aloe Vera is a wonder herb that has been around for thousands of years. It has been used for both external and internal problems skin rashes, burns, ulcers, internal bleeding. It also promotes bowel movements, which helps to relieve constipation. I have found that some people are allergic to Aloe Vera. So if you show a rash or have any other undesirable symptoms, dont use it.

Aloe is an astringent, acts to tighten muscles, and has purgative and laxative action dispels fecal matter that has collected in your colon. There are many aloe vera products to choose from. For best results, choose an aloe that is close to that of fresh organic aloe whole leaf.

Using Aloe Vera Gel to Relieve Constipation

Take two tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel mixed with apple juice. You can use other types of juices that fit your taste.

If you use aloe juice drink, mix 1/3 of aloe juice with 2/3 of a juice you like just before bedtime or just on awakening.

Or, if you can handle the taste of the juice, drink a glass of Aloe Vera juice as soon as you wake up and one just before bedtime. This will promote a bowel movement when you wake up.

Relieve Constipation with Aloe Vera Capsules

Aloe Vera can also be taken in capsules. Because aloe can have a strong griping action, it is best to take this herb with a calmative herb such as turmeric. Aloe can also be mixed with powdered fennel seeds. But, you can take aloe as described above and see how you react to it. I know many people who take it without turmeric and they dont have any side effects

The best aloe vera is, of course, fresh aloe gel from a leaf. Look for an aloe that has been hand and not machine pressed. When aloe has been machine pressed, it can be contaminated with the yellow sap that is contained in the outer skin of the aloe leaf.

This yellow sap has strong laxative and irritating action in the gastrointestinal tract. A good aloe should not have more than 10 parts per million of yellow sap.

Aloe has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics may find a need to lower medication dosages when using aloe for a long time. But monitor this with your blood tester and your doctor.

In addition, aloe vera has a cleansing action and restores a healthy balance of the good bacteria in your colon.

Heres how to use Aloe Vera to relieve constipation

Use aloe for 5 days and then rest 2 days. Using aloe on and off like this can help to reduce allergic reactions from long-term use.

Typical recommendations are:

Aloe gel 2 tablespoon each day
Aloe vera juice 1 quart each day
Aloe vera concentrate 5 g up to 3 times each day

Remember, if youre pregnant do not use aloe vera. It has not been studied for women during this period.

Drinking peppermint tea when taking aloe vera capsules can relieve mild cases constipation. You can also mix aloe gel with peppermint tea to form a constipation drink.

Taking aloe vera to relieve constipation can give you good results since aloe vera has a strong action in the colon.


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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