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

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 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

Your Dog Can Suffer From Constipation Too

 

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.

8 Steps For Avoiding Constipation

 

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.

Treating Constipation Using Natural Products

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

 

How to Use Apples to Clear Constipation

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

How to use senna for constipation relief

It is known that Egyptians used senna tea to relieve constipation. This tea is used for medium conditions of constipation. It is the chemicals anthraquinones that provide its strong action on your colon walls. It is readily available in health food stores or on the Internet.

Only use senna for a short time, 1- 1 week. It is not healthy to use it for a long time, since its action moves fecal matter through your colon quickly. This quick action prevents absorption of nutrients by your colon depriving you of necessary minerals and vitamins.

Use senna only in amounts that produce the required bowel movement and stool softness to relieve your constipation. Start with small amounts and increase your amount slowly.

Senna is sold Over-the-Counter under the name Correctol, ExLax, Senokot, and Smooth Move. Senokot also contain docusate sodium - a stool softener - an added benefit when hard, dry stools may cause discomfort.

Senna Tea with Potato peels

You can also prepare senna tea as follows:

Buy some senna tea at a health food. Place a tea bag into 1 cups of distilled water and steep. Then, add the peel of a whole red potato. Also, add a couple slices of potato meat. Add to this, a teaspoon of wheat or oat bran and flax seed.

Simmer this combination, strain it and drink the liquid. This will give constipation relief for some of the more difficult cases of constipation. Remember the longer you simmer this combination the stronger the tea will be. Start with a 5-10 minutes and then work up to 15-20 minutes but you need to experiment with the time.

When you drink senna tea, drink only 2-3 oz. at a time and drink it only after it has cooled down. It has less of a cramping action when you drink it cool.

Senna Tea with Peppermint

Here is another senna tea you can prepare.

1 teaspoon of senna tea leaves teaspoon of peppermint leaves.

Boil 8 oz of distilled water, turn the heat off, stir in the herbs. Turn the heat off and cover the glass container. Let tea simmer for 3-10 minutes.

Add honey to improve taste and some powered vitamin C if you have it.

Look for formulas that have a small amount, 1/10 of a part, of fennel, anise, or ginger to reduce any cramping that might occur with senna.

Do not drink seena tea or capsule if you have any type of colon disease, stomach pain, diarrhea, or are pregnant.

Senna Pod Tea with Prunes.

Senna Pods are milder than the leaves since the do not contain the resin. It is the resin in the senna leaves that causes griping in your colon.

If available, use around 8 pods. Heat some distilled water. Place the pods into the water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and add 3-4 dried prunes or chopped prunes. Let cool and eat the prunes during the day or drink and eat a few prunes just before you go to bed. Drink only a couple ounces of the senna liquid at one time. If cramping or griping occurs, reduce the amount of tea you drink.

There you have it. You can get constipation relief with senna herb by using it in different ways.


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

Are You Suffering From Chronic Constipation?

Embarrassing as it may be, we have all suffered from constipation at one time in our life or another. According to the National Health Interview Survey as many as 3 million Americans suffer from frequent if not chronic constipation. While constipation is not recognized as a degenerative disease or serious disorder, people who are constipated often feel bloated, uncomfortable and even sluggish. Constipation by itself is miserable enough, but sufferers often experience painful bowel movements that can become compounded by hemorrhoids that form due to straining.

To understand constipation, it is important to understand how our digestive system works. When we eat, food is ground up in our stomachs so it can be digested. This liquid food passes into the small intestine where nutrients are extracted. It then moves on to the colon, where water is removed, allowing a stool to form. If too much water is extracted from the stool as it passes through the colon, it can become hard and difficult to pass leaving you constipated.

There are a number of reasons why people get constipated. These include not eating enough dietary fiber, not drinking enough liquids (water), lack of exercise, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement and plain old stress. Other causes can include having a lazy colon that does not contract properly, causing waste materials to pass through the colon slowly, food allergies that can cause the colon to contract, or mechanical obstructions that inhibit the movement of waste materials. Many prescription drugs and certain neurological disorders can also slow down the movement of waste materials through the colon. Constipation can also be brought on by an abuse of laxatives that over time can damage the nerve cells in the colon and interfere with its ability to contract properly.

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to relieve chronic constipation naturally.

Recommendations For Wellness

Consume a high fiber diet made up of lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If that is not possible, incorporate a dietary fiber supplement such as psyllium hulls, Natures Sunshines Natures Three or their Irritable Bowel Fiber into your daily health routine. Dietary fiber holds water and help to keep the stool soft, while added bulk help to move the stool through the colon.

If other fiber supplements fail in your attempt to become regular, try taking Chitosan (a form of dietary fiber) along with vitamin C. The chitosan binds to fats from the foods we eat making the stool soft and smooth. The vitamin C helps to activate the chitosan in the stomach.

Drink plenty of water, especially if you are taking supplemental fiber.

Try eating a few dried prunes or drinking some prune juice. In addition to adding fiber, prunes have a mild laxative effect.

Avoid sugar and other processed foods.

Begin a regular exercise program to help promote normal bowel movements.

If you think allergies are the cause of your constipation, try an elimination diet to help you to identify what may be triggering your body and causing your colon to contract.

Meditate, do yoga, go for a walk. Do things that will allow you to reduce your stress levels and help your body to relax. This can help relax your colon.

Get a colonic to flush out any old fecal matter that may be trapped within the colon or try a colon cleanse.

Take a good probiotic such as acidopholis or bifidophilus to help promote a healthy environment within the colon.

Peppermint (3910-9) has a long history of helping relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.

Supplementation with magnesium and large doses of vitamin C, have a mild laxative effect on the body.

If all else fails, herbs such as casgara segrada, turkey rhubarb or herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshines LBS II and LB-X can be used to evacuate the colon. While these should be used with caution, they are less aggressive than many commercial laxatives that are available at the supermarket.

About The Author

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.

Dr. Rita Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. Author of the books Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. a can help you identify what is really going on and provide you with straightforward guidance and advice. She can be reached by calling 972-475-3393 or visiting her website at http://www.soulhealer.com.

rita@soulhealer.com