What You Should Know About Constipation

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:

1. Have a leisurely, light breakfast. The physiological gastro colic reflex will signal the large bowel to empty itself soon after food enters, the stomach.
2. Establish a set, unhurried time for using the lavatory.
3. Be sure to include a certain amount of roughage in your diet.
4. 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.

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