Constipation - Causes and Ayurvedic Natural Cure

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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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.

Get Regular With This Constipation Remedy Guide

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.

Constipation Causes & Relief

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

Using Calcium and Magnesium for Constipation

Calcium helps reduce constipation

Using calcium and magnesium in the right quantities can prevent or relieve constipation. They can support the health of your colon and keep you regular.

In your colon, calcium combines with excess bile and decaying fat to form a harmless insoluble soap, which is excreted with your stool. This helps to keep your colon clean.

Most Nutritionists recommend you take 1000 - 1500mg daily of Calcium. Because Calcium can cause constipation, it is necessary to take 500 - 1000 mg of magnesium at the same time you take Calcium.

You should space out your intake of calcium over Take only 400 to 600 mg each time. Also take some time-out when taking calcium and other vitamin supplements. In a month, take 2-3 Sundays or Saturdays of from taking vitamins.

Avoid taking calcium carbonate, which will reduce the times you will have a bowel movement. Avoid, also, taking calcium when eating foods that contain oxalates phosphates, or phytates. They tie up calcium and are excreted with the fecal matter

If you are taking a thyroid hormone, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, or antibiotics, calcium supplements can interfere with adsorption of these drugs.

It is best to take calcium around 2 hours before or after taking these and other drugs.

Avoid taking calcium citrate with aluminum-containing antacids. This combination has been seen to increase your body's absorption of aluminum. Aluminum has been associated with senility and Alzheimer's

Calcium is safe for pregnant women and they should take an adequate amount of calcium.

The best calcium to take is calcium gluconate, orotate or aspartate. The gluconate type is similar to the calcium you get from milk and some vegetables. It is a gentle calcium and is easily absorbed by children and adults with weak digestion.

The foods to eat for good calcium are:

Goat milk, egg yolk, fish, lemons, rhubarb, cheese, skimmed milk, bone broth, seeds, dulse, kelp, greens, nuts, cauliflower, celery, cottage cheese, gelatin preparations, barns,

Magnesium helps reduce constipation

Magnesium, a gentle laxative, helps to prevent constipation by relaxing your colon walls when you are under stress, have anxiety, or have too many worries. It normalizes tension on colon walls allowing for a normal peristaltic action.

Because magnesium attracts water, you can bring in more water into your colon by taking magnesium supplements or by eating foods, which are high in magnesium. Water in your colon makes your stools softer and allows your colon to absorb water from your fecal matter if you body needs it.

How do you know if you are short on magnesium? You will get cramps in your calves at night or so called "Charlie horses." Or, you will feel sore after some mild exercise or activity.
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Take 400 mg in the morning and 400 mg in the evening of Magnesium gluconate, or citrate.

Jesse Lynn Hanley, M.D., in his book call, Tired of Being Tired, 2002, gives another way to take Magnesium to relieve your constipation,

"Take at bedtime. Begin with 200 milligrams magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate-you may increase the dosage in 200-milligram increments until your bowels move regularly. The dose for magnesium is individual, so begin low and increase the dosage as needed. Reduce the dosage if you experience loose bowels. Unlike irritating laxatives, magnesium does not create laxative dependency."

If taking hypoglycemic drugs, magnesium may increase absorption of these drugs. It is recommended you consult with your doctor on the effects of magnesium with the type of hypoglycemic drug you are taking.

If taking magnesium, do not take it within 2 hours of taking any kind of drug.

If you have severe kidney or heart disease, you need to avoid magnesium and consult with your doctor on its use.

Magnesium is considered safe for pregnant women.

Foods High in Magnesium

Chlorophyll is high in magnesium and chlorophyll comes in capsules. These are some of the foods that are high in magnesium.

Greens, berries, wheat germ, grains, nuts, cornmeal, apples, apricots, oats, pears, pecans, spinach, tofu, lentils, honey, fish, cabbage, avocados, cashews, peas, prunes, soy milk, chard

You can see that calcium and magnesium is not just for bone building and acid neutralization, but it is also good for constipation prevention and relief.

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

Copyright Rudy Silva - http://www.stop-constipation.com