A Herbal Cure to Constipation

Constipation is usually associated with three things, the pain in bowel movement and the inability to have bowel movement after a long period of straining in the stool and the absence of bowel movement after several days, which is generally three days or more. However, there is really no clear definition on what would constitute a person suffering from constipation because bathroom patterns vary from one person to the next. For example, on person may have to go to the bathroom every single day, but similarly, another person's routine may involve going to the bathroom only after two days.

Generally though, the person himself will know if he is suffering from constipation if he experiences its symptoms such as irregular and infrequent bowel movement, a sudden decrease in the frequency of the need to go to the bathroom, his bowel still feels quite full even after the passage of stools and the abnormal difficulty in having bowel movements. You should also note that there are various causes of constipation. But in most cases, people suffering from constipation have some similarities with regards to their lifestyle like eating unhealthy food, lack of regular exercise, insufficient amount of fluid in the body because they do not drink enough water and the stress they have to deal with. But other factors can also contribute to constipation. For example, pregnancy can alter your bathroom habits and you may have some difficulty in the passage of stools. Some medical conditions can also prove to have some adverse effects like having difficulties in passing stools.

On the other hand, some people suffer from chronic constipation. This condition is actually very hard to live with because you experience difficulty in your bowel movements every time you go to the bathroom. However, chronic constipation is quite easy to cure if a person is committed to a lifestyle change because more often than not, chronic constipation is a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Also, you can use some medications such as laxatives that can let you have some relief from this condition.

Meanwhile, you can also try some alternative cures such as herbal medicines because it is proven to help in constipation in some ways. But you should also be careful when choosing herb supplement because like chemical laxative, herb laxatives is also not good for you in the long term if you constantly use it to cure your condition. Also remember that laxatives are generally reserved for people with sever cases of constipation or those looking for an instant relief because of an emergency.

For people experiencing mild constipation, it is better for them to try mineral oils or even the milk of magnesia for them to cure this condition. They can also try the bitter liquid derived from aloe vera, this can be a very powerful laxative if ingested, but this is also not good for long-term use because it can cause a person to have severe and painful cramping. In addition, you should first consult with a healthcare professional before you take any form of medication whether it is herbal or not.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Constipation

Best Herbal and Ayurvedic Home Remedies For Constipation

Constipation is the name given to the condition in which a person finds difficulty in passing stools. Ideally, a person must void the wastes of the digestive tract one or two times a day. But in people suffering from constipation, this elimination of wastes becomes highly reduced, or may even be absent for several days together.

Constipation can be the reduction of the normal volume of feces voided, the complete absence of discharge or sticky discharge that the person has difficulty in passing out. In all cases, there is Ayurvedic treatment. Constipation is not a very dangerous ailment if treated properly in time. But if let be, then constipation can become chronic. Especially in elderly people, constipation for a prolonged period can be fatal.

From an Ayurvedic point of view, constipation is a disease caused particularly by the vitiation of the vata dosha. It is called as Anaha in Ayurveda. But the other two doshas can also be responsible for constipation. Constipation caused due to a high pitta dosha is characterized by dry stools. It is felt mostly in the hot months. Constipation caused due to a high kapha dosha is accompanied by pains in passing out the feces, which are sticky. In people with kapha vitiation, the excessive mucus may block the rectal passage which will obstruct the elimination of the wastes.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Constipation

- Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) The fruit of the bael is an effective laxative. The ripe fruit is better at this than the raw one. It has to be used for two to three months. It can be taken in the form of a sherbet. This will dissolve the wastes of the intestines and flush them out of the body.

- Belleric Myroblan (Terminalia belerica) The half ripe fruit of the belleric myroblan is a purgative. It is used in treatment of chronic constipation. However the fully ripe fruit may be disadvantageous to the treatment.

- Cassia (Cassia fistula) The pulp of the ripe fruit of the cassia tree is an effective laxative in the treatment of constipation. This remedy is popular because it has no side effects even when taken by children and pregnant women.

- Castor (Ricinus communis) Castor oil is effective as a purgative. This treatment also has no side effects. It can be taken safely, irrespective of the physiology of the patient and the climatic conditions.

- Chebulic Myroblan (Terminalia chebula) Chebulic myroblan is a mild laxative. Its pulp is taken with rock salt, or flavored with cloves and cinnamon. Regular use of this decoction relieves the person of constipation.

- Chicory (Chichorium intybus) Chicory has natural laxative powers. It can be used in the treatment of chronic constipation problems.

- Isphagula (Plantago ovata) This is the traditionally used remedy in the treatment of constipation. The seeds of this plant have a soothing effect on the mucus lining of the alimentary canal. The seeds must be soaked in water and then taken. Isphagula seeds act by binding the wastes in the alimentary canal and bringing them to a consistency in which they can be eliminated from the body.

- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Licorice is a laxative. In order to get better benefits, licorice powder is taken with water and jaggery.

- Rhubarb (Rheum emodi) Rhubarb is also commonly used in allopathic medicine for its purgative properties. Rhubarb contains several tannins that are beneficial in voiding the wastes from the alimentary canal. But rhubarb can be used only in simple cases of constipation, and it has no effect in chronic constipation.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Constipation

There are many dietary guidelines for people suffering from constipation. The following are some of them:-

- Water is very important to keep the intestines working well. Drink a glass of water early in the morning. For better results, keep the water overnight in a copper vessel and drink it when you wake up in the morning.

- The food that you consume should not be too dry. It should be vata pacifying. Hence it must contain adequate amounts of oil or ghee in it.

- Take a glassful of warm milk with a teaspoonful of ghee in it when going to bed.

- Avoid rice. Take wheat instead.

- Fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables must be an integral part of the diet. Papaya and sugarcane are especially beneficial. Tomato and beetroot salads are also very beneficial.

- Avoid beans, legumes, grams, cabbages, mushrooms and such foods which are difficult to digest.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation

- The Triphala Choorna is commonly prescribed. It contains a mixture of the three important fruits of amalaki, belleric myroblan and chebulic myroblan.

- Medicines such as Agastya Rasayana, Pancha Sakara Choorna, Abhayadi Modaka, Madhu Yashthayadi Choorna, can strengthen the intestinal valves and hence improve their functions. These treatments are even prescribed in cases of chronic constipation.

- There are some special therapies Ayurveda uses in order to treat the condition of constipation. These therapies are:- a) Vashthi Karma (enema therapy) b) Virechana Karma (purgation therapy)

- In addition, a massage of the abdominal muscles, known as the Udavartana, is also employed if the constipation is chronic. This makes the intestinal muscles stronger and work better in dispelling the wastes.

(4) Home Medications

- Every morning when you wake up, eat two apples. Bite them with the teeth instead of using a knife to cut them into slices.

- Drink a glass of water with a teaspoonful of honey in it at night before going to bed.

- The best and simplest medicine is to drink a glass of lemon juice in water with a pinch of salt in it. This will treat any kind of constipation that may be present.

Read More on Constipation Cure by Ayurveda and Constipation Home Remedies at http://www.ayushveda.com
Also read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Natural Remedy for Hemorrhoids and Constipation

About half of the population in the U.S.A. will suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in life. Although hemorrhoids occur in almost everyone, they become large and cause problems in only 4 percent of the general population. Hemorrhoids do not usually go away completely once you have them. They can get improved, however, so that living with them is tolerable.
Living with hemorrhoids can become intolerable especially when they are accompanied with constipation. On the other hand, continuous constipation can became the main cause for development of initial hemorrhoids and their further growth. In order to avoid constipation and to ensure regular stools, practitioners suggest diet rich in fiber and drinking eight or more glasses of water each day... but this is easier said than done.

If you aren't able to eat enough high-fiber food or if you still suffer from constipation and hemorrhoids we suggest the following natural remedy based on common herbs:

- Boil one cup of Chamomile tee (Latin name: Matricaria recutia) and wait to chill for 5 minutes.
- Put one spoon Psyllium Seeds (Plantago Psyllium) in the cup and leave it for 30 minutes.
- Drink the mixture every day before bedtime.
- Don?t forget to drink a lot of water during the day.
(The needed herbs are available over the counter in the most pharmacies)

Regular consumption of the suggested herbal mixture will not only regulate your stool but also will help hemorrhoids to shrink as a result of the ingredients in the herbs and their combined effects. Children under two years, pregnant women and people allergic to dust or grass should avoid Psyllium.
Using natural herbal remedies to treat hemorrhoids is the best way to improve your general health, to avoid expensive surgeries or bothersome and long term conventional treatments. Sometimes the natural medicine has more efficient and less expensive therapies than the conventional medicine. When the hemorrhoids are in question, we can say that the conventional medicine has failed.

This natural remedy is not cure for hemorrhoids but it should relief hemorrhoidal pain, reduce rectal bleeding and will make living whit hemorrhoids much easier at no or very small cost.Hemorrhoids Information Site

 

Constipation - Sometimes Not All Things Come to Pass

 

There is a famous saying Jesus once quoted, ?All things must come to pass.? Sometimes, no other words ring more true. Unfortunately, there are people who suffer from an inability to pass anything. I?m not talking about exams, either. I?m talking about a subject that?s a little more sensitive and a lot more personal. I?m talking about constipation.

We asked a few leading doctors on the subject of digestive disorders about constipation and here are some of the more common questions doctors get asked concerning the subject matter. Some of these doctors were also kind enough to give some answers and suggestions.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation happens when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length oftime between bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people have bowel movements around three times a day; while others, only one or two times a week. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.

You are considered constipated if you have two or more of the following for at least three months:

• Straining during a bowel movement more than a quarter of the time.
• Hard stools more than a quarter of the time.
• Incomplete evacuation more than a quarter of the time.
• Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem.

Common causes of constipation include:

• Inadequate water intake.
• Inadequate fiber in the diet.
• A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling.
• Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.
• Eating large amounts of dairy products.
• Stress.
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, this is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.
• Overuse of laxatives which, over time, can weaken the bowel muscles.
• Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.
• Depression.
• Eating disorders.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Pregnancy.
• Colon cancer.

How Can I Prevent Constipation?

• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread and cereal (especially bran) are great sources of fiber. Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.
• Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day. Liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, seem to have a dehydrating effect and may need to be avoided until your bowel habits return to normal. Some people may need to avoid milk, as dairy products can be constipating for them.
• Exercise regularly.
• Move your bowels when you feel the urge.

What Should I Do If I am Constipated?

• Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Try drinking warm liquids, especially in the morning.
• Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
• Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
• If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative. Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor, as laxative overuse can aggravate your symptoms.

Seek the opinion of your doctor before following of any diet treatment and regiment. Only a doctor can provide you with advice on what is safe and most effective for you.

For further information on keeping your colon healthy, visit the experts at Dual Action Cleanse at http://www.dualactioncleansenow.com Dual Action Cleanse?s all-natural herbal ultimate colon cleanse formula has changed hundreds of thousands of people's lives through gentle and effective whole body safe and effective internal body cleansing.

Eliminating Constipation And Dehydration To Eliminate Weight Retention

Does your practitioner ever stop to ask you how are your bowels moving? What about your nutritionist? Your personal trainer? Chances are, unless you are suffering from a serious bout of irregularity or IBS, no one has brought it up yet, have they? It?s interesting, because the more you think about what you eat, the more you should be concerned about what is making its way out!

The old saying goes, ?You are what you eat.? Generally speaking, our meals travel through our digestive system in about 12-24 hours. This passage is called transit time, and when all systems are firing properly, (ie: stomach acids, digestive enzymes, bile production) we will typically have 1-3 healthy bowel movements per day, assuring that nutrients are used, and waste is excreted. Healthy digestion means our body is able to use the nutrients we consume, and a healthy system finds its natural weight. It also makes for an absence of symptoms such as gas & bloating, nausea, and constipation.

The nutrition industry, often modifies the saying above to read ?You are what you eat, and what you absorb,? recognizing once you consume good foods your digestion and constitution must be strong enough to break down and utilize what you are getting through the diet. Unhealthy or impaired digestion can lead to a failure to absorb ones? foods properly, causing a cascade of problems including acid indigestion, irritable bowel and a failure to thrive.

Digestive care specialists will often comment, ?You are what you eat, but also what you do not eliminate.? Indeed, if your bowels are irregular, then what are you made of? Where is all that undigested & constipated food going? A-ha, waste and trash build-up! I don?t intend that to sound flippant, I am genuinely serious about this. So there we have the connection between constipation & weight retention. And the answer is simple: Improve digestion & eliminate constipation, and you will encourage your body to naturally shed excess weight. Simple dietary changes such as adding more fiber, and seasonal colon cleansing can help you promote regularity & associated weight loss.

The scale is a difficult measurement tool to trust, especially over a short period of time. That is because our weight fluctuates due to the amount of food in our belly, as well as the amount of water we are retaining around our cells. So what we see on the bathroom scale isn?t necessarily representative of our fat stores. If your body is dehydrated, it can become constipated, and will do all it can to hold onto what little liquid we consume. This can lead to a decrease in the number of healthy eliminations, (i.e. constipation,) which leads to a greater likelihood of a higher reading on the scale.

It?s a vicious cycle, but one that can easily be broken if you give your body the right tools. If the body has sufficient water to hydrate the system, it will eliminate more water through urination. If the bowels are given a fiber rich diet, they will be more regular, and these eliminations will also promote a natural weight.

So let?s assure that, ?We are what we eat and that we eliminate properly.? A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains will provide the nutrients & fiber which keep our body functioning optimally, keep our energy high and our constitution strong and healthy. And isn?t that better than being full of waste & suffering from overweight?
Cassandra Cox is a 10-year veteran of the natural products industry. Having received her credentials as both a Nutritional Consultant and Digestive Care Specialist. Nutrition Weight Loss

Headaches, Insomnia, Anxiety And Constipation Are Rooted In Vata Imbalance.

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 studied 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.

How To Find Relief From Ibs Constipation

 

A person, who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, primarily suffers from one of three symptoms.

1. Diarrhea
2. Alteration of diarrhea and constipation
3. Constipation

Although, it is less common for a person with IBS to suffer from predominant constipation than diarrhea, for those who do, there are ways to find relief from constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.

There are different treatment options - both medicinal and alternative remedies -for those who suffer from constipation. The following is information regarding diverse treatments and what you need to know about each.

Diet
Constipation symptoms may be caused by specific foods that are being ingested. Therefore, try keeping a food diary to find out what foods may not only be making constipation worse, but may help to relieve your symptoms.

For instance, gluten is recognized as one of the leading causes of constipation in IBS sufferers. Therefore, a gluten-free diet may help alleviate symptoms. In order to eliminate gluten from your diet ensure you read food labels to see if gluten is among listed ingredients. However, keep in mind that gluten-free foods tend to be low in fiber. Therefore, you may require other sources of fiber such as eating more fruits and vegetables.

If you are considering a gluten-free diet it?s a good idea to consult a dietitian to find out how effective this diet control is for constipation.

Fiber supplements
Fiber supplements are designed to add bulk to the stool so that waste can travel faster through the intestines. That being said fiber supplements need to be taken with great care, as problems can occur.

For instance, inundating the boy with fiber without sufficient water intake, can cause bloating, gas and make constipation worse. It is imperative to drink plenty of water when taking fiber supplements because fiber absorbs water.

Furthermore, natural fiber sources, such as bran, can aggravate the stomach of an IBS sufferer. This is because bran contains high amounts of wheat and gluten which are not tolerated well by an IBS stomach.

Nonetheless, the right fiber supplement taken as recommended may be helpful in relieving constipation in some sufferers. Fiber supplements such as Metamucil, Konsyl or Citrucel can be found in pharmacies, but it is a good idea to talk to your doctor first and learn more about supplements before starting treatment.

Laxatives
Laxatives are an effective short-term solution for relieving constipation. However, there are different types of laxatives and some are stronger than others. Although laxatives may work in the body differently, depending on the type, each is designed to soften stool so it can slide easier through the intestines. One such laxative that is often recommended to IBS sufferers is milk of magnesia. This is a gentle laxative that is known as a hydrating agent and causes the intestines to retain more water to soften stool.

Laxatives are not recommended for long-term use and can be habit forming. If laxatives are taken for long periods of time, the body will eventually develop immunity and require stronger laxative methods. Prolonged used of laxatives can also make constipation worse and make the body laxative-dependent. Furthermore, be advised that stimulant laxatives such as Ex-lax are powerful and very hard on the system.

Make sure you investigate different over-the-counter laxative products, and speak to your doctor about laxative treatment before using this remedy.

Prescription drugs
Consider talking to you doctor about prescription medication for relief of constipation. Zelnorm is one of the newer drug treatments for IBS constipation and works by increasing stool movement in the bowels. Zelnorm has been found to effectively alleviate abdominal pain, bloating and constipation, and is only prescribed for short-term use.

Finally, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water helps to relieve constipation, and are natural remedies that can be used with any form of constipation treatment.

By S. Reynolds. Sign up for a free IBS newsletter & discover more about treating IBS symptoms.

Avoid These Foods That Cause Constipation And Really Get Things Moving Again

 

There are quite a few foods that cause constipation and eliminating this problem from your life may require a bit of a change in the way you eat as you will have to add in more fiber as well as avoid the foods that content to bind you up.

The biggest cause of constipation is a lack of fiber in the diet. That combined with eating high-fat foods, not getting enough exercise and dehydration from not drinking enough water all contribute to lack of movement in your bowels. So if you really want to get things moving again you?ll need to take some action.

Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and especially those high in fiber such as pears, peas, broccoli and apples with the skin on will certainly help as they will add fiber to your diet. This fiber turns into a gel like substance when combined with water in your body and passes through the intestines adding bulk which helps make stools softer and easier to pass.

But how much fiber is enough?

The recommended daily amount Is 25 to 35 grams and I think if you do the math and look at all the food you eat during the day you?ll probably see that you are getting somewhere between only five and 14 g which is what the average American gets each day. No wonder there is such a problem with constipation in America in such a glut of laxatives and fiber products on the market!

Now if you can?t fit 35 grams of fiber and via fruits vegetables and whole grains you can try a fiber supplement. If you do, however, be sure that you drink enough water along with the supplement in during the day so that It can do Its thing. of course, it?s best to get your fiber the natural way into either way you want to make sure to drink plenty of water as this will help to make softer stools.

In addition to adding fiber to your diet there are some foods which can contribute to constipation and if you have a problem in this area you should probably avoid them. These foods include:

Meats
Ice Cream
Cheese
Snacks like pizza and chips
Processed foods (most anything that comes in a package!)

In today?s fast-paced society, everyone in adults and children included even way too many refined and over processed foods. these foods have had not only all the nutrients stripped out but the fiber stripped as well.
You go to the grocery store take a look at a few of the packages and see what the fiber content on some of these foods is - how much of these foods we do have to eat to get your 35 g of fiber a day? So you can see why constipation is such a problem today.

So if you want to get things moving again and have a satisfying bowel movement every day ( or two or three times a day) then you want to avoid the above foods that cause constipation, stop eating processed foods and start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables which will give you the necessary fiber as well as nutrients that are vital to your overall health.

Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn more about how to take good care of your colon and never suffer from constipation again.

Effective Home Remedies For Constipation

 

Disturbance in your digestive tract is commonly referred to as constipation. In this disorder, there is an irregular movement of your bowels. Constipation itself is a root to many diseases and disorders. This is because it produces toxins in the blood serum and then those are carried to the other body parts. It can cause other diseases such as rheumatism, appendicitis, arthritis, cataract, high blood pressure and even cancer in some of the rarest cases.

The symptoms of constipation include irregular elimination of faecal matter that is hard in nature. The other symptoms are foul breath, coated tongue, loss of appetite, depression, nausea and dizziness. Ulcers in the mouth can also occur sometimes with varicose veins and heart burn.

The main cause of such a state of disorder is the bad lifestyle patterns that you follow, coupled with improper diet. Insufficient intake of water and excessive use of coffee and tea can also lead to this state. Drinking, irregular eating, insufficient chewing, all together makes the functioning of your bowels poor. Apart from this lack of physical activities and and irregular defecation habits with emotional stress and strain, also lead to constipation.

But you can always cure constipation. If the medicines are doing nothing good to you, then you have the option of home remedial treatments. They are:

1. Pear: It is an effective fruit for the treatment of constipation. Making it a part of your regular diet, can help you a lot.

2. Grapes: Since ages, grapes have proved to be a very effective natural remedy to cure constipation. Grapes contains sugar, cellulose and various organic acids that make them an ideal constipation healer. Besides cleaning your stomach, they also tone up the tissues of your stomach and the intestines.

3. Bael Fruit: It is regarded as the best fruit in curing this disorder. It cleans and tones up your intestinal space.

4. Guava: Guava provides you roughage that is very essential for the proper digestion of food. Roughage helps in the normal evacuation of your bowels.

5. Spinach: Spinach is the most vital food for your entire digestive system. The organic elements that are present in spinach cleanse, reconstruct and help the regeneration of the worn out tissues of your intestinal tract.

A simple diet surely helps you to keep away from constipation as it clears your stomach. A simple diet is one that consists of unrefined foods, like honey, bran, wholegrain cereals, lentils, fruits, green leafy vegetables and various milk products.

Apart from them there are also other home remedies that help in treating constipation. For instance, a glass of hot lime water, with added salt is very effective. It is also said that taking an overnight kept water in a copper container helps you considerably in this direction. Linseed is a useful product as it provides both roughage and lubrication to the stomach.

To get more information on home remedies, home remedies for commen ailments and home remedies for other problems visit http://www.newhomeremedies.com/

 

Treatment of Constipation

 

People who tend to ignore their body signals over time have lost the ability to recognize when it's time to move their bowels. This is common in constipation. In this situation, it may help to go to the bathroom at the same time every day when a bowel movement is most likely to occur, usually about thirty minutes after breakfast or after a cup of caffeinated coffee (caffeine is a stimulant of the gastrointestinal tract). Remember, however, that caffeine is a Flag Food for heartburn - again what helps an gastrointestinal problem may exacerbate another. Nicotine, while a recognized stimulant of the intestines, is not recommended as a treatment for constipation.

When you attempt to "retrain" your bowel, remember to take your time. Your mother may have told you to "do your business" quickly and get off the toilet, possibly to avoid hemorrhoids but probably because most of us grew up in a house with one bathroom. Today, even small houses usually have at least two bathrooms, so take your time. If breakfast time finds you at work, any large meal will do for bowel retraining. When food enters your stomach, it encourages the colon to contract. This impulse is transmitted by nerves that innervate the colon; certain hormones may also be involved. Some people, especially those with inflammatory bowel disease, have an exaggerated gastrocolic reflex - soon after they eat, they have to run to the bathroom. In bowel retraining for constipation, the gastrocolic reflex works in your favor in moving your bowels.

Drugs may also be used to treat constipation. Scores of laxatives on the market can provide a quick fix to relieve constipation. They fall into several different categories according to their mechanism of action. Bulk laxatives add volume and fluid to the stool. Metamucil, Efferyllium and Perdiem are psyllium seed laxatives that add non-irritating bulk and promote normal elimination. FiberCon, which has a similar bulking action, contains the fiber calcium polycarbophil. You may notice an increase in wind (flatulence) and stomach bloating when you are taking fiber supplements. This is normal and tends to settle down after a few months after the gut becomes used to the increase in fiber. Stool softeners are not laxatives but contain surface-active ingredients that keep soft for easy, natural passage. Magnesium salts like Milk of Magnesia work by increasing the fluid of the gastrointestinal tract. Dolculax is a stimulant laxative that acts directly on the colon to make it contract. Miralax is a prescription drug that works very well for some constipated individuals. Zelnorm can be used to treat garden variety constipation not related to irritable bowel disease. Lactulose is another prescription drug to treat constipation.

In general, it is always best to try the gentlest agents first. Over time, harsh laxatives can damage the bowel and ultimately make you dependent on laxatives to move your bowel. For most people, it is recommended to start with a bulk laxative or stool softener and, if necessary, adding Milk of Magnesia. Only in very difficult cases would a stimulant laxative or prescription drug be the treatment of choice for constipation.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Constipation

 

 

Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

 

There comes a time in everyone's life when constipation rears its ugly head. The same holds true for dogs, unfortunately. Lack of exercise and proper diet can lead to bouts of constipation (sound familiar?). While you may seek a variety of ways to "eliminate" this problem in your own life, let's explore some home remedies for dog constipation which can be utilized in the eventuality it occurs in theirs.

As mentioned earlier, a proper diet and exercise are key components in ensuring your dog has the ability to move his bowels as often as necessary. House dogs usually need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a proper diet. If your dog becomes constipated, one method to alleviate this problem is by adding one to two teaspoons of bran to his meal. This allows for extra moisture in the stool.

Another method to soften the stool would be to add psyllium (Metamucil in the adult world) to his diet. Half a teaspoon twice a day, in addition to drinking plenty of water, will suffice. A third option would be mineral oil. This may be used in cases where there is a large build-up of hard stool. Two teaspoons, twice a day should be added to his meal, but for only a week. There are several other steps you can take to alleviate your dog's constipation. Keep his food moist by adding a bit of water. If your dog is getting on in years, add some raw meat and vegetables to his diet.

There are certain signs which can alert you to potential problems, and for which you can take immediate steps. Long hair on dogs can cause feces to become entangled; therefore, keep your dog properly groomed. Dogs tend to eat everything in sight, ensure no bones or other material has been ingested. Just as we experience constipation due to certain medications, dogs are no exception. Psychological stress is another indicator relating to constipation.

While it has been suggested that all breeds and dogs of any age are prone to constipation, there are other aspects which you may need to consider, and for which many dog owners are culpable. Never feed your dog from the dinner table. While you may indulge the dog with a few scraps here and there, you are contributing to his constipation.

Foods that contain flour, sugar, rice, dairy and high protein are the main source of the problem. Ice cream, cookies, bread, chocolate, or other unhealthy food items can cause your dog unnecessary pain. As mentioned earlier, a lack of fiber and dehydration are common causes. Another cause for concern would be a condition known as mega colon. This simply means your dog has an inflamed colon which prevents the discharge of feces.

The time to visit the vet will become evident when your dog's inability to defecate is hampered by a decreased appetite, passing blood in minimal amounts, and overall lethargy. Keep in mind, contributing to the overall health of your dog should be of the utmost importance. A dog's love is unconditional, therefore, he or she is totally dependent upon you to maintain a healthy and harmonious life. Be ever vigilant to any signs of stress and ensure his diet and exercise regimen is appropriate and on-going.

Concerned about your pet's health? Ethan recommends "boning up" on holistic pet health care right away at: http://www.NaturesHealthyPet.com

 

Coconut Oil and Constipation

Are you suffering from constipation? If you are, you have probably tried numerous ways to find constipation relief. Constipation can be caused by numerous reasons including not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough liquids, a lack of exercise, certain medications, changes in lifestyle or routine, ignoring the urge to move your bowels, abusing laxatives, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, traveling and other various reasons.

There are many products on the market which people purchase to try to find constipation relief. These include laxatives, stool softeners, Epsom salts, herbs and enemas. Many people are very disappointed in these products. Many of them only offer temporary relief of constipation. The good news is that there is a natural product that can prevent and alleviate constipation. It is coconut oil.

The latest news is that the coconut oil that is probably sitting in your kitchen cabinet can prevent and alleviate constipation. Since the studies have been released touting the many benefits of coconut oil people are testing it out and getting incredible results. Not only are they finding constipation relief, but many of them are losing weight, getting healthier and acquiring more energy.

The unique thing about coconut oil is that it is safe. It does not turn into fat like other oils. In fact, it can lower your cholesterol. People who use coconut oil not only reap the benefits of constipation relief, but they are also benefiting from the many other healthy benefits that are a byproduct of adding coconut oil to their diets.

Coconut oil stands next to mother's milk as being one of nature's highest sources of medium fatty acids. It raises the metabolism which can lead to weight loss. In addition, the fatty acids in coconut oil enhance the immune system and it helps to fight infections, bad bacteria, yeast invasion and diseases. To put it plainly, coconut oil acts as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and an anti-fungal.

Coconuts have been held in high esteem in diverse cultures around the globe for thousands of years. It served not only as a source of food, but also as a medicine. Modern medicine has finally discovered what natives in other cultures have known for years - that Coconut and coconut oil can be used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following:

1. Constipation
2. Bronchitis
3. Bruises
4. Coughs
5. Earaches
6. Influenza
7. Jaundice
8. Nausea
9. Scabies
10. Toothaches
11. Dropsy
12. Menstruation problems
13. Swelling and Inflammation
14. Ulcers
15. Urinary tract infections
16. Pneumonia
17. Gonorrhea
18. Herpes
19. Hepatitis C
20. Thrush
21. Diaper rash
22. Ringworm
23. Athlete's foot
24. Candidacies
25. Lice
26. Tapeworms and other parasites
27. Diabetes
28. Pancreatitis
29. Osteoporosis
30. Ulcerative colitis
31. Crohn's Disease
32. Hemorrhoids

If you are suffering from constipation you should supplement your daily diet with coconut oil. It is touted as being the "healthiest dietary oil on earth." Coconut oil is great for baking and cooking and it can easily be added to salads and dressing. If you want to get your internal machinery running again, oil it up! Coconut oil tastes great and it smells good. It is sure to be the easiest constipation cure that you have ever tried. Just think, it was sitting in the grocery store the entire time. Who would have ever suspected?

The Colon Cleanse & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's Web site features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleanse & Constipation Resource Center.

Coconut Oil and Constipation

Are you suffering from constipation? If you are, you have probably tried numerous ways to find constipation relief. Constipation can be caused by numerous reasons including not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough liquids, a lack of exercise, certain medications, changes in lifestyle or routine, ignoring the urge to move your bowels, abusing laxatives, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, traveling and other various reasons.

There are many products on the market which people purchase to try to find constipation relief. These include laxatives, stool softeners, Epsom salts, herbs and enemas. Many people are very disappointed in these products. Many of them only offer temporary relief of constipation. The good news is that there is a natural product that can prevent and alleviate constipation. It is coconut oil.

The latest news is that the coconut oil that is probably sitting in your kitchen cabinet can prevent and alleviate constipation. Since the studies have been released touting the many benefits of coconut oil people are testing it out and getting incredible results. Not only are they finding constipation relief, but many of them are losing weight, getting healthier and acquiring more energy.

The unique thing about coconut oil is that it is safe. It does not turn into fat like other oils. In fact, it can lower your cholesterol. People who use coconut oil not only reap the benefits of constipation relief, but they are also benefiting from the many other healthy benefits that are a byproduct of adding coconut oil to their diets.

Coconut oil stands next to mother's milk as being one of nature's highest sources of medium fatty acids. It raises the metabolism which can lead to weight loss. In addition, the fatty acids in coconut oil enhance the immune system and it helps to fight infections, bad bacteria, yeast invasion and diseases. To put it plainly, coconut oil acts as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and an anti-fungal.

Coconuts have been held in high esteem in diverse cultures around the globe for thousands of years. It served not only as a source of food, but also as a medicine. Modern medicine has finally discovered what natives in other cultures have known for years - that Coconut and coconut oil can be used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following:

1. Constipation
2. Bronchitis
3. Bruises
4. Coughs
5. Earaches
6. Influenza
7. Jaundice
8. Nausea
9. Scabies
10. Toothaches
11. Dropsy
12. Menstruation problems
13. Swelling and Inflammation
14. Ulcers
15. Urinary tract infections
16. Pneumonia
17. Gonorrhea
18. Herpes
19. Hepatitis C
20. Thrush
21. Diaper rash
22. Ringworm
23. Athlete's foot
24. Candidacies
25. Lice
26. Tapeworms and other parasites
27. Diabetes
28. Pancreatitis
29. Osteoporosis
30. Ulcerative colitis
31. Crohn's Disease
32. Hemorrhoids

If you are suffering from constipation you should supplement your daily diet with coconut oil. It is touted as being the "healthiest dietary oil on earth." Coconut oil is great for baking and cooking and it can easily be added to salads and dressing. If you want to get your internal machinery running again, oil it up! Coconut oil tastes great and it smells good. It is sure to be the easiest constipation cure that you have ever tried. Just think, it was sitting in the grocery store the entire time. Who would have ever suspected?

The Colon Cleanse & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's Web site features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleanse & Constipation Resource Center.

Green Tea Is A Natural Remedy For Constipation

 

If you are looking for a natural remedy for constipation, there is help.

Although each person's routine is different, you pretty much know when you're constipated. However, you might not know what's causing the problem.

Green tea is considered a natural cure for constipation mainly because it promotes "friendly" bacteria in the intestines thereby encourages bowel regularity.

These friendly bacteria helps increase your resistance to infection, helps maintain bowel regularity, and promotes digestion. It has also been reported that regular consumption of green tea results in a reduced odor from the feces.

Constipation can also be caused by stress, dehydration, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. A colon with weak muscle tone can also cause constipation.

If there aren't any serious underlying causes, there is a natural constipation relief.

Make sure you drink plenty of water. Water adds soft bulk to stools. It's also required by the cells of the colon to lubricate the stools' passage.

You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you're physically active or if you drink coffee or soda that makes you urinate often, you should drink 12 glasses a day.

Dietary fiber absorbs water and makes stools fuller and easier to pass.

Good food sources include prunes, apples, kidney beans, and other legumes, and other oats.

Prune juice, of course, can help you with your problem.

Although it's best to get your fiber from food sources, you can also take a supplement when your meals aren't supplying enough.

If you can afford, eat organic foods. They are healthier choice because they are free from hormones, pesticides, and preservatives. These chemicals are toxic to our system which causes a "traffic" or delay to the normal flow.

In the long run, you would be saving money by buying o

Mary Rose Antonio is a physical therapist for 20 years now and is a great believer in natural healing. She also has a website where she offers organic japanese green tea, chinese green tea. She also invites you to visit this site to learn more about the amazing health benefits of green tea.

rganic items because you will be a lot healthier, thereby less prone to sickness.

Natural Cures for Constipation

Natural cures for constipation require a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes. Unlike medicinal and other treatment methods, natural cures are simple and easy to practice, and also have less negative side effects. Often these natural cures enable one to completely eliminate infrequent and mild constipation.

Dietary changes include consuming fibers which are present in raw fruit (like bananas, apples, papaya, grapes and oranges) and vegetables, whole grains and pulses, and drinking plenty of water (minimum 8 glasses per day). Avoid alcohol, highly processed/junk foods and caffeine as they cause dehydration. Avoid drugs as much as you can.

Guava with seeds, due to its roughness, can give relief to constipation. Giving bran cereal to infants and children can help in safeguarding them from constipation. Drinking of milk with extra sugar or honey can also help in elders. Daily exercises are important in preventing constipation. You do not need to exercise vigorously; walking 30 to 40 minutes daily will be enough.

There are many natural laxatives available in the market to cure constipation. These laxatives make the bowel wall muscles relax, and reduce anxiety and tension. They also enhance liver and gall bladder functioning, and promote bile flow, which improves digestion of food.

The use of herbs, which was once practiced only by tribes and some cultures over the world, is becoming more and more popular in natural constipation treatments. Most of these herbs have laxative properties, which promote digestion and act as a liver tonic. The most used herbs are Aloe Vera, Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Passiflora species. These herbs can be used for both chronic and occasional constipation. Almost all of them do not have any side effect.

Herbal products from these herbs are available in tablet forms as well. Each tablet includes a definite amount of high quality fresh herbs. Thus you can change your dosage according to the state of t

Constipation provides detailed information on constipation, cat constipation, causes of constipation, chronic constipation and more. Constipation is affiliated with Are Cold Sores Contagious? .

he constipation. Most of these tablets can be used in conjunction with digestion tonics.

 

 

Constipation Home Remedies Using Juices

Apple Juice, Figs and Raisins Here's another constipation home remedy using apple juice with other fruit. Eat it the first thing in the morning before breakfast. In a blender, put in a cup of fresh apple juice. Add equal amounts of dry or fresh figs and raisins and a small organic apple. Choose how many figs and raisins to use. You will need to experiment a little. Get a consistency that is not too thick. Add a little more apple juice if needed. Eat this home remedy for a few days until you start to get some relief from your constipation. Oat Milk with Fig Juice or Prune Juice Buy oat milk at the health food store. In the morning, warn 8 oz of oat milk and add the following: * 3 oz of fig juice or prune juice * two droppers full of licorice extract. Or you can mix one glass of 50% fig juice and 50% prune juice. Drink this first thing in the morning. This powerful home remedy will get your bowels moving. Drink this combination first thing in the morning. Stewed Figs Take 10 - 12 calimyma figs and stew them in two glasses of distilled water (16 oz) for 10 minutes. Let them sit in this water overnight. In the morning remove the figs, warm and drink the juice. Eat the figs though out the day. Or prepare a blended drink of, * three or more figs, fresh or sun dried * one banana * 1 tablespoon of honey or molasses * one cup of rice dream Drink first thing in the morning and any time after lunch or dinner. The following juices provide you with some powerful constipation home remedies that you can use right away. Mulberry Juice Mulberry juice has many health benefits. It is good for digestive tract illnesses. It can stimulate digestion and assimilation of nutrients in the small intestine. It is useful for older people for reliving constipation. Mulberry contains many minerals and vitamins. Boysenberry Boysenberry juice has a gentle natural laxative action on your bowel. When your constipation is mild, this juice will help move things in your colon. Blackberries Mix cup of distilled water and cup of blackberries. Drink this first thing in the morning to promote peristaltic movement. Drink this often and it will make you regular. Blackberries are high in vitamin C. Cherries Cherries are high in antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and many other minerals, which are effective in neutralizing body acid. Cherries contain vitamins B-1, B-2, folic acid and niacin. Cherries have laxative effects and can start peristaltic action. Eat fresh cherries throughout the day or drink three 8 oz glasses of cherry juice during the day. Buy cherry juice in glass container. Elderberry Juice Can be used to help reduce the symptoms of colds, flu, and diabetes. It also helps to relieve constipation, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids. Drink 1-2 glasses each day. Increase the quantity if necessary. Drinking any of these juices between meals will help you to get rid of constipation and keep your bowels moving. Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. For information on constipation and other remedy ebooks go to: http://www.stop-constipation.com See some of his newsletters at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/archive.html Copyright Rudy Silva - http://www.stop-constipation.com