Does the Acai berry supplement and colon cleanse thing really work?
I have heard the Acai berry and Colon cleanse “diet” works really well. I am iffy on taking these supplements – do they work? what kind of effects will it have? If I take this am I going to be in the bathroom all day and night?
When I was interested in this, I read the reviews on Amazon.com (that’s where I was buying it from since I didn’t want to give my debit information to some site I didn’t trust).
Basically, what I got from that was that the acai berry supplement energizes *some* people, but doesn’t really contribute to weight loss at all.
The people who were pleased with the Colon Cleanse were using it to become regular and not to lose weight. Some people said that they had lost a few pounds from removing all the waste that had built up in their intestines. Generally, the people who were trying the acai/colon cleanse combination did not lose weight, or did not lose enough weight to be satisfied.
If you read the directions, you have to adjust the number of pills you take so that you are having 2-3 bowel movements per day.
Side effects include cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.
What is it about prunes that helps with constipation?
Is it just the fiber or is there something else in them that helps with constipation?
Prunes are just one of the "high-fiber foods" – Fiber makes the stool softer and easier to pass. Certain foods are wonderful, natural agents for regulating bowel movements and keeping the colon clear of harmful bacteria. Prunes are one example of this. Generations of people have used prunes to reverse the effects of constipation. Apple, pear, and cranberry juices all can help move things along and the acidity in these juices also helps balance the bacteria that are found normally in our bodies, particularly in the lower intestines and colon.
What can help with chronic constipation?
My youngest has been suffering from constipation for a couple of weeks. The only way she can go by the use of laxatives and stimulants. The doctors are not being much help. What can we do or use to help her?
I have suffered from this since I was a child. From the sounds of your situation, your doctors aren't much help…mine weren't either until now.
First, please have your doctors check for a lactose and wheat intolerance because that could solve your problem right off the bat. If there is an intolerance and you eliminate these from the diet, problem should be solved.
Here's what we have done and it is finally working!
2 doses per day of Milk of Mag, a daily dose of fiber and a TON of water. I had to do this for about two months to train my digestive system to go daily. Once I had gotten on a schedule of daily bowel movements, I was able to slow down to one dose per day of the Milk of Mag. After about a total of 4 months, my body took over and started to do what it was supposed to do.
I still have problems triggered by certain foods so I also did a food diary to try and figure out which ones were causing the problem.
Your child may have juvenille Irritable Bowel Syndrome as well. This can be helped, but not cured, with a certain type diet and help from the doctors. Keep hounding them and they should eventually start to get the ball rolling.
Good Luck!
Types of Colon Cleansing
Although we don’t quite care about our colon it is one organ that suffers the most these days. And this is because of our eating habits which is full of low or non fiber high processed foods. So often the colon accumulates a lot of waste which can only be dealt with if we go for colon cleansing. There are various ways in which we can have our colon cleansed. We mention a few here.
One of the most effective ways of getting your colon cleansed is to go for colon hydrotherapy. This process involves the insertion of a tube through your anus into the colon. Plenty of pure water is poured into the colon through the tube to flush out the contents of the colon. This is a natural method and doesn’t involve any use of drugs. A colon hydrotherapy program would require you to attend 10 to 12 sessions over a period of two months, each session spanning for something around 45 to 60 minutes.
The second option is juice fasting. It is better to practice juice fasting than simple fasting to get your colon in proper shape. Vegetables and fruits contain a lot of fiber in them and this helps in bowel movements. Since you are not consuming anything else there is nothing additional that gets deposited. However consuming entire fruits and vegetables would not be a nice idea as the fibers in that form can be harder to digest. When you take them in the form of a juice you are much likely to yield better results. Also the fact that since most fruits and vegetables have high nutritional value, your body will not be deprived of energy to work which would have been the case if it was a complete fast.
The third alternative is herbal laxatives. The colon cleanse herbs and the herbal laxatives claim to be harmless and position themselves as alternatives to commercial laxatives. They further their claim saying that since they are natural, they are safe. The herbs are generally very strong and they start showing results in 6 to 12 hours time after consumption. They should be had only in moderate amounts as a prolonged use can have serious side effects.
There is another form of natural colon cleanser which is available today in the market. It is an oxygen based formula. The mixture reacts chemically with the hydrochloric acid present in our stomach. After the chemical reaction takes place the fecal matter, also known as the plaque, would melt into a liquid and gas. This then can be easily expelled.
Barney Garcia
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/types-of-colon-cleansing-66291.html
Sex and Colon Cleansing
Are you constipated and feeling a little not interested in the bedroom? Does the thought of sex send your mind thinking about the bloated and sick feeling in your stomach? Itâs no surprise that when youâre not feeling healthy, many of lifeâs joys can be left behind, and in many cases, itâs the sex drive that goes. Weâre going to look at how a colon cleanse may be just what you need to clean up your act and get your love life back in gear.
When youâre constipated, there are many things going on inside your body that you may have no idea of. For example, if youâre not moving your bowels in a proper fashion, it can lead to a build-up of toxins that get re-absorbed into the bloodstream. As the toxins rush throughout your body, they send your systems into a frenzy. Your body is fighting the toxins so hard that other functions just canât be handled. What happens is your immune system lowers, your digestive system is already wrecked and your sex drive suffers.
How to tell if YOU are Constipated
At any time, over 4 million Americans are suffering from constipation. To say itâs almost epidemic is an understatement! And those are the ones actually going to the doctor for it, not the people simply using over-the-counter treatments. Whatâs important to know is that you can be having bowel movements and still be diagnosed with constipation.
If you have two or less bowel movements in a week, you can be classified as constipated. If you have to strain, or have incomplete bowel movements 25% of the time you go, you are constipated. Likewise, if you experience black, small, hard and pebble-like stools, or thin pencil-sized stools, youâre constipated.
Itâs important to understand that constipation is usually derivative of an underlying cause. It can be something as simple as an improper diet or as severe as diabetes. You need to be aware that you donât get constipated for no reason. Blood sugar levels, diseases like diabetes and medications can all affect your digestive system in a negative way. These same reasons can also be adding to your sexual problems.
Study results show that people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are over 4 times higher at risk to experience sexual health problems. Decreased sex drive was the most common complaint, and women were noted as experiencing pain during intercourse. It was also shown that the problems surfaced twice as much with constipation patients compared to diarrhea patients. Also, the worse the IBS, the lower the sex drive.
How to Get the Drive Back
Cleaning your colon can get rid of all the sludge and grime that is backing your system up and causing your libido to nosedive. Itâs been proven that the average person has accumulated between 5 and 25 pounds of pure waste in the colon. Waste that never leaves. It just sits in there, putrefying. Right off the bat, imagine how much better you would feel if you cleansed 25 pounds of garbage out of your body!
Did you know that over 90% of all illness can be directly traced back to a dirty colon? The colon is where 70% of the bodyâs immune system does its work. If the colon is filled, the immune system is lacking and youâre getting sick. How much better would it be if your colon was clean and your immune system could fight the organisms itâs meant to fight instead of dealing with the toxins in your body?
Products like Oxy-Powder work wonders, effectively cleaning out the colon and getting rid of numerous years worth of build-up. Oxy-Powderâs powerful, yet gentle formula uses a combination of oxygenated magnesium, germanium and citric acid to naturally cleanse and detoxify your colon. It even promotes a healthy environment that allows good bacteria to flourish and aid in digestion.
With Oxy-Powder, youâll notice a difference both inside and out. Youâll feel lighter, cleaner and simply healthier than ever on the inside. On the outside, youâll have a much more vibrant look, a clearer complexion and your energy will be noticed by everyone. Your body is like a self-servicing machine. It has the ability to heal itself and avoid many illnesses, but thatâs only if itâs healthy enough to do it. Removing the toxins from your body will allow it to work the way itâs supposed to.
Adding a proper exercise routine and changing your diet to include more fiber and water will help maintenance your clean, new system. A good diet should include 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. Most Americans only get about 15 grams if theyâre lucky. That adjustment alone can work wonders for your digestive system. A colon cleanse may be just the spark you need to re-ignite your life. You can say goodbye to constipation and hello to your partner again, in the bedroom!
The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/sex-and-colon-cleansing-89969.html
What is the best way to treat constipation?
My child is mentally challenged and always had a problem with constipation to the point of impaction on several occasions. It was eventually resolved while in a nursing home. Now that he is at home, the meds, colace and dulcolax?, aren't working. I hate to do it, but I think I may need to resort to giving him an enema. This was always traumatic for him, but I don't know what else to do. I can't let this go on it only gets worse. What is the best enema to give and how do I do this now that he's an adult?
One of the biggest causes of conspitation in the mentally impaired or elderly is dehydration. They may not realize or remember to drink constantly. The feces gets stuck because there is not enough lubrication so it makes it difficult to pass the stool. Encourage him to drink a glass of water or juice at least every hour. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Grapes, raisins, prunes, flax and bran are great to add to a diet to help promote regular, soft bowel movements.
To rid the bowel movement that may be lodged inside, it is much less invasive to give a suppository (instead of an enema). This is a small pill that you insert in the anus (make SURE you lubricate your fingers and that you are gloved). The enema is more invasive and causes more discomfort. As a personal support worker in a nursing home, we always try to give suppositories before an enema.
I really don't think there is a particular enema I would recommend, they are pretty much all the same. Same goes for suppositories.
I definetely recommend increasing his fluid intake, and try hard to give flax and bran with cereal. You can even bake all sorts of goods (cookies, muffins, bread) with flax seed and bran. Best wishes!
Colon Cleanse for IBS Symptoms
If you have severe IBS symptoms, you may be experiencing little success from taking laxatives and managing your fiber intake. It may be that your body has grown accustomed to the laxatives that you have been consuming and that they are losing their effect. There is, however, one more treatment option that you can consider a colon cleanse. According to naturopathic practitioners, colon cleanse is highly suitable for those who suffer from severe IBS symptoms.
A colon cleanse is about cleansing the intestines. It is believed that cleaning the colon is just as important to cleaning other parts of the body. A dirty colon can become toxic and this may be why your digestive system becomes irritable causing IBS symptoms. A dirty colon can be the result of you eating processed foods or foods that are not healthy and/or having unhealthy eating habits. When your colon cannot eliminate the toxins effectively, it becomes overburdened and toxins accumulate.
Even with colon cleansing, there are several ways that you go about it. A colon cleanse can begin with taking natural supplements as well as power drinks. These drinks usually contain different herbs and medications that work together to give you the results that you desire. If you choose this route of colon cleansing, you may have to avoid certain foods during the cleansing process for maximum results. Before purchasing these power drinks, it is advisable to check with your health care provider first. Also ensure that these drinks contain the best quality ingredients.
Spices and special herbs may also be used for colon cleanse. Some foods have calming results on your digestive system, too. These foods include rhubarb, peppers, ginger, and garlic. These items will help to cleanse the digestive system, which aids in easier bowel movements.
Many who have undergone colon cleansing for their IBS symptoms claim that it is an effective form of treatment. Not only are they reducing the severity and frequency of their IBS symptoms, they are also experiencing better overall health. There are of course skeptics who do not believe in colon cleanse or any form of cleansing. They say that your body is equipped to colon cleanse toxins on its own and need no extra help.
Still, if you have no luck with other forms of treatment for your IBS symptoms, it does not hurt to find out more about colon cleansing from your doctor. Make sure you let him know about the exact symptoms that you are currently having and the current method of treatment, whether laxatives or otherwise, that you are on.
Sandra Kim Leong
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/colon-cleanse-for-ibs-symptoms-105147.html
How Brewer’s Yeast and Msm Clear Constipation
Brewer’s yeast can help to ease, reduce, or clear your constipation. If you can handle the taste, add it to your juices morning and night. Brewer’s Yeast contains all B vitamins, except B12. It also contains many vitamins, minerals and is high in amino acids.
When you first use brewer’s yeast, it will create gas in your colon. Brewer’s yeast supplements your good bacteria in your colon, increasing its count. This increase in good bacteria activates a battle between the good and bad bacteria creating gas as a by-product. Keep using brewer’s yeast until the gas stops. This many take a few weeks but you are doing one of the best things you can do for your health – increasing good bacteria and reducing bad bacteria.
You can improve the benefit of using brewer’s yeast by eating cultured yogurt or supplement good bacteria capsules between meals. You want to do this between meals so when you take your supplement your stomach does not put out to much HCl acid, which would kill the good bacteria. If you have gout or are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors do not take brewers yeast.
MSM
MSM stands for methyl sulfonyl methane. MSM is organic sulfur. It provides many benefits in the body and is widely used as an anti-inflammatory and is especially useful for arthritis pain. MSM is used in all body cells and tissue including joint tissue.
MSM is especially good for relieving constipation.
MSM in your colon stops or blocks the activity of cholinesterase (ko-li-nes-ter-ace.)
What is cholinesterase?
Our nervous system is composed of a network of nerve cells, which start at the brain and end on all parts of our body. It is nerves that direct muscle contraction or expansion for your bowel movements. After the muscle completes its movement, an enzyme cholinesterase is released, which stops the muscle from moving again. Without the nerve signal blocking cholinesterase, the muscle would continue to move nonstop.
MSM is useful in clearing up constipation. It allows more colon contractions to occur thus helping you clear your constipation. When I have used MSM, up to 6000-8000mg each day, I have experienced up to 3-4 bowel movements each day. As MSM blocks the activity of cholinesterase, it allows more peristaltic action to occur in your colon.
Using 2000-4000 mg of MSM, can keep your bowel movements to 2-3 times each day. Of course, for each person the amount will be different.
The action that MSM has in your colon is useful for older people who have less nerve signals for peristalsis. Cholinesterase stops the few peristalsis signals older people have, thus creating constipation.
In S.W. Jacob, M.D., R.M. Lawrence M.D.,Ph.D, and M. Zucker book, The Miracle of MSM, 1999, they say,
“As a dietary supplement, MSM offers great potential for anyone with constipation. MSM produces a general “tonic” effect in the bowels and normalizes bowel function, particularly for older individuals. We have given MSM to nursing homes, where constipation is a common problem. The nurses have said that MSM works well for patients, even for individuals not responding to Metamucil or stool softeners.”
Here’s where you can buy MSM torpedo’s. http://www.richdistributing.com/
Rich distributing has good quality products. I have always received good service and quick shipping. I recommend you buy the MSM torpedo tablet. It is a 1000 mg flat oval tablet. This allows you to take 4000-5000 mg of MSM by only taking 4-5 tablets. They are easy to swallow.
MSM has not been evaluated for effects during pregnancy so it is best not to use it during this time.
Get constipation relief by using both brewers yeast and MSM. MSM is easy to use. Brewers yeast takes a while to get use to.
Rudy Silva
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/how-brewers-yeast-and-msm-clear-constipation-123841.html
How do you treat hard stool without constipation?
Someone in my family has very hard bowel movements that often block up the toilet. He already drinks a lot of water and eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, and doesn't experience constipation or any difficulty…just toilet blockage (and it's not the toilet because it happens in all toilets). I assume it's because his intestines are taking too much water out of the stool but since he already drinks a lot of water, etc. I don't know what would help. Anybody dealt with something similar?
He can use a stool softener. Docusate sodium can be purchased over-the-counter in supermarket pharmacies and drug stores. Your family member should also consider that he may be taking in too much dietary fiber. Try cutting back.
Constipation and Depression
Constipation and depression have a history of coinciding with each other. Is it coincidence or is there an underlying reason? Constipation can be a painful and troublesome condition, but does it cause clinical depression? And on the other hand, can depression actually cause constipation? I hope to help lay these questions to rest for any one suffering from these two conditions.
We should first look at what the diagnosis for constipation consists of. Constipation is when the individual has two or fewer bowel movements within a week. If three days pass with no bowel movement, it could pose a serious health risk. The stool will continue to harden the longer itâs in the body, making it even more difficult to expel. Patients are also considered constipated if they experience hard stools, straining or incomplete evacuations 25% of the time they do have bowel movements.
Depression can be the result of numerous factors. Lifestyle changes, eating habits, loss of a loved one and health issues can play a huge role in depression cases. Depression can also be rather difficult to diagnose in many cases. Understanding the signs and symptoms of both of these conditions will help you to have a better understanding of what to look for, how to deal with them and how to prevent them.
How to tell if you may be Depressed
The two most obvious symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness or hopelessness and a general loss of interest in daily activities that usually bring pleasure. Depression can be difficult to diagnose properly because it truly is a condition of extremes. It can cause weight gain or weight loss. It can cause insomnia or the sufferer may want to sleep all day. It can cause pain to move while at the same time causing restlessness. And yes, it can cause constipation or diarrhea.
Depression affects the bodyâs entire system, not just the emotional aspect. It causes the digestive system to function improperly. Headaches and bodily pain are commonplace. In a state of depression, the brain actually isnât functioning the way itâs supposed to. Itâs no wonder that depressed individuals feel as though the world is falling down around them. In a sense, it really is.
In the brain, there are two chemicals that affect your mood. Serotonin and norepinephrine. These two chemicals work as transmitters, sending signals from the brain to the nerves in the body. When there is a deficiency in these chemicals, the signals donât get sent and it throws everything off. Itâs interesting to note, that in most cases, the body can actually fix the problem itself. Unfortunately, it can take 1 to 3 years for that to happen and deeply depressed sufferers canât wait that long.
To replace the depleted serotonin and norepinephrine levels, patients are usually prescribed Antidepressants. One of the main side effects of Antidepressants is constipation.
Why constipation makes us feel depressed
While constipation in and of itself does not cause clinical depression, it can cause someone to feel depressed. The reason is again because of the chemicals in the brain. Constipation prohibits food nutrients from being absorbed by the body. These nutrients are needed for the brain to produce the right amount of serotonin and norepinephrine. When constipated for a long period, the lining of the small intestine can actually build up a layer of toxins that fully prevent any nutrients from being absorbed. Toxins that are normally expelled by the body through bowel movements now have nowhere to go but to be re-absorbed by the body, making matters even worse.
Women are prime targets for both conditions, especially while pregnant. The bodyâs hormones are going so berserk that depression is rarely not seen during or after pregnancy. Another stage in a womanâs life that brings on depression is menopause. Itâs been shown that estrogen provokes dramatic changes in the brainâs activity.
What can be done to prevent constipation and depression?
When youâre not feeling good, or feeling depressed about something, the most common thing people tend to do is head for some comfort food. Itâs usually heavy and unhealthy but totally delicious, right? Unfortunately, those foods, when eaten in large quantities, wreck havoc on an already delicate gastrointestinal situation. It makes it almost inevitable that when youâre depressed, youâll also end up constipated. Itâs a vicious circle that many get stuck in.
The chances of becoming constipated and/or depressed can be dramatically lowered by eating a healthy diet and following a regular exercise routine. Avoiding alcohol and drugs can save the body from many traumas, both mental and physical. Try to follow a regular sleep pattern. Most importantly, if you begin to feel depressed, or have thoughts of suicide, you need to seek help as soon as possible.
—–
The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/constipation-and-depression-89922.html