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!

What can I take for constipation caused by my pain meds?

I can’t go off the pain meds due to the pain being chronic and severe, however I don’t want to have surgery for the chronic constipation. I can’t seem to find anything that works well. Long term or quickly. I need HELP.

Two totally gross words that should to the trick: Coffee Enema

Constipation Cure Tips – Home Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is one of the most widespread gastrointestinal complaints in the United States, ensuing in about 2 million doctor visits per annum. However, most people treat themselves without looking for medical help, as is obvious from the millions of dollars people waste on laxatives each year. When compared to other diseases constipation is effortlessly curable by holding appropriate dietary model. The hard and dry stools of constipation happen when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too gradually.

Constipation is a ordinary disorder of the digestive region. In this situation, the bowels do not move frequently, or are not entirely emptied when they move. This state is the chief source of a lot of diseases as it produces toxins, which find their way into the bloodstream and are passed to all parts of the body

Constipation Symptoms

Uncommonness, irregularity in removal of hard faecal matter

The most ordinary symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or obscurity in elimination of the hard faecal matter.

Coated tongue, Foul breath, headache, depression etc

The other signs include a coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, headache, giddiness, dark circles under the eyes, depression, nausea, pimples on the face, ulcer in the mouth, constant fullness in the abdomen, diarrhea alternating with constipation, varicose veins, pain in the lumbar region, acidity, heart burn, and insomnia

Causes of Constipation

Faulty diet and method of living

The most significant causes of chronic constipation are a faulty diet and style of living.

Inadequate intake of water, strong tea and coffee etc

Intake of refined and rich foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, inadequate chewing, overeating and wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all give to poor bowel function.

Irregular habit of defecation, lack of physical movement

Other factors include faulty and irregular habit of defecation, frequent use of purgatives, weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, and emotional anxiety and strain.

Home Remedies for Constipation

1. Constipation treatment via Bael Fruit

Normally all fruits, except banana and jackfruit, are useful in the treatment of constipation. Certain fruits are, however, more useful. Bael fruit is regarded as the finest of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the bowels. Its normal use for two or three months throws out even the old accumulated faecal matter. It must be rather taken in its original form and before dinner. About sixty grams of the fruit are enough for an adult.

2. Constipation treatment with Pear

Pears are useful in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation must accept an exclusive diet of this fruit or it’s juice for a few days, but in normal cases, a medium-sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the desired effect.

3. Constipation treatment with Guava

Guava is another helpful remedy for constipation. When eaten with seeds, it provides roughage to the diet and helps in the standard evacuation of the bowels. One or two guavas should be taken daily.

4. Constipation treatment with Grapes

Grapes have proved very helpful in overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes build them a laxative food. Their field of action is not inadequate to clearing the bowels only. They also tone up the stomach and intestines and reduce the most chronic constipation. One must take at least 350 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. When fresh grapes are not obtainable, raisins, soaked in water, can be used. Raisins must be soaked for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This will make them swell up to the original size of the grapes. They must be eaten early in the morning, along with the water in which they have been soaked.

5. Constipation treatment with Orange

Orange is also beneficial in the constipation treatment. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on increasing in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The all-purpose stimulating influence of orange juice stimulates peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon.

6. Constipation treatment using Papaya and Figs

Other fruits specific for constipation are papaya and figs. Partly a medium-sized papaya should be eaten at breakfast for it to act as a laxative. Four or five dry figs must be soaked overnight in a little water and eaten in the morning.

7. Constipation treatment with Spinach

Among the vegetables, spinach has been measured to be the most vital food for the entire digestive tract from time immemorial. Raw spinach holds the finest organic material for the cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration of the intestinal tract. Raw spinach juice-100 ml, mixed with an identical quantity of water and taken twice daily, will cure the most aggravated cases of constipation in a few days.

8. Constipation treatment by means of Other Remedies

Half a lime, squeezed is a glass of hot water, with half a teaspoon of salt is also an effective medicine for constipation. Drinking water, which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, first thing in the morning, brings superior results. Linseed (alse) is extremely useful in complicated cases of constipation. A teaspoon of linseed swallowed with water before each meal offers both roughage and lubrication

Peter rodrick
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-cure-tips-home-remedies-for-constipation-169552.html

Find a Natural Colon Cleanse That Works

Colon health difficulties are much more widespread in the developed world than you might think. One reason is that we tend to shy away from topics like constipation and health in our everyday conversations. But even if are not willing to talk about it, the healthy functioning of your colon is crucial to your overall health and well-being. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, constipation and lack of energy, these could be symptoms that indicate you need a natural colon cleanse.

You may be wondering why your doctor has never discussed the need for a colon cleanse. The reality is that most doctors receive very little training in nutrition and natural health procedures. This often means that maintaining your overall well-being and good natural health is up to you.

Finding and using a natural colon cleanse that works should be one of your highest priorities. Our intestinal tract and waste elimination systems were designed to work quite well with a natural diet and regular physical activity. But today we are much less active and much more likely to be eating processed and engineered food. Not only are chemicals added to your food, but beneficial nutrients are often removed in the process. These unnatural foods create toxins in your body. Not only is your colon health affected, but it places an extra load on other toxin-removing organs in your body as well.

A natural colon cleanse accomplishes more than simply cleansing unwanted matter and built-up waste from our colon. It also helps to disinfect your colon, kills unwanted bacteria and regulates and balances your intestinal flora. Intestinal flora are natural microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. Although it’s possible to live without them, they play an important role in improving our overall health and protecting us from harmful microorganisms.

Those who’ve experienced a colon cleanse report relief from an incredible array of health conditions, including constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches and allergies. As you might have guessed, a natural colon cleanse is an excellent way to lose weight and many dieters report that weight loss is much easier once their digestive system is operating at peak efficiency. Optimal functioning of our colon also means that we will be assimilating vitamins and minerals from our food much more easily.

Since a colon cleanse reduces waste and toxins in our bodies, you should also expect greater overall vitality, higher alertness and possibly even some relief from depression.

There are several basic ways to accomplish a natural colon cleanse. Most of these solutions can be found at your local health food store or on the Internet. If you choose to purchase from the Internet, do your research well and don’t fall for a product with outlandish claims and an unbeatable price.

An oxygen-based colon cleanse is preferred by many alternative health practitioners because it’s able to effectively remove unwanted bacteria while leaving the good bacteria in place to continue working. An oxygen-based natural colon cleanse cleans and refreshes your entire intestinal tract, not just the lower intestine.

Another way to accomplish a natural colon cleanse is through the use of colonics or colon hydrotherapy. Colon hydrotherapy is often used in connection with an oxygen-based colon cleanse. Also known as colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy is quite similar in many ways to an enema, but uses purified water that often infused with beneficial minerals or other natural substances.

You also have the option of performing a natural colon cleanse by using herbal-based products. Herbal-based products normally contain natural fiber, which is designed to loosen and remove built-up materials from your colon, and parasite-fighting herbs, which naturally kill any intestinal worms or other parasites you may be harboring in your colon.

Some purists maintain that the only truly natural colon cleanse involves changing your diet to eliminate processed foods. A diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables, juices and high fiber foods is optimal for good colon health. And you will certainly want to begin adjusting your diet to avoid colon health problems in the future. But it’s a good idea to start the colon cleanse process with high quality herbal products that can help you get off to a good start.

Jim Mcdonald

http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/find-a-natural-colon-cleanse-that-works-140657.html

Detox Diet Benefits

 

What to Expect when Detox Dieting

All detox diets are a little bit different. Some restrict food down to almost nothing while others allow for mostly veggies, beans, fruit, and rice. There are a few things that you should expect when beginning a detox diet, so that you can receive the full detox diets benefits.

Your body is significantly used to adjusting to toxins and poisons running through your body. One of the greatest detox diet benefits, naturally, is that you will rid your body of these toxins and poisons. There are side effects of receiving these detox diet benefits. If you are particularly used to that steaming cup of caffeinated beverage in the morning, you will experience caffeine withdrawal. While it may not seem like it while you are experiencing caffeine withdrawal, this is one of the detox diet benefits. Once your body has adjusted to the absence of caffeine, you should find that you have more energy.

Constipation is considered a leading cause of lethargy and fatigue. One of the detox diet benefits is the cleansing of the colon, which can cure even long term constipation. I had a room mate that was on narcotic pain relievers for over a year due to a severe injury. The narcotics kept her chronically constipated. The day she was finally through with her narcotic pain relievers, she went through a detox diet. She found that the detox diet benefits included relieving her body of the narcotic dependency as well as relieved her chronic constipation. She now regularly cleanses and detoxifies her colon when she is having difficulty going to the restroom, with obvious detox diet benefits as she returns from the restroom with a pleased grin on her face instead of the anguish she used to live in.

Even with the detox diet benefits, some people report feeling a bit weak about one week into the detox diet. Most detox diets do reduce food consumption, which can have an effect. The basic key is knowing how to elongate the effects of the foods you do eat. Those who really struggle with the lowered food consumption report that splitting the lunches into 2 meals works better for them than eating just the suggested breakfast and lunch. This still gives them the detox diet benefits but doesn’t introduce additional foods into the scenario. Most detox diet experts state that provided you are not adding additional foods to the diet, segregating the meals into smaller snacks is perfectly acceptable.

The excessive water consumption associated with the detox diet is going to encourage your system to flush, which means you will be visiting the rest room much more often. This is a positive detox diet benefit. The more water that flushes your system the more toxins that will exit your body when you excrete it, and excreting it often will enhance the productivity of the entire process.

One of the little known detox diet benefits is the regeneration of the liver that can occur while following a detox diet. Milk thistle is typically recommended as part of the supplementation of the detox diet. Milk thistle aids in the liver’s ability to regenerate. It’s not a cure for liver disease, however it can help in the prevention of a liver disease, along with other changes to your lifestyle.

What Not to Expect when Detox Dieting

Detox dieting is designed to alleviate the ailments associated with large quantities of toxins that are built up in the human body. Detox dieting is not a "cure" for every disease. While most people experience great relief from every day annoying symptoms, detox dieting does not eliminate diseases that are already in the system. For instance, you can not rid you body of cancer cells by detox dieting. The cancer cells, for starters are not an actual toxin. They may have been caused by toxins, but the cells themselves are not something that can be flushed away.

Most people drop several pounds when detox dieting. There are those who drop a significant amount of weight when detox dieting. This is normal, and while some of it can be contributed to the flushing of fat cells, water weight, and calorie reduction, there is some permanent weight loss happening provided you do not return to eating habits that are probable for weight gain. This means that if you were prone to eating potato chips and cookies prior to detox dieting and you return to eating potato chips and cookies after detox dieting, you will gain the weight back. This may seem obvious, but there are plenty of foods that people believe contain a low calorie and low fat content but in reality they contain quite the opposite. An avocado for example contains nearly three times the amount of fat and calories as a measured serving of enriched white rice. While detox dieting, learn to recognize the foods you are putting into your body and what they actually do once they enter your gullet.

Detox dieting is not a cure for serious emotional or mental conditions, such as clinical depression. While many people admit to feeling less "depressed" during and after detox dieting, there is a difference between situational depression and clinical depression. Clinical depression requires medication. Detox dieting can not take the place of medication that is necessary to function on a day to day basis. Situational depression may be alleviated through detox dieting simply because you are taking control of your body, your health, in essence, your situation. These two depressions are significantly different.

How is Detox Dieting Different from Other Diet Plans?

Diet plans are a dime a dozen. There are grapefruit diet plans and the Atkins diet plan and the green tea diet plan and the national chain diet plans. An individual can spend countless hours and thousands of dollars "trying on" various diet plans. Some will work while others will ultimately fail. Why? Because not all diet plans will work for everyone. Does detox dieting work for everyone? Yes. Why? Because losing weight is a by product of the goal. The goal is to clean the body of the various toxins and wastes which have accumulated over the years. This is a process of ridding the body of the ailing chemicals we introduce it to on a daily basis while eliminating the build up of residual toxins. Weight loss occurs as a result of numerous factors, but weight loss in not the primary goal of a detox diet plan.

Keep in mind that not all detox diet plans are the same. Some detox diet plans are put together by professionals who understand the body’s ability to cleanse itself of these harmful chemicals. While diet plans are typically put together by an entrepreneurial spirit, the detox diet plan was actually something that originated by a naturopathist, an individual who studies the various body types and how they process things on their own unique level. Since the detox diet plan was developed, there have been a remarkable number of "knock off" detox diet plans that have shown up on the market. These are all plans that suggest you stop eating and drink only diluted juice for several days (beyond twenty four hours this becomes unhealthy) and then limits food intake so dramatically that people find it impossible to stick to. If you’re going to try any diet plan at all, it would simply make sense to start at the beginning. The beginning of healthy weight loss is a healthy body.

The dramatic detox diet benefits is that people who tried to detoxify their bodies using the original detox diet plan found themselves losing weight as a welcome surprise. Detox dieting has grown in popularity due to its dual effect. Detox dieting cleanses the body of the toxins and as a result, weight loss occurs. There simply isn’t another diet plan that can match that no matter what they claim.

We live in a cluttered and chemically enriched society. Compare our lifestyles, our food products, and our basic need for heat and eat meals to the lifestyles and foods of people in remote and natural regions such as the Pacific Islands. People in natural regions are healthier overall. They eat natural foods that haven’t been laced with chemicals and they live natural lives that don’t revolve around the constant breathing of polluted air. Their bodies are not only healthier, but they are naturally thinner. They have fewer health complaints such as headaches and toothaches and stomach cramping.

The detox diet plan can help you jumpstart your body toward a healthier state of being. Naturally, effective detox dieting requires an effective detox diet plan. You really shouldn’t just linger out there in cyberspace hoping the right detox diet plan will pop up into your browser. There are very few detox diet plans that I would dare put my stamp of approval on. However, one in particular I have found has excellent reviews by some actual detox dieters. Finding an authentic detox diet plan that is effective, safe, and of course reliable shouldn’t be left to luck.

Types of Hemorrhoids and Their Treatment With Ayurveda

Hemorrhoids – more commonly known as piles – is a very painful condition wherein the internal and external veins of the anal region become varicose. The veins can be seen protruding from the anal area. If bleeding occurs, then they are called as bleeding piles. Both bleeding and non-bleeding piles are painful.

In Ayurveda, hemorrhoids are called as Arsha Shoola, which literally means ‘pain from pricking like needles’. This is indeed how the pain from the hemorrhoids is felt. It is caused due to vitiation of any of the three doshas. It is classified as a digestive disorder; accumulation of waste materials in the rectal area can give rise to piles. The chances of piles are increased by other factors such as sitting on hard seats, chronic constipation and pregnancy.

Since hemorrhoids can be caused due to any of the three doshas, the symptoms are different.

1. Vata type of Hemorrhoids – These piles are hard and darker in color; almost black. The pain is acute. Constipation is present.

2. Pitta type of Hemorrhoids – These piles are soft and reddish in color. Bleeding is present. Other symptoms are excessive thirst, fever and diarrhea.

3. Kapha type of Hemorrhoids – These piles are slimy to the touch. They are large and soft and whitish in color. The person has digestive problems.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Hemorrhoids

1. Carrot (Daucus carota)

Carrots are effective in reducing the bleeding of the piles. They can be eaten in either raw or in cooked form.

2. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic can stop the growth of bleeding piles. When it is kept in contact with the piles, i.e. in the rectum, then there is relief from the bleeding of the piles. Ideally it must be inserted high up in the rectum so that it stays there overnight.

Apart from these herbs, several herbs are prescribed in Ayurveda as drugs of choice during hemorrhoids. The following is a list of these herbs:-

1. Trikatu

2. Cassia fistula

3. Mimosa pudica

4. Ailanthus excelsa

5. Blumea balsamifera

6. Semicarpus anacardium

(2) Dietary Treatments for Hemorrhoids

Since hemorrhoids are generally caused due to low digestive fire, it is necessary to take a proper diet in order to prevent or treat the disease. The following dietary guidelines must be followed:-

a. Any food that is difficult to digest must not be consumed. This includes oily and spicy foods, red meats and rich desserts. Instead green leafy vegetables must be consumed in high amounts as these have the necessary fibers required for proper digestion.

b. Bitter and astringent tastes are better in case of hemorrhoids. Foods having these tastes must form the major bulk of the diet.

c. Vegetables such as yam, spinach, radish, carrots and okra are beneficial.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Ayurvedic treatment for hemorrhoids has a twofold intention:- (i) to reduce the constipation that is associated with the hemorrhoids and (ii) to relieve the pains of the piles and reduce them.

In order to reduce the constipation, asafetida, fennel and cumin are generally prescribed. There are other dietary elements like ghee, buttermilk and green leafy vegetables which the patient is supposed to take.

Once the constipation is brought under control, methods are employed to reduce the pains of the piles. Application of sandalwood or sesame oil on the piles can help in case of external piles.

Kankayana vati, Arshogni vati and Pranada gutika are medicines of choice if the piles are caused due to a vata constitution. If the hemorrhoids are due to a pitta constitution, then Avipattikara choorna is prescribed. For bleeding piles, Kutajavaleha taken in a quantity of 1 teaspoon twice a day is beneficial.

(4) Home Medications

a. Prepare a mixture of turmeric, the leaves of the Indian hemp and onion in hot sesame oil. Use this as an ointment for application over the piles. This is effective in the treatment of painful and protruding hemorrhoids.

b. A carefully prepared mixture of the pulp of the raw bael fruit, sugar, black peppers and cardamoms is useful in allaying hemorrhoids, especially if they are bleeding.

c. A concoction prepared of the outer seeds of the soap nut with honey is also an efficient hemorrhoids remedy.

d. Radish can be heated and applied as a poultice on the piles. This remedy works in case the hemorrhoids are not bleeding.

e. Before going to sleep every night, take a glassful of warm milk with ghee in it. This will soothe the large intestine and make the passing of stools easier.

f. Buttermilk with rock salt in it is a good remedy to reduce constipation in piles.

g. A laxative of flaxseed in warm milk or ghee can also be taken at night to reduce the constipation in the morning.

h. Put some warm water in a tub and sit in it such that the piles are in contact with the water. This provides immediate relief from the piles. Fomenting the piles with warm water also provides relief.

A Morning Smoothie to Help you Stop Constipation

 

Chronic constipation can be hard to stop or elimination, since the colon have become weak. In most cases it will have to be retrained on how to have a bowel movement.

For those of you that have mild constipation, here is a morning smoothie that will help activate your colon. This smoothie is packed with nutrients that your body will use to regenerate your colon and body.

I have been making this smoothie for a few years. I make enough to drink right away and to put into my thermos to drink around 10am.

When I make this drink I just start putting things in the blender without measuring. You can do the same and make adjustments as you go.

" one peeled banana
" 4-5 strawberries or other type of berries, or fruits
" one tablespoon of lecithin granules
" one – two teaspoons of flax seed oil
" half and half almond milk and apple juice
" in a coffee grinder, grind up around a teaspoon or less of the following:

" Brown sesame seeds – are high in lecithin, vitamin C, E, and Calcium. They improve liver function and help in constipation
" Sunflower seeds – are high protein, Calcium, and iron. They are one of the best natural foods which feed the entire body.
" Flax seeds – are high in fiber and provide bulk for your stools.
" Almonds – use around 6-7 or more. They are high in Calcium, Phosphorus and have some B-vitamins. Only eat a few. They are high in calories.

After grinding the seeds, place them in the blender and blender everything for about 3-4 minutes. If you need a little sweetness, you can add a small amount of honey. I find this drink plenty sweet without any honey.

Sometimes I will add the powder of a few acidophilus capsules.

If I don’t add the almonds, I just put all the tiny seed into the blender without grinding them up. The blender will break them up.

This is a powerful smoothie to give you morning power and to activate your colon to get moving.

Finding Relief From Chronic Constipation With Zelnorm

Chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are problems that have plagued millions of Americans. It is estimated that 4.5 million Americans are affected by it every year. On a worldwide basis, it is estimated that 37 million people are affect by chronic constipation every year. It strikes people from all walks of life and in all social statures. Medical research has not been able to determine why chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome occur, but new research is being conducted every day.

Chronic constipation is a disease with symptoms that include no bowel movements for up to six weeks at a time, stomach pain and bloating. It is an extremely uncomfortable feeling and often painful.

There have been breakthroughs with treating these horrible diseases. Medicines have been developed to help treat them. Not all of the treatments such as fiber and laxatives work on everyone who has chronic constipation. There is one medication that works for many people called Zelnorm. It is the first medication of its kind to receive FDA approval.

Zelnorm was developed in 2002 and is the first medication that was approved for treating chronic constipation in people under the age of sixty-five years old in 2004.

Studies have shown Zelnorm does not work effectively in men who have irritable bowel syndrome and is recommended for use up to two weeks for women.

Another study that was conducted involved 842 people with chronic constipation. The study was conduct for 13 months. The results were that Zelnorm increased frequency of bowel movements and lessened the severity of bloating a stomach pain.

Zelnorm was developed to help relieve the bloating that occurs with chronic constipation. It is meant to be a short-term treatment and should be monitored by a physician.

Zelnorm is available by prescription only. When you first start taking Zelnorm, it is important to advise your doctor if there are any symptoms or complications you may have. Your doctor may perform tests to make sure that there are no underlying medical conditions.

Severe diarrhea has been reported in some cases. This was the only side affect known to occur with Zelnorm. It is extremely important that you report any changes no matter how small to your doctor immediately.

Zelnorm is a medical breakthrough that can help millions of people with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation. For those who suffer from these diseases, it is welcome news.

For years, people have suffered the embarrassment of these diseases. Finally, there is relief for them.

Although Zelnorm may not be right for everybody, it can help the majority of people that suffer from intestinal disorders. Only a medical doctor can perform the necessary tests to find out if Zelnorm is right for you.

Disclaimer: The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Zelnorm.

Constipation Remedy Using Apples and Other Juices

Here are two constipation remedies that you can use for a mild case of constipation and for a chronic case of constipation.

Apple and Pear Juice

If you have a mild case of constipation, you can use this remedy to get results.

Prepare equal amounts of fresh apple and pear juice. Drink this combination when you first wake up and one hour before bedtime.

Juice the pears that are slightly hard. If the pear is ripe, it is best to blend it whole with apple juice to create a thick drink. Using the whole pear will give you additional fiber. Just remove the seeds but do not peel the organic type.

Pears have minerals, vitamins, and chemicals that help to clean out your colon, kidney and to regenerate your blood cells.

Apple Juice and Prune Juice

Here’s a constipation remedy that you can use if you have chronic constipation. In addition to just drinking apple juice, you can accelerate your peristaltic action with prune juice.

Here’s how to do it.

If you have a juicer you can make fresh apple juice and drink 3-4 glasses a day. You can also drink store-bought apple juice but try to get fresh squeezed and not the type that has been flash pasteurized or pasteurized. If you can find fresh apple juice then use flash pasteurized.

Buy your juice in glass containers if possible.

Plastic containers are processed using solvents that stay in the container walls and gradually outgas into the apple juice. This out gassing is more severe when plastic containers are stored in hot places.

To speed up the laxative effects of apple juice, take the following combination first thing in the morning before you have breakfast,

Drink 2-3 cups of prune juice.

After ½ hour, drink one cup of apple juice

Then, 1-hour later drinks another cup of apple juice.

I usually buy my prune juice in a bottle and fresh squeeze my apple juice.

Be prepared to head for the bathroom after you drink your prune juice and your first glass of apple juice. You may need to head to the bathroom soon after you drink prune juice, everyone is different. I have used this combination and have recommended it to my clients and have had good results.

Prune juice by itself is good for constipation. It is a safe, gentle and an effective laxative. Drink a cup in the morning and a cup in the evening. Prune juice contain the substance dihydrophenylisatin, which is responsible for the laxative action. Prunes are also high in iron and are a great supplement if you are anemic or low on iron.

If you add prune juice to your diet, do not drink as much of it as you would when you have constipation. Drink ½ glasses in the morning and perhaps ½ glasses in the evening.

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.