Sudden Constipation: America’s New Epidemic?

A new Epidemic

It may seem silly to call the rise in gastrointestinal diseases caused by our affluent society an epidemic. Still, it can’t be denied that the human suffering, the work days missed and the health care expenses have many in our modern society yearning for the good old days.

Medical costs for digestive problems are estimated at 50 billion dollars a year. About 200,000 workers stay home from work every day because they are suffering from sudden constipation or diarrhea or some other digestive disturbance.

Are we Poisoning Ourselves?

A lot of adults will concur that they suffer from sluggish bowels. Many wholistic practitioners believe this toxic build-up in our colon is a form of autointoxication. This waste material that sits in our colons for far too long can, over time, cause many chronic degenerative diseases.

Then, there is a re-absorption into the bloodstream of all that waste that gets carried throughout the body.

Some of the results of this are chronic fatigue and body weakness, depression, nervousness, skin problems, ulcers, headaches, arthritic joints, swelling in the feet and hands- the list goes on.

You would think that any country that spends a cool billion dollars a year on antacids has a health concern going on.

Common Digestive Complaints

Let’s take a look at some of the ways that our bowels are complaining to us about our lifestyle.

• Diarrhea – Although it’s a common symptom, it can develop for hundreds of reasons. Over use of laxatives, an adverse reaction to a medication, complications of diabetes and thyroid trouble and infection from contaminated foods or drink are some of the things that cause diarrhea.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Doctors attribute this disorder to stress. It shows as bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea and sometimes-sudden constipation. This illness can stop making someone’s life miserable as fast as it began, with no real noticeable reason for this happening.
• Diverticular Disease – Little pouches that develop in the walls of the large bowel cause this. It can affect about ½ of the population of people over 50, but it doesn’t always have symptoms. When the little pouches get inflamed, there is pain, diarrhea or sudden constipation and fever. Surgery is a last resort, but might be necessary if diet changes and medications fail.
• Colitis – Nobody has found the cause of this inflammation of the colon. It usually shows up when people are in their 20’s and 30’s. Severe diarrhea, with blood and mucus in the stool and abdominal pain are symptoms. Medications can help, but most of the time surgery is needed.
• Crohn’s disease – This disease seems to affect young people, too. Stomachache, diarrhea and weight loss are signals of the disease. Some people can manage with medication, but most will need surgical intervention.
• Cancer – Any sudden change in bowel habit, such as sudden constipation should be looked into. There may also be persistent abdominal pain, weight loss and bleeding from the bowel. Colon cancer is on the rise, but is often cured if caught early.

Colon Cancer

Many report that sudden constipation is what alarmed them enough to go to a doctor. As colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer, people need to be clear about the importance of early treatment. If you are enjoying regularity and you develop sudden constipation, have it looked at by your doctor.

Other than sudden constipation you should never wait to see your physician if your bowel movements are black. This is often a sign of bleeding from somewhere.

If you or someone you know has a genetic predisposition to cancer, it is a good idea to make diet changes now. A diet that is high in meat, or high in fat and low in fiber is putting your health at risk.

Remember: people who are 50 years and over are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer, so any warning sign, such as sudden constipation, should have you making an appointment with your physician.

A Healthy Colon

If you’ve been eating a lot of unhealthy foods, a good colon cleansing might be in order. Many people are opting for a spring-cleaning of the colon and claim renewed vitality, better skin and nails and other health benefits because of it.

There is no need for taking any harsh, colon-cleansing regimes that have you sitting near the bathroom door. One product that is very gentle and uses natural oxygenated magnesium, germanium and citric acid to actually liquefy and clean out waste material is Oxy-Powder®. You may not suffer from sudden constipation, but if you’ve had bouts of constipation or sluggish movements, chances are you’ll want to do some cleansing. It is never too late to get your colon in tip-top shape.

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/sudden-constipation-americas-new-epidemic-89970.html

Detoxifying Your Body

What does that mean? I’ve been learning more and more about this. It sounds scary but it’s really easy to do. We touch and eat toxins that get absorbed into our bodies. The fat cells then cling onto those toxins meaning the fat stays on our bodies and it gets harder and harder to lose.

I’ve tried several different products that claim to detox your body. I’ve found one that I feel really works.

It’s Coral Calcium 02, it’s delivered in a pure ionic form, which means it is immediately bioavailable to the body. Meaning it can help with other issues we have with our bodies.

This helps absorb vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat and the supplements you take combats arthritis and heart disease, cleans the kidneys, intestines, and liver, protects our bodies from free radical cell damage from everyday life, increase muscle and joint mobility, increase your oxygen levels, control digestive problems, regulates blood sugar, manages blood pressure, neutralizes harmful acids that lead to illness also helps fighting the battle against cancer and other diseases.

Revitalize means Alkalinity equal good health. Coral Calcium 02 transforms your water into a powerful alkaline beverage, which fights against the physical stress caused by today’s fast paced lifestyles.

As your body becomes more acidic, your internal environment becomes inviting for harmful bacteria to grow and proliferate. Cleansing your body of these microforms and their toxic waste is vital to regaining a healthy balance within your system. NuCleanse will help cleanse and detoxify the whole body including the colon, blood, lymph, tissues, interstitial fluids, liver, and kidneys. Cleansing with NuCleanse will help eliminate negative microforms and excess acidity thereby getting your body’s ph in balance more quickly, purifying it from years of damaging toxic buildup.

NuCleanse is made of 20 all natural herbs. These herbs break down the foods that we eat and pass them through the body more easily without leaving toxins. NuCleanse, if taken as directed, is designed to cleanse the colon making your digestive system run more efficiently.

You should start to see results within 1 to 3 weeks. Years of toxic build up may not disappear at once. That’s why we recommend maintaining your NuCleanse regiment for at least three months to assure a more complete system purging. You may even see certain manifestations of toxic build up leaving your body.

Once toxic mucus and meat residue is out of your system, you may wish to continue using NuCleanse on a daily basis to maintain a healthy colon and to promote good digestion. According to the American Dietetic Association, an average person should consume at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day, but Americans only eat about 5 to 20 grams a day.

Did you know that the average person contains 5 to 25 pounds of waste buildup in their colon? This may lead to increased bacteria and toxins that contaminate our system causing common sicknesses and diseases.

Approximately 90% of all disease and discomfort is related to an unclean colon. Internal cleansing is essential for a healthy, active lifestyle, especially in this fast paced, fast food society.

Stop fighting the diet and body cleansing battle and discover how NuCleanse flushes the excess waste build up, and deadly toxins out of your body, resulting in rapid weight loss and better health.

Ionic Bentonite
NuCleanse contains ionic bentonite clay. Bentonite aids in detoxification because it contains a large and varied mineral content. Bentonite has a negative electrical attraction for positively charged particles such as toxins and harmful bacteria.

Psyllium Fiber
NuCleanse also contains psyllium husk powder, which is a great fiber source as well as a natural laxative. Psyllium contains mucilagins that are beneficial as both a laxative and anti-diarrheal. Psyllium is useful in restoring normal bowel functions and promoting healthy colon functions. The nutritional benefits of psyllium are great for cleansing the large intestines, expelling toxins from the body.

Cleansing Herbs
The herbal blend in NuCleanse (Senna Leaf, Cascara Sagrada, Burdock Root, Parsley Leaf, Alfalfa Herb, Fennel Seed, and Licorice Root) also help remove toxins and wastes from the colon.

Did you know it takes 32 glasses of alkaline water to neutralize the acid from one 12 oz soda? Each time you drink acidic soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks your body uses its own buffers (from bone and dna) to raise the body’s alkalinity to maintain your healthy blood pH level of 7.35 to 7.45.

The Facts:
More than 1 in 5 Americans unknowingly drink tap water polluted with feces, radiation or other contaminants. Nearly 1,000 deaths each year and at least 400,000 cases of waterborne illness may be attributed to contaminated water. The New York Times June 2, 1995 Clean your water with 02.

There is an answer to easily change the affects of the world on your body. Just by adding this to our water, it helps regulate our bodies and keeps us health. By keeping us healthy we are able to fight off illnesses.

Alternative Medicine, Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers Relief

 

The open sores which appear in the mouth are called as mouth ulcers. They are white or yellow in color, and are generally accompanied with a sharp pain, which is felt most when the person is eating. The pain is quite acute when salty or spicy food passes over the ulcer. Mouth ulcers can occur anywhere in the mouth – on the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, tongue, palate and at the base of the gums.

Mouth ulcers are caused due to vitiation of the pitta dosha. The condition is called as Mukha Paaka in Sanskrit. There are several factors that can cause it. Some of them are as follows:-

1 Wrong diet
2 Digestive problems such as constipation
3 Hormonal imbalances, especially during puberty in girls
4 Anemia
5 Constant stress
6 Hereditary factors
7 Infection of the herpes simplex virus
8 Irritation by some chemicals, tobacco and alcohol

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Mouth Ulcers

1. Banyan (Ficus religiosa)
A decoction of the bark of the banyan tree reduces the pain caused by mouth ulcers.

2. Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula)
The chebulic myrobalan is a component of the Triphala choorna, of which the amalaki is also an essential component. Its bark helps in reducing the pain of the ulcers. It also helps in correcting the constipation problems which causes ulcers.

3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Fenugreek leaves help in the treatment of mouth ulcers. An infusion of these leaves is used for gargling. Fenugreek is a strong agent on the ulcers. Hence it is used as a remedy for recurrent ulcers.

4. Henna (Lawsonium alba)
Henna is a cooling herb. It can provide a soothing effect on the ulcers. It is used with water for gargling.

5. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
The Indian gooseberry or amalaki has a dual effect on ulcers. Used as a gargling solution, it can relax the pain of the ulcers. Secondly it can deal with constipation, which is generally one of the important factors causing ulcers in the mouth.

6. Kattha (Acacia catechu)
Kattha is an extract of the Acacia catechu plant, known commonly in the west as the catechu plant. This has astringent properties. It has a special place in Ayurvedic medicine in oral treatment. It is used in many forms for the treatment of ulcers.

7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is used for several oral and dental problems. It is a component of several toothpaste brands. Its stem and leaves cleanse the mouth effectively. Apart from controlling the sores, it can refresh the mouth and cleanse the teeth.

8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is also a cooling agent. It helps in relieving mouth ulcers. It is mixed in water and the suspension is used for gargling.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Mouth Ulcers

Digestive problems are the leading causes for mouth ulcers. If an oral ulcer occurs suddenly, then it could be due to excessive heat generated in the body due to consuming hot food.

1. When ulcers occur in the mouth, hot and spicy food must be stopped immediately. These will aggravate the pains of the ulcers. Caffeine and tea must also be stopped.

2. Consuming more greens in the diet helps to be ever-protected from ulcers. Greens also provide the necessary fiber for the movement of bowels. This prevents constipation.

3. It is advisable to stop fatty food – especially that which contains oils – till the time the ulcers have healed.

4. Papaya is a very good fruit to be consumed when you have mouth ulcers. It soothes the mouth ulcers and helps in their quick recovery. Yam is also beneficial for mouth ulcer problems.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Mouth Ulcers

Ayurveda prescribes the Irimedadi tailam for local application over the mouth ulcers. It gives relief from the pains and assists in speedy recovery. Instead of Irimedadi tailam, camphor powder can also be applied on the ulcers.

(4) Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

1. Grind the leaves of the Indian plum (jambula). Exude their paste in water and gargle with this water. It will give immediate relief from the pains of the mouth ulcers.

2. Gargling with the water of the adulsa (Justicia adhadota) also brings about an immediate relief from the mouth ulcer pains.

3. Mix the peel of a lemon with white catechu. Grind them into a very fine paste. Apply this directly on the ulcer. The ulcer will get treated almost immediately.

4. Take two to three leaves of the guava tree and some catechu. Chomp them together. This will cure even the most persistent of ulcers within a few days.

5. Mix some catechu in water till it gets a pasty consistency. Apply this paste on the ulcers.

6. Mix a ripe banana in curds that have been prepared from cow’s milk. Eat this as a dessert.

It will bring about a permanent solution to the oral ulcer problems.

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.

Colon Cleansers Basics

 

Colon cleansers are quite simply food, laxatives or procedures, such as a colonic, used to stimulate the bowels into action producing a bowel movement.

Colon cleansers are thought by some to provide relief from toxins that fill our bodies while others believe that colon cleaners are nonsense and a complete waste of time. Some even believe that colon cleansers are harmful to the body as the colon itself was designed to handle a variety of bacteria and works quite naturally.

For those supporters of colon cleansing, it is believed that colon cleaners are good for conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, chronic fatigue, acid reflux (GERD), and even skin and hair problems.

Since most digestive problems are caused by a toxic build-up in the body, it is essential to flush the body of all toxic chemicals. This can only be done effectively with a colon cleanser.

In order to establish a healthy colon, you must regularly clean your colon just like you wash your body or brush your teeth. Food or products meant for colon cleansing are designed to cleanse and scrub the colon ridding the body of the toxins built up and ultimately leading to a healthier and "cleaner" life.

Colon cleansing must be done regularly and often since we are constantly taking in more food which leads to additional build up of toxic waste in the colon.

A common method of colon cleansing is to use specific herbs designed to stimulate action and the colon and get your bowels to move.

A commonly used herb for colon cleansing is senna. It is important to remember that you should not begin a colon cleansing or take herbs without first checking with your physician. At the time of this writing, the use of senna has not been evaluated for use by the FDA but has been used widely for years in more cultural and traditional settings, as opposed to Western medicine, to deal with issues such as constipation or desired colon cleansings.

Besides an herbal supplement colon cleansing other types of colon cleansers include colonics, enemas and cleansing through fasting.

Once you have begun a colon cleansing it is critical to begin to introduce good bacteria into your digestive system. This can be accomplished easily by taking probiotics supplements.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that when taken may improve the microflora of the intestines.

Advocates of colon cleansing believe that once the colon has been cleansed and probiotics have been replaced then the last step is to begin to take herbs, vitamins and minerals and amino acids to completely detoxify every cell in your body.

Once your body has been "cleansed" it is important to prevent your body from becoming toxic again and a healthy way to do so is take a dietary fiber supplement on a regular basis.

Other things that help to maintain a healthy colon include taking probiotics, eating high-fiber diet and daily exercise program.

So do your homework, talk with your physician and decide if colon cleansing is for you.