Constipation and Fatigue

If you are constipated, you are probably also dealing with fatigue. Constipation and fatigue can go hand in hand. Constipation is a symptom of a digestive problem; yet constipation has its own hosts of symptoms. Many people know the symptoms of constipation -bloating, straining, irregular bowel movements, passing small hard stools and even hemorrhoids. Fatigue is one of the lesser discussed symptoms of constipation.

Many people simply do not relate their fatigue back to their constipation. They think they are just leading a life that’s too busy, or they are not resting adequately at night, or they are under too much stress. Many people are surprised to find discover when they take steps to detoxify their bodies, and cleanse it of sludge, mucous, and accumulated fecal matter, their energy levels return.

The truth is when we are fatigued, everything becomes a chore. Simple things like getting up in the morning can seem like a monumental task. Everything from a demanding career, to pursuing higher education, to running after little ones in the home can seem like overwhelming obstacles. When you are fatigued and do not have the zest for life that you once did, it can easily lead to depression. If this sounds familiar, and you are constipated, you should get on the offensive and cleanse your system.

The colon is not supposed to be a holding tank for toxins and fecal matter. Many people have cleansed out their systems and were shocked at the quantity of waste matter they were carrying around inside their bodies. If you truly think about it, why wouldn’t you feel tired, sluggish and drained with all this garbage in you? Many people are carrying around literally pounds of toxins inside their bodies. It is no wonder many people report they lose weight after they have performed a complete colon cleansing.

To put it simply, constipation is not good. You must get the buildup of garbage out of your system before it results in a major health problem requiring surgery. Once your body is free of this debris, your energy levels can return and you can begin to develop a new outlook on life.

So, how do you cleanse the body? After all, it’s not like pouring some injector cleaner into your car’s gas tank . . . or is it? First, you should forget about laxatives and enemas. These just treat the present constipation and do nothing to get to the root of the problem. To thoroughly cleanse your body and rid it of mucous, fecal matter, and sludge, you need a product like Oxy-Powder®. This is an all-natural product in a capsule form. It doesn’t work harshly like an enema or strong laxative. As the name implies, Oxy-Powder® oxidizes away the years of waste in your system with natural ingredients released over a 12-hour period.

It is important to note the solid matter in your system will be pretty much liquefied; but this should not be misconstrued for diarrhea, which is caused by viral infection. Yes, you will go to the bathroom frequently. The only way to get rid of the buildup is to get it out. You will pass stools that are liquid in composition and you will also experience extra gas.

This is all part of the oxidation process and it is much easier on the system than using a laxative or enema. So, you should make sure you are near a bathroom during the first few days of the cleansing. Unlike laxatives and enemas, Oxy-Powder® truly cleanses the digestive system. It is not a one-time process. The product label details the dosage recommendations for the first seven days of your cleanse. There is also a maintenance dosage recommendation to help you keep your digestive system working at its best thereafter. Oxy-Powder® is also non-addictive and safe for your body.

It’s amazing how negatively something like constipation can affect your energy levels. It is also quite surprising how many people do not connect their constipation with their fatigue. Yet, it is easy to understand why these people feel tired. Their bodies, already polluted by the high levels of toxins, are fighting stress as a by-product of the natural, defensive process. Ironically, the colon may even attempt to absorb the waste to eliminate it, but that just puts even more poison into your system!

If you are suffering from fatigue and constipation, you should take steps necessary to thoroughly cleanse your system. Once you rid your body of the waste that it has stored over time, you will probably feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from your shoulders – or at least from your stomach!

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The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-and-fatigue-107565.html

Eating Disorders: A Disease Of Perceptions

Body image is something that young women in America often struggle with on a daily basis. Their minds are flooded with images of rail thin models and celebrities who run the “it” crowd. Unfortunately, this is where many women become obsessed with weight and looks in hopes of making themselves perfect. Although there is no clear cut cause for an eating disorder, people with a family history of depression or anxiety, obesity, and even social factors are listed as very possible perpetrators for such syndromes. There are two well known types of eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Anorexia is most likely the more well-known eating disorder in America today. Women with Anorexia will have what is called body-image distortion. This means because their views of what is attractive have become so distorted and skewed, what they see in the mirror isn’t necessarily what they actually look like.

So while you may see an attractive and healthy or sometimes underweight and malnourished individual, they will see nothing but flaws that need to be fixed typically their weight. Some tendencies include; using laxatives or enemas inappropriately, vomiting or excessive exercise routines. This can differ in several ways from the other common eating disorder called Bulimia Nervosa.

Bulimics have similar symptoms, but show different tendencies in their quest for the “perfect” body. While it is still classified as psychological condition dealing with body image this
condition causes the person to binge or overeat greatly on high fat or high calorie foods, and then purge most commonly with laxatives or vomiting. Although both of these disorders are generally categorized as psychological or sociological issues, new studies have shown that some sufferers of Bulimia could have hormonal imbalances specifically testosterone.

Body image matters have really evolved over time and have risen to staggering new heights in America over the last decade. Many will attribute this in large part to the fashion industry and endless media coverage on celebrities. While there is no “cure” for these disorders, anyone who has Anorexia or Bulimia needs treatment. It’s been shown that people who receive treatment at earlier stages have a vastly higher chance of keeping a healthy body and mind.

It is important to be educated about the signs and symptoms of these disorders. If you or anyone close to you is more than moderately underweight, show obsessive or irrational fears of food or gaining weight seek help immediately. These are life threatening diseases, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Gabriel Adams
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/eating-disorders-a-disease-of-perceptions-124757.html

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

Hemorrhoid Treatments To Help Your Painful Piles

Hemorrhoids, both internal and external hemorrhoids should be treated aggressively before they worsen. It is thought that hemorrhoids never improve with time, they only worsen and so treatment and prevention is the key to the management of these tiny little aggravations.

So if you have been “afflicted” like so many other Americans what can you do? What are the best treatment options available so that you can get relief from the pain and risks of hemorrhoids?

After a thorough assessment and diagnostic workup, the treatment of hemorrhoids is the next step in the plan to find relief from hemorrhoids. The initial treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed at relieving symptoms and most initial treatments are ones that you can implement on your own.

Although medications and surgical intervention may ultimately be the treatment required for the management of your hemorrhoids, all non-invasive treatment options should be attempted first before taking that route. Self-care is an easy first step and is usually sufficient to treat hemorrhoids.

In order to avoid the development of further hemorrhoids or to avoid aggravating those hemorrhoids currently present it is important to follow the same steps that you would follow if trying to prevent the development of hemorrhoids in the first place.

Lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water, eating a sufficient amount of fiber rich food, getting an adequate amount of exercise, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, avoiding laxatives, except the bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil, and avoiding postponing or straining with a bowel movement are all fairly easy to implement with practice.

Sitting in a bath of plain, warm water 10-15 minutes three or four times a day, thoroughly cleaning the rectal area following each bowel movement by either gentle patting or with a moist towelette or even a baby wipe and using ice packs or a cold compress can all help treat hemorrhoids.

Medications can also be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Medications such as Tylenol®, Motrin® and Aspirin have all proven to be effective in providing relief from the pain and inflammation of hemorrhoids. Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you use over the counter medications such as hemorrhoid creams containing witch hazel or hydrocortisone.

The witch hazel can provide a cooling and soothing feeling to the irritated area while the hydrocortisone cream can help to reduce pain and itching. Other topical medications and hemorrhoid suppositories work as lubricants to reduce the irritation and friction of hemorrhoids. Containing ingredients such as lanolin, glycerin, and cocoa butter these topical medications usually provide relief to most sufferers.

Other more invasive treatments for hemorrhoids include rubber band ligation (a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum, cutting off circulation which results in the hemorrhoid withering away within a week to ten days), sclerotherapy (a chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel causing the hemorrhoid to shrink), infrared coagulation (a special device is used to actually burn away the hemorrhoidal tissue), and hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal of severe internal or external hemorrhoids).

Painful piles… hemorrhoids… there is no need to keep suffering with this irritating, aggravating condition. Once a diagnosis is confirmed then talk with your physician to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Jeff Foster
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/hemorrhoid-treatments-to-help-your-painful-piles-95887.html

Bulimia Affected Teens

Bulimia is an eating disorder that mostly affects young women of 12. Characteristics of bulimia include episodic binge eating followed by feelings of guilt and self-condemnation. Bulimia can actually damage a person’s stomach and kidneys as a result of constant vomiting. Bulimia can also cause a person’s teeth to decay because of the acids that come up into the mouth while vomiting. Teens suffering from bulimia often show signs of the eating disorder by eating a large amount of food in a small time frame and immediately purging themselves of the food ingested by causing themselves to vomit.

Difference between Bulimia and Anorexia:

Bulimia is a bit different from anorexia because the person with bulimia doesn’t avoid eating. Instead, he or she eats a large amount of food then gets rid of it quickly by vomiting or taking laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia tends to affect girls and young women more than guys. A teen that is bulimic can have some of the same symptoms as an anorexic, but she may not lose much weight and may actually appear healthy.

Symptoms of Bulimia:

Makes excuses to go to the bathroom immediately after meals

Eats huge amounts of food, but doesn’t gain weight

Uses laxatives or diuretics

Withdraws from social activities

Prevention of Bulimia:

There are the few steps that parents, teachers, coaches and others who work with teens can take to help avoid bulimia. Tips are:

· Modifying and adapting expectations you have of your teen.

· Examining your own perceptions and attitudes towards food, body image, physical appearance and exercise.

· Do not give off the message that you cannot do activities such as dance, swim, or wear certain types of clothing because of the way you look or how much you weigh.

· Encourage eating in response to physical hunger.

· Encourage eating a variety of foods.

· Help teens to appreciate their bodies and encourage them to engage in physical activity.

· Do not use food as a reward or punishment.

· Do not criticize your own weight or the way you look by avoiding the use of such phrases as “I’m too fat” or “I’ve got to lose weight.”

· Love, accept, and acknowledge the teen’s value verbally.

Treatment for teens suffering from bulimia has been advancing in recent years. There are the few web sites that are very useful for you:

http://www.troubledteensguide.com

http://www.troubled-teens.biz

The sites help you to understand effective communication, and then show you how to overcome your specific problems and in the best possible way. It specifically designed to support the parents of Troubled Teens. The purpose of communication is to get your message across to others clearly. Their services are devoted to the parent who is overwhelmed and in need of immediate assistance (coaching) in order to locate the perfect troubled teen school or program for their child. Troubled teens guide is a listing of articles specifically designed to support the parents of Troubled Teens. It provides them proper guidance about teen’s problems and in the process save the parent time, energy, and thousands of dollars.

Monica Craft
http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/bulimia-affected-teens-91737.html

What are the pros and cons of using laxatives for weight loss?

One of my weight lifting buddies told me he cuts weight with laxatives. i figure that is not a healthy way to do it, but does it work?

Imagin yourself without the weight. It looks good right? Now see yourself in the same light but shopping for depends!!! You can become dependent on them for bowel movements over time. Also Laxatives empty the large bowel, which has little effect on actual weight loss. The reason for this is because the food and calories that you consume have already been absorbed in the small intestine by the time the laxatives begin to work. Plus all you are losing is water weight.

Yeah i like to date guys who mess themselve bacause they no longer have the muscles to hold in their waste. The diapers look really good with the skinny jeans as well girls!!!

Good luck.

Constipation and Doctors

It’s hard to believe, that in this day and age where people are trying to eat healthier and live a generally more active lifestyle, that over 4 million Americans still suffer from constipation. Constipation is often looked at as a hindrance, a bump in the road as it were. The vast majority of those afflicted choose to treat their constipation with over the counter remedies. The fact that over 725 million dollars each year are spent on laxatives certainly supports that theory.

The problem is, is how can you tell when your constipation is severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor’s office? It’s difficult to say as each case is different from the next. Severe constipation is diagnosed when the patient has less than one bowel movement per week. If constipation is accompanied by abdominal cramps and nausea, rectal bleeding, involuntary vomiting and sudden weight loss, then a doctor’s visit is vital and should happen as soon as possible.

Your doctor will no doubt look at your family’s medical history and if there are no colon problems in the family tree, he may initially try to treat the constipation with some laxatives or creams. He may choose to do a physical exam that includes a rectal exam to check the strength of your anal sphincter. Also, he may choose to do some blood tests.

If you get no relief from the laxatives or creams, or if the problem goes away only to quickly return, then your doctor will begin a series of tests to try and single out the real cause. Of course, the severity of the constipation is taken into consideration. A person who has a bowel movement twice a week is handled differently than someone who hasn’t had a bowel movement in the same time frame.

Severe constipation can be extremely detrimental to your body and can even cause death if left untreated long enough. The longer the hardened stools stay trapped in your body, toxins are continuing to build up and eventually they get re-absorbed into the blood. In essence, you’re poisoning yourself. The toxins can build to a level where your blood becomes toxic and eventually, if nothing is done about it, you can die from the complications.

If you’re experiencing severe constipation, your doctor will probably begin a series of tests to find out what’s causing the problem. The main concern in severely constipated patients is always colon cancer, so a few tests will be performed to try to rule the cancer out. Some of the tests may include:

• Anorectal function tests
• Colonoscopy
• Barium enema x-ray
• Colorectal transit study

In both serious and routine constipation cases, your doctor will advise you to drink more water and eat more fiber in your diet. Water is the body’s lubrication and fiber acts as a softener plus bulking agent in your stool. Adjusting your intake of both can drastically improve your bowel movements. Adding a proper exercise regimen is also necessary for a strong digestive system. Another option your doctor may discuss with you is a colon cleanse.

A colon cleanse is when you take a supplement that is designed to lift and remove all of the deep seated fecal matter that lines your colon. In the bends of your colon, fecal matter attaches to the walls of the interior and sits there building up day after day, year after year. It’s been shown that most people have about 5 to 25 pounds of fecal matter lining their colon that isn’t going anywhere!

It takes a powerful product like Oxy-Powder to clean all the sludge, mucous and grime out from every crevice in your colon. With its incredible formula of oxygenated magnesium, germanium and citric acid, Oxy-Powder softens the impacted stool and allows the body to gently rid itself of the toxic build up. It even begins creating a healthy digestive environment after the cleansing.

A colon cleanse is one of the most important things you can do to immediately improve your overall health. Since 70% of the body’s immune system works out of the colon, imagine how much more effectively your body can fight off disease and illnesses if your colon isn’t clogged. Colon cleanses have been proven to increase energy and vitality and it even increases metabolism, making weight loss easier than ever.

Taking a maintenance dosage of Oxy-Powder after the initial cleanse can ensure that your colon is as clean and healthy as it can be.

Oxy-Powder’s colon cleansing power should not be taken with the understanding that it will cure the problem that’s causing your constipation. If you have an underlying reason for your constipation, such as a medical condition like diabetes, Oxy-Powder’s colon cleansing can improve your health’s situation, but not cure it. Of course, with a healthier colon, you may be able to significantly reduce many negative aspects of certain diseases. Also remember that a product like Oxy-Powder should be taken accordingly and should always accompany a proper diet and exercise program for the optimum results.

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The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-and-doctors-89926.html

10 Ways to Win the Fight Against Constipation

Constipation is a fairly common problem for most people but its symptoms and the discomfort that comes along with it make it a horrible experience for most. Fortunately, it is easy enough to resolve and easy enough to avoid. Here are some simple tips to follow to prevent future bouts of constipation and maintaining regular, healthy bowel movements.

1. Fiber, Fiber, Fiber. A key to fighting constipation is to increase your fiber intake. It helps produce soft, bulky stools that are easy to expel. Beans, whole grains and cereals as wells as fresh fruits and leafy vegetables are foods that are rich in fiber. These vegetables include cabbage, brussel sprouts and carrots.

2. In fighting constipation, one must also increase fluid intake. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day so there is enough of it to produce soft stools that is easy to eliminate.

3. Eating more fruits and vegetables also helps fight constipation. They contain substances that remove toxins and help them be flushed out of the digestive system.

4. Fighting constipation does not mean sacrificing your protein intake. The key to enjoying the benefits of proteins without constipating is by eating it with a fiber- rich food. Suffering from constipation or being prone to it does not mean you have to give protein up entirely. To keep constipation at bay, balance your protein intake with vegetables so it will not bring out your constipation problem. Proteins that stay very long in the colon may lead to cancer so eating vegetable along with them help eliminate them eventually.

5. Engaging in daily exercise is also known to relieve symptoms of constipation and to promote regular body processes including bowel movement.

6. Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement is also a no-no in prevention of constipation. It is good to condition one’s body to do bowel movement first thing in the morning to regularly eliminate body wastes and toxins. Even if you are busy, if you feel the urge to eliminate waste do so, before you have problems with constipation by habitually ignoring nature’s call.

7. Maximize the marvels of papaya. Papaya is a fruit that is rich in fiber and has substances that have antioxidant properties. Papaya is an excellent source of relief from constipation. It has a rich, sweet likeable taste that provides not only relief from constipation but is also filling. It makes an excellent desert and can be eaten as it is or as a drink or shake or as an ingredient in salads. It is also known to have anticancer properties so it also protects the cells in the colon against this disease. Papaya also contains papain which is an enzyme that helps breakdown proteins (which is why it is used as a meat tenderizer in many cooking techniques.)

8. Limiting the intake of foods that are poor in fiber is also a key step in preventing constipation. During snacks, go for food that provides fiber such as cereals or wheat bread as well as fruits and vegetables. Fruit juices, especially those prepared from fresh fruits are also excellent sources of fiber that prevent constipation.

9. Go for natural foods rather than processed foods to prevent and fight constipation. This means choosing fresh vegetables and fruits rather than those that are canned or have preservatives in them. Fresh fruits and vegetables mean having all the important nutrients and fibers intact.

10. In cases where constipation had already set in, the best remedy is to take laxatives. There are a lot of over-the-counter laxatives available today but it is still best to consult to doctor before taking some. This is to know which one is the best for your case because it may depend on the cause of your constipation. Fighting constipation through the use of laxatives should also be done in moderation. Treatment with laxatives should only be done until regular bowel movement is achieved and not longer. For children, they should be also be used under the advise of a doctor and should not be used on a long- term basis.

Preventing and fighting constipation is easy enough especially if you could identify the causes of your problem. By following the above tips in fighting constipation, there is no way you should lose the battle and be deprived of a feeling of comfort that could only come from the regular exercise of one of your body’ most important functions: waste elimination.

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/10-ways-to-win-the-fight-against-constipation-76175.html

Constipation and Loniten

Loniten users have found that one of the associated side effects of use of this medicine is that they can become constipated during their treatment. Because Loniten can cause constipation, it’s important to treat for constipation while taking this medication.

One of the main factors of this medication is blood pressure. High blood pressure is extremely dangerous to your health so taking medication to lower your blood pressure is important. While constipation is uncomfortable, it can be managed and tolerated when the benefits are life saving. Because this medication is generally not a short-term medication, it’s also possible that users will face on-going problems with Loniten related side effects. While this can be a bit frustrating, again, the benefits of this medication make it worthwhile to find ways to manage the side effects.

Your doctor may recommend that you take a laxative while you are taking Loniten. Using harsh laxatives will not only be rough on your system but can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and even medications so it’s important to treat your constipation in such a way that relieves you of the symptoms and allows you to have regular bowel movements without lowering the effectiveness of any medication you are taking. Over the counter laxatives can not only harshly induce bowel movements but they can have a negative impact on your overall health, should they be used long term.

Loniten, also known as Minoxidil was initially used as a blood pressure lowering medication. This drug is a vasodilator drug, which means that it helps to open (or dilate) the blood vessels. One of the positive side effects of Loniten that was discovered was that it caused excessive hair growth on people who were taking it. This was considered serendipity for those suffering from hair loss or male pattern baldness and it resulted in Loniten being used as a treatment for baldness. Many people began taking Minoxidil to treat baldness. While their hair grew and their blood pressure was lowered, they did have to face a few unwanted side effects.

Those using Loniten for hair loss need to closely monitor their blood pressure due to the lowering effect of the medication. Anyone who doesn’t have high blood pressure but is taking this product for hair growth could take a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Loniten can also blur your vision or cause acne and headaches. Sometimes these effects are simply a result of your dose of Loniten or Minoxidil being too high.

Whether you’re using Loniten for blood pressure or Minoxidil for hair loss, be sure to proactively work to ensure that you can continue to have regular bowel movements and stay under the care of a physician.

Taking extra fiber and drinking plenty of water will help. Taking a bulk laxative such as Psyllium can also be beneficial when taking any medications that slow down your bowel functions as well as eating fiber rich foods.

Loniten or Minoxidil users can use a product called Oxy Powder safely while they are medicated. Oxy Powder promotes regular bowel activity, which can be very beneficial when taking medication that can cause constipation. It also works in harmony with your body’s healthy bacteria (or flora) so that your system doesn’t face the harsh effects of loss of healthy bacterium. Many people who are on medications that cause constipation want the benefits of their medication, and in some cases it’s vital for their survival. Constipation can completely drain you of energy and leave you feeling bloated, cramped and sluggish. Using a product like Oxy Powder when taking a medication with this side effect can help you function without contraindicating your medicine and without having a harsh effect on your body.

Many Oxy Powder users rave about how well it works in relieving constipation, bloating and about the fact that it doesn’t chain you to your toilet like some laxatives or bulky food will. Oxy Powder gradually works over a twelve-hour period so that you aren’t rushing to the bathroom the moment that you take it. The benefits to using this product go above and beyond simply relieving you from Loniten induced constipation. This product is even used as a colon cleanser. It can have a positive impact on your overall health.

Whether you are taking Loniten or Minoxidil for blood pressure or for hair loss, you want to ensure that your bowels are running at peak efficiency. Constipation not only makes you miserable but also on a long-term basis will have negative health impacts. Because these medications are not short-term products, rather something that only works if they are being consistently taken, you will likely need to manage your constipation on an on-going basis. Using a harsh product long term can have some ill effects on your health. Using a natural and proven product that not only cleanses your bowels but has a positive impact on your colon health makes sense.

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-and-loniten-89964.html

Fecal Impaction Vs. Constipation

Constipation and fecal impaction is not the same thing. Many people think that they are the same. While they both involve the intestines, bowels and fecal matter, they are two different problems that have to be treated differently.

Constipation is the term used to describe slow moving feces or stool through the intestines. The longer it takes for fecal matter to be eliminated from the body, the drier and harder it will become. Symptoms of constipation include passing small, dry hard stools, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, straining, fatigue, bad breath, skin eruptions, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids and irregular bowel movements.

Fecal impaction is the term used to describe a large mass of hard stool or fecal matter that is “stuck” in the rectum. Symptoms of fecal impaction may be similar to constipation symptoms. However, in addition to those symptoms the individual may have bladder problems, back pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, a distended abdomen, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, fever, dizziness and even high or low blood pressure. Individuals who have a fecal impaction may also experience very explosive diarrhea. This diarrhea does not remove the impaction, it moves around the impaction.

Constipation can be very uncomfortable and annoying. Fecal impaction is far more dangerous than constipation. Fecal impaction can be life threatening. Fecal impaction that is not treated can worsen and the individual could possibly die from it.

Constipation can be caused by numerous things 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.

Fecal impaction can be caused by ignoring constipation, pain medications, illness and long term use of laxatives. Many people are surprised to learn that prolonged use of stimulant laxatives can lead to fecal impaction, but it is true. With prolonged use the colon can become dependent upon the laxative to aid it in evacuation. When the colon has been exposed to laxatives and stool softeners for a period of time and then it does not get the expected dose, constipation and fecal impaction can occur. To put it simply, prolonged laxative use can make your body forget how to move and evacuate fecal matter on its own.

If constipation is not addressed and an individual develops fecal impaction it cannot be treated as easily. Fecal impactions in the rectum must be removed manually by a medical professional.

Constipation should be addressed at its onset to prevent a fecal impaction. Steps to alleviate constipation can include making changes in the diet, drinking an adequate amount of water, exercising and doing a colon cleanse. Tips to aid in stool evacuation include the following:

• When you are sitting on the toilet, it is important that you do not hold your breath when you are trying to eliminate a stool. A good constipation tip is to breathe in your nose and out through your mouth. Holding your breath while you are trying to pass a stool can actually hamper the elimination process because it closes up the bottom.
• Learn how to push without straining. When you have placed your feet on the stool, simply lean forward and breathe normally. This will enable your stomach muscles to push the stool out without straining. Essentially, you are pushing from your waist.
• You should always respond to any sign that your bowels want to move. Delaying or putting off a bowel movement can aggravate constipation. No matter where you are, if you feel like your bowels want to move, find a bathroom.

Don’t let constipation get the better of you. Be proactive and take the necessary steps to keep you body’s digestive system in good health and running smooth.

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/fecal-impaction-vs-constipation-89957.html

Relieving Constipation: the Natural Methods

Popular Methods

When it comes to relieving constipation, we are a society expecting quick fixes. We want it out and now, right? It’s no surprise we spend about 900 million dollars on laxatives each year. Laxatives, though, should be a last resort for many reasons. Since they are available without a prescription we tend to think of them as safe. Unfortunately, they can become habit-forming quickly and they are harmful to your body in the long-term.

Types of Laxatives:

• Bulk laxatives – This is the best type of laxative to relieve constipation for prolonged use. Though usually taking a few days to start working, they can provide some relief. Remember to drink plenty of water. Bulk laxatives include: psyllium husk (available through health food stores), bran, ispaghula husk, and sterculia.
• Stimulant laxatives – These laxatives aim at increasing bowel contractions but can cause stomach cramps as a side effect. These are taken at night to have a morning bowel movement, as they are supposed to work within 6-12 hours. Senna is an example of a stimulant laxative. Although they work to relieve constipation, experts believe the contractions cause weakening of the digestive muscles which will eventually make the problem worse. Since these laxatives cause contractions, they are not safe for pregnant women. Glycerol suppositories are included in this group. Although they are inserted into the rectum, they still act as a stimulant.
• Osmotic laxatives – These go to work at relieving constipation by helping the bowel retain water and by softening the stool. Epsom salts and Milk of Magnesia are osmotic laxatives.
• Lactulose – This medication comes in crystals or liquid form. A type of sugar that isn’t digested by the body, Lactulose acts like a fiber and osmotic laxative combined. This type takes up to 3 days to work and may cause cramping and profuse gas.

There are other medications that act as stool softeners, which basically coat the bowel so water doesn’t get absorbed from the stool. Since the body naturally removes water from the colon, it isn’t suitable as a long-term solution for relieving constipation.

Natural Methods – Fiber In, Fiber Out

Adding fiber to your diet is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, relatively free of constipation. If you think fiber means just eating more bran, think again. You can also add fiber to your diet via fruits (with the skin), green vegetables, nuts, grains and seeds. Nuts and grains are also important because they are a good source of essential fatty acids (especially flaxseed or flax oil) which are wonderful options to relieve constipation naturally.

Adding fiber to your diet may make you feel like a gas-filled balloon at first. If your body has been used to eating white flour, heavy starches, fatty meats, and other low fiber foods, it may take some time to get used to it. Don’t give up after one short week. Remember, it probably took years of eating a low fiber diet to make constipation an issue in your intestines. Give fiber a chance! After 14-21 days of including more fiber in your diet, you’ll start to wonder why you didn’t make it a priority before.

Forming new habits really means you’re getting rid of the old one. If relieving constipation is your goal, you’ll want to stay away from the constipation culprits like: white flour, fried foods, sweets, carbonated drinks, alcohol, refined sugars, and cheese.

Maintain Your Flora

No, we’re not talking about your vegetable garden. Good bacterial flora is essential for proper digestion. In fact, if you took all the bacteria in your digestive system and put them all together you’d have a mass the size and weight of a brick. When we abuse laxatives and enemas, we can create havoc on the good bacteria we need to avoid diarrhea and help relieve constipation.

Eating yogurt with live cultures is one way to maintain your flora population. Be sure to read the label of your yogurt container. It should say it contains “live and active cultures.” If you’d rather not take their word for it, check the ingredients for Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophius.

Refrain From the Strain

With some people, constipation stems from issues with muscle coordination. They seem to contract the anus muscles when they should be relaxing them. There are certain biofeedback methods available for people who suffer with this problem. The treatment is used on those suffering from severe constipation linked directly to this muscle contraction issue.

Weekly Cleansing

Most of the waste matter produced from the food we eat gets passed out within a 72-hour period. Sometimes, up to 30% of that waste can sit in the colon for a week or more. Since retaining waste is not good for the body or health, a weekly cleansing of the colon will go a long way at relieving constipation. Oxy-Powder® is a safe way to clean out any waste that may be loitering in your colon and using it once a week will help improve bowel function. Remember the following: Avoid chemical laxatives. True, they can work for a while but along with those results come the weakened bowels, potentially unsafe contractions, and other nasty side effects. Add fiber to you diet. Fiber bulks up your stool and helps it retain water, which makes it easier to move along. There are many tasty and nutritious sources of fiber from which you can choose, so don’t fear that you’ll have to eat twigs or acorns or something. Keep a good quantity of bacteria on hand. Especially while undertaking a thorough colon cleansing program, replenish your flora with healthful and yummy yogurt. Relax and go. Don’t strain or try to force out impacted waste. You can end up tearing tissue and hurting yourself in the process. Cleanse naturally. Leave the chemicals in your garage where they belong and try a supplement especially suited for the job, one that just helps clean your colon so it can work its best again. Follow these guidelines to help relieve constipation and you can feel great again!

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The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/relieving-constipation-the-natural-methods-89966.html

What are some ways other than laxatives to help get rid of constipation?

laxatives bother my stomach ALOT, so they are out of the question.

Drink lots of water, eat lots of whole grain food and fresh fruits and veggies. You can also try Metamucil or a bulk fiber laxative. They aren't as stimulating as a regular laxative.

Overcoming Constipation Naturally

Constipation may be defined as infrequent or incomplete bowel movements often characterized by stools that are hard, dry and difficult to pass due to slow transit time through the gastrointestinal tract. Transit time is the amount of time that elapses between the ingestion of food and when it is excreted in the form of stool.

In conventional medical circles, it is considered “normal” to have a bowel movement as infrequently as three times each week, but many holistic practitioners would consider the normal range of bowel movements to be between two and three every day. The thinking here is that three movements would be ideal because we generally eat three meals daily. Ideally, when food enters the stomach, a nerve impulse is sent to the colon, prompting it to contract and release its contents. This gastrocolic reflex, when functioning properly, would cause us to empty our colons after each meal.

With constipation, a wide range of symptoms may be experienced. These can include abdominal discomfort, rectal discomfort, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, lower back pain, and a general feeling of malaise. When bowel transit time is slow, waste is not promptly eliminated from the body. It will consequently decay or ferment, producing poisonous chemicals. This reabsorption of toxins into the body can increase the risk of developing colon disease and other serious digestive health problems.

As an alternative to conventional laxatives, optional nutritional approaches may help prevent and provide relief for occasional constipation. A high-fiber diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds may help ease elimination and promote two to three healthy bowel movements each day. These foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which work together to soak up toxins in the digestive tract and sweep the colon free of debris by removing toxins from the intestinal wall. Herbal supplements may also help to cleanse and detoxify the body, and a gentle, natural colon cleanse formula can hydrate and strengthen the colon.

Lifestyle changes may also help reduce the risk of becoming constipated. Try waking up a little earlier each morning and allowing yourself time to go to the bathroom, and set aside time during the day to do the same. Make sure when you are on the toilet that your feet are elevated and you assume a squatting position. This will ensure that the colon is in the proper position for elimination.

Exercise also helps stimulate the body’s digestive process. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise into your daily routine may help stimulate peristalsis (the wave-like movement of food through your intestines) and promote healthy elimination.

Brenda Watson
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/overcoming-constipation-naturally-135346.html

How Long-term Use of Laxatives Cause Constipation

Constipation is a problem for a large percentage of the population. Many people who deal with constipation will turn to laxatives and stool softeners seeking relief. While these products may offer temporary relief, they are not good, long-term solutions. The fact is—laxatives and stool softeners do not cure constipation. Most people don’t realize however, if they use these products too much, they could aggravate the constipation and cause other bowel problems as well.

The Truth About Laxatives and Stool Softeners

Over the counter laxatives and stool softeners are easily abused. Continual use of laxatives can be one of the leading causes of constipation. With prolonged use, the colon can become dependent upon the laxative for evacuation. When the colon has been exposed to laxatives and stool softeners for a long time and then it does not get an expected dose, constipation can occur. In other words, your body may forget how to release waste on its own. This causes more constipation, which in turn causes you to start using laxatives and stool softeners even more. Makes you wonder if that’s the real intention of the manufacturers—to keep you addicted and buying more. Sound like any other harmful products you know?

Overall, having to rely on laxatives and stool softeners to obtain movement in the bowels is not good for the intestines. It can make them “lazy” when they are not getting the workout they need to stay healthy. Many people start out with a mild case of constipation and make it worse by using laxatives. It can turn into a vicious and perpetual cycle due to the reciprocal relationship between constipation and laxatives.

Effects of Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives have irritating substances in them. For instance, cascara and senna work on the large intestines. They cause the walls of the large intestines to contract so fecal matter can move and eventually leave the body. This is the cramping you feel when you have taken a stimulant laxative. Not only can most laxatives lead to a weakened bowel, but stimulant laxatives can cause abnormal changes to occur in the intestinal lining.

Melanosis coli is associated with prolonged laxative use. It is a condition causing dark pigment to be deposited on the large intestine, resulting in discoloration of the large intestine’s lining that causes it to turn dark brown or black. Sometimes this condition is called pseudomelanosis coli or it could be referred to as “wear and tear” pigment. The discoloration may be minimal or very pronounced. The good news is that it can possibly be reversed if the laxative use is discontinued.

It is important to understand just because laxatives and stool softeners are available over the counter does not mean there is no risk involved in their use. People who take laxatives as a means of treating constipation may have an underlying condition, of which they remain unaware, such as a bowel obstruction.

When you suffer from constipation and laxatives seems like a quick fix, which it can be temporarily, you may not realize a better solution exists. Many people simply need to have their colon cleansed. Cleaning and detoxifying the body can rid it of years of accumulated sludge and fecal matter. It helps to rid the body of bad bacteria while making it a welcoming environment for good bacteria. Detoxifying and cleansing the intestines can improve the way you look and feel dramatically. Many people do not realize constipation and built up toxins in the body can cause acne, bad breath, fatigue and weight gain. Once your body is flushed free of the toxins and sludge, it can return to a healthy internal balance. Your skin will not be stressed by trying to get rid of toxins, your breath will smell fresher because you will not have foul gases emitting from your stomach, and your energy levels can increase as your digestive tract loses the sludge and buildup it has been holding for all those years.

One of the best products you can use to cleanse and detoxify your body is Oxy-Powder®. Oxy-Powder is an all-natural product for oxidizing the toxins, sludge, mucous, and fecal matter that have collected in your system. When you start the colon cleansing process, you should expect to have bowel movements that are liquid in composition as well as extra gas. However, it should not be confused with diarrhea, which is caused by viral infection. You also won’t experience the intense cramping like with stimulant laxatives. The liquid matter you will be passing is simply the old solid matter that has been oxidized naturally so it can be easily flushed out.

What is truly unique about Oxy-Powder is that once your body has been thoroughly cleansed you can continue regular maintenance doses without any fear of addiction or harmful side effects. Many people use this powerful oxygen-based cleanser and are thrilled with the results. They are able to say goodbye to those harmful stimulant laxatives, along with that awful constipation!

If you suffer from constipation, take heart. There is hope. You do not have to live with being constipated. You do not have to keep a stockpile of laxatives and stool softeners in your home, either. Constipation and laxatives for relief just is not a good combination. Do yourself (and your body) a favor and start cleansing your body today. You will begin to notice the difference right away!

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/how-longterm-use-of-laxatives-cause-constipation-89930.html