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

Colon Hydrotherapy- A Holistic Treatment for Constipation

One of the initial signs that indicate that your bowel is not functioning properly is constipation. It is a condition wherein one is experiencing difficulties in expelling wastes from the body. Normally, a person has to defecate one to three times a day, or at least three times a week. However, many people experience irregularities in their bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal pains, diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms tend to be annoying and troublesome that most people would take medications or laxatives to be rid of them. Also, naturopathic remedies such as herbal supplements and colon hydrotherapy are preferred by few.

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in our society. However, constipation is not a disease, it is a symptom. Any one can actually get constipated. Most constipation is only temporary and poses no serious danger. However, once it becomes frequent and worsening, then, utmost attention is needed.

There are a lot of factors that can cause constipation including diet, medications, functional disorders, hormonal changes, dehydration, lactose intolerance, lack of physical activities or even changes in one’s routine. When one eats mucus producing foods such as dairy, meat, and processed flour, he is likely to have compact and sticky feces which the body would find difficult to eliminate. That is why, a diet rich in fiber is most recommended because fiber can produce soft bulky feces which can easily pass through the bowel.

Also, the colon has the tendency to absorb too much water from the digested food that the resulting feces tend to be hard. The feces then move sluggishly through the bowel, resulting to constipation. With the somewhat sticky and sluggish exit of the feces, portions of feces could stick to the walls of the colon. Over time, the feces will somewhat harden and further amass, not only adding several pounds of unhealthy weight to the body but also only narrowing the waste passage. Consequently, the colon strains itself to purge out the wastes, resulting to constipation. But what is more disconcerting is the fact that the toxic waste build up is a potent breeding ground for bad bacteria. As bad bacteria proliferates and the toxins from the wastes reabsorbed, the body becomes susceptible to a number of ailments including chronic migraines, constipation, diarrhea, halitosis or bad breath, arthritis, chronic skin problems, colds, chronic fatigues, insomnia, hypertension and even depression and anxiety.

People usually take laxatives to rid themselves of gastrointestinal discomforts, however, some tend to over-use the stimulant. As a result, the nerves and muscles of the colon are damaged. Other people on the other hand are inclined to take naturopathic supplements and undergo colon hydrotherapy.

For centuries, colon hydrotherapy has been a popular treatment in relieving a number of ailments mainly caused by the lingering toxins inside the body. With the expulsion of the accumulated feces through this procedure the body does not only regain its vigor but tends to loose weight as well. Moreover, the fact that many people still patronize the usage of the procedure is proof enough of its effectiveness. In fact, to maximize the rejuvenating effects of the said treatment, some people prefer having it in tranquil and breathtaking venues such as Maui, Hawaii.

Paul Fitzgerald
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/colon-hydrotherapy-a-holistic-treatment-for-constipation-549790.html

Constipation & Coconut Oil

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Constipation
• Bronchitis
• Bruises
• Coughs
• Earaches
• Influenza
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Scabies
• Toothaches
• Dropsy
• Menstruation problems
• Swelling and Inflammation
• Ulcers
• Urinary tract infections
• Pneumonia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• Hepatitis C
• Thrush
• Diaper rash
• Ringworm
• Athlete’s foot
• Candidacies
• Lice
• Tapeworms and other parasites
• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Osteoporosis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Hemorrhoids

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

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-coconut-oil-89916.html

Who Needs a Colon Cleansing?

Before we go into the details of who actually should consider going for a colon cleansing it is better to understand what colon cleansing is and what are the different methods in which it can be achieved.

Colon cleansing is not something new and its roots can be traced back to as far as the Egyptian civilization when colon was thought to be the cause of all ailments. The idea was pretty much in vogue even during Restoration England. There has been a renewed interest in colon cleansing in the recent years. Colon cleansing is performed to keep the colon completely free of any toxic substances. It is also ensured that the colon retains its proper shape and size and can function at its optimal levels.

Today colon cleansing is possible following different methods.

Colon Hydrotherapy

One of the most effective ways of getting your colon cleansed is to go for colon hydrotherapy. This process involves the insertion of a tube through your anus into the colon. Plenty of pure water is poured into the colon through the tube to flush out the contents of the colon. This is a natural method and doesn’t involve any use of drugs. A colon hydrotherapy program would require you to attend 10 to 12 sessions over a period of two months, each session spanning for something around 45 to 60 minutes.

Herbal Laxatives

The colon cleanse herbs and the herbal laxatives claim to be harmless and position themselves as alternatives to commercial laxatives. They further their claim saying that since they are natural, they are safe. The herbs are generally very strong and they start showing results in 6 to 12 hours time after consumption. They should be had only in moderate amounts as a prolonged use can have serious side effects.

Oxygen-based Mixture

There is another form of natural colon cleanser which is available today in the market. It is an oxygen based formula. The mixture reacts chemically with the hydrochloric acid present in our stomach. After the chemical reaction takes place the fecal matter, also known as the plaque, would melt into a liquid and gas. This then can be easily expelled.

So who needs to go for a colon cleansing.

An unclean colon can be the cause of several ailments like indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, body odor, acne, mucus colitis, gas, fatigue, obesity etc. If you are suffering from any of these problems you can give colon cleansing a shot.

Barney Garcia
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/who-needs-a-colon-cleansing-66396.html

How to clearing your self after using laxatives for some time?

My friend has been taking laxatives for a number of years in large quanties and has stopped now,which is good and I want to know as a concerned friend how long it takes for her to clear her system of them, and if there is anything she can eat or drink to help with this.

Well if she doesn't get off them gradually she can expect to be very uncomfortable and run the risk of impaction. Eating prunes, raisins, prune juice, grapes, and lots of water can help keep her regular while her body adjusts. I would suggest she stay away from bananas, cheese, rice, toast, and anything that might bind her up. Why did she start using laxatives? Did it just get out of control? If she isn't doing this under the supervision of her physician she could get really sick. If she starts showing signs of constipation with severe abdominal cramping and heartburn or she hasn't produced a bowel movement in a couple of days, I would consult a physician immediately. Good Luck and if we all had such concerned friends, what a better world this would be!

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

How Epsom Salts Can Relieve Constipation

Many people use Epsom salts to treat their constipation. Epsom salts work like a laxative. The salts can be mixed with water and taken orally or used in an enema. Epsom salts operate by increasing water in the intestines and they can bring temporary relief to someone suffering from constipation. However, there are dangers in using Epsom salts to relieve constipation and many people are unaware of them.

First, many people don’t know what Epsom salt truly is. Epsom salt is just a trade name for magnesium sulfate. One tablespoon of the salt contains about 35g (grams) of magnesium sulfate, or roughly 3.4g of elemental magnesium. This is a very large amount, especially if you understand the daily-recommended allowance is between 300-400 mg (milligrams) per day. Many people do not realize ingesting too much Epsom salt can result in death. Between 1841 and 1909, seven patients were reported to have magnesium toxicity and five of them died. The first reported death by using an Epsom salt enema was in 1943. Sadly, magnesium enemas were commonly used on infants up until the early 1970’s when it was discovered as the cause in some deaths brought on by hypermagnesemia.

Epsom salts have many uses and consumers purchase it without giving it a second thought. However, the infrequent reports of death brought on by magnesium toxicity should give pause for concern. Epsom salts should not be ingested or used in an enema if you have preexisting stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea. Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk with their doctor before using Epsom salts to relieve constipation. It is not known whether Epsom salts are harmful to an unborn fetus or nursing baby. In addition, certain drugs may interact negatively with Epsom salts. These include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, sparfloxacin, penicclamine, digoixin, and nitrofurantoin. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking Epsom salts if you use any of these medications. To be completely safe you should talk with your doctor about Epsom salts if you take any over the counter medications, minerals, vitamins, or herbal products whatsoever.

If you are suffering from digestive trouble and you have been using Epsom salts to relieve constipation, you may be concerned after reading these statements. You may also be interested with using another method to alleviate your constipation. The first step to alleviating constipation is to start by improving your diet. Eat more fresh fruits and raw vegetables and add flaxseeds, brown wild rice, and whole grains to your diet. You should also consume at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day and exercise regularly. Exercising three to four times a week for 20 to 30, minutes can help to alleviate constipation. You do not have to do something major like engage in “boot camp” programs or running a marathon. Simple things like walking after dinner or climbing the stairs instead of taking an elevator can go far in getting your bowels moving more regularly.

Lastly, you can help alleviate constipation by avoiding laxatives. That may sound like a contradiction, but it is true. laxatives can aggravate constipation because they make your bowels sluggish and dependent upon the chemicals to work. In addition, laxatives can cause other intestinal problems such as diarrhea and bloating, and they can even damage your intestinal lining over the long term.

An alternative to laxatives is performing a colon cleanse. By using an all-natural product such as Oxy-Powder®, you can cleanse your body of impacted feces in a safe and effective manner. One reason Oxy-Powder is recommended is because it’s non-invasive and it does not remove the good bacteria necessary for a healthy intestine. Oxy-Powder works by liquefying and clearing out the sludge, fecal matter, and mucus lodged in your colon and intestinal system. In addition to bringing immediate constipation relief, Oxy-Powder also creates an environment welcoming to the “good bacteria” aiding in healthy digestion.

What can you expect from Oxy-Powder® in terms of results? As stated, it will liquefy the hard matter presently lodged in your system. You will have watery stools; however, this should not be confused with diarrhea, which is caused by viral infection of the digestive tract. The liquefying effect is simply a byproduct of the oxidation process. When you are first introducing your body to Oxy-Powder you should monitor how your body responds to it. While you will not have the harsh urge to go to the bathroom like you would if you had used an enema, you will have to go to the bathroom frequently and you will have extra gas. So it is recommended to stay close to a bathroom during your initial colon cleansing program.

Now that you have some pertinent information on Epsom salts, do your body a favor and save them for your bath water. Do not ingest Epsom salts to relieve constipation or use them in an enema unless you are directed to do so by a qualified physician. There are safer ways to alleviate constipation that also provides effective, long-term results and are healthier for you without all the negative side effects. Be good to your colon and it will be good to you!

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/how-epsom-salts-can-relieve-constipation-89963.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!

—–

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

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

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

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