Are You Getting Your Colon Cleansed Regularly?

In America, more than anywhere else in the world, people are increasingly getting affected by colon-rectal cancer. There are studies that show if any American in the present day survives till the age of 40 he is almost certain to have diverticulosis, popularly known as herniated bowel pockets. Such facts are startling and makes us more concerned about our colon health which very often tends to get neglected.

Therapists who advocate colon cleansing argue that the colon is the place where all the wastes in our body get accumulated. If these waste matters are not removed properly, then they tend to stay there, being impacted on the walls of the colon and produce toxins. These toxins get absorbed by the bloodstream near the colon and are circulated all over the body. As toxins are necessarily bad they cause all sort of problems from headache to constipation. The therapists advise that regularly cleaning the colon by forcibly eliminating the waste matter inside one can ensure that these toxins do not get around.

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.

More often than not you would not require colon cleansing. Your colon is equipped to take care of itself and unless and until the situation gets really out of hand your colon will keep on performing its work and there would be not too many risks in that.

The best way to keep your colon clean is to follow a regular balanced diet with enough of fiber in it, preferably insoluble fiber. The fiber in your food acts as roughage and helps you in having regular bowel movements. An adult human being would require 25-30 grams of fiber during a single meal.

If however you think that there is a serious problem with your colon you have to go for a colon cleansing. There are several methods available to us these days which can ensure that our colon is cleansed properly. These are:

-Colon hydrotherapy
-Colon cleansing herbs
-Oxygen-based colon cleansing laxatives
-Regular laxatives practiced in conventional medicine

So take regular care of your colon and get it cleansed whenever you deem it necessary.

Barney Garcia
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/are-you-getting-your-colon-cleansed-regularly-76999.html

Safe And Natural Ways To Detox And Cleanse The Body

All across America, harmful toxins including hair spray, lawn fertilizers, food preservatives, dry cleaning, and flea repellant are exposing us to more chemicals and toxins than ever before. They are present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water that we drink. These products that we depend on daily expose us to literally tens of thousands of chemicals and contaminants each day, making the question clear, how do we detoxify? With the hundreds of detoxification products ranging from one simple supplement to complicated regimens, how do we choose the best product for us?

Detoxification, which is the elimination of poisons or toxins, includes a wide variety of treatments that aim at getting rid of the body’s toxins and improve health. Although we have a natural detoxification system in our body such as our liver, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and skin all work to eliminate the toxins we take in, the huge amount of contaminants and toxins in today’s environment presents too challenging of our job for our body to handle on its own. This results in a dangerous accumulation of toxins in our body. When toxins are found in the food we eat and the water that we drink, sometimes they can not be destroyed by the digestive enzymes, detoxified by the liver, or eliminated by the immune system, causing them to build up and affect every part of our body, slowing our metabolism, taking our energy, reducing our immunity, possibly leading to serious chronic illness.

Since most detoxification supplements only focus on the liver and colon, the only way to make sure that detoxification is truly successful is to cleanse the whole body, which demands detoxification of the blood and lymph also. If toxins are present in the blood and lymph, this means that every organ, tissue, and cell will be exposed to these toxins, even if you are currently undergoing detoxification. The blood and lymph fluids need detoxification too, for your body to perform its best.

Many detoxification programs are complicated and hard to follow, even with instructions. If you can’t understand what you need to do, the chances are that the detoxification program will not work very well. Be wary of which product you choose because some programs contain ingredients that are so ineffective and useless that they are a waste of money, while others contain products that are known to harm your health. Avoid programs that are based on senna and cascara, which are laxatives that often create bowel dependence, deplete vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, and leave you feeling drained and fatigued. Enemas and colonics place a large demand on bowel health and, although helpful, should not be used at home, but rather under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

When choosing a whole body cleansing program look for something that is based on safe, effective, all-natural herbs and nutrients. It should be a gradual and gentle program that works with your body’s own detoxification ability and normal patterns of elimination. The two-week initial phase should scrub your intestines naturally, stirring up and freeing stored toxins, bind the freed toxins with fiber for excretion and elimination, restore power to the liver, purify the blood, and cleanse the lymph.

Magnesium hydroxide, which is one of the most effective yet gentle laxatives available, draws water into the intestines, which causes its contents to soften and swell. It then scrubs, loosens, and cleanses the intestinal walls. Herbs such as Slippery Elm Bark, Marshmallow Root, and Peppermint Leaf extract, coat irritated mucous membranes, draw out toxins, and soothe the lining of the intestinal wall, help white blood cells seek and destroy disease-causing germs, increase the bow of bile, relax intestinal muscles, and reduce cramps and gas that may occur during detoxification.

After stirring up toxins and scrubbing them from intestinal walls, they must be grabbed onto with natural detoxification fibers. Upon entering the intestines, the fiber expands and soaks up the toxins and waste minerals, preparing them for elimination through the intestines. The safest fibers to use during detoxification are oat bran, pectin from citrus fruit, psyllium husk, and guar gum. However, even the best detox fibers can’t cleanse the colon if they can’t absorb and eliminate toxins. The most effective fibers are designed to be thoroughly dispersed throughout the entire colon.

With the use of milk thistle, the best known herb for the health of the liver, liver cells injured by toxins can be regenerated and toxins can be blocked from entering the liver in the first place. However, not all milk thistle products are the same. Only milk thistle that is standardized to contain 80% silymarin and formulated with phosphatidylcholine are capable of preventing liver damage in persons suffering from alcoholism or hepatitis and improving the way the liver works in people with cirrhosis of the liver. When milk thistle is combined with artichoke extract, licorice, and dandelion, the result is healthy bile production and a better flow of bile into the small intestine.

Because blood nourishes every organ as it flows through our body and transports oxygen from the lungs, nutrients from the small intestine, hormones from glands, and immune cells to fight infection and reduce inflammation. It also takes toxins to the liver and transports waste to the kidneys. However, if the liver is unable to detoxify as it should, the toxins will remain in the bloodstream, influencing every cell, tissue, and organ. Burdock, one of the most effective natural blood purifiers and cleansers, helps the kidneys filter impurities from the blood more quickly and helps to cleanse the respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, and circulatory systems also.

Since lymph is the fluid of health, the lymphatic system is the first to alert the body that there are toxins within it. One of the most effective herbs for lymph detoxification is red clover extract because it is able to keep harmful toxins out of the lymphatic system, while keeping the liver strong and stimulating bile production.

Although most people will have excellent results from the whole body cleansing program, there are additional nutritional supplements that help detoxification needs. Humifulvate, which reduces lead and cadmium levels in people who have been exposed to highly toxic metals, binds harmful metals in the intestinal tract, without draining the body of the healthy minerals it needs. Following a cleanse with a high potency pancreatic enzyme supplement will help to keep intestines parasite-free, while helping your body to produce digestive enzymes, immune secretions, and beneficial flora. Oregano, thyme, peppermint, and goldenseal are also important in keeping the body from growing bacteria, viruses, candida, and fungi after detoxification. An inulin and oligofructose supplement can help our immune system fight bacteria and viruses and improve the strength of our heart, while keeping our digestive tract healthy. Finally, a probiotic supplement can help to deliver helpful bacteria to the intestine, where the previous beneficial bacteria had been depleted due to retained intestinal toxins.

When deciding to use a detoxification program, one must know that it is safe for most people. However, pregnant or nursing women should not use any detoxification program, even if they are designed to be extremely gentle. It is also recommended that a person does not detox more than four times in the same year, unless it is recommended by a health care provider. While on a detoxification program, it is important to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. With a good detoxification program, the whole body will be cleansed gently and gradually, while working with your body’s own detoxification ability and patterns of elimination. All the above mentioned herbs and vitamins are available at your local vitamin store as well as internet vitamin stores.

Darrell Miller
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/safe-and-natural-ways-to-detox-and-cleanse-the-body-101797.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

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!

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

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

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

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
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