Constipation

Most of the older generation used prunes for constipation because it’s natural and effective. Most kitchens are stocked with prunes in case someone needs constipation relief. Essentially, prunes are dried European plums. Prunes for constipation is actually a very tasty remedy since even the dried fruit has a chewy flesh. The practice of drying plums were practiced long ago in areas near the Caspian Sea. It has been a custom of people in that area for thousands of years. Today, prunes usually come from California but they can be found in almost all groceries and markets.

Health benefits derived from prunes

Prunes for constipation provides good relief because the colon is assisted by the insoluble fibers in the fruit. Most of the time, constipation comes from lack of fiber in the diet which can be supplied by prunes. Actually, the insoluble fibers of prunes acts as food source for friendly bacteria in the large intestine.Studies demonstrates that when these bacteria triggers the fermentation of prunes, butyric acid is created. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid considered as cell fuel within the large intestine. Aside from the butyric acid, the bacteria also creates extra fuel like propionic and acetic acid.

Prunes do not only relieve constipation, it also lowers cholesterol according to studies. It is really amazing to know that prunes for constipation is good for the heart too.

Actually,a study that was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine establishes prunes ability to curb incidence of heart disease. The study tracked 10,000 Americans adults for 19 years; their health was monitored carefully. The results were remarkable- it concluded that those who took at least 21 grams of fiber a day had 12% less risk for cardiovascular disease. Taking prunes for constipation promotes over-all well-being in an individual.

Prune juice is als a good alternative for prunes for constipation since it’s easier to digest.If you are buying prunes in box, inspect carefully the packaging for any broken seal or contamination. Ideally,prunes must be kept in a dry and safe container to prevent loss of moisture content. Since eating prunes for constipation is not just good for constipation, keep a box handy all the time.

Get the healthy habit and eat prunes!

Constipation is a condition when a person defecates less than three times every week. Symptoms of this condition are discomfort, stomach pain, bloated feeling, and nausea. A constipated person’s waste becomes dry and lumpy and must strain when trying to defecate. People suffering from constipation always seek various constipation treatments that can aid them in feeling better. People who suffer from constipation find it difficult to defecate, contrary to popular belief. The type of treatment for constipation varies for different causes of constipation. Some constipation treatments have people change their diet and even take medication. The following is a list of different constipation treatments you can take:

Eat more dietary fiber. This is amongst the easiest treatments available. You can do this by eating many fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibers. You should intake at least five servings of fruits or vegetables a day. In a way, these food groups act as natural laxatives for the digestive system which is even safer than commercial laxatives.

Laxatives are another available treatment. Since these are over-the-counter medicines, they are easy to retrieve. Laxative treatments are the easier to purchase than most other medications because they are over-the-counter medicines. There are many available laxatives in a pharmacy so you need to know what kind you are looking out for. A laxative called lubricant laxative coats the feces’ surface. This makes it easier to pass hard, dry stools that can cause too much straining. Saline laxatives absorbs fluid from nearby tissues making the stool softer. One classic example of a saline laxative is Milk of Magnesia. Stimulant laxatives are known as the harshest constipation treatments because this forces the bowel to contract. Despite its effectiveness, doctors suggest that one should not rely on laxatives because of health problems that will surface over constant use.

You need to exercise

Treatments for constipation calls for lifestyle changes. People who exercise are not prone to constipation problems as compared to people with sedentary lives.Lively people are not as likely to have constipation problems as often as people who live slow lives. Short walks after dinner maybe a good way to stimulate your digestive system.

Enema

This is one of the most unpleasant solutions for constipation but works effectively when stool impaction has already occurred. The colon is stimulated to release stools. This treatment also has many drawbacks so it is advisable to limit your usage.

There are various kinds of constipation treatments available. It is important that you would ask your doctor for advise before choosing a particular treatment.

There is a lot of information you need to know about laxatives and constipation. Before you consider using laxatives you need to know how constipation happens. A person is considered constipated if his bowels do not move more than three times a week. Constipation can be caused by lack of exercise, lack of fiber in the diet or lack of water intake. And if you are stresses out that could be another culprit to your constipation. But do not worry, you can buy over-the-counter drugs to relieve your constipation. There are different types of laxatives that make constipation worse if you use a laxative that is similar to the constipation in nature. The most ideal approach then would be to seek a doctor’s advice when using laxatives and constipation treatment.Thus it is best to seek your doctor’s advice. This is why you should seek your doctor’s advice before choosing a laxative to treat your constipation. The following reveals many types of information for your constipation problems.

Laxatives and constipation-Bulk forming

Fruits and vegetables are a natural laxative that hardens feces. However, some people do not have the option to prepare their own meals so they need bulk-forming laxatives that can ease their constipation. For some people, the problem could be not having enough time to prepare their own meals so bulk-forming laxatives can treat their constipation. A good example of bulk-forming laxative is Psyllium. Because it absorbs the liquid in intestines it allows feces to pass without trouble. It produces a hard waste that is simply released. Consuming extra fibers can lead to bloating and stomach cramps if consumed in excess.

About lubricant laxatives and constipation

Lubricant laxatives coat the outer surface of the stool which makes it slippery. Also, the mineral oil in this laxative coats the lining of the intestines to prevent the occurrence of dry, lumpy stools that characterize constipation. This is only a temporary solution because the mineral oil may work against other medications.

Stimulant Laxatives and constipation

Stimulant laxatives and constipation are extremely unpleasing. Stimulant laxatives actually stimulate the intestines to move wastes out of the digestive tract and if used habitually will damage the intestinal lining. These laxatives are only used for surgical purposes and rectal examinations. Castor oil, suppositories, and senna extract are examples of stimulant laxatives.

There are still other types of laxatives and constipation remedies available in drug stores. However, it is highly-suggested to resort to more natural ways of relieving constipation such as eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking enough water and doing exercise.

Every now and then, some people experience constipation which is uncomfortable. Commonly, symptoms like bloating, stomach cramps and difficulty in passing stools are experienced by people with constipation. Some common causes of constipation are stress, inadequate fiber in diet or inactive lifestyle. Since constipation can be inconvenient, there is always a need for constipation remedies because people need to feel better. While it is comforting to know that there are several over the counter (OTC) constipation remedies; yet, using them for a long period is not advisable.For those who need gentle and safe constipation remedies , check the following helpful suggestions:

*Beverley-Travis Natural Laxative Mixture. This natural laxative recipe is a result of a pilot study that was conducted by researchers in an elderly home .As a matter of fact, the research was published in a peer-reviewed journal titled Geriatric Nursing. The recipe is composed of several fruits which contains fiber that can assist the digestive process and aid constipation.

Ingredients: One cup ( currants, raisins, pitted prunes, prune concentrate, figs, dates ) Method:

Mix all the fruits together in a blender until it has achieved a thickened consistency. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator. Have two tablespoons twice a day. Dosage can be increased gradually if needed.

*Psyllium Fiber- Psyllium Fiber is one of the most organic constipation remedies. This is actually the husk of psyllium seeds, an indigestible fiber that can effectively retain water. It also adds bulk to the stool thereby relieving constipation discomfort. Nonetheless, psyllium should only be taken for a short period of time. This is in no way a food supplement. It can definitely decrease the effectivity of several medications. Always consult doctor when using this product.

*Senna tea Senna tea is a natural laxative which has been long used in herbal medicine. It can be used as natural constipation remedies by taking a cup of tea when constipation is severe.Yet, it has purgative properties and should not be taken by people with heart problems and hypertension. Preferably, senna tea can be used once or twice a week.

Natural constipation remedies makes people more relaxed by ridding constipation. They don’t cost that much and mild to use unlike artificial laxatives. If you’re not getting any better after these remedies, visit a doctor.

Everybody’s digestive system works in a process that ultimately excretes waste from the body using something called bowel movement. Releasing waste every day is a healthy habit for people. But when a person does not excrete waste regularly they tend to feel uncomfortable. When a person experiences less than three bowel movements per week, it is already classified by doctors as constipation. People can feel uncomfortable if they do not experience bowl movement within two days. People who are unlucky will experience an irritable bowel syndrome in which they produce diarrhea. In other cases, feces may compact and create a large stool that cannot pass through the rectum. Thus it is very important to avoid constipation so that you do not experience these things.

Constipation symptoms

*You are considerd constipated if you apply to at least two of these symptoms.
*Do you find it difficult to defecate?
*Are you experiencing less than three defecations a week?
*Passing of stool is incomplete for at least 25% of the time
*At least 25% of the time, the wastes are very hard

In most cases constipation has to do with large and thick wastes. Stomach cramps along with bloating are sometimes felt by those suffering from constipation. People will typically pass gas that produces and extremely offensive odor. Constipation symptoms can also reveal acute constipation that already requires medical assessment. In some cases, cancer of the colon can be an underlying condition indicated by constipation symptoms. An examination is needed if blood is present in feces. Learning about constipation symptoms is important because you can practice some healthy habits to keep that digestive system in good condition. Many people will look for laxatives to help relieve their constipation symptoms. But prolonged use of laxatives is not a good thing to do because it can irritate your inner organs and cause damage as well as many other digestive problems. When you have observed constipation symptoms you should meet with a medical doctor who can help you with your condition.By doing so you can prevent further constipation as well as find out if you have cancer.

Expecting a newborn can be one of the greatest things in a woman’s life. It is only a matter of months before a woman would be able to carry her child in her arms. In addition to being an exciting experience, pregnancy also comes with its downsides. Due to the bodily changes that occur, women suffer from back aches, cramps, nausea and even constipation. Constipation may sound weird but in reality there are many women who suffer from it. In 2005 YouGov held a survey that revealed startling information; one of the top three health problems experienced by expectant mothers is constipation. This information is expected though because of the changes in the body. An expectant mother changes her habits and dietary intake during pregnancy. Unfortunately, due to their condition an expectant mother cannot take laxatives as they can be harmful. On a good note, this article will teach you how to recover with the following constipation relief. The following will give you insight for to your recovery:

Fiber and constipation relief

You could help your digestive system during this time of excitement. Constipation that involves diarrhea needs to be treated with fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to help your waste harden into lumps. Another way to help relieve constipation is to replace three large meals a day with many small meals a day.

Constipation relief- drink fluids

If your wastes are too thick or hard your constipation can be treated by taking in fluids. You should drink at least 7-8 glasses of water a day to help relieve the constipation. You can also drink other forms of liquid for hydration but water works the best for constipation.

Constipation relief-exercise

Though moving may feel troublesome for you, exercise is an important solution to constipation. For a safe recovery, light exercises such as yoga and walking should be practiced. 20-30 minutes of such work-outs will provide you with a healthier body and treat your constipation as well.

Antenatal supplements for constipation relief

Consult your doctor about which supplements can be effected by constipation relief. There are some antenatal supplements that can treat your constipation and there are others that should be avoided.You should drink the recommended amount of liquids if you are taking iron supplements.

Constipation during pregnancy is not an usual condition. It happens with other discomforts such as backache, leg cramps, nausea and urinary incontinence. Constipation during pregnancy can be attributed to increased production of a hormone known as progesterone.. Progesterone naturally increases during pregnancy to stop milk production until a woman has given birth. Unfortunately,constipation during pregnancy happens as a result of too much progesterone. A pregnant woman usually has a slower digestive system that results to straining when moving bowel.

Possibly, a change in eating habits would lead to constipation problems too. It is but common for expectant mothers to almost double their food consumption. There are alco cases where pregnant women decrease their liquid intake due to urinary incontinence. As a result, dehydration occurs and the stools become hard and dry leading to constipation. Expectant mothers are advised by doctors to take iron and calcium to supplement their diet. The body needs iron because the baby also stores much iron in the first trimester. Also, if a pregnant woman becomes anemic, this can lead to complications such as low birth weight or even early delivery. Traditionally, gynecologists prescribe 18 mg of iron daily for pregnant women; yet, this dosage results to constipation during pregnancy.In cases where pregnant women get constipated, these great tips can surely help them:

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. These food can help in creating bulk because they are rich in fiber. It is a fact that iron is necessary for pregnant women which cause constipation;yet, eating more fiber can solve this problem. Laxatives should never be used because these can trigger abdominal contractions which is dangerous for pregnant women.

2. Have enough liquid in your diet. Hydration is necessary for good health. Water does not only refresh the body but also aids in proper digestion and elimination of waste.

Although this could mean making several trips to the bathroom, the importance of water cannot be secondary to the discomfort

3. Exercise.Pregnant women have to do light to exercise. Exercise promotes proper blood circulation and oxygenates the cells making the body healthy.

Constipation during pregnancy can be easily prevented by doing light exercises since it boosts digestion.Active individuals rarely suffer from cases of chronic constipation.Truly, there are many ways to prevent constipation during pregnancy especially following the advice given.

Normally, new mothers encounter baby constipation problems. Babies suffer miserably when they are constipated, symptoms such as straining when passing stool and bloated tummy can be unnerving for a new mom . Usually, there is too much effort exerted when baby constipation happens because the stool is hard to eliminate. To further avoid these inconvenient situations for your baby, it is best to understand how babies get constipated. Infants are fed with milk ( either by breast-feeding or bottle-feeding ) after being born. Even at this stage, incidence of baby constipation happens because according to some studies, bottle-feeding can induce constipation in infants. It is also possible that the baby is already lactose intolerant from the start. In some situations, the baby is already lactose-intolerant from the very beginning. Hence,breast-feeding is more preferable than bottle-feeding to avoid baby constipation problems.

As the baby grows, the diet also changes especially when solid food is already introduced. When the baby’s digestive system begins processing solid food, it is very likely for the child to become constipated due to the changes. Moreover, certain food groups can lead to baby constipation, among them : excessive dairy products, low fiber food, bananas, applesauce, pasta, cereals and even potatoes.

Avoid giving the baby starchy food which can also cause bloating and stomach cramps.Try to dilute apple or prune juice with water for better absorption. The baby can drink this twice a day. Baby constipation can also be addressed prunes because it contains high amount of fiber that can boost the efficiency of digestion.

Tummy massage can greatly help in baby constipation. This is as simple as rubbing the baby’s tummy in a circular motion. The massage can be done after giving the baby a warm bath. Giving the baby a warm bath can relax the body for easier elimination of waste according to some doctors. A little exercise such as walking can be helpful to get the baby’s system moving.

Mothers should always keep watch of the baby’s diet in order to avoid incidents of baby constipation. Additionally, searching online about constipation remedies and relief can better equip new mothers to handle the situation. Finally, when constipation symptoms becomes frequent, have your baby checked by a doctor.

It is normal for people to get constipated once in a while as caused by any of the following: stress, less fiber in diet, lack of water intake, sedentary lifestyle or change in dietary habits. Usually,doctors tell individuals to increase intake of fiber from fruits and vegetables as remedy for constipation. There are also over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like laxatives to relieve the discomfort. People who are engaged in different sports or exercise suffer less from constipation. Nonetheless, when symptoms are still present despite these changes, it may already be chronic constipation.Using more laxatives to treat symptoms is not advisable because too much stimulation of the digestive system can result in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A good course of action is to visit a doctor for medical advice.

Usually, doctors require adequate medical data about a patient to diagnose properly.There is a possibility that chronic constipation indicates a more serious medical condition that must be given proper intervention.If this is the case, chronic constipation is considered as secondary constipation. Metabolic disorders, Neurologic disorders, colon diseases or abuse of narcotic drugs can lead to chronic constipation. To precisely arrive at the cause of chronic constipation, doctors may require different laboratory tests as illustrated by the following:

Diagnostic tests for chronic constipation
*Scope Tests This has 3 tests: sigmoidoscopy, rigid proctoscopy and colonoscopy. Bleeding, inflammation and tumors in different parts the colon can be detected through these tests by the doctors. A biopsy can also be performed using the colonoscope.

*Defecating Proctogram X-ray- It determines how the sigmoid colon and rectum releases stool efficiently.

*Anal and Abdominal Ultrasound – Sound waves reflect and create image of abdomen and anal sphincter muscles.

*Anorectal Testing – This test can evaluate if the rectum and pelvic floor muscles do their jobs properly when passing stool.

*Colonic Motility Test – One of the most innovative diagnostic tests for chronic constipation. An endoscope attached with a special balloon is inserted into the colon. By using this test, doctors can reach a decision whether a surgical procedure is necessary for the patient or not.

*Hydrogen Breath Test – Some cases of chronic constipation maybe caused by lactose or fructose intolerance.
This test measures the amount of hydrogen gas in the breath.

Indeed, advances in technology allows doctors to perform complex diagnostic tests for chronic constipation. Because of such advances , doctors are more equipped to treat chronic constipation effectively.

Constipation is more prevalent in women than men, as claimed by various medical studies conducted. In 1990, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted that firmly supports these claim. Remarkably, the study showed that females were twice as constipated than males in the general population. Also, the study revealed that as women grew older, the incidence of constipation doubled. Indeed, the research asserts that females sufffer from constipation than their male counterparts. Likewise, high incidence of constipation is not only applicable to gender but age as well. This write-up provides an overview of possible causes of constipation in women.

Aside from older women, pregnant women also expereince constipation. During pregnancy, certain biological changes rapidly occurs at a woman’s body which can cause discomfort. Secretion of excess progesterone is expected during pregnancy, which can be cited as one of the causes of constipation in women.The woman’s body is assisted by the secretion of these hormones during pregnancy. Progesterone can stop the body from producing milk until the woman has given birth. Unfortunately, progesterone also slows down the digestive system which causes constipation in women. One of the most practical solutions to this problem is adding more fiber in the diet by eating more fruits and vegetables. When women are pregnant, they can develop weak pelvic floor muscles; thus, making this as one of the causes of constipation in women. As the baby grows, the abdomen feels pressure from the weight. Additionally, a large percentage of women who deliver normally can suffer from weak pelvic floor muscles.

Stress is also one of the psychological causes of constipation in women. Mothers who have just given birth go through post-partum depression, which is a stressful phase. On the flip side,working mothers who need to balance their career and home life also get stressed. Surely, this situation can lead to constipation. Nonetheless,individuals must realize that bad habits can also result to constipation in women. This includes a sedentary lifestyle and simply not drinking enough water. Too much consumption of sugar can cause constipation for both men and women alike. Truly, people should try to balance their life and pursue a healthy lifestyle. Balanced diet, good stress management and regular exercise can solve most health conditions in this world more than any medicine .