Colon Cleanse » Constipation

The use of Psyllium Husk for Colon Cleansing

Beth — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:31:05 +0000

Psyllium Husk is derived from the crushed seeds of the Plantago plant from Asia, North Africa and the Mediterranean. These seeds have been used in herbal remedies in the United States for over 70 years.

Psyllium Husk Powder

The Psyllium seed is a tiny gel coated reddish brown seed that is tasteless and odorless.

Psyllium is most often produced as a bulk-fiber based laxative for foods or fiber supplements. Psyllium is rich in soluble fiber, so it is usually used for laxatives for constipation. It is also used for colon cleansing, diarrhea, weight loss and the reduction of hemorrhoids.

Psyllium husk can be used as a colon cleanser. Colon cleansing has become a very popular procedure. It has been shown to improve overall health. It is used to cleanse the colon of excess waste that accumulates within the colon over a period of time. If you do not get rid of the toxins within the colon, they can build up and cause illness.

As relates to psyllium, it helps increase the transit time in your colon. This transit time is the time it takes for the food to move through your colon once it is ingested. Psyllium has a bulking effect, in which it absorbs water. This helps to line the colon with a slippery film, increase contractions in the bowels and absorb toxins. The combination of these items can help the bowels move easily and quickly through your colon. When the bowels are able to move quickly, they can effectively cleanse your colon thoroughly.

In further detail, the Psyllium absorbs water like a sponge. This sponge absorbs toxic substances off the wall of your colon. When the sponge is eliminated from your system, it removes all the toxins with it.

As a side note, Psyllium can also be used to relieve constipation. As explained above, psyllium is a bulk forming fiber, it absorbs water, swells and forms a slippery film. This allows two things to happen. It can create a softer bowel movement and stimulate contractions of the lower bowel. The contractions force you to have more frequent bowel movements.

You can also use Psyllium to alleviate diarrhea. Surprisingly, the same effect for constipation can help with diarrhea. The Psyllium absorbs the water, which creates a firm bowel movement, instead of diarrhea.

The husks are used whole in their natural state. They can be dried and chopped or powdered for easier consumption. In any of these forms, one takes them by mixing them with water or another fluid. You can also purchase capsules. Additionally, many over the counter laxatives and fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, may have Psyllium as their main ingredient. One warning when using Psyllium is to take it with plenty of water and take it between meals, never immediately before or immediately after, as it may interfere with your digestion.

Are Babies Prone to Constipation?

Beth — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:51:50 +0000

Babies may be prone to constipation, but it may be a difficult problem to diagnose. There is nothing normal about a baby’s bowel movement schedule. Your baby may have a bowel movement every day, every other day or every time she eats. As you become more in tune with your baby, you will know what is regular and normal for her.

Mother bottle-feeding baby boy

Constipation is considered when the baby’s bowel movement is causing significant pain or discomfort, which is when the stool becomes too hard to easily pass.

Some other possible signs of constipation in your baby include not having a bowel movement in more than three days or they are showing obvious discomfort.

What are the causes of constipation in your little one?

Formula: it is possible that something in the formula is causing the constipation. Breast milk is a balance of fat and protein, so it usually keeps stools soft and easy to pass. If you think formula might be the culprit, try switching brands. There are some formulas that are advertised to be easily digestible.

Introduction of foods: Solid foods could be causing constipation. The first food that you introduce is rice cereal which is low in fiber and may lead to constipation.

Dehydration. This can be possible even in the littlest babies. Their system needs to replenish with fluids, just as an adult. If the baby is dehydrated, her system will respond by absorbing more fluid from whatever she eats or drinks, including from the waste in her bowels. The result is hard, dry bowel movements that are difficult to pass. However, as you normally do not give babies water, you should consult your physician if this may be the problem.

A medical condition or illness. Though it’s uncommon, constipation can be caused by an underlying medical condition such as hypothyroidism, some metabolic disorders, and some food allergies. If your baby passes hard, painful stools, you’ll want her doctor to check her out, just to make sure.

How can you relieve your baby’s constipation?

Massage your baby’s belly. Apply gentle but firm pressure with your fingertips on their belly. Press until you feel a firmness or mass. Maintain gentle but constant pressure for about three minutes.

Switch formulas. If you feed your baby formula, ask her doctor about switching to a different brand. Some babies are less constipated on soy formula.

Switch cereals. Try barley or oat cereal or add pureed fruits or vegetables to her regular cereal, once your baby is ready for them.

Once your baby is eating a variety of solid foods, ask her doctor if you can boost her fiber intake by adding a teaspoon of bran to her cereal. Cut down on constipating foods like rice, bananas, and cooked carrots, and try mixing her cereal with a little bit of apple or prune juice or a few tablespoons of pureed prunes, apricots, or pears to help loosen her bowel movements.

Increase the amount of fluid your baby drinks to help keep her stools soft. If your baby is older than 2 months, you can give her 1 ounce of prune juice diluted with 1 ounce of water, twice a day. As her constipation improves, you can cut back. You should always consult with your doctor.

With all conditions related to your new baby, you should feel free to contact your pediatrician for advice.

General Tips Regarding Constipation

Beth — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:31:25 +0000

Woman exercising at home

Some people consider constipation to be somewhat of a minor problem. Unfortunately, it may start out as minor, but it can lead to more serious problems. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are two of the more serious problems that constipation can lead to.

Some causes of constipation include:

lack of fiber in the diet
lack of physical activity
dehydration
milk
over-use of laxatives
ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement and “holding it” for too long

Did you know that 2.5 million of the visits to the doctor’s office are related to constipation problems within the United States? Doctors will often times refer a patient to a dietician for nutrition recommendations. Raising the amount of fiber throughout the diet is often a suggestion. The more natural fiber we get through the food we eat, the more regular our bowel movements will be. Fiber also helps to lower blood cholesterol levels as well as to stabilize blood sugar levels.

According to the American Diabetic Association, the daily recommended amount of fiber an adult should be consuming is between 20 and 35 grams per day. Most people only consume between 5 and 14 grams! That’s a big difference!

Unfortunately many children do not get enough fiber and this is becoming a continuous problem. A child may not necessarily tell his or her parents that they are having issues with bowel movements and so often times, parents don’t even understand that it’s an ongoing problem. Parents are working more and more and may not be aware of the food that their children are taking in when they’re not at home.

Some tips for treating constipation:

stay physically active and get more exercise by incorporating activities such as gardening and cleaning into your daily routine
increase the amount of fiber you’re consuming into your daily diet
whenever possible, choose natural and organic fruits and vegetables; always opt for unprocessed foods and whole grains
add ground flax seeds to fruit smoothies, salads, peanut butter toast and other similar foods
Stir psyllium powder into freshly squeezed juice or water and take before bed time

Make sure you are drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day each day. It is important that you are getting a minimum of six to eight glasses of water a day. If you want, try adding a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar to each glass of water to help detoxify your system even more. Always go to the bathroom immediately whenever you feel the urge to go and never hold it for too long. This can cause all kinds of problems for your bowels and can force your body to become even more constipated.

What Foods Promote Constipation?

Beth — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:57:12 +0000

Foods that tend to cause constipation:

Meat, particularly beef and pork, because these types of food slow down the digestive process
Potatoes, because they contain too much starch
Cheese commonly causes constipation for many individuals
Fast Foods, there is very little nutritional value to foods purchased in a fast food restaurant and they make it difficult for your body to digest
Breads
Pasta
Corn
Pizza, which contains a lot of cheese
Milk, contains too much mucous, which solidifies within the body
Products full of sugar, such as pies, cakes and cookies, as these types of foods bog down the system, creating low energy and often times, weight problems

Constipation can make it difficult for you to have a bowel movement. Stools may be extremely hard or large and difficult to pass. Some people will continue to feel the need to have a bowel movement even after they have just finished having one.

Some people have between one and three bowel movements a day, but this is not the case for everyone. Other people only have a bowel movement three times a week. Constipation can usually be classified as an individual who has three or less bowel movements a week.

Avoid processed foods as much as possible. These types of food do not digest as easily. Digestion is a huge part of having regular bowel movements.

Adult Couple Playfully Sharing Fresh Fruit at Home

You can treat constipation by increasing your fiber intake. It’s true that you can get fiber from supplements and with fiber powders mixed in your drink and food, but the best kind of fiber is the fiber you get from the food you naturally eat. Whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables are the best methods of getting natural fiber.

Fiber-rich foods include:

unprocessed wheat bran
unrefined breakfast cereals
whole grain and rye flours
grainy breads, like whole wheat breads, rye or pumpernickel
fresh fruits, with the exception of bananas
dried fruits, like prunes, apricots and figs
vegetables, with the exception of potatoes, which are full of starch
legumes, like chick peas, baked beans, lima beans and soy beans

Long-term use of laxatives can also be a problem for some individuals. Individuals who use laxatives too often, sometimes become dependent on them and their bodies do not function without the use of laxatives. Long-term problems that laxative use can cause include:

they can cause the intestines to become lazy, so to speak, causing you to become even more constipated
they can cause issues with your body’s ability to use drugs
they can cause food to move through your system too fast, so that the nutrients are not absorbed into your body
they can cause you to lose too much water in your stool

Tips for Avoiding Constipation

Beth — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:18:25 +0000

Increase Your Fiber Intake

Getting enough fiber is essential to avoiding becoming constipated. The average adult gets between 25 and 35 grams of fiber a day. You get fiber naturally from eating fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. If your diet isn’t packed full of these types of foods, chances are you are not getting nearly enough fiber each day. Fiber helps loosen your stool so that you do not become constipated. Eat enough fiber to have regular bowel movements.

Mixed Vegetables, Nuts, and Fruit

Drink More Fluids

Water is essential and important to your overall diet. You need it in order to mix in with your stool to make the stool looser and easier to pass. If you don’t drink enough water, your stools will become hardened and will not be as easy to pass. You should be drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeinated beverages or drinking a lot of empty calories. Water is the only thing that will thoroughly quench your thirst.

Modify Your Diet

Be careful of dieting on the wrong foods. If you are eating foods that your body is not used to, you can become constipated very quickly and very easily. Particularly some of the low-carbohydrate diets; these types of diets put a strong emphasis on high protein diets sometimes don’t allow for enough fiber in your diet.

Medications

Medications can sometimes be to blame for constipation. If you are constipated and are having difficulty figuring out why, consider whether or not you are on any medications. If you are, check the side effects or talk to your doctor or pharmacist as to whether or not the medication can be the cause of your constipation.

Caffeine

If you are constipated, consider reducing the amount of caffeine you take in each day may be beneficial to reducing your constipation. Avoid coffee and soda, as well as chocolate, if at all possible.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women sometimes become constipated. This is due to the many different bodily changes that they are experiencing. You can combat this symptom of pregnancy by increasing your fresh fruits and vegetables intake.

Stress

Stress is one of the most common reasons for an individual who has become constipated. If your body is stressed, it may not be functioning properly. Learn good stress management techniques. Try taking a hot bath or relaxing in front of a warm fire. Burn some incense or take a drive. Do what comes natural to you to de-stress.

Increase Physical Activity

Walking is one of the best exercises to relieve constipation. Exercise ensures that your body is working properly and can aid in constipation relief. Even just walking for 30 minutes a day will be beneficial to you. It can also act as a stress reliever.

Constipation and Your Children

Beth — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:08:44 +0000

Glass of Prune Juice with Prunes

Here are some signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for if your children are constipated:

If you begin to notice that your child has three or less bowel movements a week.
Your child tells you that his or her stools are unusually hard or difficult to pass.
The stools seem difficult to pass.

Unfortunately, your child may not be honest with you or forthcoming when it comes to being constipated. Often times, children will avoid passing a bowel movement in order to resist potty training. This can be a real problem. For some children, it is normal to have fewer bowel movements, but it is dependent on the child. If a child is having hard stools, he or she is likely constipated and also very likely avoiding going to the bathroom.

One of the common causes of constipation in children is a water or fluid deficiency. Children need plenty fiber in their diet. Constipation in children often starts with the formula or baby food that the child starts out with. Switching from baby food to solid food can also bring on constipation in small children. In young children who tend to suffer from chronic constipation, this may be because the child is avoiding passing a bowel movement (usually to resist potty training).

There are many different things you can do to help your child with his or her constipation:

Dietary changes can be very beneficial. Begin by increasing the amount of fluid that your child is drinking. If the child or baby is eating cereal, try adding prune juice to the cereal. Older children should be instructed to drink plenty of water and can drink prune juice. Increasing intake of bran can also be helpful.
Bowel habit training is the next step. Teach your child not to wait to have a bowel movement. Try to establish a regular habit by teaching your child to sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes at about the same time each day. Try putting a footstool in front of the tool to make sitting more comfortable for the child.
Medicine: Laxatives can be very helpful. Which type of laxative is dependent on the age of the child. Consult your child’s doctor for recommendations.

Use a reward program. Begin by rewarding your child for sitting on the toilet. If your child sits on the toilet at the planned time, reward your child with one of his or her favorite activities. If the child has a bowel movement while on the toilet, reward the child again. Stickers and candy are great rewards for young children.

What are the causes for constipation?

Beth — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:04:55 +0000

Whole grains

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.

Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a physical problem. The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber and high in fats. A diet high in fiber would include vegetables, fruits and whole grains. If you suffer from constipation, you should avoid sugars and meats.

Another common cause of constipation is dehydration or not having enough fluids. It is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. The fluids that you drink add liquidity to your stool, making it softer and easier to pass.

There are many other causes of constipation, which include:

Inadequate water intake.
Inadequate fiber in the diet.
A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling.
Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.
Eating large amounts of dairy products.
Stress.
Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.
Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.
Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills).
Depression.
Eating disorders.
Irritable bowel syndrome.
Pregnancy.
Colon cancer.

There are also neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders, and systemic conditions that can slow the movement of stool through the colon causing constipation. Some of these disorders include: multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, diabetes and lupus.

Usually constipation will improve gradually without medications; however, when should you call your doctor:

Constipation is a new problem for you.
You have blood in your stool.
You are losing weight even though you are not dieting.
You have severe pain with bowel movements.
Your constipation has lasted more than two weeks.

There are also personal reasons that may cause constipation. For example, many people may not want to use public bathrooms or have a bowel movement anywhere other than their own home. This can create constipation problems. You should not resist the urge to have a bowel movement. Babies and children can also become constipated. The same causes may apply. In young children who are still toilet training, they may feel uncomfortable having a bowel movement when not at home or a familiar location. Children will also put off using the bathroom if they are in the middle of something, even playing.

Constipation can be caused by many different things. It is important to determine the underlying condition so you can prevent it from occurring again.

The Basics of Constipation

Beth — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:55:55 +0000

Healthy eating

One assumption of some people is that if an individual does not have a bowel movement every day, that he or she is constipated. This is not the case. Not every individual has 1 or more bowel movements a day. Some people only have a bowel movement every other day or every couple of days. It varies from individual to individual.

There are also some individuals who have bowel movements three or more times a day. There are some experts that would have you believe that having three to five bowel movements a day is best.

What’s important to remember is that constipation is a symptom of another health issue and it is not a disease. Most people experience constipation at some point in their life. Poor diet and lack of water intake is usually to blame. Children who tend to withhold a bowel movement (usually during potty training as a method of resistance) sometimes become constipated. Infants and small children also sometimes experience constipation during dietary changes. For example, a child might become constipated when he or she is transitioning into solid foods.

Constipation is a very common gastrointestinal symptom. Most people will experience it at some point in their lives. It is actually one of the most common problems among people in the United States. There are an estimated 4 million or more Americans who suffer from chronic constipation. The most common people who experience constipation are women and older adults 65 or older. Pregnant women sometimes experience constipation. It is a common complaint after childbirth or surgery.

To treat constipation, an individual can try an over-the-counter laxative. There are several different reasons why someone might suffer from constipation:

Not enough fiber in the diet (you should be getting between 25 and 35 grams of fiber a day – unfortunately most Americans only get between 5 grams and 15 grams a day)
Lack of physical activity
Certain medications
Milk and other dairy products
Irritable bowel syndrome
Changes in daily life or routine, such as pregnancy, aging and travel
Over-use or abuse of laxatives
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement and holding it for too long
Dehydration
Specific diseases or conditions, like a stroke (very common)
Problems within the colon and rectum
Problems with intestinal function

If you believe you are constipated, try adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diets, as well as whole grain foods, which is how you add natural fiber. Drink more water and increase your daily activity levels. If your constipation does not go away with home remedies and over-the-counter use, you should make a doctor’s appointment immediately. Constipation is a mild problem, which can turn into a severe issue if left untreated.

Symptoms that you are Constipated

Beth — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:53:58 +0000

Young woman eating fruit

If you are having infrequent bowel movements and your stools tend to be hard, you are likely constipated. Constipation can be described as having three or less bowel movements a week. There may be some amount of pain involved during the passage of a bowel movement with constipation. When you are constipated, you are unable to pass a bowel after trying for 10 or more minutes. When an infant is exclusively breastfed, he or she may go up to seven days without having a bowel movement.

Low fiber intake is the most common cause of constipation. Adding fiber to your daily diet can be helpful to you. You should be getting between 25 and 35 grams of fiber a day. Unfortunately, most individuals are only getting between 5 and 15 grams of fiber a day. You naturally get fiber by eating whole grain foods as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Bowel diseases, pregnancy and some neurological and mental health problems can also cause constipation. Colon cancer is a less common cause of constipation.

When children become constipated, this is often times due to them withholding bowel movements. Make sure you are incorporating plenty of water with your daily diet in order to help the food, which is digested. Infants that have constipation, should drink two to four ounces of fruit juice, such as grape, pear, cherry or prune juice twice a day if over two months old. If over four months old, if the baby has begun eating solid food, try baby food with high fiber content, such as peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums and spinach twice a day.

Stool softeners can also be helpful. Otherwise, consider bulk laxatives. This can add fluid and bulk to the stool. Laxatives and enemas should never be given to an infant or a child without first consulting a doctor!

Call a doctor if the following occurs:

Sudden constipation with abdominal cramping and the inability to pass gas (never take laxatives – call your doctor immediately)
Sharp and severe abdominal pain, particularly if you are bloated
Blood in your stool
Constipation alternating with diarrhea
Thin, pencil-like stools
Rectal pain
Unexplained weight loss
If using laxatives for several weeks and nothing is working
An infant 2 months or younger appears to be constipated
An infant that is not exclusively breastfed goes more than three days without passing a bowel
A child withholds bowel movements to avoid potty training

Certain tests can be completed in order to determine the cause of the constipation, but such tests should be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional.

Home Remedies for Constipation

Beth — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:36:00 +0000

Woman Jogging

Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. With this, the bowels do not move regularly. This condition is the cause of many diseases. It produces toxins which find their way into the bloodstream and are carried to all parts of the body.

The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency or difficulty in eliminating feces or having a bowel movement.

The biggest cause of constipation is bad diet. As with all digestive problems, your diet may be lacking in fiber. You should eliminate processed foods, eliminate processed sugar and eliminate intake of large quantities of meat. On the other hand, you should increase your water intake and fiber filled foods.

There are many easy healthy foods that can lead to constipation relief. Most fruits are water-based so beneficial to constipation treatment. Some fruits are more effective including:

Bael fruit can be a natural laxative. It can be eaten raw or cooked. When unripened, it can treat diarrhea and when ripe, it can clean and tone the intestines.
Pears are beneficial for constipation. For chronic constipation, try a diet of pears and pear juice for a few days. For ordinary situations, eat a pear after dinner or with breakfast.
Guava: it provides roughage to the diet and helps release the bowel. You can eat one or two guavas a day and it should be eaten with the seeds.
Grapes: grapes contain cellulose, sugar and organic acid making it the most beneficial laxative. Eating grapes can not only help with constipation, it can tone up your intestines and relieve chronic symptoms. You can eat up to 350 grams of grapes for the best results.
Spinach: Spinach is one of the best vegetables vital to keeping the digestive tract healthy. Raw spinach contains organic materials and helps with cleansing and regeneration of the intestines.

Along with eating your way to relief from constipation, you can try spices added to your food. There are quite a few spices that have a laxative effect. For example, garlic, honey, sesame seeds and oils.

As for other remedies, you should exercise. Exercise keeps your body healthy, which can also lead to healthy bowel movements. When you are active, your bowels are also active. Additionally with exercise comes water, drink plenty of water. Water is vital to keeping your body healthy. It can also loosen the bowels helping with constipation.

Finally, it is vital to go to the bathroom when you need to go and don’t rush. Many individuals have an anxiety of public restrooms or discomfort using the bathroom at work or at school or whatever. Unfortunately, you may have to deal with this anxiety. In holding the urge to go when necessary, you may be causing your own constipation issues. Additionally, when you are using the bathroom, take your time. As your body regulates itself, you can start a routine and your body adapts to this routine. When this happens, you may have a regular bowel movement at the same time daily.

Colon Cleanse » Constipation

The use of Psyllium Husk for Colon Cleansing

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Are Babies Prone to Constipation?

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General Tips Regarding Constipation

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What Foods Promote Constipation?

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Tips for Avoiding Constipation

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Constipation and Your Children

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What are the causes for constipation?

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The Basics of Constipation

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Symptoms that you are Constipated

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Home Remedies for Constipation

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