Diarrhea & Constipation Remedies » Constipation

Constipation in pregnancy

Jane — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:23:26 +0000

Constipation in pregnancy is particularly common and is experienced by almost all women. The main cause of constipation is increased progesterone levels, which starts to occur in early pregnancy. Progesterone can make some of your muscles more relaxed, including the muscles surrounding your colon – which unfortunately means that your body is less able to push food through your digestive system.

When you are pregnant, constipation treatments are a little restricted as it is desirable to avoid medication where possible, unless directed by a doctor. Accordingly, stimulant laxatives should be avoided and natural treatments used.

To help treat constipation while pregnant you can try to introduce more fiber into the diet. Fresh fruit, vegetables and grains may help but many pregnant women find that they need a richer source of fiber.
Natural psyllium husk powder is one of the best ways to obtain this fiber. Psyllium husks are the main ingredient in some over the counter laxative, but minus all the extra ingredients like fillers, flavors, colors and preservatives. They are a natural plant product and are generally considered safe for use in pregnancy. Of course, it is worthwhile to consult your health care professional about any supplements you include in your diet.

Psyllium husks in their pure, granulated form are readily available from health food shops and some drug stores, as well as a range of online stores. The recommended dosage is one teaspoon three times a day. It can be added to cereal or smoothies, stirred into a glass of water or juice and taken like a shot or even baked into a low fat muffin. You can also find psyllium in a capsule form which is a little easier to swallow. The husks work by bulking in the bowel and softening the stools. As it helps push blockages through the bowel the husks literally scrub the lining of waste and stubborn fecal matter.

In order for the psyllium husks to work it is essential that daily water intake is increased to at least two liters – although you should already be drinking this if you are pregnant, constipated or not. It is important to sip this throughout the day rather than drink in large quantities at a time as it will rehydrate rather better than flush straight through. That might be good for the kidneys, but not as beneficial for the bowels.

Pregnancy can be a worrying time, especially for first time mums in the first trimester as there are a myriad of symptoms that can range from light bleeding to cramping and vomiting. Sometimes the cramping and discomfort can be attributed to constipation, although if you have any concerns or the pain is sharp and in conjunction with bleeding then seek medical advice immediately.

How to Relieve Constipation

Jane — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:50:23 +0000

Constipation is a common condition that will effect almost everyone at some time in their life, although some people may have a much harder time with this digestive ailment than others. There is no strict rule for determining what constipation is -it can vary by person. Not everyone has a bowel movement every day and some may only have three or four a week which can still be considered normal, but any less than that is constipation if it is conjuction with any discomfort. Hard stools or having difficulty passing a stool is also constipation and it can cause many problems from pain to bloating and lack of energy or even poor immune function.
Many factors affect digestion and bowel movement frequency. The foods you eat, whether or not you exercise, water intake, and even the layout of your digestive tract can play a part in the problem. In general, it can be caused when food lingers too long in the large intestine where water is extracted the food you have eaten which means that the remaining food in the tract becomes hard and difficult to budge. Other causes of constipation can be stress, not eating enough fiber, not going to the bathroom when you feel the urge, taking too much iron and taking certain drugs/painkillers.

A raft of medical conditions may also result in forms of constipation. These include pregnancy, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, muscle or nerve problems, and a malfunctioning thyroid gland. A physical examination may be needed to determine the exact cause of constipation, and this should be done if the problem is persistent or interferes with your lifestyle. Procedures like colorectal transit studies, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy are a few familiar tests that can be helpful for diagnosis of the reasons for persistent constipation.

General advice to relieve constipation usually includes eating more fiber in the diet and drinking more water. Certain fruits, vegetables, and grains are very helpful for proper digestion. Prunes, squash, beans and whole grain cereals are often recommended, along with many others. Getting enough exercise and going to the bathroom frequently are important. Only use laxatives upon your doctor’s advice, although some over the counter remedies are perfectly safe to try such as Metamucil or Sienna tablets. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist, however, if you have an existing medical condition which may be causing the constipation and if you are on any medications which can be effected by over the counter remedies.

Constipation is a difficult and sometimes painful problem but it can be corrected and managed with the right treatment and lifestyle changes.

Natural stool softener

Jane — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:48:06 +0000

When you suffer from constipation, wouldn’t you rather put a natural stool softener into your body than a harsh laxative or commercial one that may make you feel even worse?

Constipation is a problem effecting millions of people everyday. It can be caused by anxiety and stress as well as eating the wrong foods such as a diet high in meat and dairy products, not getting enough water into your system, or even certain medications. Experts say we should have two or more bowel movements every day in order to flush out the necessary toxins, although for some people a bowel movement every second day can still be considered normal. One of the first signs of constipation is a headache as a result of the excess toxins followed by sharp pains in the lower stomach or even bloating.

The most natural natural stool softener is water. It takes the recommended eight glasses of fluids a day (which can include your coffee, tea, juices, etc.) to allow your colon to use the fluid in your stool to help transfer of fecal matter to the large intestines. There much of the water is reabsorbed for hydration and to balance your electrolytes. Not enough water leads to a dry and hard stool.

Coffee in the morning stimulates the metabolism and acts as a mild diuretic while prune juice is an excellent natural laxative.

Eating more fiber or taking a fiber supplement helps regulate the fluid in the stool by adding bulk to fecal matter and attracting water to it. Fresh fruit, vegetables, bran, and whole grain foods are excellent fiber sources.

Yogurt with its probiotics promotes healthy intestinal flora and aids in regularity.

Are you aware that exercise and physical activity increases your metabolism and moves stuff around in order to avoid constipation? So be as active as possible.

For temporary and infrequent relief, mineral oil is a natural stool softener if taken before bed so it can work overnight.

Senna is used even in hospitals for constipation and can be purchased to be used in a tasty tea. Hot fluids help to initiate bowel movements.

Try to be patient because it sometimes takes one to three days for natural stool softeners to take effect. Take the softener at night before bed with 8 ounces of water or juice. Read the dosage directions.

Confer with your doctor about your desired stool softener program and diet.

Newborn Constipation

Jane — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:15:36 +0000

Constipation in newborns is unusual in breastfed infants, as breast milk is considered to be a “perfect” food. In actual fact, it is not uncommon for babies to not empty their bowels for up to three days and this is not constipation but because the breast milk is being completely absorbed. However, if newborn constipation continues and the baby seems to be in any discomfort it is always best to consult a health care professional in the first instance.

Constipation in older babies (6 months plus and on solid foods) is more often than not caused by, and in turn can be remedied by, diet. Foods such as dairy, rice, apples, bread and bananas can be the cause of constipation in babies. Dehydration can also be a contributing factor in constipation. In warmer weather especially, it is advisable to ensure adequate water is consumed. Fruit juice, including apple juice is okay for children to drink, although diluted is advisable and be mindful that fruit juice is high in sugars.

High fibre foods such as apricots, prunes, peas and mashed beans are beneficial when it comes to alleviating constipation and incorporating these types of foods into the diet on a regular basis are a great constipation preventative. If incorporating a higher fiber diet ceases to help alleviate constipation it is recommended that you seek assistance from your doctor or a health care professional. They may recommend a glycerin suppository or a laxative such as Maltsupex. Maltsupex can be substituted with ½ teaspoon on processed bran mixed in with stewed fruit such as apricots- never apples. Apples are not good for baby’s digestive system as the pectin they contain can bind food particles in the digestive tract, this does not apply to apple juice though.

Massaging baby’s tummy in a gentle clockwise direction can also help get things moving, as well as help with discomfort they may be feeling. You can also lie the baby on their back and gently cycle their legs while holding their feet. If doing this seems to cause them pain or more discomfort then stop the action immediately and seek medical advice

Enema Equipment

Jane — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:02:13 +0000

A typical enema kit generally includes a cleansing bag, enema nozzles and clamps and a rubber hose or colon tube.

Enema Equipment

The enema bag is an essential part of the enema kit. Its purpose is to hold the water or solution as well as administer it. The enema bag will generally have a hook on one end to hang it as well as a hose on the other end. Enema bags come in many different sizes and varieties. The height above the ground at which the enema bag is hung determines the pressure of the water or solution. A recommended starting height is 2-3 feet above the ground.

There are three general types of enema bags. The most commonly used is the closed rubber bag, which can also be used as a hot water bag and can be purchased at any local pharmacy. It is extremely durable and usually lasts a lifetime. The open bag or fountain is collapsible and is often used when people are traveling, but it is warned that the open design can lead to spillage. The disposable bag is found in hospitals but can be purchased at most pharmacies. Some people prefer these bags because they are transparent allowing you to see the fluid level as it is being administered. Disposable bags are usually discarded after a few dozen uses.

Enema Nozzles and Clamps

The enema nozzle is another essential piece of enema equipment, as it is the part of the enema kit that is inserted into the rectum. There are many different kinds of enema nozzles on the market and some are specially made for people who have trouble with fissures and hemorrhoids. It is often recommended that a lubricant is used when inserting the nozzle, to prevent irritation and discomfort. When administering the water or fluid, the clamp on the nozzle helps control the flow.

Rubber Hose or Colon Tube

The enema tube is the device through which the contents of the enema bag are delivered to the colon through the rectum. Medium sized tubes are often recommended as smaller sizes can accidentally slide too deep inside the rectum.

Other Enema Accessories

An IV stand is sometimes used for home-administered enemas because of its ease of use. The hook on the enema bag can be attached to the IV stand and the height can be easily adjusted to control the rate of the fluid flow.

Paradoxical diarrhea

Jane — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:56:01 +0000

Occasionally, people with chronic constipation can also suffer from diarrhea. If you do have an episode of diarrhea while constipated it can be due to something called a fecal impaction. This means that you have a dry, hard stool inside your rectum, but which is not causing a total blockage. This means that loose and watery stool can get past the mass.

Signs and symptoms

You experience constipation, then diarrhea
Cramps in your stomach
You pass blood
Small, irregular stools
Incontinence – leaking watery diarrhea

Fecal impaction most often occurs in people with limited mobility, children or the elderly. Treatment for the condition will be removal of the stool. This might require a mineral oil enema to moisten the stool. Sometimes, your doctor might need to manually break up the stool and remove it from the rectum by hand. In rare cases surgery is required to remove the mass.

Once the condition is treated, changes must be made to diet and exercise so that constipation is less likely to reoccur. These changes include increasing dietary fiber, and introducing exercises to the daily routine where possible. Bulking laxatives might also be used to help prevent constipation, as well as a stool softener.

Fleet Enema

Jane — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:10:00 +0000

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A fleet enema is a brand name for a saline laxative, used as an enema to help treat constipation. In any enema a device, usually an enema bag or smaller enema syringe containing liquid, is used to introduce liquid to the rectum and to differing degrees to the colon. There are several reasons for doing so, but a fleet enema is specifically used to help clear the bowel. Fleet enemas contain sodium phosphates as active ingredients. These are salts (different forms) of phosphoric acid. Sodium phosphates are also used in a range of food products and are generally considered safe for use in humans.

Saline laxatives work by holding water in your colon and preventing it from being absorbed. When they are given as an enema, as with a fleet enema, they cause a strong urge to evacuate the bowel and descending colon, and assist in this by hydrating any stools that were hard to pass.

Fleet enemas are most often used to treat constipation that has not been resolved by less invasive methods such as dietary and lifestyle changes, or fiber supplements. Although this treatment is available over the counter in many countries, it is always advisable to discuss your condition with your health care professional before taking any type of laxative.

Fleet enemas are also used in some cases to empty the bowel before a rectal examination or a surgical procedure.

In adults, the normal dosage for fleet enemas is 120mL, and in children half this amount. Children under 2 should not be given this medication unless on advice from a doctor. The enema is administered by inserting the tube into your anus while lying down on your left side, and squeezing the fleet enema bag so that the contents are introduced to your rectum. The nozzle can be removed, but you should remain lying down until you feel the urge to empty your bowel.

Because they contain phosphate salts, fleet enemas should not be used by people suffering from kidney disease, or anyone with imbalances of electrolytes or those on a low salt diet. You should consult your doctor if you have any other known health condition or unusual symptoms, to discuss whether this is the most suitable treatment for you. You should also discuss the suitability of this treatment with your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

As with any laxative, regular use can lead to dependence. Fleet enema should only be used when necessary and the directions on the product should be followed carefully.

In addition to the saline laxative, there is a mineral oil form of fleet enema. This is a lubricant laxative, which also helps you empty your bowel if you are suffering from constipation, without irritating your intestine.

Common Stomach Problems and Associated Remedies

Jane — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:23:46 +0000

There are hundreds of common stomach problems that people face every day. Most are treatable simply by letting your immune system do it’s job as it sends an army of white cells to combat whatever infection is making you sick. Sometimes we take over the counter medications to help combat the nausea, such as Bismuth, commonly known as the name brand Pepto Bismal. Let’s explore some of the more common stomach problems and the treatments that go along with them, as well as which symptoms could be indicative of something more serious and when you should seek help from your provider.

Probably the most common digestive problem that people experience is called GORD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This is when the stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes pain from the top of the abdomen up the chest and bottom of the throat, commonly known as Heartburn. Heartburn problems can be extremely painful, and it is usually treated by antacids. However, in some cases the deterioration is severe and medicine must be prescribed to first bring down the acid levels and then repair the damage to the esophagus.

Before you take painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofin or other NSAIDs for stomach pain that you can’t find a cause for, consider getting it checked out first. You may have a peptic ulcer, a condition experienced by some twenty five million Americans, and taking aspirin or other painkillers will actually hurt the condition, worsen it rather than making it better. An ulcer can cause internal bleeding at some point if you do not receive treatment, and in fact can eat through the wall of the stomach or the small intestine which puts you at serious risk for infection.

Gallstones is another common stomach problem that many people experience. Gallstones are tiny pebbles that are made up of a combination of bile salt and cholesterol mostly. The pain that gallstones cause is generally a sharp pain in the upper abdomen that will increase for approximately thirty minutes. Some patients may also experience pain in the back or shoulder. Gallstones generally require removal of the gallbladder, which is a common surgical procedure with few risks. Obesity can increase these risks. In most cases, if you aren’t experiencing pain from gallstones your gall bladder does not need to come out.

Many people experience stomach pains due to an intolerance to something such as milk in the case of lactose intolerance. As many as fifty million people in the United States are lactose intolerant, meaning that they lack the enzyme that others have that successfully digests the sugars contained in milk. The symptoms of lactose intolerance include gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. There are treatments available, such as a pill that replaces the enzyme lactase so that you are able to process the sugars. There are also lactose free products that you can replace milk with, and as far as other dairy products go, most lactose intolerant people can consume a limited amount of dairy products.

An extremely common condition suffered by everyone at some time or another is gas pain, and the cramping that is associated with it may cause concern in some, leaving them thinking that something must be seriously wrong with the amount and level of pain they are dealing with. Foods that are good for us, such as greens, fiber and others can cause stomach gas problems. This causes cramping and bloating in your stomach, which is generally alleviated by flatulence, although often to your embarrassment. There are many over the counter medications that prevent gas, or allow your body to pass it easily without pain.

The last condition that we’ll discuss is constipation. As a nation, we tend to eat in ways that don’t allow our body to dispose of waste effectively, leaving us constipated. Constipation is the inability to pass stools and can be an extremely painful condition if it lasts a long time. Most people will experience constipation at some point in their life, and it is usually treatable with laxatives, milk of magnesia or other over the counter medication. Keeping your diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables. However, if you go seven days without a bowel movement then you should contact your primary physician.

Stool Softeners

Jane — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:56:47 +0000

When your colon and digestive tract is healthy, your colon absorbs water from fecal matter, and allows the remaining substance (stools) to pass through and out of your body. Constipation occurs when your colon absorbs too much water, causing your stools to become hard and difficult to pass. There are plenty of good ways to treat constipation, including diet and lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and medication such as laxatives. Increasing your fluid intake and getting more fiber in your diet is always a good first step if you are constipated. Laxatives are usually the last resort to treat constipation, but stool softeners are a milder option that can be tried before a harsher laxative. Stool softeners might also be the preferred option – such as when a pre-existing medical condition like heart disease means you should avoid straining during a bowel movement.

Stool softener

Stool softeners, also called saline laxatives, work by holding more liquid inside the colon so that fecal matter doesn’t become dry as it passes through. Stool softeners have a very different mechanism than other laxatives, which work by forcing your body to expel waste. As such, treating constipation with stool softeners is generally considered safer than with other constipation medication – however they should be avoided by people on low sodium diets, or with kidney failure. Follow the directions of your health professional when using a stool softener and as with any other constipation treatment, a doctor should be consulted if symptoms are serious or persistent. One alternative for treating constipation is Senna. Although Senna is described as a natural stool softener, it is really a laxative and should be treated as such, and overuse avoided. Senna works by irritating your colon and forcing the expulsion of it’s contents.

Stool softeners come in several forms – capsules, tablets, or liquid. They are usually taken before bed, with water or other liquid – Colace stool softener is an example of a common brand, and comes in a liquid form. Some people prefer taking it with something with flavor to mask the taste, which can be bitter. The medication should take effect fairly quickly, improving bowel function within a few days. Don’t continue use for more than a week unless directed by a doctor. A gentler alternative, which is also safe for long term use, are phsyllium husks or Metamucil. It is important to drink extra water when taking a stool softener as it assists in flushing out the toxins and, in the case of phsyllium husks, they absorb fluid in the intestines to make a bulk which is then needed to be flushed out, scrubbing the bowels as it does so to remove all waste.

Side effects of stool softeners

Side effects can include cramps or nausea, and you might experience some irritation if taking a liquid form of the medication. If you experience pain, vomiting or swelling of the throat or airways, you should consult a doctor straight away. However the medication is effective for the vast majority of people.

Colon Health

Jane — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:07:51 +0000

Your colon, also called your large intestine, is the lower part of your digestive tract. The role of the digestive tract as a whole is to break down food and to absorb the nutrients in food that your body needs, as well as to absorb fluid, and produce and hold waste before it is expelled when you go to the toilet. The colon is a long tube, surrounded by muscles. Healthy bacteria in your colon help to maintain colon health by keeping it clean, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Stools are formed as the muscles surrounding the colon work liquid fecal matter that has passed through your upper digestive system, extracting fluids so that the stool forms and becomes harder. If stools remain in the colon for too long, water will continue to be extracted and the stool can become too dry, leading to constipation.

The colon can be further separated into the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon.

Ascending colon – Water is absorbed from faeces as it moves upwards through the ascending colon, which is on the right side of your abdomen.

Transverse colon – The transverse colon runs horizontally across your stomach, below your belly button. Stools start to take shape here.

Descending colon / Sigmoid colon – Stools become more solid, and might be stored in the descending colon and sigmoid colon which run down the left side of your abdomen before connecting to the top of the rectum.

The Colon

Colon health

It is very important to maintain a healthy colon, and failure to do so can lead to several health conditions. The most serious of these is bowel cancer, which affects 6% of people. Studies have shown a definite link between lifestyle and bowel cancer, and diet and exercise play a big part in colon health. Regular exercise is important so that the muscles surrounding the bowel stay in shape. A short walk every day is generally enough exercise for this. A diet high in fiber is also particularly important, as is the need to drink enough fluids throughout the day. Both of these actions help to form stools that are quickly and easily passed. High fiber diets are linked with lower rates of bowel cancer. Fiber can be found in foods like whole grain bread and other whole grain products, fruit, vegetables, and pulses. It’s also important to listen to your body and go to the toilet when you feel the urge – otherwise the urge to go can become weakened and you might be more likely to become constipated. Keeping your colon healthy might also be achieved with colon health supplements like probiotics, which help to maintain or restore the good bacteria in your colon as well as fiber supplements like psyllium.

Maintenance of colon health is one of the reasons that laxatives should be avoided for long term treatment, although as a short term soloution a more natural solution is Senna. Over use of laxatives can harm the sensitive lining of your colon and cause the growth of harmful bacteria.

Colon cleansing (enemas) / colonic irrigation

Alternative health practitioners are increasingly performing high enemas, also called colonic irrigation. In colonic irrigation, liquid is introduced in such quantity that the whole colon is filled, from the rectum upwards. Sometimes massage is used to clean the colon while it is full of water, and herbal tea is sometimes used in addition to other herbs such as catnip. Proponents claim that this practice keeps your colon healthy helps to expel built up fecal matter which has resulted from poor diet, and can not be passed by the body alone. Critics of this procedure say that it can cause dehydration, and doesn’t have any real benefits for colonic health as the body naturally eliminates waste material as it is supposed to do. There is not much scientific evidence on either side of this debate. If you do choose to practice this, doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids before and after, consulting your GP about possible health risks, and using sanitary equipment such as a brand new enema kit especially designed for the purpose.