CONSTIPATION REMEDIES

An Introduction to Constipation during Pregnancy

Constipation during pregnancy is a normal occurrence. It comes along with other complaints such as backache, leg cramps, nausea and urinary incontinence. One of the main reasons for constipation during pregnancy can be pointed to increased production of a hormone known as progesterone. Progesterone naturally increases during pregnancy to stop milk production until a woman has given birth. However, progesterone has other side effects such as constipation during pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, her digestive system is as efficient as before which causes constipation.

Possibly, a change in eating habits would lead to constipation problems too. A pregnant women would eat more food to supply her body with adequate nutrition. At times, she misses out drinking 8 glasses of water a day because it caused urinary incontinence. This then leads to formation of hard and lumpy stools which characterizes constipation. Expectant mothers are advised by doctors to take iron and calcium to supplement their diet. Iron is for the body especially the first trimester because the fetus also consumes iron. Also, if a pregnant woman becomes anemic, this can lead to complications such as low birth weight or even early delivery. Ordinarily, doctors advise pregnant women totake 18mg of iron daily; however, this dosage can also lead to constipation in pregnancy. Here are some useful suggestions to pregnant women to prevent constipation during pregnancy:

1. Consume fruits and vegetables. By doing so, fiber is increased that leads to more bulk formation of stools. Pregnant women cant avoid taking iron that can cause constipation but they can eat food that aids the digestive system. Laxatives must be avoided by expectant women because these are harsh and can cause violent contractions in the stomach.

2. Drink adequate liquid. Water is a factor in promoting a healthy body. Water does not only refresh the body but also aids in proper digestion and elimination of waste.  In the long run, this seems a very inconvenient situation for the woman to always go to the bathroom, but hydration is important.

3. Movement. Pregnancy should not stop women from exercising. Exercise promotes proper blood
circulation and oxygenates the cells making the body healthy. Also, exercise can aid constipation during pregnancy because it causes the system to function properly.  In fact, people who exercise rarely experience constipation.Constipation during pregnancy can altogether be avoided as long as the practical tips aforementioned are followed.

Are you an Expectant mother interested in constipation relief?

Having a child is one of the most exciting things for most women. In just a short amount of time an expectant mother would be able to hold her newborn in her arms. Even though a woman may be excited about her expectant baby there are many challenges she must face before that happens. Due to the bodily changes that occur, women suffer from back aches, cramps, nausea and even constipation. Constipation is a wide-spread issue amongst pregnant women. One of the top three health issues encountered by pregnant women is constipation, according to a survey from YouGove in 2005. This information is expected though because of the changes in the body. The changes in hormones change an expectant mothers’ diet as well as her habits. But it is unfortunate for those suffering from constipation because they cannot take laxatives due to their condition. However, this article will teach you alternatives for constipation relief. The following will give you insight for to your recovery:

Fiber for constipation relief

You could help your digestive system during this time of excitement. If your constipation deals with moist stools or diarrhea then fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables will help harden your waste. You can also avoid eating large meals by eating many small meals throughout each day.

Fluids and constipation relief

If your wastes are too thick or hard your constipation can be treated by taking in fluids. To help relieve your constipation you should drink at least 7-8 glasses of water a day. Water is the best treatment for this type of constipation but water works wonders.

Exercise for constipation relief

For most pregnant women moving becomes a hassle, but exercise is very effective when trying to recover from constipation. Walking, yoga, and other soft-work outs are both safe and effective for recovery. Only 20-30 minutes of exercise, three times a week, is the minimum you need to keep a slim figure as well as combat constipation.

Constipation relief - Antenatal supplements

Consult your doctor about which supplements can be effected by constipation relief. Some supplements can prove harmful to you and your unborn child while others can provide relief. You should drink the recommended amount of liquids if you are taking iron supplements.

How To Manage Baby Constipation

Baby constipation is a big issue especially for new mothers. It is very unsettling to see babies crying most of the time due to stomach cramps caused by hard stool and bloated tummy. Baby constipation can turn a bubbly child into a crybaby due to the straining exerted when passing hard stool.  To further avoid these inconvenient situations for your baby, it is best to understand how babies get constipated.  As soon as a baby is born, they are fed with milk - bottled or breast fed. As early as this stage, baby constipation can already happen especially when they are bottle-fed according to some research findings. 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. Thus, breast–feeding must be practiced if possible to prevent baby constipation issues.

As months pass by, infant’s diet slowly changes with the introduction of solid food. When the baby's digestive system begins processing solid food, it is very likely for the child to become constipated due to the changes. In addition, causes of baby constipation maybe traced to: too much 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.It is a great idea if you can dilute prune or apple juice with water. Give this to the baby twice a day. One of the natural remedies for baby constipation is prunes; these fibrous fruits really enhance the mechanics of the digestive system.

Tummy massage can greatly help in baby constipation. This can be done by rubbing the tummy in a circular clockwise direction. After the warm bath session, give the baby a good tummy massage. According to some doctors, the warm bath is relaxing which can ease the tummy to eliminate waste. Try to make the baby's system move by making the child do some leg exercise.

It is very important then for mothers to monitor their babies diet to prevent baby constipation. Also, mothers should look for more information online about baby constipation remedies so they can be updated. Lastly, schedule a check-up with the child's doctor as soon as symptoms become worse.

Identifying constipation symptoms

Bowel movement is a normal process of the excretory system so the body can remove excess waste from the body. People use the toilet daily to eliminate organic waste from their body which is a healthy habit. Some people who do not produce waste everyday may be victims of discomfort. When a person experiences less than three bowel movements per week, it is already classified by doctors as constipation.  Constipation can make some people feel uncomfortable especially when bowel movement has not happened for at least two days. If the constipation is severe it may become an irritable bowel syndrome that produces diarrhea. In other cases, feces may compact and create a large stool that cannot pass through the rectum. It is very important then to watch out for basic constipation symptoms so you can avoid any of the mentioned conditions.

Basic constipation symptoms 

Once you have two or more of the following characteristics, you are considered constipated:

*Do you find it difficult to defecate? 

*Less than three bowel movements per week

*Passing of stool is incomplete for at least 25% of the time

*Are your feces thick and compact more than 25% of the time?

Constipation symptoms usually have large and lumpy dung. In many cases there are feelings of bloating and stomach cramps. People will typically pass gas that produces and extremely offensive odor. Constipation symptoms sometimes show signs of acute constipation which needs medical attention. A cancer in the colon can also be a cause of constipation. Presence of blood in stools should also be reported to doctors so they can suggest additional tests to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. You can learn how to live a constipation-free lifestyle if you read information about constipation symptoms and preventative habits. There are those who turn to laxatives for relief from constipation symptoms. However, prolonged use of laxatives can irritate the colon and result to diarrhea and other digestive problems too. If you realize that you are experiencing symptoms of constipation you should seek medical advice from a health professional such as a doctor. By doing so you can prevent further constipation as well as find out if you have cancer.

Important diagnostic tests for chronic constipation

Many individuals get constipated once in a while due to some reasons: stress, inadequate fiber in  diet, lack of water intake, lack of exercise or change in dietary intake. Typically,doctors exhort the value of eating fruits and vegetables to patients because this aids constipation. There are also over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like laxatives to relieve the discomfort. Changes in lifestyle such as getting more exercise can also help relieve constipation. Having said that, when symptoms still persist after some changes, it can 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). The best recourse then is to seek a doctor for medical advice. 

Typically, doctors need more information about a patient to prescribe effective treatment. It is possible that when a person suffers from chronic constipation, there is an underlying medical condition behind it. If this is the case, chronic constipation is considered as secondary constipation. Chronic constipation can be caused by metabolic disorders, neurologic, disorders, diseases of the colon and abuse of narcotics. 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 may involve sigmoidoscopy, rigid proctoscopy and colonoscopy. Bleeding, inflammation and tumors in different parts the colon can be detected through these tests by the doctors. The colonoscope can also be used for biopsy procedures.

* Defecating Proctogram X-ray - It identifies how effective the sigmoid colon and rectum release stool.

* Anal and Abdominal Ultrasound - Sound waves are harnessed to create an image of abdomen and sphincter muscles. 

* Anorectal Testing - This test can evaluate if the rectum and pelvic floor muscles are working fine when releasing stool. 

* Colonic Motility Test - One of the state-of-the-art diagnostic tests for chronic constipation. An endoscope with a special balloon is inserted into the colon. This test can help doctors decide if surgery is really the last option that the patient must undergo. 

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

Indeed, advances in technology allows doctors to perform complex diagnostic tests for chronic constipation. Since these tests are now available, doctors can conduct effective treatment for chronic constipation. 

Natural and tummy-friendly constipation remedies

Once in a while people suffer from constipation which is really such a discomfort. Many individuals experience bloating, stomach cramps and strain too much when passing stools when they get constipated. Stress, inadequate fiber in diet, lack of water or inactive lifestyle do cause constipation in people. Since constipation can be inconvenient, there is always a need for constipation remedies because people need to feel better. Although there are many over the counter (OTC) constipation remedies available, these can also produce side-effects especially when used in the long run.If you need effective but natural constipation remedies that are gentle to use, read the following advice :

* Beverley-Travis Natural Laxative Mixture. This natural laxative recipe comes from a pilot study that was conducted by researchers in a geriatric home.In fact, the study was even published in a peer-reviewed, reputable journal titled Geriatric Nursing. The recipe is made of different kinds of fruits that can aid the digestive process and decrease  tummy discomfort in 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. Store the mixture in the refrigerator immediately. Drink two tablespoons twice a day. Additional dosage is possible when needed.

* Psyllium Fiber - Psyllium Fiber is one of the most organic constipation remedies. The fiber comes from the husk of Psyllium seeds which is an indigestible fiber that retains water. Constipation is remedied because the natural fiber adds bulk to the stool. However, psyllium is intended to be used for only a short period. This does not have any nutritional value. It also has the ability to reduce the efficacy of certain medications. Follow doctor's advice about the use of this product.

* Senna tea - Senna tea is a natural laxative typically used in alternative medicine practice. It can be used as natural constipation remedies by taking a cup of tea when constipation is severe. Nonetheless, it is contraindicated against people with heart conditions due to its purgative properties. It is good to drink senna tea for only twice a week. 

Natural constipation remedies makes people more relaxed by ridding constipation. They are also cost-efficient and not harsh unlike artificial laxatives. If  symptoms persists, consult a doctor as soon as possible. 

Possible causes of constipation in women

Medical research yields this gender difference in constipation cases - women get more constipated than men. In 1990, this was validated by statistics from a survey known as National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In fact, the studies concluded that women were much more constipated than men by a ratio of 2:1. Also, the study revealed that as women grew older, the incidence of constipation doubled. Briefly, the study emphasizes the fact that women suffer from constipation more than men. At the same time, age is also a factor in influencing the incidence of constipation. This write-up provides an overview of possible causes of constipation in women. 

Aside from the elderly, another group that suffers from constipation is pregnant women. Pregnancy is a stage in a  woman's life where different biological changes happen at a rapid phase. When a woman is pregnant, excessive progesterone is present that can be considered as one of the causes of constipation in women.The woman's body is assisted by the secretion of these hormones during pregnancy. Progesterone inhibits the production of milk until the woman has delivered the baby. Unfortunately, progesterone also slows down the digestive system which causes constipation in women. A helpful and natural remedy to this situation is by consuming more fruits and vegetables which enhances the digestive process. It is also probable that women who are pregnant can developed weak floor pelvic muscles; thus, one of the causes of constipation in women. The growing child in the womb can also add strain on the abdomen. Additionally, a large percentage of women who deliver normally can suffer from weak pelvic floor muscles. 

Another main factor that causes constipation in women is stress. When women give birth, their hormone levels drop low which can cause them much stress. On the other hand, women who pursue a career and wear different hats can really feel stressed out. Definitely, this situation cause constipation in women. However, constipation in women can simply be caused by daily bad habits that they practice. This includes a sedentary lifestyle and simply not drinking enough water. Eating very sweet food can lead to constipation for both men and women alike. Truly, people should try to balance their life and pursue a healthy lifestyle. Good diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can provide better options than any medicinal preparation available.  

Prunes for Constipation: Old-fashioned yet effective relief

Even in the olden days, grandmothers advise children to have some prunes for constipation. A box of prunes is often found in the kitchen in case somebody gets constipated. Primarily, dried european plums become prunes. Prunes for constipation is actually a very tasty remedy since even the dried fruit has a chewy flesh. Drying plums is said to have been practiced in areas near the Caspian Sea. This practice has begun thousands of years ago in that area. 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 is effective because it contains insoluble fibers that enhances the digestive process. People suffering from constipation needs bulk to pass stool easily, which can be easily provided by prunes. Actually, the insoluble fibers of prunes acts as food source for friendly bacteria in the large intestine. Research shows that when these bacteria triggers the fermentation of prunes, butyric acid is produced. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid considered as cell fuel within the large intestine. Aside from the butyric acid, additional fuel like propionic and acetic acid are produced by the bacteria.

Aside from relieving constipation, prunes also lowers cholesterol according to studies. Come to think of it, prunes is not just for the tummy for cardiovascular health too. 

Actually, a study that was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine emphasizes the effectiveness of prunes in preventing heart diseases. The study's subject was 10,000 Americans whose health was tracked for 19 years. The results were astounding- showing that those who consumed at least 21 grams of fiber a day had 12% less risk for cardiovascular disease. Eating prunes for constipation supports the over-all health of a person. 

People can also choose to drink prune juice if they can't eat prunes for constipation.When buying prunes in a  container, inspect the can or the box first to make sure that it is not contaminated. Keep the prunes in a dry and cool storage so it would not lose its moisture content over time. Since eating prunes for constipation is not just good for constipation, keep a box handy all the time. 

Include prunes in your diet always. 

Various types of constipation treatments

Constipation is a health condition wherein a person pass bowel less than three times a week. This condition causes discomfort, stomach pain, bloated feeling and even nausea. People suffering from constipation must exert pressure to release their waste because their feces becomes dry and lumpy. People suffering from constipation always seek various constipation treatments that can aid them in feeling better. Passing stool seems a simple thing for most people but not to those who are often constipated. Depending on the reason of constipation treatments can vary. Some constipation treatments have people change their diet and even take medication. Here are some constipation treatments that can guide you:

Increased intake of dietary fiber 

This is actually one of the easiest constipation treatments that people can follow. You can do this by eating many fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibers. Ideally, this means a minimum of five servings a day, whether fruits or vegetables. In a way, these food groups act as natural laxatives for the digestive system which is even safer than commercial laxatives.

You may take laxatives   

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. But there are other kinds of laxatives that you should know about. A laxative called lubricant laxative coats the feces’ surface. This makes it easier to release bigger and harder wastes from the body with more ease. There is a laxative called saline that absorbs the fluids inside of fecal matter to make them softer. A classic example of this saline laxative is Milk of Magnesia.  Stimulant laxatives are the most aggressive constipation treatments since they force a person to disembowel. Doctors do not advise continuous use of this drug because it causes health problems.

Exercise 

One should also change their lifestyle when going under treatment. 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. You can stimulate your digestive system by taking a short walk after a meal.

Enema

This alternative treatment is known to be amongst the most unpleasant available. It causes the colon to release fecal matter rapidly. This treatment also has many drawbacks so it is advisable to limit your usage.

Constipation treatments offer various solutions to constipation. Constipation treatments vary from many different kinds. However, consult a doctor first who can make a correct diagnosis of your health condition.

What you should know about laxatives and constipation

There is a lot to learn when analyzing the relationship between laxatives and constipation. First, people who want to use laxatives must understand first how constipation happens. If you have had less than three bowel movements this week then, congratulations, you are constipated! Constipation can be caused by lack of exercise, lack of fiber in the diet or lack of water intake. Stress can also contribute to having constipation. There are currently a number of over-the-counter drugs that you can buy 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. To further enlighten you on laxatives and constipation, read the following description about various types of laxatives.

Bulk-forming laxatives and constipation

If you are suffering from liquid constipation you could look into fruits and vegetables to help harden it. 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. It absorbs liquid from the intestines allowing the feces to pass freely. It results in a hard feces that comes out easily. However, extra fiber in the body can also cause bloating and stomach cramps.

About lubricant laxatives and constipation

Lubricant Laxatives cover the surface of feces to help it slide. This laxative also provides a mineral oil that spreads a filmy coat to the intestines to prevent the feces from becoming dry and lumpy. However, this is another short-term solution for constipation because mineral oil can work against certain medications by decreasing its absorption rate.

About Stimulant laxatives and constipation

Stimulant laxatives and constipation are not a very pleasant combination. Stimulant laxatives forces the intestines to move stools which can also irritate the intestinal lining when used habitually. This type of laxative is only available for surgeries and rectal examinations. Castor oil, suppositories, and senna extract are examples of stimulant laxatives. 

There are other kinds of laxatives and treatments in drugstores. 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.


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