This year, over 2.5 million Americans will seek medical help for constipation. While TV commercials may make light of the condition, the truth is that those who suffer from chronic constipation experience serious discomfort and detriments to their health. While many of them will turn to laxatives and other harsh treatments to solve their problems, gentler options are available.
What Is Constipation?The answer to this question may seem obvious, but in fact most people's definition of constipation varies from that of the medical field. Many patients use the term to describe an array of issues associated with their bowels, when in fact it describes unsatisfactory defecation characterized by infrequent passage of stools, difficult bowel movements, or both. Symptoms include abdominal pain, hard stools, incomplete elimination, or excessive straining.
What Causes Constipation?Constipation is usually an issue of functional disorder rather than structural defect. Things like dehydration, stress, dietary issues, or a disruption in routine are common culprits. In more severe cases, obstructions due to cancer, or neurological impairment (as with multiple sclerosis) may be to blame. If the origin of constipation is unknown and it persists for more than a month or two, it is important to get an accurate assessment from a physician.
How Is Constipation Treated?Because constipation is so common, an almost endless variety of prescription, over-the-counter, and natural remedies are available for relief. In fact, some of the best can be found on any grocery store's shelves. Let's take a look at four easy, exceptionally effective remedies for constipation:
Fiber: Lack of fiber is one of the most common causes of constipation. Lack of it causes stools to be more compact, and thus, harder to pass. Processed foods are largely to blame, but a return to the produce aisle can turn things around. Crunchy vegetables and leafy greens are fiber favorites. An extra boost can be had by simply adding psyllium fiber to a daily glass of juice.
A constipation doctor, also known as a gastroenterologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating issues related to the digestive system, including constipation. They can help identify the underlying causes of chronic constipation and provide treatment options to alleviate symptoms and improve bowel function.
Before taking any medicine for constipation during pregnancy, ask your doctor. Many doctors will advise you not to take any medications while pregnant and can provide natural alternatives for treating constipation that will not harm the baby.
Constipation is an incredibly common medical issue, and most people tend toward treating the uncomfortable effects of constipation with medications, such as over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements. What many sufferers don't realize, however, is the ease and simplicity of treating constipation through diet. Most cases of constipation are a direct result of one's diet, and can be alleviated entirely by a change in eating habits. A major cause of constipation is an overindulgence in animal products, particularly eggs, cheese, milk, and fatty meats. Those with chronic constipation may experience immediate relief by replacing one to three servings of animal proteins or fats each day with servings of high-protein foods such as oats, peas, bran cereal, beans, or lentils.
Hemorrhoids, or haemorrhoids as they are spelled in the UK, can be treated with creams such as Anusol. Avoiding constipation and making visits to the lavatory short can also help greatly.
As far as treating the constipation it's no different than if your not pregnant, eat lots of fiber drink lots of water avoid folic acid etc.
Malt diastase is an enzyme with carbohydrolytic properties. It has the ability to break down polysaccharides. It is used in relieving flatulence and in treatment of constipation. It is also beneficial in treating abdominal discomfort.
Yes, MiraLax is an over-the-counter laxative that works by drawing water into the colon to soften the stool and increase bowel movements. It is effective for treating occasional constipation when used as directed.
An infertility doctor helps women that cannot conceive children naturally. They specialize in treating reproductive disorders and treatments such as IVF.
The difference between a laxative and a colon cleanser is that a laxative works to loosen bowels or as a means of treating constipation. A colon cleanser on the other hand, loosen the bowels and removes toxins from the body.
Yes, all pet rabbits can get constipation -- it's a sign of GI Stasis (a very serious illness). If your rabbit isn't using the litter box, it needs care from a vet who has experience in treating rabbits. Without proper care, a rabbit in GI Stasis will probably die within a day or two. See the related questions below for more help.
There are various health benefits of psyllium seed husks. Aside from constipation relief, psyllium seed husks are beneficial for lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease, treating boils, and reducing pain from hemorrhoids.
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