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Constipation

The 5 Causes of Constipation

 

There are MANY factors that can lead to constipation. To concentrate on just one and ignore the others is setting yourself up for failure.

While probiotics DO help break down certain foods in your intestines which can help tremendously with constipation, that’s only a small piece of the puzzle.

Here are just a few of the many…

Factors contributing to constipation

1- Medications

Constipation is a side effect of many medications including antacids, pain medicines, antidepressants or iron pills. Emily didn’t mention whether or not she was on any medications, but that should be a top consideration.

If you suspect constipation due to medications, it’s time to explore natural remedies.

2- Lack of exercise

Aerobic exercise raises your breathing and heart rates, which helps to stimulate the contraction of your intestinal muscles. It is this contraction that pushes wastes through the intestines and out your back door.

I don’t know Emily’s exercise habits, but if she’s a couch potato, she’s putting out the welcome mat for constipation. Time to get moving.

3- Overuse of laxatives

Using laxatives for a long period of time weakens the bowel muscles which makes constipation even worse — not better. Plus your body can become dependent on them to the point where you can’t have a bowel movement without them!

Emily didn’t say whether she had a history of laxative use, but if so, chances are excellent that her bowel is still sluggish from them or dependent on them.

4- Stress

The brain and gut are connected through a series of nerve impulses called the brain-gut axis. That’s why you get butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous.

And that’s also the reason why stress can lead to diarrhea or constipation.

I’m not sure if Emily has a lot of stress in her life, but if so, it most certainly can be adding to her constipation. Exercise can help relieve stress and so can counseling with a good therapist.

And for the granddaddy of them all…

5- Difficult to digest foods & food combinations

Incomplete digestion is THE most common cause of constipation.

You see, when you eat a lot of “food-like substances” that look nothing like anything that was ever living, it’s dead. And dead “foods” have no enzymes of their own and so cannot be completely broken down and digested like they should be, your bowel movements are not regular, your wastes are hard, sticky and mucus covered. They can adhere to your colon wall to the point where you practically need a chisel to get them off.

But when you eat living foods, the grunting when sitting on the toilet is kept to a minimum.

You could swallow a wheelbarrow full of probiotics, but if you consistently undo their positive effects and throw your GI tract into a turmoil by eating meals that your body cannot efficiently break down, constipation will continue to be your worst enemy.

Stop the constipation cycle for GOOD

Probiotics are great, but they can’t always compensate if you’re always tossing in one constipating food after another.  It’s essential to eat alkalizing foods and to know the food combinations that are easy to digest AND give your body some help when needed from digestive enzymes.

As far as what to eat, in my health systems, Great Taste No Pain and for gluten-sensitive people, Great Taste No Gluten I show you how to put together meals that are not only mouth-wateringly delicious, but are MUCH easier for your body to digest. This results in things “moving along” like they should…like Nature intended.

And believe me, when you follow these plans, Nature WILL call. But it will be pleasant — not the agony of sitting on the toilet for hours and you still can’t go.

The other piece of efficient digestion is to give your body a boost at each meal with digestive enzyme supplements.

All of us need digestive enzyme help at one time or another. If your system is sensitive, like mine is, then you should take a digestive enzyme every time you eat a cooked food or with any food that is processed and packed into a box, bag can or bottle.

Elderly people, people who have taken acid reducers for a long time or junk food junkies have a reduced ability to produce the enzymes adequate for digestion, so enzyme supplementation is essential at every meal.

That’s why Blue Rock Holistics created Digestizol Max.

Digestizol Max’s blend of 14 plant-derived enzymes will give your body the help it needs to break down proteins, fats, carbs, fiber and dairy. Whatever you eat, Digestizol Max has you covered!
Imagine how nice it would feel to be regular without taking dangerous medications that mess with your natural digestive processes.

Well, when you address ALL the possible factors behind your constipation, that’s exactly what you will have.

So, take a look at what else may be contributing to your constipation. Super Shield is a magical product, but not if you keep working against it.


Your Questions About [heartburn]

Lizzie asks…

What are the latest colitis medications?

Many thanks for the time you allocate.

Nutritionatlast answers:

There are different kinds of colitis, and the treatment depends on the exact kind of colitis being treated. Colitis is a serious disease, so you should see a medical professional. Good luck.

Ruth asks…

Is there any other way to help my ulcerative colitis without medications?

I have ulcerative colitis and i was going to the doctor, but the medicine was not doing me any good, it actually felt worst. I don’t kno what to do this is a horrible thing to have i feel like i can’t go out like normal people for a long time because im always going to the bathroom any advice would be very much appreciated thanks

Nutritionatlast answers:

I know exactly how you feel. The medicines my doctor prescribed actually made my symptoms worse and the Prednisone made me puff up like a balloon. At a certain point I began wondering what it was that had caused me to have UC in the first place, and I became a little wary of flooding my body with chemicals.

Unfortunately the dietary changes and even naturopathic treatment didn’t work for me either.

I eventually decided to see a therapist. I just went to my college’s counseling office–they weren’t even experienced with my condition. What my counselor was experienced with, though, was students coping with stress. It was in that office that I finally began to understand my condition as very (maybe even mostly) stress related and induced.

The act of talking to someone about everything I had going on in my life really helped. She was also able to suggest some things I could do to become less stressed, such as getting better at saying “no” to commitments my schedule couldn’t handle, even if I really wanted to be involved. I dropped a class and took more “me” time. And I haven’t had a flare-up since. I’m off meds and in remission, and so happy to have my body back.

I would suggest you find a counselor. If it doesn’t help manage your symptoms it will at least help manage your psychological health while coping with the condition.

Best of luck. I feel you.

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Your Questions About [heartburn]

Mandy asks…

Similac Alimentum or Similac Sensitive for acid reflux babies?

After doing a ton of research, I’m sure my son has acid reflux (he’s 2 1/2 months old). No, it is not just colic and he cannot have gripe water since he has renal issues as well (only saying that to avoid someone suggesting it). He has most of the symptoms of acid reflux and none of the natural methods help plus he spits up Mylicon along with his formula. He is currently on Similac Alimentum but a few people have mentioned Similac Sensitive which he was never put on. Does anyone know if one is better than the other for reflux babies? I had heard that in the past Similac Sensitive was lactose free but is it still lactose free? Also I’m on WIC (no nasty comment please) & my checks are good until Sept 20th for the Alimentum so does anyone know if WIC will change them if need by or if we are stuck with this formula til then even if the Sensitive is better???
Asrai – He is in severe pain! His stomach spasms, he cries in pain with tears running down his face, can’t sleep because of the pain so is always tired. We are going to the dr today. I was only asking because I’m doing research on things to mention to the dr today.

Nutritionatlast answers:

Remember that, in many cases, acid reflux is just a function of an under-developed GI tract. It’s not necessarily a bad reaction to formula, so you can (and should) try to find a formula that suits him best, but if the formula isn’t causing the problem, then a new formula isn’t going to solve it either. It’s just a matter of finding something that doesn’t aggravate it any worse. He should eventually outgrow acid reflux (GERD) as his digestive tract matures.

Alimentum SEEMS to be the formula that most people agree works best. If he is still miserable, then you might ask your doctor about Zantac, which has been approved for babies as young as one month. Your pediatrician can give you dosage instructions if he agrees that this might be a good fit.

William asks…

What are the symptoms of acid reflux in babies?

Is spitting up always symptom? I had heard that acid reflux babies have projectile vomitting and spitting up.
My 3 mth old son is very fussy much of the day and will spit up, but no more than your average baby does. I’ve always just been assuming its colic, but I’ve tried all the popular colic remedies and nothing seems to help. So I’ve just been wondering if he could be having some reflux.
He was also born 6 weeks early…

Nutritionatlast answers:

Spitting up is not always reflux, and reflux does not always produce (visible) spit up. Projectile vomiting is not reflux. A baby born premature is more prone to have episodes of reflux. Symptoms vary but can include screaming when laying down, spitting up, irritability when eating, refusing to eat (usually in older children), arching of the back with crying, frequent hiccups, and “wet” burps.

My boys were also six weeks early and suffer from reflux. They each started out taking 3 different medications and sleeping on an incline. At 7 months of age we are finally down to just Prevacid and that seems to have helped the most. Call your doctor and see what he/she thinks- the sooner you get your baby in, the more comfortable you can both be.

Good luck 🙂

James asks…

Acid Reflux babies question?

My little one has had pretty bad acid reflux since birth. She’s on a daily medicine and it has gotten a little better. I have been breastfeeding exclusivley up until now (4 months) but I just started to incorporate a bottle of formula because since I’ve been back to work I haven’t been able to keep up as well on the pumping. But my question is… What formula’s should I try? We have given her Similac Advance and she spits it up worse than my breast milk. Is there a process of them getting used to the formula, as in, is the spitting up a normal short term reaction? or do I need to try other formula’s?

Nutritionatlast answers:

I’ve had 2 acid reflux babies. I breastfed both (well, I’m still breastfeeding one, she’s 7 months old), and I’ll tell you their reflux was/is sooooooo much worse if I ate something that disagreed with their tummy. Their reflux medicine only helped about 50%, and the rest was/is all diet related. Dairy was huge – I absolutely couldn’t have dairy with either one. Or eggs, peanuts, soy, oats, foods with a lot of spice and flavor, etc. When they both hit about 6 months old, I was able to add more back into my diet. I’m guessing the formula you chose really isn’t sitting well with your baby’s tummy – and that you’ll get the same reaction, not matter how long you keep her on it. Neither of my babies took/take bottles, so I don’t know much about formulas. But I would try something lactose-free to start out with. If that doesn’t work, try an allergen-free formula

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Your Questions About [heartburn]

James asks…

where can i talk to other teenagers with crohns ?

i want to talk to other peers with crohns threw instant chat or emails (like a penpal or whatever) or a good forum. thanks for help.

Nutritionatlast answers:

I believe there are facebook pages for this, i am very interested in your medical condition, and if you would like to IM me about it just click on my profile and then you can talk to me about what it has done to your life and how you have overcome the challenges it has posed.

Betty asks…

Any ideas…??

I have had chronic diarrhea and upper tummy pain (just where the rib cage forms – like in and up), both symptoms have been going on for a month now. I have seen my GP several times, and have had 2 blood tests, 2 stool tests and an ultrasound which all came back clear. The GP is now refering me on to gastroenterologist (I think), but the problem is there is only 1 in the state. Anyway I rang up and literally begged, and have got in for next week. They are going to do a consultation but said that I would probably have to have a colonoscopy or an endoscopy or both. My aunt has had Crohns Disease so whether it is that or not I do not know. My question is; has anyone had any of those symptoms and what were their results? If anyone has had something similar and are able to tell me their story that too would be appreciated. Whilst we are here, can anyone provide a link to a health forum which they can recommend? Serious answers only please.

Nutritionatlast answers:

It sounds like you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Web MD is a good site to investigate symptoms and get information. Good Luck!

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End IBS With a Good Diet

Irritable bowel syndrome affects millions of Americans, many of them not even realizing that the symptoms they feel are not normal. Some suffer from severe constipation, while others deal with diarrhea. Other symptoms are gas and bloating. According to the Mayo Clinic, as many as 1 in 5 adults has irritable bowel syndrome.

There are several common causes of IBS, which includes stress, anxiety, certain types of food, depression, hormonal changes in women and using certain types of medications such as antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are no significant cures for IBS, however the disease can be treated naturally by using herbs and supplements. I would like to share several natural, yet effective treatment for IBS sufferers.

The causes are believed to be nuerological in nature. The problem begins when your brain fires signals to your intestine which causes food to be moved too quickly or too slowly. This hurts the normal digestive process that
you have. IBS is often associated with stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. These attacks may be triggered by stress on the job when you cannot meet deadlines or your boss is always finding fault with your work. Stressful events like the death of someone close or losing a job suddenly will cause this illness.

Reducing stress in your life, eating smaller meals, regular exercise such as walking or yoga, and adequate sleep improve this disorder. Increasing fiber in the diet and drinking more water is another way to help the situation. For some patients a natural remedy may be the only medication needed to help. For centuries natural remedies from herbs and plants were used in Asia and Europe to treat nervous stomach and problems in the intestine.

Women are more likely to suffer from IBS than men. Scientific studies show female hormonal changes may play a role in this factor. There may be strong evidence to this since women with IBS tend to report exacerbations during their menstrual cycles, and also feel a stronger need to seek out IBS relief. Even men, though, can experience exacerbations in their IBS symptoms along with women when sick with intestinal illnesses and other sicknesses that bring the immune system down.

Lemon balm can help to reduce indigestion and gas. Camomile helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Fennel seed helps to reduce intestinal spasms. Together with other soothing extracts, these ingredients can form a highly effective weapon against spastic colon/IBS.