Friday, March 8, 2013

Remedies for Constipation




Remedies for constipation

Dr. Bernard Jensen said, “Death begins in the colon.” All diseases originate from the colon and the starting point is constipation. Unfortunately, constipation is not taken as seriously as it should be. No wonder, humans suffer from so many types of diseases, in spite of the best medical research.


Considering the seriousness of the problem, you need to get rid of constipation as quickly as possible. Many constipation remedies are available in indifferent systems of medicine. You have a rich choice of home remedies, Ayurvedic remedies, conventional remedies etc…

Among the remedies for constipation, many are for short term use. Using them for a long time will give some side effects, some times very serious. The important point here is, a medicine should be used in an emergency. Once the crisis passes, you should depend only on good eating habits and healthy lifestyle.



The four basic requirements to relieve constipation:

  1. Bulk forming (adding dietary fiber)
  2.  Lubrication
  3. Stool softening
  4. Stimulation
Every medicine does one or more of the four functions. Some very popular remedies are presented in the following paragraphs. I didn’t use any of them. But, I went through many reviews of these medicines to give you the best of choices to be selected from.

My recommendation is – select the remedy best for you. Consult your doctor and take his approval. Use it for a short time. They are only for relief, not for cure. The real cure comes naturally – through healthy food habits and lifestyle.



PoopDoc constipation formula

PoopDoc constipation relief formula is believed to be one of the popular remedies for constipation. It is a full intestinal and colon cleanser which melts away compaction in the bowel and provide oxygen to the intestinal tract. In addition to the colon, it also cleans small intestine. Unlike many psyllium based products, PoopDoc formula has no side effects.


It is claimed that while psyllium and other fiber products simply scrape matter out through the center of a clogged colon, PoopDoc formula removes old, impacted fecal matter as it detoxifies and cleans the entire intestinal tract.



Colonix

Colonix is another remedy based on psyllium husk. This remedy is from Dr.Natura, who is famous for creating FDA approved colon cleansing and body detox packages.


What does Colonix do?


On the plus side,

  • Cleanses the colon by removing accumulated fecal matter
  •  Flushes out parasites and harmful bacteria
On the negative side, it is reported that Colonix removes the beneficial bacteria as well, thus reducing the body’s immune system and exposing the body to attack by disease causing bacteria.

For this reason, Dr.Natura has another program called Toxinout to replenish key antioxidants, nutrients and beneficial bacteria. It is the recommended follow-up to the Colonix Program.


Toxinout is designed to

  • Replenish important nutrients after cleansing
  • Help the body protect itself from free radical damage
  • Support a healthy immune system
  • Promote a healthy liver
  • Promote healthy digestion
There is warning too:

DrNatura products, including the remedies for constipation, should not be used by

  • Pregnant or nursing women
  •  Children (except children’s products)
  • Anyone with a serious medical condition
  • People allergic to any of the ingredients
If you are taking any medications, consult with a healthcare professional before using DrNatura products.


Metamucil

Metamucil is also one of the popular remedies for constipation that works as bulk producing laxative and fiber supplement. The main ingredient is Psyllium seed husk, well known for its fiber content. Metamucil also has cholesterol reducing properties. This medicine is available in powder, capsule and wafer forms in different flavors.


Dosage: The best method is to follow your doctor’s advice. In the absence of that, follow the directions given on the product label. Your doctor will decide your dosage depending on your age, medical condition and your response to treatment. Add the powder to a full glass of water, mix it well and drink.


Metamucil rarely has any side effects. Excessive intake of any dietary fiber slows down absorption of some of the nutrients. If you strictly follow the dosage advised by your doctor, you rarely get into excessive intake.


Another possible side effect of Metamucil is, it may decrease absorption of other medicines you currently take. Give a two hour gap between Metamucil and other medications.


Drink plenty of water when you are on bulk producing fiber supplements like Metamucil.


 

MiraLAX

MiraLAX is one of the remedies for constipation doctors suggest routinely to provide gentle, effective stool softening and constipation relief with no harsh side effects. Tasteless MiraLAX powder dissolves easily in water and other beverages.


Some experience excessive intestinal gas with Miralax. With the consent of your doctor, you can go for another medicine like Simethicone 80mg Chewable Tablet to relieve symptoms such as belching, bloating, and feelings of pressure / discomfort in the stomach/gut.


 

Senokot

Senokot is available under different brand names in tablet form. It is prescribed to treat constipation involving hard stool and for people with heart ailments who must avoid straining.


Senokot is a laxative with two substances – senna and docusate sodium. Senna is a stimulant laxative and docusate sodium is a stool softener. When ever stimulants involved, you should use only on your doctor’s recommendation.

If your doctor prescribes it for you, it’s for you only. Don’t allow others to use it even if they have similar symptoms.


No major side effects are reported – stomach pain and cramps and diarrhea on excess dosage. Drink plenty of water while using this medicine.


 

Dulcolax

Dulcolax is another stimulant laxative that relieves constipation by stimulating colon muscles (peristaltic movement) for easy movement of fecal matter in the colon. Since it is a stimulant, use only on your doctor’s prescription.


 

Citrucel

Citrucel is the trade of methylcellulose used as a constipation remedy. Methylcellulose is also used for many other purposes. When eaten, it is passes through the digestive tract undigested. Once inside the colon, it attracts lot of water to make the stool bulky and soft for easy bowel movement.


To prevent dehydration, you need to drink plenty of water while using this medicine.


All the remedies for constipation given above and many more not given here are for short term use. Majority of them are to be used with your doctor’s recommendation only. It goes without saying that you need to drink plenty of water while you are on medication.




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