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LaxaColon:
DreamPharm herbal formula for constipation relief
"Intestinal discomfort - a Trojian horse so popularly overlooked."
What causes constipation?
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works.
As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool.
Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool
reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.
The hard and dry stools of constipation can be formed when the colon
absorbs too much water, which is often the consequence of the slow or sluggish
colon's muscle contractions, causing the stool to move through the
colon too slowly.
Common Causes of Constipation
Not taking enough fiber in diet
Not taking enough liquids
Lack of exercise and sedentary life style
Medications
Irritable bowel syndrome
Changes in life style or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel
Abuse of laxatives, which are often habit forming
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Specific diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus
Problems with the colon and rectum
Problems with intestinal function (Chronic idiopathic constipation)
Diet
The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber found in vegetables,
fruits, and whole grains and high in fats found in cheese, eggs, and meats.
People who eat plenty of high-fiber foods are less likely to become constipated.
Fibers, both water soluble and water insoluble, are the part of fruits, vegetables,
and grains, and the body cannot digest them. Water soluble fibers dissolve easily
in water and form a gel-like texture in the intestines, while insoluble fibers
pass virtually unchanged through the intestines. The bulk and soft texture of
fibers help prevent consolidation of stools into hard structure, which is difficult
to pass.
Average Americans eat about 5 to 20 grams of fiber daily, vs. the recommended 20
to 35 grams. American children and adults eat too many refined and processed foods
in which the natural fiber is removed. Low-fiber diet also contributes to
constipation among older adults. They often lack interest in eating and may
choose fast foods low in fiber. In addition, loss of teeth may force older people
to eat soft foods that are processed and low in fiber.
Insufficient intake of water
Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools,
making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems
with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about
eight 8-ounce glasses. Other liquids, like coffee and soft drinks, that
contain caffeine seem to have a dehydrating effect.
Lack of Exercise
Lack of exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know
precisely why. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident
or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise.
Medications
Pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum,
antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, and
anticonvulsants for epilepsy can slow passage of bowel movements.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Some people with IBS, also known as spastic colon, have spasms in the
colon that affect bowel movements. Constipation and diarrhea often
alternate, and abdominal cramping, gassiness, and bloating are other
common complaints. Although IBS can produce lifelong symptoms, it is not
a life-threatening condition. It often worsens with stress, but there is
no specific cause or anything unusual that the doctor can see in the colon.
Changes in Life or Routine
During pregnancy, women may be constipated because of hormonal changes
or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine. Aging may also
affect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less
intestinal activity and muscle tone. In addition, people often become
constipated when traveling because their normal diet and daily routines
are disrupted.
Abuse of Laxatives
Myths about constipation have led to a serious abuse of laxatives.
This is common among older adults who are preoccupied with having a
daily bowel movement.
Laxatives usually are not necessary and can be habit-forming. The
colon begins to rely on laxatives to bring on bowel movements. Over
time, laxatives can damage nerve cells in the colon and interfere with
the colon's natural ability to contract. For the same reason, regular
use of enemas can also lead to a loss of normal bowel function.
Ignoring the Urge to Have a Bowel Movement
People who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement may eventually stop
feeling the urge, which can lead to constipation. Some people delay
having a bowel movement because they do not want to use toilets outside
the home. Others ignore the urge because of emotional stress or because
they are too busy. Children may postpone having a bowel movement because
of stressful toilet training or because they do not want to interrupt
their play.
Specific Diseases
Diseases that cause constipation include neurological disorders,
metabolic and endocrine disorders, and systemic conditions that affect
organ systems. These disorders can slow the movement of stool through the
colon, rectum, or anus.
Diseases That Cause Constipation
Neurological disorders that may cause constipation include:
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Stroke
Spinal cord injuries
Metabolic and endocrine conditions include:
Diabetes
Underactive or overactive thyroid gland
Uremia
Systemic disorders include:
Amyloidosis
Lupus
Scleroderma
Problems with the Colon and Rectum:
Intestinal obstruction, scar tissue (adhesions), diverticulosis, tumors,
colorectal stricture, Hirschsprung's disease, or cancer can compress,
squeeze, or narrow the intestine and rectum and cause constipation.
Problems with Intestinal Function (Chronic Idiopathic Constipation)
Also known as functional constipation, chronic idiopathic (of unknown origin)
constipation is rare. However, some people are chronically constipated and
do not respond to standard treatment. This chronic constipation may be
related to multiple problems with hormonal control or with nerves and
muscles in the colon, rectum, or anus. Functional constipation occurs in
both children and adults and is most common in women.
Colonic inertia and delayed transit are two types of functional constipation
caused by decreased muscle activity in the colon. These syndromes may affect
the entire colon or may be confined to the left or lower (sigmoid) colon.
Functional constipation that stems from abnormalities in the structure
of the anus and rectum is known as anorectal dysfunction, or anismus.
These abnormalities result in an inability to relax the rectal and
anal muscles that allow stool to exit.
Rerefence resources:
NIDDK National Digestive Disease Clearinghouse: constipation information
The American Gastroenterological Association: about constipation
National Institute on Age, Administration on Aging: What is constipation?
Colon cleansing, Laxative, an excellent herbal formula for constipation relief
Causes of Constipation
Diagnosis of Constipation
Treatment of Constipation
Constipation: Introduction
Constipation Link
Constipation Link 2
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