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- Very common
- Can be painful
- Common in elderly
- Can be caused by medications
- Usually not serious
- A Symptom
- Most often temporary
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Passing three or less hard stools each week is known as constipation. While constipation is not considered a disease, it is a symptom that is often transient and not serious. Constipation is quite prevalent, and most people will experience it at least once in their lifetime.
Contrary to popular belief, it is normal not to defecate every day. Normally, bowel movements can range from three times a day to three times a week.
Cures for constipation are readily available. You can usually prevent constipation by changes in your diet and lifestyle. If you have chronic constipation, however it is important to consult a physician to learn ways to prevent it.
Below you will find facts and remedies for constipation. These remedies include methods that you may not be familiar with such as diaphragmatic breathing and biofeedback. These are methods which can be integrated into conventional lifestyle changes to help normalize your bowel function and make you feel better. This site also features links and a featured video therapy session - "Constipation Blues."
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United States Statistics
- Over 4 million have it frequently
- $725 million spent on laxative products each year
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Remedies for Constipation
- Consume high-fiber foods, such as: avocado, beans, peas, brown rice, broccoli, kale, oats and bran cereals. See Common Sense Health for other sources, including fruits and vegetables.
- Add flax seed to bread and pancake recipes. Drink psyllium seed beverages for soluble fiber.
- Drink plenty of water- 8 - 8 ounces portions per day. www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
- Exercise regularly - simply getting up and moving helps, 10-15 minute walks, swimming and aerobic exercises if you are fit. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/exercise-curing-constipation-via-movement
- Take a laxative (only if a physician recommends).
- Learn diaphragmatic breathing, which can massage the abdominal area and initiate peristaltic movement of the intestinal muscles.http://www.personalmed.com/constipation_diagnosis.php http://chestofbooks.com/health/natural-cure/Henry-Lindlahr/Nature-Cure/Diaphragmatic-Breathing.html
- Learn biofeedback / diaphragmatic breathing methods.
- Aloe vera latex has been approved for treating constipation by Germany's regulatory agency for herbs. There are laxative chemicals in the gel and in the latex. The recommended dosage is 50 to 200 milligrams of aloe latex. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/eto/content/eto_5_3x_aloe.asp?sitearea=eto
- Supplements that are natural laxatives include vitamin C and magnesium, with recommended dosage up to 1,000 and 500 mg/day, respectively. Andrew Weil, MD. 2004. Natural Health, Natural Medicine: The Complete Guide to Wellness and Self-Care and Optimum Health.
- See a funny video that gives you a belly laugh. The working of the diaphragm massages the intestinal area and can help with bowel movements.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Constipation, please consult your doctor.
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Constipation Questions
My dog has a constipation. What should I do? 2 AnswersWhat kind of dog do you have? Our vet answered the same questions as the following about yorkies: Yorkies are sensitive creatures and react to allergens like be... read more
I have a young green iguana. She is constipated for 3 days. Nothing. Not like her. What should I do? 1 AnswerThere are several things that could be causing this, only one of wshich you can really control, which is temperature. It sound like you have temperature under c... read more
10CC once sang "Life is a Minestrone". Do you agree, why do you think this is the case? Is it best served with Parmesan Cheese! 1 AnswerHi. great analogy. Sure, sometimes life is a bowl of mixed vegetable soup, sometimes with Italian sausage (minestrone) But sometimes it is a can of mixed nuts,... read more
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