Constipation & Iron Supplements

Iron is possibly one of the most forgotten and underappreciated minerals that the human body needs to function well. Without iron, you can be left feeling tired, disoriented, or even depressed. To ensure this doesn’t happen, many people take iron supplements; but you have to be careful. Too much iron can leave you on the toilet waiting for something to happen, to no avail. Too much iron can constipate!

Let’s take a look at how iron benefits the body and understand just how important this mineral is to your everyday diet.

Iron is one of the minerals found in hemoglobin—the carrier of oxygen in the blood coursing through the body’s internal "highway" system. Hemoglobin gets the oxygen everywhere it needs to be, so when you don’t have enough hemoglobin in your blood you can become anemic. Anemia causes people to feel tired, experience constant headaches, and increases their vulnerability to infection.

Iron is also extremely important for normal brain function and can help ward off depression in many cases. Iron boosts the immune system and can help alleviate weakness, irritability, and dizziness. It’s not uncommon for doctors to prescribe Iron supplements for people suffering from deficiencies of this substance. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can be bad. Too much Iron can cause a wide range of side effects including:

• Constipation
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Severe nausea
  
• Vomiting or diarrhea with blood
  

You need to contact you doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Overdoses of Iron can also increase the risk of various cancers and even Parkinson’s disease.

Everyone should understand how to obtain the necessary amount of natural Iron from the foods they eat; many times an alteration in diet can remedy the deficiency. The recommended daily allowance of Iron differs among men, women, and children. Here’s a brief list of the United States Recommended Daily Allowances for Iron to help you understand how much you should be consuming:

RDA of Iron for Men

• 11 to 14 years old—12mg/day
  
• 19 years old and over—10mg/day
  

RDA of Iron for Women

• 11 to 50 years old—15mg/day
  
• Over 50 years old—10mg/day
  
• Pregnant—30mg/day
  
• Lactating women—15mg/day
  

RDA for Children

• 0 to 6 months—6mg/day
  
• 6 to 12 months—10mg/day
  
• 1 to 10 years—10mg/day
  

Foods that are high in Iron include organic leafy green vegetables, whole grain products, lean meats, free-range poultry, and non-farmed fish. Maintaining a smart and healthy diet is your best method of receiving all of the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs. It’s interesting to note that Vitamin C can actually boost the positive health effects of Iron in your body. On the other side of the coin, caffeine can prohibit Iron absorption. It’s easy to observe how diet plays a critical role in achieving or restoring overall good health.

So far, we’ve discussed how and where to obtain the natural Iron your body needs, why it needs it, and what can happen if you take too many Iron supplements. But what are you to do about your current state of constipation? Luckily, quality products are readily available to assist you in relieving constipation symptoms and thoroughly cleansing your digestive system at the same time.

Oxy-Powder® is one such colon cleansing product. Through a unique combination of oxygenated Magnesium, organic Germanium-132 and citric acid, Oxy-Powder® liquefies deep down biological sludge and fecal waste that has built up in your colon over the years. Oxy-Powder®’s powerful formula gently cleanses the colon and leaves you feeling lighter, cleaner, and refreshed inside!

Within your colon, accumulated waste can severely hinder your body’s ability to absorb necessary nutrients. In fact, in most cases of constipation, toxins that should be expelled from the body wind up getting re-absorbed back into the blood stream, in effect poisoning your body. That’s part of the reason why you feel so sick and unhealthy whenever you’re constipated. Oxy-Powder® removes the sludge that’s clogging up your digestive system and promotes a harmonious environment for good bacteria to grow within your colon. The good bacteria are absolutely necessary to help break down food and support efficient digestion.

Adding a proper exercise routine, drinking plenty of purified water, and increasing your natural fiber intake is a great way to maintain your body’s new and improved digestive system. You may no longer have a need for Iron supplements because adopting a healthy diet means you’re getting all the minerals and nutrients your body needs; and with a cleaner colon, those nutrients can benefit your health moreso than in the past. You can feel better overall by reducing your risk of numerous health conditions and you may experience less stress as well. Overall, you can feel rejuvenated in mind, body, and spirit.


About the Author:
The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's website features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center.

Constipation & Depression

Constipation and depression have a history of coinciding with each other. Is it coincidence or is there an underlying reason? Constipation can be a painful and troublesome condition, but does it cause clinical depression? And on the other hand, can depression actually cause constipation? I hope to help lay these questions to rest for any one suffering from these two conditions.

We should first look at what the diagnosis for constipation consists of. Constipation is when the individual has two or fewer bowel movements within a week. If three days pass with no bowel movement, it could pose a serious health risk. The stool will continue to harden the longer it’s in the body, making it even more difficult to expel. Patients are also considered constipated if they experience hard stools, straining or incomplete evacuations 25% of the time they do have bowel movements.

Depression can be the result of numerous factors. Lifestyle changes, eating habits, loss of a loved one and health issues can play a huge role in depression cases. Depression can also be rather difficult to diagnose in many cases. Understanding the signs and symptoms of both of these conditions will help you to have a better understanding of what to look for, how to deal with them and how to prevent them.

How to tell if you may be Depressed

The two most obvious symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness or hopelessness and a general loss of interest in daily activities that usually bring pleasure. Depression can be difficult to diagnose properly because it truly is a condition of extremes. It can cause weight gain or weight loss. It can cause insomnia or the sufferer may want to sleep all day. It can cause pain to move while at the same time causing restlessness. And yes, it can cause constipation or diarrhea.

Depression affects the body’s entire system, not just the emotional aspect. It causes the digestive system to function improperly. Headaches and bodily pain are commonplace. In a state of depression, the brain actually isn’t functioning the way it’s supposed to. It’s no wonder that depressed individuals feel as though the world is falling down around them. In a sense, it really is.

In the brain, there are two chemicals that affect your mood. Serotonin and norepinephrine. These two chemicals work as transmitters, sending signals from the brain to the nerves in the body. When there is a deficiency in these chemicals, the signals don’t get sent and it throws everything off. It’s interesting to note, that in most cases, the body can actually fix the problem itself. Unfortunately, it can take 1 to 3 years for that to happen and deeply depressed sufferers can’t wait that long.

To replace the depleted serotonin and norepinephrine levels, patients are usually prescribed Antidepressants. One of the main side effects of Antidepressants is constipation.

Why constipation makes us feel depressed

While constipation in and of itself does not cause clinical depression, it can cause someone to feel depressed. The reason is again because of the chemicals in the brain. Constipation prohibits food nutrients from being absorbed by the body. These nutrients are needed for the brain to produce the right amount of serotonin and norepinephrine. When constipated for a long period, the lining of the small intestine can actually build up a layer of toxins that fully prevent any nutrients from being absorbed. Toxins that are normally expelled by the body through bowel movements now have nowhere to go but to be re-absorbed by the body, making matters even worse.

Women are prime targets for both conditions, especially while pregnant. The body’s hormones are going so berserk that depression is rarely not seen during or after pregnancy. Another stage in a woman’s life that brings on depression is menopause. It’s been shown that estrogen provokes dramatic changes in the brain’s activity.

What can be done to prevent constipation and depression?

When you’re not feeling good, or feeling depressed about something, the most common thing people tend to do is head for some comfort food. It’s usually heavy and unhealthy but totally delicious, right? Unfortunately, those foods, when eaten in large quantities, wreck havoc on an already delicate gastrointestinal situation. It makes it almost inevitable that when you’re depressed, you’ll also end up constipated. It’s a vicious circle that many get stuck in.

The chances of becoming constipated and/or depressed can be dramatically lowered by eating a healthy diet and following a regular exercise routine. Avoiding alcohol and drugs can save the body from many traumas, both mental and physical. Try to follow a regular sleep pattern. Most importantly, if you begin to feel depressed, or have thoughts of suicide, you need to seek help as soon as possible.

About the Author

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's website features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center.

Sex and Colon Cleansing

Are you constipated and feeling a little uninterested in the bedroom? Does the thought of sex send your mind thinking about the bloated and sick feeling in your stomach? It’s no surprise that when you’re not feeling healthy, many of life’s joys can be left behind, and in many cases, it’s the sex drive that goes. We’re going to look at how a colon cleanse may be just what you need to clean up your act and get your love life back in gear.

When you’re constipated, there are many things going on inside your body that you may have no idea of. For example, if you’re not moving your bowels in a proper fashion, it can lead to a build-up of toxins that get re-absorbed into the bloodstream. As the toxins rush throughout your body, they send your systems into a frenzy. Your body is fighting the toxins so hard that other functions just can’t be handled. What happens is your immune system lowers, your digestive system is already wrecked and your sex drive suffers.

How to tell if You are Constipated

At any time, over 4 million Americans are suffering from Constipation. To say it’s almost epidemic is an understatement! And those are the ones actually going to the doctor for it, not the people simply using over-the-counter treatments. What’s important to know is that you can be having bowel movements and still be diagnosed with constipation.

If you have two or less bowel movements in a week, you can be classified as constipated. If you have to strain, or have incomplete bowel movements 25% of the time you go, you are constipated. Likewise, if you experience black, small, hard and pebble-like stools, or thin pencil-sized stools, you’re constipated.

It’s important to understand that constipation is usually derivative of an underlying cause. It can be something as simple as an improper diet or as severe as diabetes. You need to be aware that you don’t get constipated for no reason. Blood sugar levels, diseases like diabetes and medications can all affect your digestive system in a negative way. These same reasons can also be adding to your sexual problems.

Study results show that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are over 4 times higher at risk to experience sexual health problems. Decreased sex drive was the most common complaint, and women were noted as experiencing pain during intercourse. It was also shown that the problems surfaced twice as much with constipation patients compared to diarrhea patients. Also, the worse the Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the lower the sex drive.

How to Get the Drive Back

Cleaning your colon can get rid of all the sludge and grime that is backing your system up and causing your libido to nosedive. It’s been proven that the average person has accumulated between 5 and 25 pounds of pure waste in the colon. Waste that never leaves. It just sits in there, putrefying. Right off the bat, imagine how much better you would feel if you cleansed 25 pounds of garbage out of your body!

Did you know that over 90% of all illness can be directly traced back to a dirty colon? The colon is where 70% of the body’s immune system does its work. If the colon is filled, the immune system is lacking and you’re getting sick. How much better would it be if your colon was clean and your immune system could fight the organisms it’s meant to fight instead of dealing with the toxins in your body?

Colon Cleansing Products like Oxy-Powder work wonders, effectively cleaning out the colon and getting rid of numerous years worth of build-up. Oxy-Powder’s powerful, yet gentle formula uses a combination of oxygenated magnesium, germanium and citric acid to naturally cleanse and detoxify your colon. It even promotes a healthy environment that allows good bacteria to flourish and aid in digestion.

With Oxy-Powder, you’ll notice a difference both inside and out. You’ll feel lighter, cleaner and simply healthier than ever on the inside. On the outside, you’ll have a much more vibrant look, a clearer complexion and your energy will be noticed by everyone. Your body is like a self-servicing machine. It has the ability to heal itself and avoid many illnesses, but that’s only if it’s healthy enough to do it. Removing the toxins from your body will allow it to work the way it’s supposed to.

Adding a proper exercise routine and changing your diet to include more fiber and water will help maintenance your clean, new system. A good diet should include 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. Most Americans only get about 15 grams if they’re lucky. That adjustment alone can work wonders for your digestive system. A colon cleanse may be just the spark you need to re-ignite your life. You can say goodbye to constipation and hello to your partner again, in the bedroom!


About the Author:
The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's website features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center.

Apples & Constipation

How would your automobile react if it only received half of the octane it needed to run? What if it only got a third of what it needed? Do you think you would see and feel a difference in its performance? No doubt it would be sluggish, it would lack power and it would barely move. Now consider that the average American’s daily diet includes less than half of the required fiber we need. Yeah, your body will perform just like that automobile.

Studies have shown that a diet that’s high in fiber can help prevent cancer and heart disease, as well as many other threatening diseases. You know the old adage—An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. It turns out that that phrase actually has some truth to it. Apples are very high in fiber. They also have pectin in them which adds bulk to the stool. Apples have a natural laxative effect on the colon and they encourage bowel movements. Not to mention they’re one of the tastiest ways to get fiber!

Apple cider, applesauce and apple cider vinegar are also valuable for they offer many of the same benefits as apples. But apples aren’t the only fiber rich fruit on the tree. Here’s a delicious list that will help you get the right amount of fiber in your diet:

Bananas - Bananas are also very high in fiber and they can help restore normal bowel functions. The potassium in bananas keep the muscles of the intestine functioning properly.

Strawberries, Prunes and Spinach - Everybody already knows about prunes, but strawberries and spinach also work as laxatives.

Whole Grains - Whether through cereals or wholesome breads, whole grains are an important addition to your diet.

Beans - Add beans to soups and salads to add depth to the taste and fiber to your body.

Recent studies have shown that we need at least 35 mg of fiber in our daily diet to be able to effectively fight off many chronic illnesses and diseases, such as heart disease. The average American gets between 11 and 15 mg of fiber a day. Is it any wonder cancer, diabetes and heart disease runs rampant?

Warding off those nasty health concerns is one thing, but for most people, they connect fiber to constipation more than anything else. If you don’t eat enough fiber, you get constipated, plain and simple. So exactly how does high-fiber foods like apples and bananas help alleviate constipation?

Fiber adds bulk to the stool and in the process, the stool becomes softer and easier to pass. It also speeds up the digestive process so the food waste isn’t sitting around hardening, it’s actually on the move through the digestive system. A high-fiber diet requires that you drink at least 8 cups of water a day. The fiber needs the extra water to work effectively and the water also acts as the body’s lubricant, allowing the stool to pass even easier. Fiber causes less straining during bowel movements, reducing the chances of hemorrhoids.

Changing your diet to include more fiber and drinking more water is a great start to a healthier lifestyle. But what about all those years of ignoring nutritional labels and soda drinking? All of the effects of those hard living years can be found right in your colon. There’s anywhere between 5 and 25 pounds of collected waste lining the nooks and crannies of your colon. It’s been accumulating for years and it doesn’t have plans on leaving anytime soon.

This accumulated waste is responsible for nearly every illness you get, from flus to the common cold. Your body’s immune system is severely limited as long as that waste is in your colon. The only way to remove the build up is to take a colon cleansing product like Oxy-Powder.

Oxy-Powder uses a unique formula of oxygenated magnesium, germanium and citric acid to soften and lift that deep seated debris. Your body will then be able to gently remove the years of build up that’s been clogging your system. You’ll be left feeling refreshed, clean and healthy, probably for the first time in years. Your colon will even begin breeding good bacteria that can help increase the effectiveness of the digestive system.

Cleaning your colon with Oxy-Powder, increasing your fiber and water intake and routine exercising will substantially lower your chances of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Diabetes, more than any other condition, is so easily affected by diet that it’s one disease that can be severely limited if the majority of people followed 4 easy steps. The 4 simple steps to a healthier life—exercise, eat more fiber, drink more water and routinely clean your colon with a product like Oxy-Powder. It will keep your engine running smooth and allow it to battle any rust spots that show up along the way.


About the Author:
The Colon Cleanse & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's Web site features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleanse & Constipation Resource Center.

Is Colon Cleansing Safe?

Colon cleansing is the process of introducing gentle jets of water into the large intestine for washing away waste matter and toxins. But is colon cleansing safe and what exactly does it involve? Preserving colon health is imperative for many reasons, with the most important being the role of the large intestine in evacuating organic waste from the body. Roughly the shape of a large letter “M”, the colon ranges in length from between four and a half to five and a half feet and is about two and a half inches wide. While the small intestine is wedged between the stomach and liver, the colon stops at the anus. The colon is the portion of the digestive tract responsible for temporarily holding waste before it exits the body. Substandard colon health can impede the body’s ability to properly dispose of waste. In fact, a contaminated colon can potentially lead to other medical conditions including:

• Digestive Diseases
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Acne
• Fatigue

When properly administered, colon cleansing has proven to be very safe, especially with recent updates in equipment and technique. Enemas were the old-fashioned answer to the colon cleansing dilemma. Unfortunately, enemas are also to blame for many concerns over colon cleansing safety. Enemas differ from bowel irrigation in their value; enemas typically cleanse only the lower 20% of the colon. With roughly eighty percent of the large intestine left untreated by an enema, the procedure doesn’t provide the same effectiveness as modern colon hydrotherapy. Some of the health benefits associated with colonic irrigation:

• Removal of Trapped Fecal Matter
• Expulsion of harmful bacteria
• Encouraged growth of beneficial intestinal flora
• Improved colorectal muscular activity
• Expulsion of harmful organisms

Other than water irrigation, many variations of digestive health treatments have emerged with colon cleansing being the chief aim. In fact, you can now obtain colon cleansing supplements featuring organic compounds to help the colon cleanse and heal itself. For example, Oxy-Powder® works by activating oxygen within the intestinal tract and is an excellent choice for helping to maintain colon efficiency along with your colon hydrotherapy sessions. Even though colon hydrotherapy has existed for years, the ultimate question remains—is colon cleansing safe?

Frequent Colon Cleansing Safety Concerns

When it comes to the question of safety, there are a number of common colon cleansing concerns:

• Pain: Some individuals base their decisions on a simple idea—does it hurt? Colon hydrotherapy is routinely described as “reinvigorating” or “refreshing.”
• Penetration of Treatments: Just how deeply the colon cleansing apparatus enters the body is another top safety concern. Enemas affect only the first eight to twelve inches of the colon. Colon cleansing treatments penetrate more deeply so as to provide a thorough cleansing for the entire length of the colon, but are relatively safe if administered by a hydrotherapy specialist.
• Risk of Infection: Perhaps one of the biggest concerns with colon cleansing concerns potential exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. Modern advances in colon cleansing equipment, like the use of disposable pre-sterilized hoses and tips, help ensure a germ-free colon cleansing experience.

But Is Colon Cleansing Safe?

Colon irrigation promotes no direct side effects. Nonetheless, the process of eliminating toxins can cause some minor intestinal problems. Once the mucous buildup begins to leave the body, minute amounts may be reabsorbed along the way. The toxin absorption can result in cold or flue like symptoms (which may include nausea, headaches, and dizziness) but will ultimately reverse itself once the outflow diminishes. In fact, getting rid of all that toxic debris can lead to increased energy, mental clarity, and overall feelings of wellbeing.

Proper Colon Cleansing

Variations in bowel irrigation techniques also promote increased safety. For example, modern hydrotherapy systems, like colon cleansing board kits, utilize temperature-controlled water for cleansing the colon. Recent developments include a specially designed speculum to assist in delivering the water into the large intestine gently to reduce the possibility of tissue damage. Additionally, colon hydrotherapy equipment also maintains the water pressure and temperature so the cleansing is conducted at a uniform rate. Therefore, via a combination of advancements in material technology and the application of the cleansing by a professional, you can be assured colon cleansing can be a very safe procedure indeed!

About the Author:
The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center’s website features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center.

Constipation Tips

One of the most important tips you can receive if you are dealing with constipation is to not avoid eating breakfast. The bowels can go to sleep at night. Eating a meal for breakfast and consuming a hot beverage can wake up your bowels. If you are dealing with constipation and you lead a very busy life in the morning, you should work to rearrange your schedule so you can retrain your bowels. Allow yourself time to eat. Once your bowels have been retrained you should expect to have a bowel movement about a half hour after breakfast.

Another constipation tip is learning how to sit on the toilet so your bowels can open properly. Placing a stool under your feet when you are sitting on the toilet can help your body assume the squatting position that is necessary for proper elimination. Once you have positioned your feet on the stool, relax, lean forward and place your elbows on your thighs.

When you are sitting on the toilet, it is important that you do not hold your breath when you are trying to eliminate a stool. A good constipation tip is to breathe in your nose and out through your mouth. Holding your breath while you are trying to pass a stool can actually hamper the elimination process because it closes up the bottom.

Another constipation tip for those who are prone to straining is to learn how to push without actually straining. When you have placed your feet on the stool, simply lean forward and breathe normally. This will enable your stomach muscles to push the stool out without straining. Essentially, you are pushing from your waist.

If you are dealing with constipation you should increase your dietary fiber and consume an adequate amount of water. Eat green leafy vegetables and fruits. Munching on dried fruits throughout the day can also help in relieving constipation. Drinking a glass of water the first thing in the morning can also help to regulate the bowels. Try to eat at the same time each day so you can get your system on a regular schedule.

You should always respond to any sign that your bowels want to move. Delaying or putting off a bowel movement can aggravate constipation. No matter where you are, if you feel like your bowels want to move, find a bathroom.

You should also try to become more active. Taking a small walk every day can go far in helping your constipation. You do not have to join a gym or take up an expensive exercise. Simply taking a walk in the evening after supper will suffice.

Another constipation tip is to cleanse and detoxify the body. Oxy-Powder is an all natural colon cleansing product that can clean out your pipes and keep you regular. It works by oxidizing the mucous, sludge and fecal matter that has built up in your system. Not only does Oxy-Powder work to clean out your system, but it sets up a welcome environment for the good bacteria that is needed to keep your digestive system healthy. Oxy-Powder is recommended for someone who wants to rid their life of constipation once and for all.

If you are prone to constipation, you should avoid food that are fried, fatty, spicy and are full of preservatives. These foods are very hard to digest and put a strain on your body’s digestive enzymes. If you think your system is depleted of enzymes you can supplement your dies with enzymes.

Watch the type of medication you take. Many medications (both prescription and non-prescription) can aggravate or cause constipation. Take with a pharmacist about any medications you are given to see if it can cause constipation.

Try to avoid stimulant laxatives. Many of these can actually make constipation worse because they can make the bowels lazy. While they may provide temporary relief, it is just not worth the potential problems. If you need to have your system cleaned out, use a product like Oxy-Powder that we referenced above. Oxy-Powder cleanses the colon and helps you to maintain regular bowel movements.

The last constipation tip is to not assume that constipation is simply a fact of life – because it does not have to be. Whether you are young or old, you can take the steps needed to become regular. Don’t let constipation dictate your lifestyle to you. With a little time and attention, you can kick constipation to the curb for good.

About the Author:
The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center’s website features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center.

Relieving Constipation

Popular Methods

When it comes to finding constipation relief, we are a society expecting quick fixes. We want it out and now, right? It’s no surprise we spend about 900 million dollars on laxatives each year. Laxatives, though, should be a last resort for many reasons. Since they are available without a prescription we tend to think of them as safe. Unfortunately, they can become habit-forming quickly and they are harmful to your body in the long-term.

Types of Laxatives:

• Bulk laxatives - This is the best type of laxative to relieve constipation for prolonged use. Though usually taking a few days to start working, they can provide some relief. Remember to drink plenty of water. Bulk laxatives include: psyllium husk (available through health food stores), bran, ispaghula husk, and sterculia.
• Stimulant laxatives - These laxatives aim at increasing bowel contractions but can cause stomach cramps as a side effect. These are taken at night to have a morning bowel movement, as they are supposed to work within 6-12 hours. Senna is an example of a stimulant laxative. Although they work to relieve constipation, experts believe the contractions cause weakening of the digestive muscles which will eventually make the problem worse. Since these laxatives cause contractions, they are not safe for pregnant women. Glycerol suppositories are included in this group. Although they are inserted into the rectum, they still act as a stimulant.
• Osmotic laxatives - These go to work at relieving constipation by helping the bowel retain water and by softening the stool. Epsom salts and Milk of Magnesia are osmotic laxatives.
• Lactulose - This medication comes in crystals or liquid form. A type of sugar that isn’t digested by the body, Lactulose acts like a fiber and osmotic laxative combined. This type takes up to 3 days to work and may cause cramping and profuse gas.

There are other medications that act as stool softeners, which basically coat the bowel so water doesn’t get absorbed from the stool. Since the body naturally removes water from the colon, it isn’t suitable as a long-term solution for relieving constipation.

Natural Methods - Fiber In, Fiber Out

Adding fiber to your diet is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, relatively free of constipation. If you think fiber means just eating more bran, think again. You can also add fiber to your diet via fruits (with the skin), green vegetables, nuts, grains and seeds. Nuts and grains are also important because they are a good source of essential fatty acids (especially flaxseed or flax oil) which are wonderful options to relieve constipation naturally.

Adding fiber to your diet may make you feel like a gas-filled balloon at first. If your body has been used to eating white flour, heavy starches, fatty meats, and other low fiber foods, it may take some time to get used to it. Don’t give up after one short week. Remember, it probably took years of eating a low fiber diet to make constipation an issue in your intestines. Give fiber a chance! After 14-21 days of including more fiber in your diet, you’ll start to wonder why you didn’t make it a priority before.

Forming new habits really means you’re getting rid of the old one. If relieving constipation is your goal, you’ll want to stay away from the constipation culprits like: white flour, fried foods, sweets, carbonated drinks, alcohol, refined sugars, and cheese.

Maintain Your Flora

No, we’re not talking about your vegetable garden. Good bacterial flora is essential for proper digestion. In fact, if you took all the bacteria in your digestive system and put them all together you’d have a mass the size and weight of a brick. When we abuse laxatives and enemas, we can create havoc on the good bacteria we need to avoid diarrhea and help relieve constipation.

Eating yogurt with live cultures is one way to maintain your flora population. Be sure to read the label of your yogurt container. It should say it contains “live and active cultures.” If you’d rather not take their word for it, check the ingredients for Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophius.

Refrain From the Strain

With some people, constipation stems from issues with muscle coordination. They seem to contract the anus muscles when they should be relaxing them. There are certain biofeedback methods available for people who suffer with this problem. The treatment is used on those suffering from severe constipation linked directly to this muscle contraction issue.

Weekly Cleansing

Most of the waste matter produced from the food we eat gets passed out within a 72-hour period. Sometimes, up to 30% of that waste can sit in the colon for a week or more. Since retaining waste is not good for the body or health, a weekly cleansing of the colon will go a long way at relieving constipation. Oxy-Powder® is a safe way to clean out any waste that may be loitering in your colon and using it once a week will help improve bowel function. Remember the following: Avoid chemical laxatives. True, they can work for a while but along with those results come the weakened bowels, potentially unsafe contractions, and other nasty side effects. Add fiber to you diet. Fiber bulks up your stool and helps it retain water, which makes it easier to move along. There are many tasty and nutritious sources of fiber from which you can choose, so don’t fear that you’ll have to eat twigs or acorns or something. Keep a good quantity of bacteria on hand. Especially while undertaking a thorough colon cleansing program, replenish your flora with healthful and yummy yogurt. Relax and go. Don’t strain or try to force out impacted waste. You can end up tearing tissue and hurting yourself in the process. Cleanse naturally. Leave the chemicals in your garage where they belong and try a supplement especially suited for the job, one that just helps clean your colon so it can work its best again. Follow these guidelines to help relieve constipation and you can feel great again!

About the Author:
The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center’s website features information on Constipation, articles on Colon Cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center.