Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 REPPED: The FDA has finally approved a drug for treating chronic constipation. The agency strained over the decision for quite some time before finally unleashing it upon the American public. The real breakthrough? It finally occurred to one FDA bureaucrat that the new anti-obesity drug, Alli (Orlistat) caused so much diarrhea and involuntary anal discharge that it doubled as an anti-constipation drug.
So now it's a two-fer: Take Alli and you can lose weight at the same time you solve your constipation problems. |
Ann N. Martin
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 If your cat suffers from constipation, one half to one teaspoon of bran can be added to the diet. constipation is a frequent problem in older cars. To help this, make sure water is always available for your animal companions.
Again, as with dogs, you can purchase a vitamin and mineral supplement for your cat if you feel they are not getting all the nutrients they require.
Despite what many veterinarians tell us about the problems encountered when we give our pets milk, I have given both my dog and cats milk (2 percent) for many years and none have developed diarrhea. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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 The consequent reduction in peristaltic movement causes food to pass more slowly through the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines to the rectum, inducing gas and constipation. Heartburn can be caused by the softening of the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach so that partially digested, acidic food may leak back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Heartburn and constipation are generally experienced in the later stages of pregnancy. |
Annemarie Colbin
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 Thus, we can recognize two kinds of constipation: constipation from excess contraction, and constipation from excess expansion.
Constipation from contraction is caused by eating too much: • Protein
• Salt
• White flour
Generally, it responds well to
• Prune juice, salad, sprouts, fresh fruit
• Coffee, sometimes (although this is not a remedy I would recommend)
• Whole grains, well chewed, especially brown rice
Constipation from expansion is usually the result of consuming too much fruit, juices, and salads, as in some health diets. |
Gary Null and Amy McDonald
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 Another thing that raises estrogen levels is constipation. If food is in the intestinal tract longer, there is more time for these bacteria to work on the estrogen and recirculate it into the bloodstream. Not only does low fiber cause constipation, but fiber finds the estrogen and drags it out of the body."
There are nutritional ways to reduce estrogen levels. "A woman can effectively lower the active estrogen in her body by consuming ground flaxseeds," Dr. Debe says. "Flaxseeds contain compounds called lignins, which increase binding proteins that take active estrogen out of circulation. |
Ann N. Martin
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| If your cat suffers from constipation, one half to one teaspoon of bran can be added to the diet. constipation is a frequent problem in older cars. To help this, make sure water is always available for your animal companions.
Again, as with dogs, you can purchase a vitamin and mineral supplement for your cat if you feel they are not getting all the nutrients they require.
Despite what many veterinarians tell us about the problems encountered when we give our pets milk, I have given both my dog and cats milk (2 percent) for many years and none have developed diarrhea. |
Bill Sardi
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 While there has been a greater emphasis on pain management during end-stage cancer treatment in recent times, other issues that may seem trivial to cancer doctors, such as nausea and constipation, are aggravating and often unremitting to the cancer patient. The quality of life for a cancer patient is equally important during the course of treatment. A recent survey conducted among patients with breast, colon and lung cancer, found 73 percent took dietary supplements with some improvement in symptoms of constipation, appetite loss, and fatigue. |
J. Douglas Bremner
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 Probiotics have also not been shown in controlled trials to be effective for constipation in adults14 or children.15 Probiotics are felt to work by binding to the wall of the colon, competing for nutrients with pathogenic bacteria, and secreting substances with antibiotic properties.
Based on these studies I would recommend the use of probiotics to prevent diarrhea if you are prescribed antibiotics. |
| The main problem with the tricyclics is their anticholinergic side effects: dry mouth, constipation, memory problems, confusion, blurred vision, sexual dysfunction, and decreased urination. Other problems include heart arrhythmias and blood pressure drops. Elavil is associated with the worst of these problems and probably shouldn't be used.
The anticholinergic side effects of the tricyclics are especially bad for the elderly, who are more susceptible to the memory-impairing effects of these medications. |
Dr Ron Roberts
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 Acupressure can be safely used at home for everyday ailments such as headaches, toothache, menstrual cramps, constipation and nausea. Do not use self-help acupressure if painful symptoms exist: consult your doctor or acupressure therapist first. More serious illnesses should be treated by a trained therapist.
The attraction of self-help acupressure is that you can repeat the massage as often as necessary,- however, the routines need to be learned from a trained therapist. |
| The food processing industry has contributed to the increase in asthma in today's society, as well as to other diseases of our time like diverticulitis, gall stones, heart disease, varicose veins, diabetes and constipation, among many others. There is also evidence that hyperactivity in children is related to their diet.
If you don't know exactly what is causing your asthma but suspect it is caused by a food, start a food diary. List everything you eat. When you have an attack look at the diary and see if you can link any particular food to previous asthma attacks. |
J. Douglas Bremner
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| Both venlafaxine and duloxetine can cause dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, headache, changes in sleep, and, more rarely, a serotonin syndrome with restlessness, shivering, and sweating. A decrease in saliva can cause cavities. Venlafaxine has also been associated with a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure. And venlafaxine seems to carry the greatest risk of suicide of all the antidepressants, with a threefold increased risk of attempted or completed suicides. |
Ron Garner
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 Pasteurized dairy milk contributes to many disease conditions such as: intestinal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal bleeding, skin conditions, bronchitis, ear infections, tooth decay, arthritis, and asthma. I know of a young mother who was unable to digest milk products. One week, when her new son was five weeks old, she ate a piece of cheese pizza and an ice-cream cone. By the end of that week, her son, who was breastfeeding, began bleeding with each bowel movement. |
| Mucus buildup from wrong eating habits, emotional stress, and poor bowel habits can cause constipation.
A person who takes five or ten minutes to complete a bowel movement is constipated. A healthy body on a healthy diet should take only a minute or two to complete the process.
As digested food moves through the digestive tract, the walls of the colon are constantly at work absorbing moisture and nutrients out of the contents for use in the body. The colon wall acts as a two-way filter that allows the passage of body wastes, toxins, and fluids en route to elimination. |
Dr Ron Roberts
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| It improves digestive tract function and is prescribed also to treat constipation. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, aloe vera juice also effectively eases coughs, and the steam from the gel can be inhaled to soothe bronchial congestion—both applications useful for asthmatics.
A wide variety of preparations are available, including juices, gels, ointments, creams, lotions and shampoos.
Sourcing herbs
You should consult a reputable herbal practitioner when seeking herbal remedies, but health food stores can often supply proprietary lines. |
| A second example is that of Michelle, a sixteen-year-old girl, who had the very common symptoms of extreme tiredness, irritability, pre-menstrual tension, constipation and asthma with severe wheezing. As well as taking her puffer medication, Michelle was encouraged to take selected Bach flower remedies and spend some time on Controlled Pattern Breathing and relaxation techniques. The mustard, olive, larch and impatiens remedies were chosen for her. Michelle is now an entirely different girl and basically free of her symptoms. |
| Numerous books have now been written on the subject and reflexologists believe that good results have been achieved in the treatment of common ailments such as constipation, asthma, sinus problems, stress, migraine and headaches, digestive disorders, back pain, bladder trouble, chronic fatigue syndrome and even more serious conditions like kidney and gall stones.
How reflexology works is not easily explained and, like auricular acupuncture (see page 181) it is difficult to comprehend how pressure applied to the feet can have therapeutic benefits in other parts of the body. |
J. Douglas Bremner
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| This drug can cause nutritional deficiencies through interference with absorption, as well as bloating and constipation, and should be avoided.
Ezetimibe (Zetia) is a drug that blocks absorption of LDL cholesterol by the small intestine, thus lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Zetia acts on cells lining the small intestine to interfere with their uptake of cholesterol by a mechanism that is not completely understood. Side effects of Zetia include fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, and sore throat. More rarely it can cause hives and liver damage. |
Hyla Cass, M.D.
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 Side effects: They commonly cause constipation.
Nutrients depleted: Aluminum-containing antacids appear to be the worst culprits in this drug class when it comes to nutrient depletion. They deplete phosphorus, zinc, vitamins Bn and D, and calcium. They have been linked to higher risk of osteoporosis. Calcium-containing antacids can (rarely) cause high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), which is very dangerous. Lowered stomach acid also can decrease folic acid absorption. |
Benjamin H. Natelson, M.D.
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 Obviously, if you start out with constipation as a primary symptom, this diet is probably not for you.
I should say a bit more about beverages, because water—while unbeatable—can get pretty boring after a few days. Alternatives include homemade lemonade or a low-calorie version you can buy. Making your own lemonade isn't nearly as hard as you might imagine. Fill a glass with ice and seltzer water. (I prefer seltzer water to club soda because it is usually cheaper and has no added salt.) Hand-squeeze a quarter of a lemon or lime into the glass. |
Hyla Cass, M.D.
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| I've had amazed patients see their heartburn, constipation, rashes, headaches, back pain, and a myriad of other issues disappear once the offending food was removed, only to return when that food was reintroduced. That was enough to keep them eating "clean" from then on. This same exercise can be used in treating any number of troublesome conditions, including arthritis.
Taking action as soon as symptoms show up will help to prevent them from progressing to a chronic condition. But it's true that some people require GI drugs to have a semblance of normal function. |
| Side effects: Possible side effects include headache, edema (swelling) in ankles and feet; verapamil may worsen congestive heart failure or cause constipation.
Nutrients depleted: This drug class can deplete potassium. Needed supplement: Take 100 mg of potassium.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: captopril
(Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil), ramipril (Altace)
ACE inhibitors are a newer class of drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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 Maguire LC, Yon JL & Muller E: Prevention of narcotic-induced constipation (letter). N Engl J Med; 305(27): 1651. 1981
Manitto P et al. Studies on cascara, part 2. Structure of cascarosides E and F. In: JNP; 58(3): 419-423. 1995
Mereto E, Ghia M, Brambilla G. Evaluation of the potential carcinogenic activity of Senna and Cascara glycosides for the rat colon. Cancer Lett Mar, 19;101(l):79-83. 1996
Merhav H, Amitai Y & Palti H. Tea drinking and microcytic anemia in infants. Am J Clin Nutrition; 41:1210-1213. 1985
Muller-Lissner SA: Adverse effects of laxatives: fact and fiction. |
Hyla Cass, M.D.
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| Side effects: Common side effects include constipation and increased risk of dangerous bleeding (these drugs deplete vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting); any pregnant or breastfeeding woman using bile acid sequestrants needs to be careful to replace depleted vitamins.
Nutrients depleted: These medications deplete the body of vitamins A, E, D, K, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B12, and zinc. Other reports suggest reductions in omega-3 fatty acids and a 30 percent reduction in body levels of carotenoids, a class of antioxidant nutrients that includes beta-carotene. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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 Eating a good breakfast
Chronically ill patients often have three things in common: they are poor sleepers, they have digestive problems and chronic constipation, and they usually skip breakfast or eat a sugary pastry and coffee. This triad of physiological insults can have grave consequences over the course of a lifetime, including lack of energy, irritability, a compromised immune system, obesity, and loss of focus and concentration. |
Hyla Cass, M.D.
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| Drugs for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux, heartburn, constipation, arthritis, and depression are covered in detail.
• In Chapter 8, "Less Commonly Used Prescriptions," you'll get important information about depletions related to less commonly used medicines, including drugs for obesity, epilepsy, AIDS, contraception, menopausal symptoms, schizophrenia/bipolar disorder, gout, and cancer.
• The final chapter covers polypharmacy (taking multiple drugs) with some general principles to help you optimize your prescription use. |
Dr Ron Roberts
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| Colonic irrigation and enemas are frequently recommended to treat chronic constipation, biliousness or indigestion, conditions often associated with asthma, as well as for general cleansing.
Colonic irrigation and enemas should only be carried out in a sterile environment by qualified practitioners and with a physician's approval. Although colonic irrigation may seem a rather drastic measure to treat asthma, and one unconnected with breathing, it is possible that ridding the body of toxic and waste matter improves health and wellbeing generally. |
Lester A. Mitscher and Victoria Toews
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 More than four hundred different species of bacteria live in the intestinal tract; fortunately less than 1 percent of these bacteria are harmful, but that 1 percent can have a negative effect on health, for example by causing diarrhea or constipation. On the other hand, the beneficial bacteria increase the body's resistance to infection, help maintain bowel regularity, and promote digestion. Maintaining healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria is very important to good digestive health. |
| If potentially harmful bacteria proliferate unchecked by friendly bacteria, the chances are greater that a species of bacteria will grow to sufficient numbers to influence bowel health—causing either diarrhea or constipation. A study of thirty-seven human volunteers found that green tea increased the regularity of bowel movements. At the beginning of the study, only half of the volunteers reported regular bowel movements, but the number increased to more than 80 percent after twelve weeks of a diet supplemented with green tea polyphenols. |
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