Constipation - Dealing With The Other 'C' Word Naturally

No-one likes to talk about a dysfunctional bowel especially constipation, the other 'C' word. In fact anything dealing with our internal plumbing is usually very embarrassing, after all, who wants to talk about poop. Although I have had short bouts of constipation during UC flareups, my problem has always been the opposite. Most people will have episodes of constipation during their lifetime, but I know many who have a chronic problem, and it's not fun. In fact it can be downright painful, especially if you get hemorrhoids from the straining.

SYMPTOMS:

If you have elimination problems for more than 3 months- hard stools, straining when you go, inability to completely evacuate, pain, bloating, swollen abdomen, and have less than two to three bowel movements per week, or any combination of those symptoms, you're constipated.

CAUSES:

There are many things that can cause constipation including:

-not drinking enough water
-not including enough high fiber in your diet
-vegging out in front of the TV instead of exercising
-traveling or some disruption in your routine
-aging
-too much dairy (which can also cause the runs for those who are lactose intolerant)
-certain medications (iron supplements, diuretics, pain and blood pressure meds, antacids among others)
-Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
-Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like Ulcerative Colitis
-colon and rectum obstructions
-other disorders and diseases including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Stroke, Lupus, Diabetes
-pregnancy
-using too many stool softeners (laxatives)
-not going when you have the urge
-depression
-eating disorders

and the list goes on.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT:

There are many natural ways to treat constipation that attack the root problem, not just the symptom, and the main one is prevention.

A. Diet: 

Eat more fiber- whole grains, beans, lightly cooked veggies, wheat bran, ground or whole flax seeds.

But when searching for what foods to eat to prevent or help with constipation you're going to find differing opinions. Bananas, for example, can help with constipation or cause it in others. In some cases it can cause diarrhea.  Some swear by prunes, others, not so much. Oriental Medicine explains why certain foods can cause constipation for some but not for others. It all depends on what 'type' you are: 'hot' or 'cold'.  This website briefly details that, and also includes some interesting home remedies that might be helpful, including the following.

Drink 2 cups of warm water, followed by a 10-minute walk, about 20 - 30 minutes before breakfast everyday. [I drink a full glass of water first thing in the a.m. with my morning supplements, and off I go]

Maintain the same bathroom schedule everyday, 20 minutes before breakfast (even if you can't have a bowel movement, still go through the actions).

Eat an ounce of walnuts before bedtime every night.

Use a juicer to juice a large potato. Mix the potato juice with 1 teaspoon of honey and drink 20 minutes before breakfast.

Lubricate your intestines by eating walnuts, sesame seeds and/or peanuts.

He also includes instructions on an abdominal massage that seems to relieve constipation.

Stay away from high fats in your diet including dairy and meat.

Remember add those high fiber foods slowly, since it can also cause gas and bloating.  And drink plenty of water. Stay away from too much caffeine, it can dehydrate the body, and thus harden your stool.

B. Exercise: 

Make sure you get enough exercise. Walk, swim, whatever gets your body moving will help with digestion and ultimately how you move your bowels.

C. Go, When You Gotta Go:

If you have the urge to go, make sure you head to the bathroom. Isn't it better to get that icky ca ca out of your system, than letting it just sit inside your body? 

OTHER NATURAL REMEDIES:

- magnesium - a deficiency can cause constipation, on the other hand, too much can cause the runs.
- Probiotics, they're great for most digestive disorders, but start off with a lower billion count, because it can cause gas and bloating if you don't start slowly.
-herbs and herbal teas, like 'smooth move', rhubarb, senna and aloe are also beneficial. Here's a list of other helpful herbs.
-ripe kiwi fruits-  some people swear by this.


Other sources: About.com/altmed

Natural Prevention and Treatment of The Common Cold and Flu

Although it's possible to catch a cold or the flu during other seasons of the year, it's during the winter time that our chances increase tenfold.  Though many people get their recommended annual flu shot as the cold season approaches, many of us are unable to or choose not to go that route and prefer a natural method of prevention and remedy. For most people, colds and flu are a minor nuisance, but for others, especially those with certain health conditions the flu can be dangerous, even deadly.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), typically, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population get the flu every year, with an average of 23,600 flu-related deaths. That's a lot for an illness that usually can be prevented. As they say- an ounce of prevention.

PREVENTION:   So how does one prevent getting that nasty headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever or achy body symptoms the natural way?  It's all about keeping your immune system boosted or at least balanced, since the best way to get sick is when you happen to be run down.

So,

1.   Make sure you eat a healthy diet full of whole grains, fruits and veggies.
2.   Get some exercise and plenty of rest.
3.   Take your Vitamin D3, year round. 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day is what is now recommended for adults, and some suggest doubling that amount during peak flu season (December through March). Research shows people with Vitamin D deficiency are more prone to colds and flu.
4.   Take your Omega3s, year round.  They are great anti-inflammatories, and antibacterials.
5.   Wash your hands constantly.  Especially if you are out in public.  Carry around those handy alcohol infused hand sanitizers, like Purell, and use them.
6.   Take Astragalus root, 6 to 8 weeks before the flu season starts. This Chinese herb boosts the immune system. I have taken it in the past and it was very helpful.
7.   Yu Ping Feng Wan, is another Chinese herbal formula that can prevent the onset of the common cold when rundown.  On several occasions my Acupuncturist has given me these little round black pills, and I managed to stay cold-free.
8.   Increase your Vitamin C intake, although there are some who think this is merely hype, and that it doesn't really help.
9. Don't touch your nose, eyes or mouth.

Now one can't always prevent the flu or a cold, and some people are just more prone to them than others.  But if you do start to feel like you might be catching one, the best time to attack it is right at the onset. Some of the herbal remedies I will recommend can help either stop it in its track, or at least lessen the duration and symptoms.

AT THE ONSET:  So you feel that scratchy throat, or that tickling sensation in your nose, what do you do? You can try any of the following.

1.   Take some Echinacea/Goldenseal.  Antibacterial, antiseptic, and immune boosting, the combination of these herbs can prevent the cold from developing into its full blown nastiness.  This used to work very well for me, but the immune boosting elements of the formula is not good for my Arthritis, so I am now unable to take it. And it's not something one should take for a prolonged periods of time.
2.   Start sucking on Zinc tablets. I use Cold-Eeze. I follow the directions, but Prevention Magazine claims more than 50 mg per day, is not good. Just make sure you don't take the Zinc with any citrus fruits or liquids.
3.   Southern Ban Lan Gen Chong Ji, is a hot Chinese herbal drink that you mix with hot water and is very useful to shorten the length of a cold or flu.  This is another product that I have used and found very helpful.  It is not recommended for pregnant women or diabetics, since it has cane sugar.
4.  Eat some garlic.  People always talk about giving people with colds chicken soup, but it's not the chicken that has healing properties, it's the garlic.  Garlic is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.  People can be allergic to too much, so be careful.
5.  Pump yourself with Emergen-C.

WHEN SICK:  So you are now suffering with the various symptoms of cold and flu, but there are still some natural remedies that can help you get through the worst of it. First of all drink plenty of fluids, rest and stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.  Use Kleenex when you cough or sneeze, so  you don't spread the germs around. Those germs can last up to 48 hours (some claim longer) outside of the body. 

1.  Sore Throats: Gargle with warm salty water. Chew on several pepper corns- the juice will soothe the throat. It will make your eyes tear, but it helps. Take a teaspoonful of honey and swallow, honey has antibacterial properties and can soothe the throat.  Drink some hot lemon water with honey, the lemon is chock full of Vitamin C and also boosts the immune system. Remember, though, young children should not be given honey. Drink some slippery-elm tea, which also coats and soothes the throat. Ricola throat drops.  For more remedies check here.

2.   Coughs:  Fritillary and Loquat Extract, from my Acupuncturist, works wonders.  Honey is also good for coughs.  You can also try Ricola cough drops.

3.   Fever:  I have never tried it, but some people swear by egg whites to lower fever. Here are some interesting remedies for children that I'm sure would be helpful for adults.

REMEMBER if the symptoms become severe or last for a prolonged period of time, get ye to a doctor, ASAP.

PLEASE NOTE: Most of these things listed here I have used to great effect. The Chinese herbals were given to me by my Acupuncturist. Please check with your doctor or health practitioner before you embark on any herbal treatment for any condition. And please do your own research if you find something you might want to try.

Photo source.