Constipation? No! Are You Sure? December 5, 2008

Constipation is a common problem for millions of people.  It is often ignored simply because no one wants to talk about the topic while suffering from this serious digestive condition.

Let’s find out more:
Yes___    No___  Do you have one bowel movement or less everyday?
Yes___    No___  Do you feel tired more than feeling energized?
Yes___    No___  Is your stool darker in color than a walnut brown?
Yes___    No___  Do you have foul smelling gas?
Yes___    No___  Are bowel movements dense and heavy (drop to the bottom of the toilet)?
Yes___    No___  Do you take any prescription medication?
Yes___    No___  Do you drink less than half of your body weight in ounces of water per day?
Yes___    No___  Do you exercise less than four times per week?
Yes___    No___  Even though eating, “healthy food,” are you unable to lose weight?
Bonus:     When standing up, can you feel your bottom ribs?
 
If you have answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, you may be suffering from constipation. Same-day appointments are available. Call today!

Optimal Health is open Monday through Saturday with evening appointments available. Please call our office at 661-253-2900 or visit www.AchieveOptimalHealth.com to schedule an appointment.

Facts Regarding Constipation November 11, 2008

 

What Causes Constipation?

To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon, or large intestine, works. As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs liquid from the food while it forms waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon then push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum it is solid, because most of the water has been absorbed.

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much liquid or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry. Common causes of constipation are

* Not enough fiber in the diet

* Lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)

* Medications

* Milk

* Irritable bowel syndrome

* Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel

* Abuse of laxatives

* Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement

* Dehydration

* Specific diseases or conditions

* Problems with the colon and rectum

* Problems with intestinal function

 

Who gets constipated?

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year. Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults ages 65 and older. Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery.

 

How to relieve constipation?

Regular colon cleansing helps to remove this undigested waste, as well as, the hardened fecal matter that is blocking the passageway of the colon. Waste can pass quickly and efficiently through the system if it is clear. Enemas and colon “cleansers” will not gently flush out the colon … only Colon Hydrotherapy can do that.

 

For more information, please call Optimal Health, 25078 Peachland Ave., Suite B, in Valencia/Newhall located within the “Peachland Medical Arts” Building, at 661-253-2900 or visit www.AchieveOptimalHealth.com to schedule an appointment online.