Monday 2 March 2009

Colon Cleanse: Very Effective Solution to Constipation

By Sue Thompson

Each year there are 4 million people who report suffering from constipation. There are two types - occasional and chronic constipation. The prolonged condition in which the digestive system is ill functioning puts the chronic constipation sufferer at risk for more serious ailments. A colon health cleanse removes compacted fecal matter in the colon and bowel and this brings relief from the discomfort caused by the obstruction. It also results in a noticeable reduction in weight.

John Wayne, an American actor who made many Western movies, started his career as a slim young man. As he grew older however, he started to put on weight. When he died, hard fecal matter was found on the lining of his intestines which weighed an incredible 60 pounds. This nasty bulk could have been flushed out with a colon cleanse. People who complete a colon cleanse usually lose about 5 - 15 or more pounds.

A person suffering from chronic constipation does not move his bowels everyday. Two movements a day is the healthy frequency. There are some adults who eliminate only twice a week and this can lead to serious medical disorders. Symptoms of chronic constipation last for at least a year and these include the following:

Less than 5 bowel movements a week

Bowel movement frequency is less than 5 times per week

Straining during defecation

Feeling like you have not completely emptied your bowels even after you eliminate

The usual causes of constipation are: lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, inadequate water intake, and stress. When we are stressed, our bowel muscles tend to contract at different times. In a normal situation, the muscles in the upper intestinal tract contract as the lower muscles in the bowel relax. However, when instead of relaxing the lower muscles in the bowels contract, problems occur and constipation if one of them.

When things happen in which your normal diet and exercise program are altered or interrupted, such as when you travel, constipation can occur. An injury, medical condition or a health problem that results in inactivity can also result in constipation. As people age, their lifestyles or health conditions make them more prone to constipation. This is why there are more elderly people suffering from it than young people. These days however, youths live a more sedentary lifestyle compared to those of the previous generation. They also consume more junk food. This situation is quite alarming, in fact studies have shown that 50% of children are obese!

You can increase your dietary fiber by taking a supplement. You can take it as a pill or mix the powder form with water. These supplements have been proven effective however they can be expensive. A practical and inexpensive way to add fiber to your diet is by eating fiber rich foods. Fruits and vegetables are good sources and great tasting as well. You can find or concoct your own low fat but tasty recipes. There are many ways to have a healthier fiber rich diet without sacrificing the quality of your meals.

Exercise is another way to combat constipation. If you have been sedentary, do not overwhelm yourself with strenuous physical activity when you start. Begin with simple stretching exercises which stimulate circulation. It is important to get blood pumping into your muscles. As you go along, you can add more activities. As a beginner you can take a walk around the block or a do a quick lap in the pool. If you like biking, you can pedal to the corner store and back. Even if you do not suffer from constipation, these sustained exercise activities are great because they do a lot for your cardiovascular health.

The modern diet is causing many problems in our digestive system because of the large amounts of artificial ingredients we consume. This causes our digestive system to become lined with mucoidal plaque which slows it down. This means that waste matter takes a longer time to go through it resulting in constipation.

See your doctor if your constipation lasts for more than two weeks. He can find out what causes your constipation and then can decide which treatment you want based on the options available to you. A colon cleanse together with a diet rich in fiber is one of the best ways to solve the problem.

Keep your colon and intestinal tract cleansed so waste matter does not clog it up. Monitor the frequency of your bowel movements. Products that contain high fructose corn syrup, mineral oil, aspartame, milk of magnesia and a high fat content should be avoided. It is important to remember that you should include 15 grams of fiber in your diet everyday.

In summary, to keep your bowel movements regular: drink lots of water, eat a diet high in fiber, exercise, and use a safe and natural colon cleanser.

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