The Strangest Reasons For Constipation

Constipation is something that almost all of us will suffer from at some point in our lives. For some people it is more common than others and can strike at virtually any time – maybe it’s after a heavy meal, maybe only when eating certain foods, maybe only when they are ill – but it’s often there as a constant problem. For others constipation is a much rarer affair that only happens once in a blue moon. We all know about certain things that are likely to cause us to have constipation, for example, having a diet that is low in fibre is a sure fire way to clog things up. And other things such as putting off using the toilet, not drinking enough water and not getting enough exercise can be choke points too.

 

But there are some reasons that people have constipation that may not be as obvious as these ones. These can range from anything from taking unusual supplements or medications, or perhaps it being part of a much more dangerous illness that is lurking somewhere beneath the surface and currently only manifesting itself as a relatively minor symptom such as thing. We’ve produced a list of some of the less normal reasons why you might be suffering from constipation. If you are suffering from the condition, and it’s been a mystery why, these could be some of the reasons that you haven’t thought of yet.

 

It could be something that you may never have even heard of: hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that means you have an under-active thyroid gland and this can affect the body in a number of unexpected ways. It is well known, however, to slow the processes and metabolism of the body – and this even includes the gut, which is what would cause the constipation. It’s true that not everyone who suffers from hypothyroidism gets constipation, however, if your constipation is unexpected, it can be well worth having the test with your doctor to see if the gland in your neck is under-performing.

 

Here’s one that you may not have been expecting: painkillers. Painkillers, especially those that are narcotics, stop the process of much of the digestive tract which can really produce a high level of constipation. And how about life’s natural painkiller; chocolate – the sad news for any chocoholics is that chocolate can certainly cause you to become constipated. If you’re eating a lot of chocolate, this could be the key to unlocking your regularity. It pays to cut down.

 

Funnily enough one of the strangest things that can cause constipation is the overuse of laxatives. That might sound counter-intuitive but it’s certainly a problem if you try to use them for too often as your dependence on them stops them from working properly and then eventually does the reverse of what they were supposed to do.

 

And dairy is another problem that often can cause constipation – even if you’ve never really thought that it might be an issue. Cheese is especially bad as its low in fibre and high in fat which is a very bad combination for constipation. Cheese is still fine to have but it’s a much better idea to mix it up as part of a balanced diet.

 

Depression is another unusual thing that can cause you to have constipation. This might partially be because of the fact that people on antidepressants for depression and antidepressants are well known as a problem. Depression is known to slow down the processes of the body which is a real trouble for constipation.

Categories: cheese, constipation, depression, hypothyroidism, nbsp, problem, reasons

Haemorrhoids: How can you prevent them?

Haemorrhoids affect people for a variety of reasons and are commonly associated with pregnancy – they are small, blood-filled swellings which are caused by dilated varicose veins. They begin developing inside the anus, referred to as internal haemorrhoids, but they can sometimes protrude to become external haemorrhoids. They aren’t dangerous to your health in any way, but may have some unpleasant side effects. Constipation and prolonged straining when going to the toilet can contribute to them, as this increases the pressure in the veins. They can be present for years without you noticing, as they can remain within the body for a long time undetected, but they can also cause anal bleeding, itching, pain and discomfort. Usually, the bleeding is limited to small quantities of fresh blood on the toilet paper, but when stools are passed this may result in larger and more severe bleeding. You may also feel a lump in the anus which gives you a sensation that you haven’t had a full bowel movement. You should visit your GP if you find blood in your stools, as they can advise if you have haemorrhoids or another health problem which may require treatment. Your GP will test for haemorrhoids with a digital rectal examination and may go on to inspect the mucus membrane of the rectum, and the lower part of the large intestine, using a tube called a proctoscope or sigmoidoscope.

 

Haemorrhoids do sometimes heal themselves without treatment, and this can happen if they are caused by constipation. Your GP may suggest a change of diet which is higher in fibre and roughage, particularly green vegetables, fresh fruit and wholegrain cereals. You should also up your intake of water – experts recommend around eight to ten glasses each day. Although you may feel the need to, try not to strain when you go to the toilet as this is a sign that you need more fibre in your diet – no-one should need to strain to go the toilet. Some people find it beneficial to place their feet on a low footstool to aid the bowel movement if they’re struggling. You can sit in a shallow bath of hot water for 15 minutes several minutes a day to help relieve the pain from constipation. If you have piles which are protruding and painful, a day’s bed rest with an ice pack on the anal area could help. You may find a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel to be useful for this, though you should be careful that the ice doesn’t come into direct contact with the skin – do this for just 20 minutes and limit it to just three times a day.

 

Minor haemorrhoids can be treated with topical creams which you can buy from the pharmacy or have a prescription from your GP. They generally heal within a few days with this, and it will help with irritation as well. Rubber band ligation can also be carried out at your GP surgery or an outpatient clinic, and won’t require a hospital visit – it involves placing a small rubber band at the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply, which will help it to fall off of its own accord after a few days. After your haemorrhoids have been removed, you will have small skin tags which develop beside the anus. These may be painful or itchy, and if they cause difficulty with your persona hygiene they can also be removed with a minor surgical operation. You should maintain a fibre-rich diet to avoid constipation, as this can cause it to recur.

Categories: Blood, bowel movement, constipation, diet, haemorrhoids, piles, rubber band, small, toilet

Kitchen Remedies for Seven Niggling Health Concerns

There are some wellness concerns that aren’t worth the bother of getting treatment for, but can still be a real pain in the backside. However, whether it’s smelly feet, sunburn or constipation, there are complementary remedies you can use right in the comfort of your own kitchen. This is according to Premila Veramoothea, author of A Pharmacy In Your Kitchen, who has alternative remedies for everything from bed-wetting to haemorrhoids.

According to Veramoothea, who has qualifications in homeopathy, aromatherapy, ayurveda, reiki, reflexology and home-care, ‘The book is a reference guide and must be kept in every kitchen for the simple reason that most of the remedies are found in the kitchen. It is therefore directed towards caregivers responsible for the care of children, adults, aged parents or even themselves.’

She explains, ‘These remedies are inexpensive, effective and have fewer or no side-effects. Best of all, it can also be sourced from your kitchen. Most home remedies are based in the knowledge that most natural food like fruit, vegetables, cereal, grains, spices, seeds and nuts as well as other natural substances possess many medicinal virtues. The living proof is that our ancestors, who used natural remedies, lived happier, healthier and longer lives than the present generation.’

So here are a few niggling ailments, as described in A Pharmacy In Your Kitchen, and the remedies you already have in your kitchen cupboards:

1. Smelly feet – Boil three teabags in 500ml water and soak your feet for 20 minutes.

2. Gas and bloating – Add caraway seeds and/or parsley to your meals, especially to foods known to cause gas. Alternatively, chew on fennel seeds or make them into tea.

3. Constipation – Snack on grapes or apples, squeeze lemon juice into warm water first thing in the morning, or swallow a teaspoon of linseeds with water before each meal. For the abdominal pain, sip on ginger tea.

4. Diarrhoea – For the cramps and abdominal pain, drink ginger tea. For the diarrhoea itself, try butter milk.

5. Heartburn – Snack on fresh or dried bananas, or drink camomile tea or Aloe Vera juice.

6. Insect bites and stings – Soak cotton wool in mouthwash and apply to the affected area. Otherwise, apply tea tree oil, or crushed aspirin and a few drops of water, to the sting. This works for bee stings, spider bites, flea bites and mite bites.

7. Sunburn – Apply a cloth soaked in milk to the burn area, or else try a piece of raw cucumber or potato.

Categories: constipation, New Book, Sunburn