Info about Constipation
Constipation
For many people, constipation is as inevitable as death and taxes. No matter how hard you strain and push, nothing happens. It’s like your body has gone on vacation for a week and left you at the mercies of Mother Nature.
But you don’t have to take constipation sitting down, although that is ultimately the position you hope to be In, Here are some very effective remedies for constipation, whether you suffer from this discomfort all of the time or once in a blue moon.
• You May Be Normal
Before you begin doctoring yourself, ask yourself if you really have a problem. We are all victims of laxative commercials which make us feel guilty if we don’t go every single day. But the guilt can be misplaced, because every body is different and has its own requirements.
For some, bowel movements twice a day are perfect. while others get along nicely with defecation every three days. You only need to start worrying about constipation if you go more than a week without a bowel movement, or if you begin to feel very bloated and miserable.
• Laxatives Are a Poor Choice
Although the temptation is great to pop a laxative pill into your mouth and wait confidently for results, avoid using over-the-counter pill laxatives. They can be effective, but they are also very addicting. Your body can get to the point where it won’t go to the bathroom without laxatives, thereby increasing your constipation problems.
• Alternatives
An easy, gentle alternative to pill laxatives is what is known as natural or vegetable laxatives, like Metamucil. They are highly effective and nonaddictive. so you can take them for long periods without any side effects. Vegetable laxatives come in a powder form which you simply mix with water or juice and drink. Make sure to follow directions and drink plenty of liquids with vegetable laxatives. In fact, drink lots of fluids anyway to help flush out your system.
• High Fiber is True Key
Eating more foods high in fiber can also help you fight constipation. Concentrate on putting more fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains into your diet. A handful of prunes every night can do wonders for constipated situations. Drink a hot cup of coffee every morning for another natural laxative. Decrease the amounts of certain foods, like milk products and vegetable oils, if you discover they add to your problems.
• Exercise
Another good “natural” laxative is exercise. Moving your body around helps push food and waste through your system faster. This iS why the elderly and people with sedentary jobs tend to sLitter more from constipation than others.
• Check Your Meds
A final way to cure constipation is to take a look at any medications you may be taking. Over-the-counter or prescription drugs. such as calcium supplements, antacids containing calcium or aluminum, diuretics, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and Parkinson’s disease drugs. can cause constipation or make an already existing problem worse.
Sometimes constipation requires the attention of a physician. See your doctor if constipation lasts longer than three weeks. if there is blood in the stool, or if your abdomen is distended Coughs.
How many times has each of us been caught off-guard by a cough at a most embarrassing moment? Even in the privacy of our own homes, coughs caused by colds, asthma. or allergies can be highly uncomfortable. Some people have even been known to break their own ribs during a severe fit of coughing!
• It’s No Secret
One of the simplest ways to get rid of a cough is to take some over-the-counter cough syrup, or suck on a lozenge. When choosing a cough medicine, look for cough drops and syrups containing antitussives like diphenhydramine or dextromethorphan. Certain lozenges, such as Cepastat or Sucrets have anesthetics as an added benefit, which can deaden the pain of a sore throat.
• Liquids
Along with a cough medicine, drink lots of fluids, especially chicken soup and hot teas laced with honey and lemon. Fluids help loosen the mucus in your chest and can relieve your congestion.
• Spicy Foods
Because coughs are often caused by the irritation of excessive mucus and congestion, you want to get rid of that junk in your chest and throat as quickly as possible. One good method for loosening congestion is eating spicy foods. Eat that taco smothered with hot sauce! Snarf down that spicy mustard or horseradish with your roast! If you don’t care for spicy foods, a few drops of Tabasco sauce can have a similar effect.
• Humidify
Often, a dry atmosphere can contribute to your cough. If your house or office has low humidity, install a vaporizer. A good hot shower or bath can loosen phlegm caused by colds or asthma attacks. Or put your face over a steaming pan of water with a towel over your head. The idea is to get moisture into your airways and thin out that phlegm.
• When to Get Help
If your cough lasts far beyond your cold, take it to a professional. This is especially true of cigarette smokers, because a persistent cough which lasts for weeks can be a sign of a much more serious medical problem, such as lung or throat cancer. If you have questions about your cough, have a doctor check it out.