Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Can Zinc Make You Constipated

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Pregnant Women Breastfeeding And Babies

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Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can develop the effects of zinc deficiency because their growing baby requires zinc, and can only get it from the mother. This can leave the mother’s body with lower amounts of zinc.

Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about nutritional supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In addition to the other effects of zinc deficiency, babies with zinc deficiency can have slowed growth and may not gain weight as they should for their age.

What Is Insoluble Fibre

This slowing down effect of the digestive system is usually overridden by insoluble fibre. It does not absorb water and speeds up the time that food passes through the gut.

Insoluble fibre includes cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, which make up the structural parts of plant cell walls.

A major role of insoluble fibre is to add bulk to faeces and to prevent constipation and associated problems .

Good sources of insoluble fibre include:

  • bran wheat bran, corn bran, rice bran
  • the skins of fruits and vegetables

Benefits Of Zinc And Its Side Effects

Zinc is basically a metal which is also described as a trace element. However, it is also one of the most effective remedies for cold. The human body requires zinc in small quantities in order to function normally but on a regular basis. Important bodily functions cannot be performed easily without the intake of zinc in proper quantities. There are a number of ways in which zinc benefits the human body and these include hormone production, repair and growth immunity improvement and digestion facilitation. It also has the ability of acting in the form of an anti-inflammatory agent coming with essential therapeutic advantages for chronic and common diseases such as reversing heart problems and gifting cancer.

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When Should You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Ideally, you’ll start taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as you decide to start trying to conceive. Women who take supplemental folic acid before they get pregnant before the sperm meets the egg can substantially reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly, which are conditions that occur very early after conception.

If you weren’t taking a prenatal before you conceived, don’t panic. Just start taking one now, and continue popping one daily after you give birth until you stop breastfeeding.

Getting Rid Of Constipation Caused By Vitamins Or Due To Other Factors

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It has been seen that there are times when one needs to take in vitamins to meet the nutritional deficiencies in the body. And the problem of constipation also exists. In such cases, you have to learn the various ways in which the problem of constipation can be dealt with successfully. Mentioned below are some simple ways in which the problem can be solved to a great extent

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What To Look For

Start by checking the labels on magnesium packaging. This will allow you to find the active dosage as well as any other ingredients in the product. They may include flavorings, fillers, or binders.

You also want to confirm the product is safe and effective by looking for a product certified by an independent testing organization like ConsumerLab. In 2019, the company investigated dozens of popular magnesium supplements sold on the market and found a few that disintegrated quickly when exposed to moisture.

ConsumerLab also found several that contained harmful amounts of lead, and others that were improperly labeled based on the contents. These third-party test sites can help you to know if you can trust what you see on the label.

Best Probiotic For Constipation

Bacillus laterosporus probiotic strain is a great example of a probiotic strain that was suggested by research to be very effective for constipation, bloating and other digestive issues. According to one study, 90% of the participants in the study reported a relief from their constipation symptoms . It is one of the best probiotics for constipation we use in our natural protocols to restore compromised gut health after antibiotics. It is also considered very gentle and safe. Safety testings have found that Latero-Flora is completely safe with no indications of toxicity, even at extremely high dosage.

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Nutritional Value Of Zinc

Zinc is one of the most important aspects of nutrition for the human body. There are different foods that are rich in their content of zinc with the most prominent one being oysters. Oysters provide more zinc per serving in comparison to all the other foods containing zinc. Poultry and red meat are also important sources of zinc. Other food varieties that are rich in their content of zinc include nuts, beans, whole grains, whole wheat grain, almonds, ginger root, pumpkin seeds, pecan nuts and different varieties of seafood like lobster and crab. Other foods containing zinc include turnips and peas. Phytates present in cereals, whole grain breads and legumes bind zinc while inhibiting its absorption. It is important to note that foods that are high in their protein content are rich sources of zinc. Lamb, pork and beef contain more zinc in comparison to fish. It is also worth noting that vegetables and fruits do not contain zinc and therefore vegetarian and low-protein diets are low in their zinc content. It is widely found in mineral supplements and multivitamins and also in over-the-counter medicines.

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How Magnesium Cures Constipation

Many vitamins can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of this medicine than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor.

Before you use multivitamins, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Some vitamins and minerals can harm an unborn baby if taken in large doses. You may need to use a prenatal vitamin specially formulated for pregnant women.

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Dietary Fibre And Weight Control

A high-fibre diet is protective against weight gain. High-fibre foods tend to have a lower energy density, which means they provide fewer kilojoules per gram of food. As a result, a person on a high-fibre diet can consume the same amount of food, but with fewer kilojoules .

Foods high in fibre are often bulky and, therefore, filling. Soluble fibre forms a gel that slows down the emptying of the stomach and the transit time of food through the digestive system. This extends the time a person feels full.

Fibre also delays the absorption of sugars from the intestines. This helps to maintain lower blood sugar levels and prevent a rapid rise in blood insulin levels, which has been linked with obesity and an increased risk of diabetes.

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Zinc

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Zinc has a vast array of benefits for the body which is why you should be taking it regularly. While zinc is commonly found in foods such as oysters, lobsters, red meat, or crab, it may be easier to simply take it in supplement form to ensure youre getting what you need. Speaking of benefits, here are some of the most common benefits of taking zinc:

Stabilizes Blood Sugar

Many people with diabetes have problems with their insulin and blood sugar and this is where a zinc supplement can really help out. According to EverydayHealth, roughly 67% of diabetic patients have are deficient in zinc which means that they should consider taking a supplement if they arent eating a lot of red meat or seafood.

Zinc has been shown to help manage insulin and blood sugar levels and can increase insulin sensitivity in obese people too. All this contributes to the management of diabetes and obesity, so its definitely worth discussing dosage with your doctor if this is something you feel you could benefit from!

Promotes Heart Health

Potentially Clears the Skin

Supports Growth in Children

Supports the Immune System

That said, you should always consult your doctor first before you take such a high dosage, but its definitely something to consider if youre feeling unwell.

Supports Eye Health

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What Are The Side Effects Of Prenatal Vitamins

Most women who take prenatal vitamins as directed by their doctor or midwife experience little or no side effects from prenatal vitamins. The iron in prenatal vitamins may cause constipation, and some women complain of nausea. You also may have diarrhea, dark stools, low appetite, and stomach upset or cramps. Talk with your OB/GYN or midwife about any side effects you have from taking prenatal vitamins.

A Sudden Increase In Dietary Fibre

Avoid Additives in your Vitamins!

Make sure you stick to the recommended intake and slowly introduce fibre into the diet to avoid any negative outcomes.

A sudden switch from a low-fibre diet to a high-fibre diet may lead to some abdominal pain and increased flatulence .

Also, very high-fibre diets are linked with decreased absorption of some important minerals . This occurs when fibre binds these minerals and forms insoluble salts, which are then excreted. This could result in an increased risk of developing deficiencies of these minerals in susceptible people.

Also, it is better to get fibre from food sources rather than from fibre supplements, as these can aggravate constipation, especially if you do not increase the amount of water you drink daily.

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Here A Trace There A Trace

Throughout the day, vitamin and mineral intake accumulates in our bodies, based on diet as well as other factors. While the amount of trace minerals we require is relatively small, their presence is essential to our metabolic function.

The following is a list of zinc-rich foods recommended by the NIH, with suggested recipes from Foodal to help you enjoy a varied and nutritious diet.

Curcumin And Your Gastrointestinal Tract

For instance, we know that raw curcumin, such as curcumin extract, tends to gather in the intestines. Several clinical trials ranging from studies on cancer to liver conditions have found that curcumin accumulates in gastrointestinal tissues. Others have found that many of the benefits of orally administered curcumin localize in the intestines. Maintaining a primary area of effects further suggesting that the compound tends to conglomerate in the intestines. 3

For instance, orally administered curcumin is a powerful antioxidant in the body. However, some studies suggest that curcumin only reaches sufficient concentrations to promote antioxidant activities in the intestinal mucosa. 3

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Constipation From Antibiotics: Treatment

Treating constipation from antibiotics may be a little different than other types of constipation. The main difference is because the gut flora is also compromised. This means that it may take the body more time to rebuild the gut flora and recover. According to research, this time can be anywhere between a few weeks to a few months to recover .

A few important things you should know:

  • Digestive Issues: During this time, you may notice additional digestive issues such as bloating and gas. Since the body depends on a healthy gut flora to properly digest the foods you eat, digestion may not always be ideal.
  • Constipation medicine and laxatives are often used, but they are not designed to restore the damaged gut flora. So when you stop with the constipation medicine, you may get constipated again.
  • Treatment: For these reasons, when you treat constipation from antibiotics, it is important to address both issues: relieve the constipation when needed and rebuild the gut flora.

How Zinc Deficiency Affects The Body

Magnesium for Constipation Relief

Zinc helps with a number of different processes in the body. It is considered an antioxidant that helps repair the effects of oxidative damage. It is also involved in growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Zinc plays a beneficial role in the immune system and in wound healing. But zinc has an interesting role in the immune system, and a deficiency can cause the immune system to be underactive or overactive.

The relationship between zinc and asthma is believed to occur because low levels of zinc are associated with increased production of mast cells, basophils, and B-cells, cells that are part of the immune system’s role in asthma exacerbations.

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Is It Okay To Take Gummy Prenatal Vitamins

Yes, especially if you have trouble swallowing pills or you cant stomach a horse-sized capsule without triggering another bout of morning sickness.

But there are some drawbacks to prenatal gummies . In general, gummies contain fewer nutrients than the prenatals that come in pill form, says Hillary Wright, R.D., director of nutrition at the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health at Boston IVF oftentimes, theyre also lacking iron.

Medications That Cause Constipation

You have heartburn and an acid taste in your mouth. You know that you are having acid reflux. You bought an antacid liquid and started using it. After a few days, you got constipation. Wonder why?

The reason is, some medications can cause constipation. It is a common side effect of many over the counter as well as prescription medications. Here is a list of medications that can make you constipated.

  • Aluminium containing antacids. These medications are used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers .
  • Calcium supplements such as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium phosphate.
  • Iron supplements such as ferrous sulphate, ferrous fumerate and ferrous gluconate
  • Blood pressure medications: Calcium channel blockers such as Nifedipine, Diltiazem
  • Aspirin
  • Antidepressant medications such as Amitriptyline, Zoloft, and Effexor
  • Opioid painkillers. This class of drugs may cause severe constipation that may not respond to simple remedies. Examples: Codeine, Morphine sulphate, Oxycodone, Methadone, Tramadol, Fentanyl. These analgesics are usually given after surgery to relieve severe pain.
  • Over the counter cough medicines. Some OTC cough medicines contain codeine or hydrocodone that can make you constipated.
  • Cholesterol lowering agents, such as Cholestyramine, Statins
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen. These pills are often given to patients with arthritis or back pain.
  • Drugs used to treat abdominal pain, such as Hyoscine Butylbromide
  • Bottom line:

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    Tips To Avoid Constipation

    Taking an iron or calcium supplement doesn’t automatically relegate you to a lifetime of constipation.

    In addition to finding a supplement that’s easier on your GI tract liquid iron or calcium citrate, for example there are simple lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to avoid or lessen constipation.

    Warning

    If your constipation is persistent or unexplained, please seek help from your medical provider, per the Mayo Clinic.

    Turmeric And Your Digestive System

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    Emerging clinical science has unearthed a treasure trove of data about turmeric and its main constituent, curcumin. In the process, we have learned a lot about how turmeric reacts in the body, especially in the gastrointestinal tract . Note that were going to cover the role of both curcumin and turmeric in your digestive tract separately, as each presents in different ways.

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    Can Turmeric Cause Constipation Reviewing The Science

    If you’ve kept up with the prevailing science, then you know that turmeric is a hot topic in the naturopathic medicine world. And for a good reason! Clinical studies have found that this golden spice, famous for its use in curries and Ayurvedic medicine, can: 12

    • Promote antioxidant activities by way of neutralizing free radicals
    • Block inflammation-causing molecules from activating inflammation-related genes
    • Reduce inflammation related to arthritis
    • Improve brain function and lower your risk of certain neurological diseases

    All this to say, modern science has shown that turmeric is a great spice with plenty of medical potential. However, turmeric also has its drawbacks. Chief among these is that its main active compound, curcumin, does not present with high bioavailability. In this case, curcumin seems to be poorly absorbed and metabolized in the body. This leads to curcumin being eliminated as waste in your urine and stool, as opposed to being used by your cells. 23

    You can potentially increase turmerics absorption and therefore its bioavailability by consuming piperine, a constituent of black pepper. However, scientists believe that one reason turmeric may have such low absorption is because it can promote gastrointestinal issues. One of the listed side effects of extended turmeric use is gastrointestinal distress. 23

    So, of course, we thought wed ask yet another question about turmerics effect on human health: can turmeric cause constipation?

    Get Your Daily Requirement

    The USDA has guidelines for the recommended amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as natural sources from which we should try to get the majority of our nutrition.

    According to the US Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health , Office of Dietary Supplements, women over the age of 19 require a zinc Daily Value of 8 milligrams per day, and men require 11 milligrams.

    Unfortunately, the only places youll find this mineral listed as an actual ingredient are on the labels of fortified foods and vitamins. When eating healthy whole foods, good sources may not always be as clear.

    Significant sources of nutrients are those that contain at least 20 percent of the daily value thats recommended.

    The best foods to eat to boost your zinc intake are animal protein sources. But what about grains and plant foods?

    Grains and legumes contain phytates, acids known for their anti-inflammatory properties. However, they are also known for inhibiting the absorption of minerals.

    For those who are zinc deficient, Patenaude recommends limiting excess high-phytate foods like grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, or soaking them before use to reduce their phytate content.

    The best way to get crucial nutrients is to consume a varied and well-balanced diet. When in doubt, refer to the USDA and the NIH for guidance, and consult your family physician or a dietitian.

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