Psyllium Husk Or Acacia Fiber In Constipation Smoothie
Depending on the nature of a persons constipation, one other active ingredient helps to create this remedial smoothie: psyllium husk powder or acacia fiber.
Psyllium husk powder is 50% soluble fiber and 20% insoluble. Psyllium adds bulk and weight to stool and is great for those who feel they can never quite get it all out. I personally started with 1/2 a teaspoon in my daily beet smoothies and found this to be the right amount.
Too much psyllium can harden stools too much.
My doctor reminded me that psyllium is safe and gentle, but its very important to buy organic psyllium, because it absorbs toxins. Find organic psyllium husk powder here.
Acacia fiber is a prebiotic food, helpful to those with IBS, diarrhea or constipation who want to improve their colon ecosystem over time.
Acacia fiber is recommended at a dose of 1/2 a teaspoon to start, with two weeks given for the body to adjust before gradually increasing dosage. The instructions for use and improving gut mobility are well dictated from this company.
Both psyllium husk powder and acacia fiber may be used together in this smoothie for their different roles and benefits.
Simple Steps For Dealing With Constipation
I have been dealing with constipation for years now, and Im so tired of it. Its making me cranky, bloated and its messing with my appetite, a social media follower recently wrote. I feel like Im doing everything right, but I cant poop. Help!
Unfortunately, I see many patients who struggle with constipation and other bathroom issues. Sometimes they are too embarrassed to admit their problem until it becomes too painful to bear.
My patients arent alone. Researchers find that roughly 12 to 19 percent of the US population suffer from constipation. And while constipation might be common, its definitely not normal and it can have disastrous consequences.
Having healthy digestion and eliminating waste every day is critical to your overall health. Remember your liver flushes out toxins and dumps them into your intestines. If your digestive system isnt working optimally, then all those toxins and waste gets reabsorbed into your body. So, it makes sense that constipation has been linked to multiple diseases, including cancer and even Parkinsons disease, plus it actually makes you feel like crap!
Then there are the practical problems. Constipation is often uncomfortable and can lead to symptoms including bloating, irritability, lack of appetite and vomiting.
Incorporating the following simple hacks will help most people get things moving:
Eat whole, real foods in their unprocessed forms. This is the first and easiest and healthiest first step to healing.
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very upset stomach or throwing up.
- Severe diarrhea.
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How Does Vitamin C Fight Bacteria
It is known that several bacteria can ferment vitamin C, whereas the presence of this vitamin exposes others to oxidative stress, which may result in bacterial growth inhibition. The potent antibacterial effects of vitamin C are, at least in part, due to its low pH and thus milieu-modifying properties.
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How Much Vitamin C Is Used For Constipation
Vitamin C may be the most familiar vitamin on the market. It has a long-standing reputation for immune support you probably think of vitamin C every time you get a cold. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, assisting your body to repair the harmful effects of time and toxins. For some people, vitamin C can be used to relieve minor constipation. Interestingly enough, this is a beneficial byproduct of one of the vitamin’s few side effects.
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Getting Rid Of Constipation Caused By Vitamins Or Due To Other Factors
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
Does Vitamin C Make You Poop
Vitamin C has a laxative effect when given as supplemental material in high doses. This is because the vitamin increases gastric motility, which is to say that it speeds up the digestion process. Vitamin Cs daily doses can vary from source. For the majority adults, the recommended daily allowance was increased to 75 to 90 mg/day. Vitamin C levels above can interfere with pregnancy, and the recommended dose of vitamin C can be reduced as constipation decreases. The vitamin is dosed to bowel tolerance a subtle way of saying that if you have diarrhea, you should reduce your dose.
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Including Healthy Fats In The Diet
The body needs all kinds of nutrients for keeping healthy. Including healthy fats in the diet in the form of coconut oil, raw milk, and butter, fish oil, pastured meats etc. can help greatly in dealing with the problem of constipation caused due to vitamin supplement intake.
Now that you know, avoid vitamins that can cause constipation and lead a healthy life.
Vitamin C May Give You The Flush Or Diarrhea
When your body cant hold any more vitamin C you start to experience gas, rumbling stomach and loose bowels. This is your bowel tolerance, or your saturation point.
If you take too much vitamin C too often, you will get very loose stools. This is a good thing if you suffer from constipation or infrequent bowel movements.
Vitamin C cleanses your body and acts as a laxative in the same way as a bowl of prunes.
This inconvenience goes away once you reduce the vitamin C dose.
Your bowel tolerance is a sign to reduce your vitamin C dose. You need to continue to take vitamin C, but you need less amount and less often. If youre sick, you can hold more vitamin C since your body uses it to fight disease. When you are healthy, you need less, and your body can hold less.
On a personal note, this is one of my favorite vitamin C side effects. Why?
Vitamin C helps you have regular and predictable bowel movements.
And this means you feel lighter and with more energy.
I have my vitamin C in the morning on an empty stomach and drink plenty of water. I wait at least 20 minutes before I eat anything. And then my body does the rest.
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Tips For Constipation Relief Try This
1. Increase Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a natural laxative. It also helps stimulate the production of stomach acid. Because the stomach is at the start of the digestive tract, inadequate stomach acid can trigger a cascade of effects lower down in the system including inadequate enzyme production and poor bile flow, all of which will slow down digestion and contribute to constipation.
Best to give vitamin C in the morning as it can stimulate energy production and interfere with sleep.
2. Increase Magnesium.
Magnesium is also a natural laxative. It brings water into the colon and relaxes the muscles in the digestive lining. Increasing magnesium-rich foods like avocado, black beans and salmon can help, but giving a supplement is often a quicker solution.
The Oxide form of magnesium will flush the colon the fastest, but should only be used short term as it is poorly absorbed and its laxative effect can lead to mineral deficiencies.
Magnesium citrate and glycinate work as well, and are better absorbed by the body. Start with a low dose, given several times a day, and increase the amount until stools soften. Once the bowel is clear reduce the magnesium.
3. Coconut Water Kefir.
A well-balanced, diverse ecosystem of microbes is critical to well-functioning digestion. Kefir is a fermented drink typically made by adding beneficial yeast and bacteria to milk.
You can make a non-dairy version using coconut water instead of milk if your child is dairy sensitive.
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Drink Lemon Water In The Morning
Squeezing fresh lemon juice in a glass of cold water is a tried-and-true method to fight bowel backup. The cold water and the citrus of the lemon both work to jump-start your digestive system and treat constipation. Drink this concoction twice a day, and you will feel traffic moving again along the highways of your GI system. You can reap extra benefits from drinking it hot, too.
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How Can You Use Magnesium Citrate To Treat Constipation
You can often treat occasional constipation with over-the-counter medications or supplements, such as magnesium citrate.
This supplement is an osmotic laxative, which means it relaxes your bowels and pulls water into your intestines. The water helps soften and bulk up your stool, which makes it easier to pass.
Magnesium citrate is relatively gentle. It shouldnt cause urgency or emergency bathroom trips, unless you take too much of it. You can find it at many drug stores, and you dont need a prescription to purchase it.
Your doctor may also prescribe magnesium citrate to help you prepare for certain medical procedures, such as colonoscopies.
- an allergic reaction, which may cause hives, trouble breathing, or other symptoms
- nervous system issues, which may cause confusion or depression
- cardiovascular issues, such as low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
- metabolic issues, such as hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia
If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking magnesium citrate and call your doctor right away.
Other causes of constipation include:
- certain medications
- underlying medical issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome , musculoskeletal injuries, and the anatomy of your gastrointestinal system
Note that constipation doesnt discriminate based on age. Still, most cases of constipation are amongst older individuals due to the main causes outlined above.
What Are The Side Effects Of Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is found in the body. It is used in many different ways. One of the most common uses is as a supplement. Zinc supplements are used to help with muscle strength, muscle recovery, and muscle growth. zinc is also used as an anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive. The main benefit of using zinc supplements is that it helps to prevent muscle loss. This is because zinc helps the cells to repair themselves. When zinc levels are low, the muscle cells are unable to do their job. If zinc supplementation is taken regularly, this can lead to muscle atrophy. In addition, it can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Grab Your Relieve Constipation Cheat Sheet Here
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Vitamin C Plus Zinc Side Effects
Generic name:multivitamin with minerals
Note: This document contains side effect information about multivitamin with minerals. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Vitamin C plus Zinc.
Applies to multivitamin with minerals: oral tablet
Other dosage forms:
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2021.
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You Should Have A Bowel Movement Every Day
Myth. Everyone is different. Some people go three times a day others, three times a week. Itâs common to have a bowel movement once a day. But it’s OK to go a few days without one as long as you feel fine. If you have fewer than three per week, youâre constipated. Itâs severe if you have fewer than one a week.
Constipation & The Trifecta For Resilient Health
As I work with families struggling to establish stable moods, energy and health in their kids, I have found constipation to be one of a trifecta of stressors that get in the way of ev-er-y-thing else they might be doing to support their kids.
These three stressors are so important to resolve that I have started to call them The Foundational Trifecta For Resilient Health. Constipation is one of them and it needs to be worked through so they can feel better, focus better, have fewer tantrums, be less anxious, learn better, get sick less often, have more stable energy and emotions, and generally be healthier and happier.
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Magnesium And Vitamin C
Instead of relying on chemical laxatives, the proper nutrients taken at the right time can support soft fecal consistency and induce colonic peristaltic action without serious adverse effects .
There are convenient powdered formulas available that contain magnesium mixed with ascorbic acid that can induce a bowel movement relatively quickly . A teaspoon or more of vitamin C and magnesium crystals will evacuate the bowel within 30â90minutes if taken on an empty stomach with several glasses of water. One of these powdered formulas provides 4500 mg of vitamin C and 250 mg of magnesium in each teaspoon. The dose needs to be individually adjusted so it will not cause day-long diarrhea.
Buffered vitamin C powders combined with primarily potassium salts can work as well as magnesium/vitamin C powders and may be used on alternate days for those needing ongoing relief.
The suggested number of times these nutritional colon cleanses be used is about three times per week. Excess use may create tolerance and require higher dosing.
How To Perform A Vitamin C Bowel Flush
First, obtain a powdered Vitamin C product that is buffered, fully reduced, and 100% L-Ascorbate . The buffering agents should be natural and consist of essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc. We recommend Thorne Buffered C Powder, 8.15 oz . A powdered formula as opposed to tablet or capsule is ideal here as it will provide more predictable absorption during the loading process.
Pick a day when youve got nothing on the calendar. Why? Well its called a flush for a reason! Youll experience a characteristic sudden release of loose stool once youve fully saturated your body with Vitamin C, so plan on being near a toilet. Most people prefer doing this in the comfort of home for the first time.
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Specific Foods To Help With Constipation
In addition to consuming plenty of dietary fiber and staying adequately hydrated, a few specific foods may improve bowel regularity.
Prunes. Prunes have long been used to treat constipation. It is thought that their laxative effect is in part due to their high concentration of sorbitol, a slowly digested sugar that has an osmotic effect and holds water in the intestines .
Kiwifruit. Kiwifruit is a traditional laxative food. Several clinical trials have found that eating kiwifruit can relieve constipation .
Olive and flaxseed oil. A preliminary study tested the effects of mineral oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil in 50 dialysis patients with constipation. The participants were given one of these three oils to take daily for four weeks, at a dose of about 1 tsp per day. All three oils reduced constipation scores, with olive oil demonstrating some superiority to flaxseed oil. These results suggest edible oils might be a useful alternative to mineral oil for the treatment of constipation .
How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Treated
The goals of treatment and prevention are the sameto reach, and then maintain, an adequate level of vitamin D in the body. While you might consider eating more foods that contain vitamin D and getting a little bit of sunlight, you will likely be told to take vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D comes in two forms: D2 and D3. D2, also called ergocalciferol, comes from plants. D3, also called cholecalciferol, comes from animals. You need a prescription to get D2. D3, however, is available over the counter. It is more easily absorbed than D2 and lasts longer in the body dose-for-dose. Work with your doctor to find out if you need to take a vitamin supplement and how much to take if it is needed.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Vitamin Supplements
In addition to causing side effects such as tooth staining, increased urination, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate, confusion, and muscle weakness or limp feeling, minerals can also cause side effects. It is not expected that multivitamins and minerals will cause serious side effects when taken as directed.
Warnings And Contraindications For Vitamin C
Vitamin C is considered a safe supplement for most people. If you are or could become pregnant, it is best not to exceed 6,000 mg vitamin C daily. Levels above this could interfere with pregnancy. Some people may develop kidney stones on high doses of vitamin C. Consult your doctor before taking this or any supplement. Finally, constipation can be a sign of a serious illness and should be evaluated by a doctor before treatment.
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