Side Effects Of Constipation: Top 10 You Need To Know
Constipation isnt something we often talk about, unless you hang around with me… But given it affects up to 25% of the population it means a lot of us are suffering in silence . And while most people think of constipation as just an annoying symptom, it can also be the root cause of other symptoms and conditions, including fatigue, weight gain, low mood, and many more. Here are the top 10 side effects of constipation on the body that I see almost everyday.
But before we get in too deep, let me just say that this blog post isnt for you if you ate a crappy diet for three days and got bunged up. It happens, and can be easily fixed by cleaning up the diet and a little exercise to help move things along. This blog post is for that special someone with a chronic case of constipation, the kind that has been following you around for months or even years. I know this special someone because SHE WAS ME, chronically constipated and constantly feeling bloated, toxic and really tired because of it. If that sounds familiar, then Im here to tell you that constipation is a HUGE health risk, and to hammer home exactly why you need to clear it out ASAP.
Here is a summary of what we are going to cover: >;What exactly is constipation? >;How chronic constipation can wreak havoc with your health >; 10 side effects of constipation >;How to find strategies to clear constipation that will work for you
Effects Of Constipation On The Skin
Another side-effect of toxicity associated with constipation is acne and skin breakouts. This happens when toxins and waste are re-absorbed back into the bloodstream via the colon, rather than being eliminated. From the bloodstream, these toxins can exit the body by its largest detoxification organ – the skin. The other mechanism by which constipation can impact skin is through the alteration of gut bacteria. This study showed that 54% of acne patients have significantly altered gut flora while probiotics have also been shown to reduce symptoms . One thing is for sure, beauty begins in the bowel.
What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation In Dogs
Normal bowel movements usually happen once or twice a day the same as the number of daily meals your dog gets. If your dog hasnt pooped in the last 24 hours, its likely that hes constipated.
Here are some constipation symptoms in dogs:
- Crying while pooping
- Not pooping for more than 24 hours
- Straining to poop and then producing stool
- Straining to poop and not producing stool, or only small amounts of stool
- Rock hard, dry stools
If your dog has these symptoms, read on to learn about natural remedies you can use to relieve him.;
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Why Talk About Poop
I am writing this because of two reasons. One is that I have not been eating a smoothie every day for the last 6 weeks. Part of the reason is I am currently on a cut, and part of the reason is that it is winter and my new house is cold. The house is old and has a lot of drafts. Living in a cold house makes me want to eat hot food instead of smoothies. Im especially hesitant to drink smoothies which have frozen ingredients. And in winter, most fruits are out of season, meaning I am purchasing frozen fruits.
Not drinking a smoothie at least once a day, like I normally do in the summer has had a noticeable impact on my digestion. My poo is a bit harder and does not come out as easily. Now, Im not constipated or anything like that, but there is a noticeable difference in my digestive flow going from eating a lot of fiber to eating less fiber.
At my job I have a few coworkers who go into the toilet and sit there for literally 45 minutes at a time. It amazes me. To sit on a toilet, groaning and pushing for minutes at a time seems so awful. Normally when I sit on the toilet the process is painless and takes less than a minute. I dont think it is my place to recommend some fruit or fiber filled foods to my coworkers, but when I see them going into the toilet and not leaving for 45 minutes I genuinely feel bad.
Waithow Much Does Poop Weigh
If youre thinking, Four pounds, seriously?! I get it…thats not exactly a small amount if you’re struggling to lose weight. But you have to remember that your poo is made up of some pretty heavy stuff: Specifically, its about 75 percent water, per UMass Memorial Healthcare, with the rest being composed of bacteria, mucous, dead blood cells, and duh, food remains.
That said, you have to think big picture here. Even four pounds isn’t a significant amount of weight at the end of the day, since the number on the scale will consistently swing up and down as your bowel movements do. In other words, when youre backed up, your weight will increase a bit, and after you relieve yourself, it’ll drop.
hugedoes
Oh, tell me more about weight loss versus de-bloating.
Bloating is that awful, uncomfortable, full feeling that strikes when your digestive system has trapped air or gas inside it, and it can be downright painful, not to mention make you look puffy AF. Even though your stomach might appear bigger when you’re bloated, bloating doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve gained actual weight .Pooping can reduce bloating and help you fit more comfortably in your clothes so you feel smaller overall, says Dulan. Its not like after you poop you should be saying, This is my new weight!
Pooping can reduce bloating and help you fit more comfortably in your clothes so you feel smaller…”
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Establish That The Patient Is Suffering From Constipation And Identify The Predominant Symptom
Several definitions and tools are available for diagnosing constipation ,, but simply put, constipation is unsatisfactory defection owing to infrequent stools or difficult or incomplete evacuation., Constipation is symptom-based and subjective, as what is normal in terms of bowel movements varies among individuals. While researchers and health care providers often rely on the frequency or consistency of bowel movements to define constipation, patients tend to use symptoms such as straining, hard stools, and bloating.,,
How To Banish Constipation And Lose The Weight
Actually, you can eat;more and;as a result have no constipation or;weight gain. It turns out,;those;who eat more fiber absorb less calories and also find it;easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Whats more, you can do this to by introducing more high fiber foods into your diet.
One of the most important meals of the day is breakfast. If you miss this;important meal youll;have a greater tendency to snack more between meals and then gorge at lunch time.
The result;is that you easily gain;more weight
To get yourself of to a good start, begin the;day with a high fiber breakfast. Good;examples are;wholegrain cereals, porridge oats or fresh fruit.
If you need to snack before lunch, then instead of a chocolate bar, choose the healthier fiber option of;raw;or dried fruits, nuts and seeds.
For lunch,;try a salad, or steamed vegetables.;Avoid white;bread sandwiches or rolls, because refined flour is also constipating.
A healthier option is brown bread made from whole grain flour as its;higher in fiber and antioxidants.
Finish your day off with a high protein low fat meal of chicken or fish and steamed;vegetables.
However, Mother Nature can provide one of the most effective sources to eliminate constipation and help you shed weight.
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How Can You Avoid Constipation
Try these steps to help your body adjust to your new diet and help you avoid or conquer your constipation:
But keep this in mind: Lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent or manage constipation. If you start depending on the use of a laxative to relieve constipation, talk to your doctor.
Read more:Struggling to Poop? Here are 5 Foods That Cause Constipation
What Should I Expect When I Talk To My Doctor About My Constipation
Talking to your doctor or anyone about your bowel movements is not the most pleasant of topics. Know that your doctor is there for you. Doctors are trained health professionals who have discussed just about every health topic you can think of with their patients.
Your doctor will first ask you questions about your medical history, bowel movements, and your lifestyle and routines.
Medical history
- What are your current and past diseases/health conditions?
- Have you lost or gained any weight recently?
- Have you had any previous digestive tract surgeries?
- What medications and supplements do you take for other disorders and for the relief of constipation?
- Does anyone in your family have constipation or diseases of the digestive tract or a history of colon cancer?
- Have you had a colonoscopy?
Bowel movement history
- How often do you have a bowel movement?
- What do your stools look like?
- Have you noticed any blood or red streaks in your stool?
- Have you ever seen blood in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper after you wipe?
Lifestyle habits and routines
- What food and beverages do you eat and drink?
- What is your exercise routine?
Your doctor will also perform a physical exam, which includes a check of your vital signs . He or she will use a stethoscope to listen to the sounds in your abdomen. Your abdomen will also be touched to check for pain, tenderness, swelling, and lumps.
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Add Protein To Your Diet
If youve been reading my blog you know Im a huge fan of protein. And heres why.
Protein is an essential building block.
Almost every cell in the body is made from the building blocks of protein, such as your hair, skin, bones and muscles.
Protein consists of 20 amino acids, which are essential in the production of collagen. The collagen keeps your skin firm and youthful during pregnancy.
But more importantly, protein helps replace excess body fat with muscles. Consuming just one protein shake a day can help you look more toned in places as if youve been going to the gym. So make sure to include enough quality protein sources in your diet with protein shakes daily. Always check the sugar content and stick to natural products that dont contain anything artificial.
- Dont like protein shakes?
And if protein shakes are not your thing then check out my low sugar raspberry jam protein ball recipe. Theyll last up to two weeks in the fridge and are easy snacks to take with you when youre out and about.
- If you are interested in knowing what exactly you need to eat during pregnancy, check out my post What To Eat During Pregnancy.
To Sum Up How Not To Gain Weight During Pregnancy
- Find an activity you like
- Set a daily reminder on your phone to do it
- Dont just set a vague goal like exercising but pick something specific that you can stick to
- Add more oats to your diet to maintain healthy bowel movements and prevent you from being constipated
- Increase your protein intake wherever you can, because it helps your body to replace fat with muscles
- Weigh yourself daily around the same time to understand which weight gain is healthy weight gain related to your growing baby, and which one is linked to bad eating choices you made the day before
And always keep a positive mind and give love and gratitude to yourself. Know that youre in control and have the power to turn things around.
Which tip is your favorite? Tell me in the comments below. Would love to hear from you.
About the Author
Kristin Brause is a blogger and mum-to-be over at ;happyskinny.me
Shes sharing her weight loss tips and tricks to maintain her weight without going to the gym or on diets. She also helps other bloggers and mompreneurs start and grow their blogs. Before becoming interested in affiliate marketing and monetizing her blog, Kris worked in some of Londons top advertising agencies for global brands. As a coach, shes also helped hundreds of women get their online businesses off the ground.
Connect with her on.
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How Long Will I Need To Take Laxatives For
If you’ve had constipation for a short time, your pharmacist will usually advise you to stop taking the laxative once your stools are soft and easily passed.
However, if your constipation;is caused by;an underlying medical condition or a medicine you’re taking,;your GP may advise you to take laxatives for much longer, possibly many months or;even years.
If you’ve been taking laxatives for some time, you may have to gradually reduce your dose, rather than coming off them straight away. If you have been prescribed a combination of laxatives, you’ll normally have to reduce the dosage of each laxative, one at a time, before you can stop taking them. This can take several months.
Your GP will advise you about when it’s best to stop taking long-term laxatives.;
How Much Does The Average Poop Weigh
The weight of your poop varies. It depends on several factors: The average poop weighs around 1/4 pound to 1 pound. Larger people who eat and drink more, or people who have less-regular bowel movements, have heavier poops. It takes an average of 33 hours for food to be processed into poop and pass out of your body.
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How To Get Rid Of Constipation Fast
Treatment for constipation usually begins with diet and lifestyle changes such as consuming plenty of fibre, liquids, fruits and vegetable and keeping physically active. A diet rich in fresh vegetables, fibre, liquids will help regulate your bowel movements and avoid constipation. It will also help you lose weight in a healthy manner.
In addition to this, light dinner two hours before bed is crucial for healthy digestion. Make sure that you have breakfast, which is key to fighting constipation.
Get the Latest health news, healthy diet, weight loss, Yoga, and fitness tips, more updates on Times Now
Does Not Having Regular Bowel Movements Cause Toxins To Build Up In My Body And Make Me Sick
Dont worry, this usually isnt the case. Although your colon holds on to stool longer when you are constipated and you may feel uncomfortable, the colon is an expandable container for your waste. There is possibly a slight risk of a bacterial infection if waste gets into an existing wound in the colon or rectum.
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Avoid Conventional Treatments For Constipation
Laxatives may temporarily relieve symptoms but don’t fix the underlying problem. ;They can have side effects like diarrhea, dehydration and abdominal pain, and they utilize synthetic sugars. And your dog can become dependent on laxatives, so they’ll stop working over time.
Enemas stimulate pooping, and should be a last resort. Only give enemas with your holistic vet’s guidance.;
High fiber prescription;diets are are low quality foods that contain high levels of starchy carbohydrates that can harm your dog’s digestive system.;
Pooping To Lose Weight Is Actually A Really Bad Idea
Herbst confirms that dropping a deuce will in fact budge the number on the scale, though it won’t alter your body composition or muscle percentage, saying, “One pound in does not guarantee one out,” because food is metabolized differently. Certain foods are absorbed more efficiently, while others pass right through .
So while a pound of lettuce may work its way out to the porcelain water slide, a pound of pie will most likely stick to your thighs. Pooping isn’t a total elimination of all the calories you eat, since that wouldn’t make any sense. Your body needs energy, so it’s not going to shit it all out.
On top of that, Herbst’s experience monitoring weigh-ins taught him that no one’s going to see Biggest Loser-type results. He says you may see a 5lb drop , depending on how much you currently weigh. If you’re a big dude, you’re going to expel more in weight and volume because you’re already eating more.
The majority of people will only be able to look forward to a mere 1-2lb difference if you’re an active person. Those losses arent worth canceling your gym membership, and in extreme cases, excessive laxative use can lead to all sorts of nasty medical complications.
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How Much Do Farts Weigh And How Do You Even Weigh Farts
Despite the method, the data collected may surprise you more.
Scientists learned that the farts weighed between 16-50oz per day. That’s right: Youre holding as much gas in your system as a small Sweetums soda. And in case you’re wondering , “Women and men expelled equivalent amounts,” according to science.
Constipation Is Mainly Caused By A Poor Diet Although There Are Other Factors That Can Contribute To This Common Problem
New Delhi: Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues that troubles both young and old alike. This common health problem is mainly caused by a poor diet, although there are other factors that can lead to constipation, such as stress, changes in your routine, pregnancy, medications, etc.
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How Much Weight Do You Gain On Your Period
Medically reviewed by Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian , BASc.
We take a look at the common causes of weight gain during your period, how much is normal, and how you can minimize these effects during that time of the month.
Folks, you dont need me to tell you that getting your period is a royal pain literally. In the days leading up to your period not only are you feeling all the feels, but youre so exhausted that no amount of sleep is enough, your appetite is fluctuating like crazy, youre crampy and bloated, and oh is that a breakout I see? Fan-freaking-tastic.
Its hard to believe that us menstruating people have to experience this roller coaster of physical and emotional symptoms on a monthly basis. But alas we do it and we carry on with our day-to-day lives like it aint no thang.
Now, I am sure that many of you reading this are no stranger to the symptoms Ive just described, and it is by no means an exhaustive list. As a result of the bloating and food cravings that ensue during this time, one of the most common concerns that I get asked about when it comes to menstruation is weight gain. While the waist band on your pants may feel tighter in around that time of the month do you actually gain weight while on your period? And if so, how much?
So, we breakdown what is really going on with the extra weight on board during the time of the month and how you can minimize the discomfort.