Cake may be the answer to kids' egg allergy (Reuters)
Reuters - To desensitize young children to their allergy to eggs, physicians from Greece say "let them eat cake."
Many people thing of constipation as an uncomfortable but essentially harmless condition. In reality, recurring long-term constipation can lead to other problems, some very serious. Some of the disorders linked to constipation are:
* Arthritis
* Bad breath
* Mood disorders, including depression
* Headaches
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Fatigue
* Hemorrhoids
* Hernias
* Insomnia
* Malabsorption syndrome
* Weight gain
* Varicose veins
In a healthy body, waste travels through the digestive tract in a predictable, regular cycle, usually taking between 6-24 hours to pass. Sometimes, waste matter passes through the large intestine too slowly, and the result is called constipation. bulk dimethylaminoethanol the bowels are constipated, it may be difficult or even impossible to pass stools; in fact, the urge to pass may be absent altogether. Usually it is accompanied by a host of uncomfortable symptoms, ranging from a general feeling of malaise to a distended abdomen and painfully hard stools.
SYMPTOMS
* Difficulty passing stools
* Decreased frequency passing stools
* Bloated, tender abdomen
* Loss of appetite
* Flatulence
* Malaise
A healthy person generally has 1-3 complete bowel movements daily.
Although constipation is the number one gastrointestinal disorder in the United States it can be avoided. When fiber and fluids are lacking, the contracting motions of the large intestine are natural deaner stimulated in a regular fashion, and waste is not propelled through the tract.
ROOT CAUSES
* Poor diet (low fiber, low water intake)
* Stress
* Inactivity
* Medications
* Intestinal parasites
* Lack of beneficial intestinal flora
* Laxative or enema abuse
* Magnesium deficiency
* Colitis
* Under active thyroid
* Liver problems
No matter how much or how little discomfort you have, it is always important to address the causes of constipation. When waste matter remains in the colon for a long period of time, recent studies show that bacteria and other harmful matter can be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.
Stress or suppressed emotions are often overlooked factors with constipation. There is a direct connection between perceived stress levels and gut motility. People with hectic lifestyles often do not take the time for regular bowel movements. Sometimes children hold back on stool movements for fear of pain or inconvenience.
The use of over the counter laxatives is a significant problem for many people with constipation. Yes, these medications relieve constipation, but many of them make the bowels lazier over time.
Occasionally, constipation signals a more serious condition. If you have bloody stools, intense abdominal pain, or a cut near your rectum, see your doctor. Since chronic constipation can cause other illnesses, make an appointment if you have constipation that recurs or a single episode that lasts longer than a week.
Treatment, relies largely on dietary changes. Eats lots of whole grains, especially brown rice; raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables; and beans, nuts, and seeds. Chew thoroughly, and don't eat too much at one sitting, even of healthful foods.
People with constipation often have a magnesium deficiency. Green leafy vegetables are high in this mineral, as well as fiber, so eat you spinach!
Prunes and figs are time honored sources of dietary fiber.
Flaxseed are a highly concentrated source of fiber. Don't cook with flax seeds or subject them to heat; instead, sprinkle them on cereals or salads. Adults: 1-2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds daily, children: 1-2 teaspoons daily.
Drink plenty of water to keep stools soft. A glass of clean water every two waking hours is usually an adequate amount.
A study of children with chronic constipation reported that cow's milk was the cause of it for two thirds of the children involved in the study.
Because of our busy life styles, we need a little extra help.
It's our gift to ourselves, how we take care of it. We can float through days, months, years, not paying any attention to our health. Yes, we are busy, things to do, children to raise, careers to contend with, but all these areas need us to be healthy. We need clean water & exercise, and nutrition to keep our bodies in good working vibrant condition.
