Relieving Severe Constipation

by William Greenbaum, aka love ya woof!

Canine Cancer is disturbing. No question. When your beloved pet is diagnosed with cancer, this is probably the worst. What can be done? Well lots of things. First don’t panic, don’t give up and read everything you can. Talk to your vet, ask around for others that have gone through this before. There is a ton of information out there, probably way too much, but much can make you feel better by giving you the background you need for the decisions you will have to make. Have hope, have faith and don’t give up!

From the world of All Pet Naturals we’d like to share a few tips on preventative care for your companion. We think we can help by giving you some product knowledge (as we are very proud) of the Animals Apawthecary line we carry and their signature herbal tincture Constitutional Blend — of which I fondly think of as our HERO product – the key attribute of which is a combo of herbs fo pets that act like a SWAT team that boosts the immune system of the body so as to slow down the spread of anything that remotely looks like a cancer cell into the surrounding tissue and major body organs.

Bottom line? Herbs for pets that strengthen the immune system and support major waste-removing organs (the liver, kidneys and lymphatic systems) are especially useful in fighting cancer. “Now let me introduce you to the SWAT Team. Gentlemen, please take center stage and introduce yourself to these fine people.”

BURDOCK ROOT - supports and stimulates the liver, therefore facilitates waste and toxic removal from the body. It is also a very safe herb for pets for prolonged use.

DANDELION – is a diuretic herb for pets that helps waste removal via the kidneys and urinary tract. It also improves digestion and removal of waste by providing gentle stimulation to the liver.

SLIPPERY ELM – this herb is a jack of all trades. Slippery Elm is culled from the inner bark of the elm tree and works as a demulcent and astringent. It is the classic remedy for acute diarrhea, stomach ulcers, constipation, colitis, sore throat, coughs, wounds, abscesses.

Now Available for $22.95 USD

TURKEY RHUBARB – this herb packs a huge cancer fighting punch. First of all, its antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-tumor. Its used specifically in holistic herbal pet medicine for digestion, liver tonic and as an appetite stimulant.

The herbal ingredients found in our cancer fighting formulaton Constitutional Blend — are safe and reliable and make a mighty contribution as a synergistic immune-boosting effect on dogs, who are weakened by chronic diseases such as cancer or allergies.

Finally, Constitutional Blend is built around the famous ‘Esssiac’ formula – which is considered to be the numero uno herbal cancer therapy of all time; originally developed by Canadian nurse, R. Caisse. It is available in our web store at $22.95 USD per 2 oz remedy bottle.

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Please note other top cancer fighting herbs include:

ALFALFA – has been found to reduce the risk of cancerous growths and is therefore considered a good herb for cancer prevention.

MILKTHISTLE - this herb can protect the liver against harmful by-products of the cancer. As well, milk thistle is effective in protecting the body from liver damage resulting from chemotherapy.

ASTRAGALUS – this herb is an immuno-stimulant; thus it can be used to boost your dog’s immune system. In addition, it has been found that astragalus contains an alkaloid that inhibits the spread of melanoma, a skin cancer.

ECHINACEA – this herb is well-known for its effectiveness in supporting and strenthening the immune system.

GARLIC - has a lot of sulphur-containing compounds (thus the strong smell!). These compounds are helpful in enhancing the immune system. It has also been shown that garlic stimulates the growth of beneficial cells.

RED CLOVER - this fine herb has been hailed as the “the” herb for cancer by many herbalists. The herb has tumor-inhibiting properties and strengthens lymphatic functions (crucial in cleansing cell tissues).

GREEN TEA – has been found to be effective in boosting and stimulating the immune system. It is also an antioxidant and astringent and has been shown to be an effective herb for cancer (especially for some kind of stomach and skin cancers).

MUSHROOMS – REISHI, SHIITAKE, MAITAKE – mushrooms, especially reishi, has been used for many years in China and Japan as herbs for cancer prevention and treatment in people. Recent research has found that these mushrooms can enhance the immune system, due to their high levels of polysaccharides and their effect on white blood cells. In addition, these mushrooms have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties.

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Constipation means different things to different people. You may have constipation if you have three or fewer bowel movements in a week or if stool is hard, dry, painful, or difficult to pass. Some people with constipation lack energy and feel full or bloated.

Some people think they have constipation if they don’t have a bowel movement every day. However, bowel habits are different for everyone. The foods you eat, how much you exercise, and other factors can affect your bowel habits.
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts for only a short time and is not serious. When you understand what causes constipation, you can take steps to prevent it.

What can I do about constipation?
You can take several steps to prevent and relieve constipation.

1. Eat more fiber.
Fiber helps form soft, bulky stools and is found in many vegetables, fruits, and grains. Be sure to add fiber to your diet a little at a time so your body gets used to it. Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as pizza, ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks like chips, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or frozen dinners.

Your doctor may suggest you take fiber pills or powder to help soften and bulk up the stool. You can buy fiber products in a pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription. Some fiber products are flavored while others are not. Be sure and take the fiber with plenty of water as directed.
Some people have gas and bloating at first when taking extra fiber. Let your doctor know if you are having problems that do not go away after a few days.

2. Drink plenty of water and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups.
Liquids have little effect on stool form; however, drinking enough fluids is important because dehydration can cause constipation. Try not to drink liquids that contain caffeine or alcohol if you feel thirsty or dehydrated.

3. Get enough exercise.
Regular exercise helps your digestive system stay active and healthy. Exercising 20 to 30 minutes every day may help.

4. Visit the restroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Allow yourself enough time to relax.
Sometimes people feel so hurried that they don’t pay attention to their body’s needs. Make sure you visit the restroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. If you usually have a bowel movement at a certain time of day, visit the restroom around that time. Reading a book or magazine in the restroom can help you relax. If you cannot have a bowel movement within 10 minutes, get up and return the next time you get the urge.

5. Use laxatives only if a doctor says you should.
Laxatives are medicines that help you pass stool. Most people who are mildly constipated do not need laxatives. However, if you are doing all the right things and you are still constipated, your doctor may recommend a laxative for a limited time. Your doctor will tell you what type is best for you. Laxatives come in many forms including liquid, chewing gum, and pills.

6. Check with your doctor about any medicines you take.
Some medicines can cause constipation. Be sure to ask your doctor if any medicines you are taking could cause constipation.

7. Follow any special treatments your doctor recommends.
If you have problems with the muscles and nerves that control bowel movements, your doctor may suggest biofeedback. Biofeedback is a painless process that uses sensors in the rectal area to help you feel the stool and move it out of the rectum. Doing biofeedback with a trained therapist has been shown to help some people with constipation.

Points to Remember:

• Constipation may be present if you have three or fewer bowel movements in a week or if the stool is hard, dry, painful, or difficult to pass.
• Constipation affects almost everyone at one time or another.
• In most cases, following these simple steps will help prevent constipation:

Eat a variety of foods, especially vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Drink plenty of liquids.
Exercise regularly.
Visit the restroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.

• Fiber pills and powders may help relieve constipation.
• Most people with mild constipation do not need laxatives. However, your doctor may recommend a laxative for a limited time if you have constipation that does not improve.
• Some medicines can cause constipation.

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Hemorrhoids are basically a type of varicose vein and any individual can get them. Even hemorrhoids in toddlers can happen and this can be a particularly painful experience for a young child. Symptoms for hemorrhoids in toddlers can include itching, burning, pain and bleeding. If a toddler has rectal bleeding you should always get it checked by a doctor even if you think it is a hemorrhoid since there can be other more serious medical conditions.

Getting hemorrhoids is something no one wants. However, hemorrhoids in toddlers are especially bad since it can be difficult for the young child to deal with. Therefore, it is important to make sure your toddler follows a lifestyle that avoids the constipation issues which can lead to hemorrhoids in toddlers. Straining to move the bowels can lead to painful hemorrhoids for children.

Therefore, if you suspect they are constipated or they tell you they can’t go to the bathroom then you should talk to your doctor about an appropriate stool softener for your child. To avoid these issues there are some important preventative measures you should take. You should make sure the toddler drinks eight to ten glasses of water each day and eats a high fiber diet while getting regular exercise.

Dealing With Hemorrhoids In Toddlers

If your toddler ends up getting hemorrhoids then you will need to help them control the pain as much as possible. You should make sure you continue to use the preventative measure even after the toddler has hemorrhoids. However, there are some additional steps you can take to reduce the discomfort of hemorrhoids in toddlers.

First you should make sure you keep their anal area as clean as possible. Rather than toilet paper perhaps consider used moist wipes or specifically medicated hemorrhoid pads to help sooth the discomfort of hemorrhoids in toddlers.

To make sure additional pressure is not placed on the hemorrhoids have your toddler lay down occasionally. Sitting and standing for long periods of time can cause an increase in pressure when builds in the veins and leads to a pain increase for the hemorrhoids. To cool off the rectum and easy bowel movements apply petroleum jelly to the toddlers’ rectum.

To get immediate relief from the burning have your toddlers apply an ice pack on the affected area. If possible have your toddler sit in enough warm water to cover the hemorrhoids with a stiz bath. If a sitz bath that fits onto the toilet doesn’t work for you toddler then consider using the bathtub.

Cures for constipation range from a variety of products some being home remedies and some being store bought. Either way being constipated is not healthy nor comfortable. So below we give a breakdown of constipation.

<b>What is Constipation?</b>
Constipation is a very common condition affecting many people. It tends to affect more women than men. It appears to be especially common in women just before their period or during pregnancy. It is normally not very serious although occasionally, complications can occur if the condition is not treated.

<b>What Causes Constipation?</b>
Constipation can be caused by a number of different factors. A number of which are described below.

The main cause is believed to be a lack of fluids in the diet. The stools then become hard and small which the body struggles to expel. A lack of fibre also has the same effect. What then happens, is that the stools which the body can’t expel are retained where they dry out even further and then work their way back up into the colon where they can cause a blockage.

Some drugs e.g. painkillers and some types of cough medicines may cause constipation. By taking medical laxatives which my relieve the symptoms in the short term may actually increase the problem as the body becomes resistant to them over time.

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There are a number of other causes which include
Not being active
Too much calcium or too much iron in your diet
Drinking too much strong tea or coffee which has a diuretic effect by making you urinate more often thus dehydrating your body
Bowel muscles not being strong enough – this is more common in elderly people as their muscles in their whole body become weaker
Recent abdominal surgery – this may have the effect of weakening your bowel muscles
Anxiety
IBS can be a cause of constipation.

<b>What are the Symptoms of Constipation?</b>
The symptoms of constipation are as follows.
Stomach ache and cramps
Feeling bloated
Feeling sick
Change in your normal bowel pattern
Headaches
Furred tongue
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and depression
Should you experience any of these conditions and they are with you for more than a couple of days, it is important that you see a doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes these symptoms could mean something much more serious.

<b>What is the Treatment for Constipation?</b>
Quite often, the best cure for constipation, is simply to increase the amount of fibre in your diet. That includes lots of vegetables and cereal products. Most of us don’t eat enough of these things.

Also, increasing the amount of water that we drink can help to relief the symptoms of constipation. The vast majority of people don’t drink enough. By drinking more, you can not only relieve the symptoms of constipation, but it will improve your general health as well, making you feel better.

By taking more exercise, you can help to eradicate constipation. This can be something as simple as a 30 minute brisk walk 3 – 4 times a week.

If you are going to take laxatives, then they should only be as a temporary measure. If you find that you are having to take them for a long period of time, you should probably go and visit a doctor.

Constipation is defined as difficulties in bowel movements characterized by hard or firm stools and irregular or infrequent bowel movement. It is labeled chronic if the symptoms are present for more than two weeks.
Causes
The causes of constipation in infants and toddlers include:

Change from breast milk to formulas Insufficient intake of fluid Low fiber diet Metabolic disorders Cow’s milk or any other ingredient in the child’s food Certain medications

Symptoms
Here are some symptoms of constipation seen in young children:

No bowel movement in three days Stool is hard and looks like small pebbles or is large in diameter Gas formation in the stomach Pain and discomfort with passage of stool Leakage of liquid stool into the child’s underwear or diaper

You should call the doctor immediately if the following are noted:

Blood in the baby’s stool Stomach ache Fever Vomiting Constipation despite 3 days of home care

Treatment
The following methods may be used to reduce constipation:

For infants older than six months, a high-fiber diet can be introduced. Increase the child’s intake of barley, oatmeal, vegetables especially peas, fruit, and other foods that are rich in fiber. For infants between four to six months, drinking 2-4 ounces of water or diluted fresh fruit juices day may work. Avoid honey, infant mineral oil, cow’s milk, and syrup. Remember also that a BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast), which is good for diarrhea, has a worsening effect for constipation.

If nothing works, it is important to consult your doctor immediately.