The symptoms generally isn’t too difficult to recognize, though they can easily be confused with other digestive problems. For example, a pooch that strains when having a bowel movement (or that produces a stool covered in blood or mucus) may actually be suffering from an infection rather than constipation. Biological causes for this behavior can be salmonella, E. Coli, parasites, bacteria, or a virus. Feeding your dog spicy or fatty foods, changing its diet, and stress can also cause symptoms to appear. Even if one of these other factors is at work, your dog can actually become constipated at the same time, as a completely separate issue! True constipation for a dog is generally characterized by the presence of hard, dry stools or inability to relieve itself properly [...]

Read the full article at Colon Cleansing and Constipation Resource Center

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However, constipation is not an ailment on its own. It is the symptom of the food and water not properly passing through the colon. The colon absorbs too much water, making the stool to be dry. This causes the muscles have difficulty in compacting and getting rid of the feces.

Firstly, a diet with enough fiber helps the body form soft, bulky stool. High-fiber foods include beans, whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots. For people prone to constipation, limiting foods that have little or no fiber, such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed foods, is also important.

Licorice
Licorice is a safe laxative that can also be used in conjunction with other herbal laxatives to increase their effectiveness. Licorice acts by increasing intestinal responsiveness and relieving the spasms that result in cramping.

Guava (but is must have the seeds) because of their roughness is a great way of getting relief from constipation. Also eating bran cereal not just for adults but for children as well is another way of safeguarding against constipation. A more natural way for the elderly to deal with constipation is to drink milk that has either extra sugar or honey in it.

Mangoes and Bananas
Mangoes and bananas are also high in fiber. Eat a mango after dinner and a banana or two during the day. Steer well clear of unripe fruits though, as they can cause constipation.

Honey and Vinegar
Vinegar and honey are natural laxatives for many people. Mix a teaspoon of honey and apple cider vinegar with warm water each night after dinner.

Dieting
The easiest natural constipation remedies start with your diet. Make sure you include plenty of fiber in your diet. Choose wholegrain bread, and wholewheat pasta, and brown rice. Eat lots of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid pre-packaged cakes, pastries, biscuits etc. Some foods are gentle natural aids to get things started. Try foods like figs, prunes, stewed rhubarb and apricot.

Fruits
Apples are one of best fruits to eat because they provide alkaline mineral for you body. What these minerals do is neutralize acids that are created during illness, anxiety, anger, exercising, breathing pollution, and improper eating. Body acid is a major reason we get deadly diseases as we age and minerals help to keep acids neutralized.

Aloe
Another natural remedy for constipation is Aloe. This herb that works so good on your outsides can also help your insides too! Aloe and its cousins buckthorn, frangula and senna have natural laxative chemicals and can be very powerful constipation cures It is recommended you take any of these herbs with caution and not for extended periods of time.

Probiotics
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes - take these nutrients during meals and also between meals to get probiotics into the colon.

Flaxseed
Use 2 tablespoons of raw flaxseeds and add them to your salad. You can ground them up and mix them into salads, soups after they have cooled off, and into health smoothies.

Article By: Michael William

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There are several main kinds of laxatives using different methods to get the same result -- remove blockages in the intestine and colon. Each type of laxative contains different risks for the user. The three main kinds of laxatives are osmotic, bulk forming, and stimulant types of laxatives.

In this article, we are going to review the potential dangers of each type of laxative and show you a much more healthy alternative to relieving constipation.

Osmotic laxatives -- this type of laxative takes your body's fluids and draws them into the intestines through osmosis. By adding more fluid to your intestine it causes more bulk in your stool and basically turns your stool into diarrhea so that it is easier to pass out of your body. The problem with osmotic laxatives is that it can really cause severe dehydration and a lot of cramping and bloating. This is also a slow acting laxative and it can sometimes take several days to work.

Bulk forming laxatives -- these types of laxatives use highly absorbent fiber usually to increase the contents of the school in your colon, and this causes the bowels to force out the increased matter and expel it. You've probably heard that fiber is good for your colon and it often is. However using bulk forming laxatives can actually hurt you because they have the potential to clog your bowels and stop you up even worse. If you choose to use bulk forming laxatives you need to drink a lot of water, otherwise the bulk forming laxative can be like concrete in your colon and make your constipation worse. Psyllium is a common ingredient in bulk forming laxatives however there have been reports of serious allergic reactions following the ingestion of psyllium, so watch out.

Stimulant laxatives -- these are some of the worst types of unhealthy laxatives. The ingredients often contain toxic and harsh chemicals that cause your intestinal walls to spasm and contract and this will give you severe cramping. These are actually some of the most popular laxatives as they work very quickly. You may have heard of some of these stimulant laxatives: senna, cascara sagrada, Dulcolax, and Ex-Lax.

It is important to be aware of the potential threats to your health when using laxative products.

Constipation is one of the first signs of toxic build up in your colon and it is a warning sign not to be taken lightly. Masking the predicament by downing laxatives does not deal with the root of the problem.

Laxatives don't really attack the source of your constipation however, a healthy natural colon cleanse will.

If you want true lasting relief from constipation you will want to do a gentle colon cleanse (not a laxative) for better and more healthy results.
My favorite overnight gentle colon cleanse is an oxygen based colon cleanse that is safe and natural.

Visit our colon cleansing resource site at www.OxyPowderReviews.com.

Article Source

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After losing her husband, Jay Monahan, to colon cancer in 1998, Katie Couric became determined to share her newfound knowledge about this deadly disease. Her decision to become an advocate for colon cancer awareness and prevention seemed logical - over 6.3 million people watch the Today Show every day.

What should people know about colon cancer?

The most important thing for people to know about colon cancer, is that it has a 90 percent cure rate if detected in time. Women are affected just as often as men are. It is also important to know that no family history of the disease is no guarantee. Family history could start with you.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

What are the symptoms?

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Blood in your stool may be a sign of cancer, but it can also indicate other conditions. Bright red blood you notice on bathroom tissue more commonly comes from hemorrhoids or minor tears (fissures) in your anus, for example. In addition, certain foods, such as beets or red licorice, can turn your stools red. Iron supplements and some anti-diarrheal medications may make stools black. Still, it's best to have any sign of blood or change in your stools checked promptly by your doctor because it can be a sign of something more serious.

When to consult a doctor

If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, see your doctor as soon as possible. Keep in mind that colorectal cancer can occur in younger as well as older people. If you're at high risk, don't wait until symptoms appear. See your doctor for regular screenings.

Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.

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