Why Is It Important To Resolve Constipation
The digestive system plays a major role in the bodys removal of toxins. Waste and toxins from the kidneys, liver and the digestive system itself all funnel out through the intestines. When digestion slows, waste remains in the large intestine longer than usual and is fermented by the microbes in the large intestine. This process produces new toxins that are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream as they sit around for extended periods in the large intestine. All the toxins your body was supposed to get rid of , re-enter the body where they can contribute to a number of symptoms in your child.
The potentially pathogenic microbes that thrive on the abundance of waste that remains in the intestines produce microbial toxins and inflammation that damage the lining of the intestine, creating leaky gut, which allows yet more toxins to enter the bloodstream. Its a vicious cycle that can be avoided with a little bit of help
Ascorbic Acid In The Treatment Of Constipation
Before we start discussing ascorbic acid in the treatment of constipation, lets first talk about whether vitamins are effective for constipation, and then move on to ascorbic acid in the treatment of constipation.
Increased dietary fiber and over-the-counter laxatives are common treatments for constipation, but some people also choose supplements. Constipation is a common medical problem. In the United States, 2.5 million people see a doctor each year for constipation. In addition to OTC medications, people can eat high-fiber foods, such as:
the vegetables
Whole grains
Bran
While some vitamins and minerals may help relieve constipation if you are constipated, others can cause constipation.
Advice For Infants And Young Children
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that babies from birth to 1 year of age should have a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if they are:
- formula-fed and are having less than 500ml of infant formula a day, as infant formula is already fortified with vitamin D
Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.
You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D at most pharmacies and supermarkets.
Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements containing vitamin D.
See the Healthy Start website for more information.
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Which Vitamins And Minerals Cause Constipation
Like a well-oiled car, a multivitamin is a supplement composed of many âpartsâ that work together to get you where you need to go. In supplement-speak, these parts are the individual vitamins and minerals.
However, experts have linked some vitamins and minerals to increased constipation. The most commonly-cited culprits include:
Letâs break down each of these culprits in more depth.
Inadequate Vitamin C Intake
The reverse side of this is that low levels of vitamin C can actually lead to constipation.2 Its not advised to take vitamin C supplements to relieve constipation, because you can easily take too much, which can often lead to diarrhea.
A doctor can tell if you have low vitamin C through a blood test, and if it comes back low, they may prescribe you a supplement that they can monitor so that you dont end up with diarrhea.
Those who are at risk of low vitamin C, and therefore increased risk for constipation, include smokers, those exposed to secondhand smoke, those with limited food variety, and people with malabsorption disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Extremely low vitamin C is known as a condition called scurvy, but this isnt very common in the United States.
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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.
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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Is Vitamin C Good For Constipation
13:59
How often you poop per day varies from person to person. Some people might go up to three times a day, while others only have a bowel movement a few times a week.
Dr Danie Pauw previously told Health24, It should not be less than three times per week.
Constipation happens when your colon absorbs too much water or the muscles contract too slowly or poorly, which means stool moves through your digestive system too slowly. When the stool loses too much water, it hardens. If the faeces sit in your colon for three days or longer, the mass becomes even harder and more difficult to pass.
Now you know what constipation is, its important to understand that there are a number of different causes besides lack of fibre.
1. Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can cause your metabolic processes to slow down. According to Dr Catherine Ngo, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in California, The slower the system, the longer the digestive contents have to be reabsorbed by the colon, resulting not only in decreased frequency of stools, but harder stools.
Although constipation is not always related to thyroid problems, Dr Carla H Ginsburg, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, says, When I see a young person whos constipated more than normal and really complaining, I do tend to get a thyroid level.
2. Medications
6. Vitamins
Can Zinc Cause Constipation
can zinc cause constipation?
Zinc is a mineral that is found in the body. It is also found naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Zinc deficiency can cause diarrhea, constipated stomach, bloating, gas, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constricted bowels. , .
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Vitamin D And Constipation: Is There A Link
I write this article in response to a readers question. Rather than giving a yes or no answer to that reader, I thought it was better to give a detailed answer that can help many people.
Original question: I have been taking a vitamin D supplement for the last 2 months. Since then I have been constipated. Can vitamin D cause constipation? Or is it a coincidence?
Before coming to the answer, I would like to tell some important information about vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential for many important functions of the body. It gives strong bones and muscles. Vitamin D regulates calcium metabolism in the body.
Calcium in the diet is absorbed by the digestive system. Vitamin D is essential for the calcium absorption. In addition, it helps deposit the calcium into the bones and teeth.
Vitamin D is soluble and can be stored in the body for many months. Too much vitamin D in the body can cause elevated levels of calcium in the blood. It is called hypercalcaemia.
High levels of calcium in the blood can cause constipation.
So, the answer to her question is yes, vitamin D can cause constipation.
However, taking the supplement at the recommended dose should not cause any problems. You can take up to 1000 IU of vitamin D3 a day without any side effects. If you are vitamin D deficient, your doctor may recommend a higher dose.
Taking high potency supplements without any medical advice is the root cause of the problem. It may cause vitamin D toxicity that can make you constipated.
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.
- Numbness and tingling.
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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.
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What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Ascorbic Acid
You should not use ascorbic acid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vitamin C supplement.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using ascorbic acid if you have:
- kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
- hereditary iron overload disorder or
- if you smoke .
Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use ascorbic acid without your doctor’s advice in either case.
How To Take Ascorbic Acid
Use Ascorbic Acid exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C increases with age. Follow your healthcare providers instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database listings for more information.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking ascorbic acid.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
Ascorbic acid gum may be chewed as long as desired and then thrown away.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Keep the orally disintegrating tablet in the package until you are ready to take it. Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.
Store ascorbic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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Adjusting Your Vitamin C Dosage Over Time
As time goes on and your normal physiology improves, your body will require less and less Vitamin C. If you happen to notice mild abdominal cramping or loose stool, cut back on the daily dose by a fraction, and arrange some time for another flush. During the early stages of this protocol, you can calibrate with a flush every 1 to 2 weeks.
You should continue to use the protocol until you reach a steady state. This may take a few months or longer, depending on your overall health. You may expect to eventually arrive at an average dose of anywhere from 2-10 grams daily. Keep in mind that this is a dynamic process, and your needs may fluctuate up or down depending on numerous factors, including stress, sleep, nutrition or chronic health conditions.
Please note that if you choose to discontinue Vitamin C supplementation, do so gradually to prevent rebound deficiency. Its safe to cut down slowly by 1-2 grams per week.
Theres No Reason To Suffer With Constipation
Dont accept your twice a week bowel habits as normal! You might actually find you feel a bit lighter, actually like eating, and can enjoy life a bit more.
If youd like help uncovering and addressing root, underlying issues, wed love to partner with you to achieve optimal health. While our office is in Indiana, we help patients from all over the country and outside the U.S.
You can book an appointment by clicking here. We are also happy to speak with you at , Monday-Thursday, from 8AM 5PM Eastern time.
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Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Along with its needed effects, ascorbic acid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking ascorbic acid:
Less common or rare
- Side or lower back pain
Drink Plenty Of Plain Water
This is probably the easiest and healthiest way of dealing with the problem of constipation. Drinking water helps in diluting the toxins in the system and they become easy to be removed from the body. Increase your water intake and you will see that problems of constipation and many other things get cured completely.
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Too Much Of A Good Thing: Vitamin C And Diarrhea
Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for health, is water-soluble, so your body does not store more than it can use. Getting your daily vitamin C from food sources is easy with a well-balanced diet. However, some people take high-dose supplements of vitamin C to enhance their immune-system functions. Too much vitamin C in your diet can result in stomach upset and bouts of diarrhea.
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What Are Some Other Side Effects Of This Drug
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Constipation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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