How Probiotics For Constipation Provide Natural Relief

By Kristen Baird


When microorganisms were first seen nearly 300 years ago through early microscopes, scientists had little concept of their internal numbers. The average adult plays host to more than 200 trillion, and there are more than 1000 differing species. These members of the human microbiome are part of the essentials for life, and are composed mainly of bacteria, archaea, and fungi. Restoring them with probiotics for constipation helps return digestion to normal.

The majority of people have difficulty with elimination at some point. The inability to get consistently rid of organic waste not only causes a pervasive feeling of ill-health, but also encourages pain and straining, both of which can irritate blood vessels and help create hemorrhoids. Some experience nausea, abdominal gas and bloating, and sometimes vomiting.

The primary cause is lack of bowel water content, inadequate amounts of dietary fiber, and physical inactivity. Stress creates the problem for some, and others develop it when they consume milk products, or even when the daily routine is interrupted by travel. Laxatives and antacids are designed to relieve digestive upsets, but they actually trigger constipation in some people.

The condition is not difficult for a doctor to diagnose when there is no accompanying eating disorder, hypothyroidism, or Parkinson's disease. Most even suggest waiting at least two weeks for it to clear up spontaneously before calling. If an appointment is needed, blood tests can discover imbalances, and if an intestinal obstruction is possible, barium studies may be needed. Having a regular colonoscopy usually detects developing bowel cancers.

Most of the time constipation eases by drinking more water, eating more vegetables and fresh fruits that are rich in natural fibers, and making a real effort to become physically active. Makers of over-the-counter remedies currently enjoy an enormous market for those products, but the prime solutions for the problem are not necessarily pharmaceutical, and involve changes in lifestyle.

When taking supplemental organisms become necessary to re-establish internal balance, products designed to grow healthy colonies include those based on lactobacilli, the small organisms commonly found in the digestive and related systems of elimination. The re-introduction of various strains is not only said to reduce abdominal pain in constipated children, but also combats the side-effects of antibiotics. Some women report decreased incidence of vaginal infections.

Bifidobacteria are the predominant beneficial microorganism found living in the colon. Healthy colonies combat bloating and ease straining, and are also a preventive factor in childhood tooth decay. In adults they promote efficient metabolism. Other species are part of the yeast group, while some specialize in producing enzymes or warding off the effects of outside organisms introduced from food.

Although some people attempt to increase that population through dietary changes, others take supplements. They are currently extremely popular, but are not covered by governmental regulations regarding medications or food. The vast number of selections makes it vital to know which will most benefit personally, especially when constipation is the problem. It may be necessary to sample more than one product to find the best solution.




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