How to get relief from travel constipation

 

When traveling, don't just sit and sleep. Walking around simulates muscle contractions in the digestive system, which helps you poop.

So you’re on a vacation—and apparently, so is your ability to poop. What is it about going on trips that suddenly make our bathroom habit so difficult and straining, even to the most regular among us?

“The infrequent or irregular passing of stool when you’re on a vacation is so common, there’s actually a name for it—traveler’s constipation,” says Frederick D. Leelin, MD, a gastroenterologist from top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “If your travel involves flight, the constipation is likely due to dehydration from dry airplane air. Hours of sitting prevent muscles from contracting to help move the food you eat through your digestive system. Crossing time zones throws your circadian rhythm out of whack, messing up not just your sleep routine but your regular bowel movement too.”

Traveler’s constipation also happens when vacationers put their healthy eating habits on hold, indulging in fried and fatty food instead of fiber-rich fruits and greens, which are guaranteed to make you go. “But traveler’s constipation can simply be caused by your being in new and unfamiliar territory,” adds Dr. Leelin. “When there are passengers waiting in line for you to finish using the plane’s restroom, you tend to get self-conscious and hold it in.”

Thankfully, the condition is temporary and can even be resolved while you’re still on holiday with a few simple tricks from MakatiMed:

Drink. From during the flight to when you’re exploring tourist attractions and sitting down to sample local cuisine, drinking softens stool, making it easier to pass. “Choose water over soda and alcohol. Both have diuretic properties, which will just get you dehydrated,” advises Dr. Leelin.

Eat. “Fruits are a tasty and healthy way to stay hydrated. Apples and pears have high water content, while papaya and prunes are natural laxatives,” the doctor explains. “Vegetables, of course, are an excellent source of fiber and water, which you need. Include leafy greens like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and lettuce in your meals.”

Move. Don’t spend your holidays just sitting and sleeping. “Walk as much as you can, and use your hotel’s gym or pool to squeeze in some exercise. Physical activity stimulates muscle contractions in the digestive system, which helps you poop,” reminds Dr. Leelin.

Get a little help. If you still haven’t gone and your constipation’s making you bloated and gassy, relieve yourself with an over-the-counter laxative. Teas with senna and powdered drinks containing psyllium fiber are more “natural” laxatives that also do the job nicely. “Timing is of the essence when it comes to laxatives,” warns Dr. Leelin. “Laxatives take effect between 6-12 hours, so if you have a full day of plans and don’t have access to a bathroom, make sure you do your business before you leave your accommodations.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

How constipation causes back pain?

 

MakatiMed shares ways to treat it and enjoy pain-free and “regular” holidays

Slipped disc, pinched nerve, poor posture, osteoporosis, old age, obesity, lifting heavy weights, or the dreaded undetected tumor. When your lower back hurts, you’re likely to attribute your pain to one or more of these common causes.

Nobody ever suspects constipation—and why would they? The difficult and infrequent bowel movement can leave you feeling uncomfortably bloated and with a distended tummy. But a dull and aching sensation on your lower back? Don’t discount it, says Carlo M. Cornejo, MD of the Section of Gastroenterology of the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

“An accumulation of stool in the intestines can manifest as lower back pain. The buildup of stool can put extra pressure on the back muscles, which causes soreness and discomfort,” says the MakatiMed gastroenterologist. “So too can fecal impaction, or dry stool that gets stuck in the column or rectum. This is a complication caused by chronic constipation. It usually happens among older adults.”

Common causes of constipation include inadequate fiber, dehydration, too much alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle. Dr. Cornejo explains that certain medications such as antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and diuretics can also cause constipation.

“How often you pass stool varies from person to person. Some do it twice a day, others are fine with a thrice-weekly bowel movement,” Dr. Cornejo points out. “You’ll know you’re constipated if you experience fullness in the stomach, gassiness, straining when you sit on the toilet, and that dull lower backache.”

For the simplest case of constipation, over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners are always available for a quick fix. But for constipation and backache that persist and recur, it’s a must to visit a doctor as it could be a serious case of fecal impaction and would require additional treatments.

“Doctors will perform a digital rectum examination where they insert a gloved and lubricated finger into the anus to check for stool buildup. In some cases, a CT scan may be required if impaction happens deep into the colon,” shares Dr. Cornejo. “Once fecal impaction is confirmed, they will manually remove the impacted stool using their finger. They may also perform enema and inject fluid into the rectum to loosen dry stool.”

To prevent constipation and fecal impaction, Dr. Cornejo advises adding more fiber-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, oatmeal, beans and legumes, papaya, prunes, and avocado to your meals; keeping hydrated or adding natural laxatives like tea or coffee for some; and working out regularly. “Some even achieve regularity by adding probiotics to their diet and minimizing their alcohol intake. These tips are especially helpful now we’re in the season of drinking and feasting,” the expert adds.

It may also help to follow a regular bowel movement schedule. Dr. Cornejo says the best time to do it is around 20-40 minutes after eating, ideally after breakfast.

“Remember, constipation or lower back pain, especially the chronic type that seems to worsen with time, is not natural, especially if you’ve already taken steps to address them. It’s your body’s way of telling you something,” says Dr. Cornejo. “Don’t tolerate it or mask it with laxatives and pain relievers. See your doctor soonest.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email

mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and

Twitter.

Skip to the loo for an additional number two? MakatiMed says that there is no reason to be concerned

Nature’s call is hard to deny, especially if it’s number two! This is why we know the malls and gasoline stations with the best comfort rooms—we need that reliable flush and bidet for the extra trip. One can’t help but wonder: is my twice-a-day-or-more bathroom habit something to panic about?

Carlo M. Cornejo, MD, Section Chief of Gastroenterology in the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) says there’s no need to panic—just yet.

“First, there’s really no absolute standard for how often one should poop. Most experts agree healthy bowel movement frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week, depending on the person,” says Dr. Cornejo. “Any changes to this frequency can be caused by a number of dietary and lifestyle factors.”

In fact, pooping more often might be a sign of a healthier body. One of the most common reasons for an increase in bowel movements is due to more fiber intake from vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and beets. Even exercising more causes frequent trips to the bathroom as it helps digestion and makes colon muscles contract more, which helps move stools regularly.

“Eating more fiber and working out are actually things doctors recommend if a patient is constipated. In some cases, pooping more often should be welcomed,” adds Dr. Cornejo.

Other causes for pooping more might just be simple lifestyle factors such as being stressed and frequently drinking coffee. “If you’re stressed out at work then neurotransmitters send signals from the brain to the gut, which may cause the gut to alter your digestion,” explains Dr. Cornejo. “It doesn’t help that many people cope with stress by turning to coffee. One extra cup is enough to cause more movement and muscle contraction in the intestines.”

So, when is pooping more a sign of a serious problem? MakatiMed says to watch out for discomforts like abdominal cramps and pain, bloody stool, and mucus in poop. You should also stay vigilant for possible accompanying symptoms like weight and hair loss. These could be signs of more serious underlying conditions ranging from gastroenteritis to Crohn’s disease.

“Pooping more frequently shouldn’t be anything more than a mild inconvenience at most. You should still be able to go through your daily life largely unaffected,” shares Dr. Cornejo. “As soon as there’s a sign of anything else going on, I highly recommend visiting your doctor before the problem gets worse.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Mint Relief Product Review + Impressive Health Benefits of Mint You Didn't Know

Peppermint 

I have always been a fan of peppermint for as long as I can remember. From mint balms, mint chocolates and candies to mint teas--name it, I must've had it. In fact, my mother used to ask and wonder what made me love mint teas--when for her it tasted something like "pinagkawkawan ng paa," [read: a tea that seemed to have been made from foot soaked in water]. My mom said such because mint is usually used as an ingredient when you have foot soak in spa centers. 

I love the smell of mint because they're very refreshing. And please don't underestimate the potent powers of these leaves. No, mints aren't just for garnish. This classic favorite deserves a spot in your garden and as part of your food supplement. Here's why:

Mint Relief  Gel Capsules

Peppermint oil has been linked with reducing pain, stomach upset, and other symptoms of IBS, largely because of the anti-spasmodic effects of methanol found in the stuff. That said, it's no longer a surprise that these benefits have been seen in capsule gel form of Mint Relief from Wellness Refill. But it is advised to see your doctor first before taking on any food supplement for regimen. 

I had the privilege of trying out a new product called Mint Relief as recommended by a friend. Being a mint fan, I had no hesitation at all. My friend had also assured it's natural and proven to be safe and effective. Best of all, it's BFAD approved so I knew it there's nothing to worry about. I was truly excited the first time I tried taking Mint Relief! You could really feel the soothing properties of peppermint in a gel capsule. 

I had been suffering from menstrual cramps or primary dysmenorrhea, an uncomfortable part of life for most women on a monthly basis. Each time I surf the crimson tide, my daily work gets disrupted because of the pain I get from having dysmenorrhea. I don't want to resort to taking Ibuprofen because doing so might make me dependent on the medicine. I used to drink more water to help ease bloating, but it only makes the symptoms worse. I guess I'm lucky in the sense that some women experience vomiting episodes in conjunction with menstrual cramps.

How Pholigo Powder has helped my constipation problem

Pholigo Oligosaccharides

Pholigo is made from all- natural plant derived ingredients. When I first heard about it, I was a bit hesitant to try the said product. First, because it was the kind of product I’m not entirely familiar with. 

Fructo-oligosaccharides are made up of plant sugars linked in chains. They are taken from asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, and soybeans, or produced in the laboratory. People use these sugars to make medicine.

Fructo-oligosaccharides are also used as prebiotics. Prebiotics act as food for “good” bacteria in the intestine. Don't confuse prebiotics with probiotics such as lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, and saccharomyces, which are live organisms that are good for health. People sometimes take probiotics by mouth to increase the number in their intestine.

Fructo-oligosaccharides pass undigested into the colon where they increase bowel mass and promote growth of certain bacteria that are thought to be beneficial.

Pholigo is a globally known natural plant-derived prebiotic powder used as a nutrition fortifier. Aside from its innate good taste, its excellent versatility in application makes it the perfect addition to any food or beverage you normally consume.

The prebiotic effects of Pholigo has been confirmed in numerous scientific researches and clinic trials. It is proven to nourish and support the growth as well as the activities of beneficial bacteria in the colon, thus improving general health and well-being.

Pholigo Powder

MEGAFIBER Product Review: The New Standard in Food Fiber

I've been introduced to fiber dietary supplements in college from a friend who has introduced me into it. At first, I was a bit hesitant about trying it out because at the time it was really something new to me. Later on, after making some thorough research, I've found out it has a lot of health benefits and it's naturally safe and effective. So when I was asked if I wanted to try MEGAFIBER and do an honest product review about it, I've said yes without giving it second thoughts! 

Fiber health supplements are made from psyllium fiber which acts as our body's 'natural broom' to get rid of toxins from our bodies. For those not familiar with Psyllium fiber, it actually comes from the outer coating, or "husk" of the psyllium plant's seeds. It is not wheat, and is therefore gluten free. The psyllium husk is also a natural source of soluble fiber, similar to fiber found in grains such as oats and barley.

MEGAFIBER is loaded with stuff perfect for those who'd like to adopt a healthier lifestyle because it keeps obesity away. MEGAFIBER is 100% made from the best food fiber in the world.  It is a natural and safe way to regularly rid the body of wastes that can lead to digestive disorders and serious health conditions.  There are no additives, sweeteners, preservatives, artificial colors or flavoring in MEGAFIBER. It is also cholesterol-free, yeast-free and gluten-free. 

Based on recent studies, the amount of soluble fiber in psyllium is nearly 5X higher than that of oat bran. 

100 grams of psyllium = 50 grams of soluble fiber

100 grams of oat bran = 5 grams of soluble fiber

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MEGAFIBER promotes digestive health and ensures regular bowel movement.  It wards off both constipation and diarrhea, helps regulate blood sugar and uric acid, reduces cholesterol, and assists in weight management.  Taking MEGAFIBER is so easy, one tablespoon of MEGAFIBER regularly, mixed in a half glass with your preferred breakfast drink is enough to result to better health and overall wellness.

All-natural MEGAFIBER helps regulate the digestive system and ensures regular bowel movement, cleans out the digestive system and eliminates waste from the colon and intestines, providing relief to those suffering from constipation.  When it absorbs liquids, it forms a slippery film and swells by 8 to 14 times its normal weight and forms a soft, bulky mass that passes quickly and easily through the colon and acts like a sponge in the intestinal tract. It also helps stimulate the reflex needed for the bowels to empty.  

MEGAFIBER binds with cholesterol secreted in bile acids and excretes it before it is absorbed into the blood stream, it helps reduce cholesterol and correspondingly, the risk of heart disease. At the same time, it provides a feeling of fullness which in turn helps reduce hunger pangs, and lessens the tendency to overeat.  This could lead to weight loss as MEGAFIBER also assists in capturing then excreting the fats in our food. It also promotes better sugar control since it slows down digestion.  It allows food to be digested more slowly, releasing carbohydrates more evenly, thus giving diabetics a better chance to cope with increase in blood sugar after meals.

MEGAFIBER helps in our digestive health and ensures regular bowel movement. Psyllium fiber is frequently used to treat constipation. It absorbs liquid in the intestines, swells and forms a bulky stool, which is easy to pass. Those who suffer from diarrhea will also benefit from MEGAFIBER because it does not only absorb water from watery stools, its bulking effect naturally helps reduce bowel movement, thereby reducing the number of times one must go to the bathroom to poop. Increased fiber intake absorbs excess water in stools and allows intestinal muscles to hold on. When compared to taking medication, taking MEGAFIBER is effectively proven to help stop diarrhea but it does not result in constipation. 

 MEGAFIBER is suitable for children but NOT infants. Parents can simply mix MEGAFIBER with their child’s favorite juice and allow it to gel before spoon feeding the mixture to the youngster. Using MEGAFIBER does not affect the taste of my favorite juice. Once mixed with the juice, MEGAFIBER becomes a soluble gel, it's like drinking an aloe vera juice or your child's favorite commercialized beverage with nata de coco. 

What I love most about MEGAFIBER is that it raises the bar in fiber supplement packs as consumers and fiber users like me gets the best food fiber on this planet packed with multi-health benefits without putting a hole on our pockets-- MEGAFIBER made it sure that they are affordable to the masses. MEGAFIBER is worth your every peso, sold at Mercury Drug stores nationwide in bigger 7.5g sachets at P10.75 each, travel pack of 30 sachets at P325, and in bigger 300g jars at P430. It also comes in half-kilo family size packs at P705 for even greater savings. Forget about those yucky green grass and switch instead to MEGAFIBER. 

MEGAFIBER has also installed customer service hotlines 524-6549, 354-2208 to 09 and 09474890262 to facilitate product inquiry.  Product information may also be obtained at www.megafiber.com.ph, MEGAFIBER facebook page, and thru email info@megafiber.com.ph

 Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Xoxo,