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Top 3 ways to relieve constipation

Top 3 ways to relieve constipation

Constipation is a condition in which a person passes occasional bowel movements that are difficult to pass. It’s one of the most common digestive problems in the country, affecting around 16 out of 100 adults. It’s often caused by low fiber or water intake. Many people experience constipation occasionally, but for others, it’s a long-term or chronic problem. Here are multiple treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to help combat constipation:

Treatment options
Some effective treatment options for constipation include:

  • LINZESS
    LINZESS (linaclotide) is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with irritable bowel syndrome, causing constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation. It can proactively manage symptoms of these health conditions, including stomach pain and abdominal discomfort. It acts locally in the intestine and works by accelerating bowel movements and calming pain-sensing nerves. LINZESS is an oral treatment that is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. Some of the common side effects include diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
  • MOVANTIK
    MOVANTIK (naloxegol) treats constipation caused by opioids, which are powerful pain relievers. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the intestines, enabling bowel movements, and relieving constipation. It’s an oral treatment that is usually taken once per day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before your first meal or 2 hours after a meal. In some cases, MOVANTIK may provide same-day relief, working within 6 to 12 hours of the first dose. Common side effects include stomach (abdomen) pain, diarrhea, nausea, gas, vomiting, headache, and excessive sweating.

Nutritional changes
When suffering from constipation, the choice of foods matters a lot. Some foods can relieve the condition, while others can make it worse.

Foods to eat:

  • Apples
    Apples are a rich source of fiber, especially insoluble fiber. However, it also contains pectin, a soluble fiber that softens the stool and accelerates stool movement through the intestines, alleviating constipation.
  • Prunes
    Dried plums, or prunes, are well-known for relieving constipation. They contain a high amount of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. They work by adding bulk to the stool to encourage its movement. Additionally, prunes contain phenolic compounds, which may have a laxative effect.
  • Spinach
    This leafy green is packed with fiber and other essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and K and folate. It can add bulk and weight to the stool, making it easier to move through the intestines. Besides spinach, kale, collard greens, and broccoli are also great options.
  • Chia seeds
    The tiny seeds are among the most fiber-dense foods. They form a gel-like consistency in the gut, softening the stool and promoting bowel movement. Chia seeds are versatile and can be added to oatmeals, smoothies, and dips.

Foods to avoid:

  • Dairy
    Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream cause constipation in some people, especially toddlers and kids. People who are sensitive to the protein found in cow’s milk may be more likely to experience this. It’s best to steer clear of all dairy products, including low-fat versions when suffering from constipation.
  • Potato chips
    Fried foods like potato chips are high in fats and low in fiber. This combination can slow down digestion and worsen constipation. Avoid other high-fat foods such as french fries, fried chicken, and donuts.
  • Unripe bananas
    Unripe bananas can slow down bowel movements. In fact, they’re used to treat diarrhea, which involves more frequent bowel movements than usual. Conversely, ripe bananas are a good source of soluble fiber and can help relieve constipation.

Lifestyle changes
Introducing these lifestyle changes can quickly provide constipation relief:

  • Drinking lots of water
    Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. Water helps soften the stool and push it through the digestive tract. Maintaining proper hydration is necessary for regular bowel movements, so aim to drink 7 to 8 glasses of water a day. Drinking a glass of water right after waking up in the morning is particularly helpful when it comes to encouraging bowel movements. Also, don’t replace water with other fluids like coffee, tea, or soda, as these can worsen the condition.
  • Eating plenty of fiber
    To combat constipation, it’s crucial to increase fiber intake. Fiber binds waste in the colon, increases the size and weight of the stool, and softens it, all of which help make the passing of the stool easier and pain-free. Include many high-fiber foods in the meal plan, such as oats, whole-wheat bread, beans, lentils, walnuts, almonds, and leafy green vegetables. Make sure to drink plenty of water with these foods, as it encourages movement of stool through the colon.
  • Exercising regularly
    Multiple studies have shown that exercise can improve constipation symptoms. Working out helps keep the stool moving through the colon. Engage in moderate-intensity activities like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Walking for 10 to 20 minutes after meals also helps with constipation and improves overall health.
  • Not holding bowel movements
    If you have an urge to use the toilet, go as soon as possible. Holding it in is a bad idea, especially when suffering from constipation. That’s because the longer the stool stays in the bowel, the drier and harder it becomes, causing difficulty in its passing.
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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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3 ways for managing eczema symptoms

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, red, and itchy. This condition can also lead to leathery skin over time and patches that bleed or ooze transparent fluid. It is difficult to control the various eczema symptoms if you are unaware of the right treatment options, nutrition and remedies. So, here’s a look at some of the ways in which this illness can be managed: Treatment options and prevention of eczema There are several prescriptions that individuals can be recommended based on the severity of their case and certain other criteria: DUPIXENT® This is an FDA-approved treatment option for adults and children who are 6 months-5 years of age. It is used when other options to control the symptoms of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis have not worked out or for those who cannot use other topical therapies on the skin. However, DUPIXENT® can be used with or without the use of topical treatment options as well. CIBINQO® CIBINQO®, a JAK1 inhibitor, is an FDA-approved option for managing eczema symptoms in adults. This is an oral treatment option for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis whose condition cannot be controlled via other prescription options. The treatment plan depends on the health professional and how the patient responds to it. Health insurance plans may cover the cost of CIBINQO®, so one should check the policy coverage and qualifying criteria. Further, a CIBINQO® Copay savings card can help one bring down the cost of the treatment option to $0, given that one meets the eligibility criteria. RINVOQ® Upadacitinib, sold under the brand name RINVOQ®, is used to treat moderate to severe eczema symptoms in adults and children who are 12 years or older. It is an oral treatment option shown to relieve several eczema symptoms. Individuals observed rapid and significant skin clearing after taking upasacitinib in about 16 weeks of the treatment plan. EUCRISA® A topical treatment option, this is safe to use by adults and even babies who are 3 months of age and older. Using this topical treatment helps reduce skin inflammation as it acts as an inhibitor of the PDE4 enzymes that cause this irritation. Phototherapy This treatment plan uses artificial ultraviolet rays, specifically UVB rays. These UVB rays are then beamed onto the skin, which helps keep the inflammation and irritation at bay for most eczema patients. Moisturizers Frequently moisturizing the skin and keeping it hydrated is one of the prevention tips that can immensely help manage the symptoms of eczema. Dry, flaky skin will lead to more irritation and itchiness. Ask your dermatologist for recommendations, and always keep a skin-safe moisturizer handy. Stay away from pollutants While it is impossible to fully avoid environmental pollutants, protecting yourself as much as possible is important. Constant exposure to dust, smoke, and other air pollutants can harm the skin considerably. Wear skin-friendly masks and sunscreen as advised to shield yourself from harmful elements. Use a humidifier Since eczema-prone skin has the tendency to dry out, leading to irritation and flakiness easily, it might be a good idea to invest in a humidifier for your room or the entire home. This will keep the air from drying out completely and help in keeping the skin slightly hydrated. Foods to manage eczema symptoms Following a strict meal plan can go a long way in managing the symptoms of eczema in both adults and children. It is important to get children to understand their food triggers and teach them the value of the right nutrition early on to make management easier. Fatty fish This contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are a wonder for the skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Add fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. They all are rich in essential fats that are important in keeping skin healthy. If you do not like fish, you may look for omega-3 supplements that might be helpful. Probiotics These are one of the essential forms of nutrients needed to manage eczema. As is well known, our gut has millions of microbes that need to be fed. Prebiotics and probiotics keep these live cultures in the gut healthy and happy, which, in turn, helps build a strong immune system. A strong immune system is responsible for fighting off diseases and several allergic reactions in the body, including eczema. This will also help fight off inflammation and flare-ups that cause itchiness and irritation. Add foods like miso soup, kefir, fermented pickles, yogurt, sourdough bread, tempeh. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties Kale, spinach, broccoli, apples, and cherries are all anti-inflammatory foods that can help manage eczema symptoms. These are also foods that are known for their antioxidant properties, making them a healthy choice for daily nutrition. You can also add sweet potatoes and bananas to your meals. Foods to avoid with eczema Dairy is one of the leading causes of skin inflammation and can worsen the symptoms of eczema. Dairy and dairy byproducts, such as milk and cheese, must be avoided to manage the condition’s symptoms adequately. Additionally, foods like wheat, peanuts, milk, and soy are known triggers of eczema, especially in babies and children. Lifestyle changes and remedies for eczema Short showers Short showers with lukewarm water will help you keep your skin from drying off easily. Hot baths worsen the symptoms of eczema and should be avoided. Eczema-friendly products Always ensure that these products do not have any harsh chemicals when buying soap, detergent, washing powder, or liquid. Choose options with mild ingredients or make your DIY natural cleanser using soaked soap nuts and water. Bleach baths If you prefer taking long baths, consider this option. Take about ½ cup or 118 milliliters of household bleach. Add this to 40 gallons or 151 liters of water in the bathtub. Soak yourself from the neck below for about 10 mins to calm your skin. Always use mild bleach and not the concentrated type for this bath.

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