-Low Fiber Diet -Not Enough Liquids -Lack of Exercise -Poor Bowel Habits -Laxative Abuse -Changes in Life

or Routine People often become constipated when traveling because their normal diet, water intake, schedules and daily routines are disrupted. During pregnancy, women may be constipated because of hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine. Aging may also affect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone. -Medications Many medications can cause constipation including pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum and calcium, blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers), anti-Parkinson drugs, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, tranquilizers, iron supplements, anticonvulsants for epilepsy and antihypertensive calcium channel blockers.

Treatment & Prevention

For most people, dietary and lifestyle improvements can relieve symptoms of constipation. A well-balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods, such as unprocessed bran, whole-grain bread, and fresh fruits and vegetables, is recommended. Drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly will help to stimulate intestinal activity. Probiotic and fiber supplementation where indicated can restore bacterial balance and increase digestive efficiency. =For severe symptoms, solution is PBL: Peristalsis, Bulk and Lubrication.

Peristalsis - To maintain the regular movement, the peristaltic action of the bowel must be regular and vigorous. The ideally functioning digestive system has an approximate 24 hour transit time and hydration is an important part of this. In addition, hydrating minerals such as magnesium and gentle, non-laxative Bulk - The right amount and kind of fiber is critical to bowel function... A diet with enough fiber (20 to 40 grams) helps form soft, bulky stool. A doctor or dietitian can help plan an appropriate high-fiber diet that includes beans, whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables including 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.

Lubricant of the colon flax, borage and fish oils are very effective in providing necessary lubrication for smooth and gentle elimination. Because these fats are hard to digest, its important to use an oil supplement that includes lipase, the digestive enzyme that assists in the breakdown of oils into essential fatty acids.

Know what is normal and do not rely unnecessarily on laxatives. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes unprocessed bran, whole-wheat grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Add more fruits and vegetables. Lower the amount of refined starches, sugar and processed foods. Drink plenty of fluids. Supplement your daily diet with fiber products to improve bowel transit time. Take probiotic supplements to restore and maintain healthy intestinal microflora balance. Regular exercise - ideally 30 minute daily. Special exercises may be necessary to tone up abdominal muscles after pregnancy or whenever abdominal muscles are lax. Enhance digestion by taking digestive enzymes with each meal. Dont ignore the urge to defecate. Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet. Ignoring the urge repeatedly can actually suppress the natural urges. Whenever there is a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits, check with a doctor. There is a chance that an underlying disorder is causing constipation. Then treatment should be directed toward the specific cause. Lubricate the colon by taking essential fatty acids in oils such as fish, borage and flax. Do bi-annual cleanses using herbal combinations to support overall body and intestinal detoxification

Diarrhea with its loose, watery stools, frequent trips to the bathroom and other unpleasant symptoms is a digestive disorder that virtually everyone has or will eventually experience. It is estimated that up to 5 percent of US population is affected by diarrhea at any given time with the average adult experiencing a bout of diarrhea about four times a year. =The signs and symptoms associated with diarrhea often include: -Frequent loose, watery stools -An urgent need to use the bathroom -Abdominal cramps -Abdominal pain -Fever -Bloody stools -Bloating, -Nausea and vomiting Causes. The most common causes of the intestinal infection or irritation that causes diarrhea include:

Bacteria Contaminated food or water can introduce pathogenic bacteria into your intestinal tract. Common bacterial causes of diarrhea include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli. Normally your intestinal tract is home to billions of beneficial bacteria that perform vital functions in the digestion of food. Viruses Rotavirus and adenovirus are common causes of diarrhea in young children as direct contact easily spreads these viruses. Medication Diarrhea can be a side effect of many medications, particularly antibiotics. Antibiotics disturb the natural balance of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in your intestines leaving you vulnerable to infection. Some high blood pressure medications, cancer drugs and antacids containing magnesium can cause irritation and diarrhea. Food intolerances and allergies Some people are unable to digest a component of food, such as lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. In addition, the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and mannitol found in chewing gum and other sugar-free products can cause irritation and diarrhea. Previous surgery or radiation of the abdomen or gastrointestinal tract Some people develop diarrhea after stomach surgery or removal of the gallbladder. The reason may be a change in how quickly food moves through the digestive system after stomach surgery or an increase in bile in the colon that can occur after gallbladder surgery. Parasites Parasites like Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea.

Treatment & Prevention =Treatment of Symptoms Replace water and prevent dehydration. The fluid lost during diarrhea need to be replaced promptly as the body cannot function properly without them. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine as they act to dehydrate the body. Replace electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chloride). Although water is extremely important in preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes. Broth or soup containing sodium, and fruit or vegetable juices containing potassium help with electrolyte levels as do rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte* and Oralyte*. Eat easy to digest foods. Until diarrhea subsides, try to avoid milk products and foods that are greasy, highly seasoned, high-fiber, or very sweet as these foods tend to aggravate diarrhea. Reestablish intestinal flora with probiotic supplementation. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria necessary to digestive functions. They can be lost in a variety of ways including antibiotic treatment and infection. Supplementing our diets with an effective probiotic re-populates the intestinal tract with friendly strains, puts the gut flora back in balance, improves intestinal health and helps guard against further infection.

Maintain your immune system, your first defense against pathogenic bacteria and infection, through proper nutrition, sleep and exercise. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses (2 to 2 1/2 quarts) of clean purified water every day and be careful of the source, especially when traveling. Take probiotic supplements to restore and maintain healthy intestinal microflora balance and protect against infection. Maintain proper hand-washing habits. You can help prevent the spread of viral diarrhea by washing your hands and encouraging your children to wash their hands. Because viral diarrhea spreads easily, it's a good idea to keep your child home from school or child care if he or she has diarrhea. Use only pasteurized dairy products. Pasteurization involves heating dairy products for a period of time to kill bacteria. Serve food right away or refrigerate it after it has been cooked or reheated. Leaving food out at room temperature encourages growth of bacteria. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially if you are sensitive to them.

=Diverticulosis Diverticulosis is the formation of numerous tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel. Diverticula, which can range from pea-size to much larger, are formed by increased pressure on weakened spots of the intestinal walls by gas, waste, or liquid. Diverticula can form while straining during a bowel movement, such as with constipation. They are most common in the lower portion of the large intestine (called the sigmoid colon). Diverticular Bleeding Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the small blood vessels that are next to the diverticula. Diverticulitis Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula. This usually happens when outpouchings become blocked with waste, allowing bacteria to build up, causing infection.

Gallstones Gallstones form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. The gallbladder aids in the digestive process by storing bile and secreting it into the small intestine when food enters. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver and is made up of several substances, including cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts. What Are Gallstones? Gallstones are pieces of solid material that form in the gallbladder. These stones develop because cholesterol and pigments in bile sometimes form hard particles. The two main types of gallstones are: Cholesterol stones (approximately 80% of gallstone cases): These are usually yellow-green in color. Pigment stones: These stones are smaller and darker and are made up of bilirubin.

What Causes Gallstones? Several factors may come together to create gallstones, including: genetics (others in your family have had gallstones) body weight decreased motility (movement) of the gallbladder diet

What Are the Risk Factors for Gallstones? Obesity. This is one of the biggest risk factors. Obesity can cause a rise in cholesterol, and can also keep the gallbladder from emptying completely. Estrogen. Women who are pregnant or who take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy have higher levels of estrogen. This can cause a rise in cholesterol, as well as a reduction in gallbladder motility. Ethnic background. Certain ethnic groups, including Native Americans and MexicanAmericans, are more likely to develop gallstones. Gender and age. Gallstones are more common among women and among older people. Cholesterol drugs. Some cholesterol-lowering drugs increase the amount of cholesterol in bile, which may increase the chances of developing cholesterol stones. Diabetes. People with diabetes tend to have higher levels of triglycerides (a type of blood fat), which is a risk factor for gallstones. Rapid weight loss. If a person loses weight too quickly, his or her liver secretes extra cholesterol, which may lead to gallstones. Also, fasting may cause the gallbladder to contract less.

When symptoms do appear, they include the following: Pain in the upper abdomen and upper back. The pain may last a long time (several hours). Nausea Vomiting Other gastrointestinal problems, including bloating, indigestion, and gas What Is Peptic Ulcer Disease? Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.

Infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Midol, and others), and many others available by prescription. Even aspirin coated with a special substance can still cause ulcers. Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output; seen in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer? An ulcer may or may not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include: A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night Bloating Heartburn Nausea or vomiting In severe cases, symptoms can include: Dark or black stool (due to bleeding) Vomiting blood (can have a "coffee-grounds" appearance) Weight loss Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen

How Serious Is an Ulcer? Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn't ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including: Bleeding Perforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach) Gastric outlet obstruction from swelling or scarring that blocks the passageway leading from the stomach to the small intestine. Taking NSAIDs can cause any of the above without warning. The risk is especially concerning for the elderly and for those with a prior history of having peptic ulcer disease.

Are infected with the H. pylori bacterium Take NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and many others Have a family history of ulcers Have another illness, such as liver, kidney, or lung disease Drink alcohol regularly Are 50 years old or older

How Are Ulcers Diagnosed? Your doctor may be able to make an ulcer diagnosis just by talking with you about your symptoms. However, to confirm the diagnosis one of several tests should be taken. First, your doctor may ask you to take an acid-blocking medication such as those used to treat heartburn for a short period of time to see if your symptoms improve. If needed, your doctor may recommend a procedure called an upper endoscopy. It involves inserting a small, lighted tube (endoscope) through the throat and into the stomach to look for abnormalities. This procedure is usually given if you are having severe symptoms of ulcers. Often, doctors will frequently treat without confirming the diagnosis using endoscopy. If the cause is not likely to be from NSAIDs, then it is very likely to be from H. pylori. Most doctors will now test for H. pylori and will treat specifically for that in addition to giving medications to reduce the symptoms.

What is the spleen and what causes an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)? The spleen sits under your rib cage in the upper left part of your abdomen toward your back. It is an organ that is part of the lymph system and works as a drainage network that defends your body against infection. White blood cells produced in the spleen engulf bacteria, dead tissue, and foreign matter, removing them from the blood as blood passes through it. The spleen also maintains healthy red and white blood cells and platelets; platelets help your blood clot. The spleen filters blood, removing abnormal blood cells from the bloodstream. A spleen is normally about the size of your fist. A doctor usually can't feel it during an exam. But diseases can cause it to swell and become many times its normal size. Because the spleen is involved in many functions, many conditions may affect it. An enlarged spleen is not always a sign of a problem. When a spleen becomes enlarged, though, it often means it has been doing its job but has become overactive. For example, sometimes the spleen is overactive in removing and destroying blood cells. This is called hypersplenism. It can happen for many reasons, including problems with too many platelets and other disorders of the blood.

An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph system, or other conditions. Here are some common causes of an enlarged spleen: Infections Viral infections, such as mononucleosis Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis Bacterial infections, such as endocarditis (an infection of your heart's valves)

Leukemia, a cancer in which white blood cells displace normal blood cells Lymphoma, a cancer of lymph tissue, such as Hodgkin's disease Other causes of an enlarged spleen include: Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis Trauma, such as an injury during contact sports Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the spleen A cyst, a noncancerous fluid-filled sac A large abscess, a pus-filled cavity usually caused by a bacterial infection Infiltrative diseases such as Gaucher's disease, amyloidosis, or glycogen storage diseases

Being unable to eat a large meal Feeling discomfort, fullness, or pain on the upper left side of the abdomen; this pain may spread to your left shoulder . Fatigue Weight loss Frequent infections Easy bleeding Jaundice Anemia Your doctor will ask you questions and do a physical exam to diagnose an enlarged, painful spleen. This involves palpating (examining by touch) your spleen. You will also likely need diagnostic tests to confirm the cause of the swollen spleen. These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, other tests may be needed

What is diverticulitis? Diverticulitis happens when pouches (diverticula ) form in the wall of the colon and then get inflamed or infected. What causes diverticulitis? Doctors aren't sure what causes diverticulitis. But they think that a low-fiber diet may play a role. Without fiber to add bulk to the stool, the colon has to work harder than normal to push the stool forward. The pressure from this may cause pouches to form in weak spots along the colon. Diverticulitis happens when bacteria get trapped in the pouches. This can lead to inflammation or infection.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms of diverticulitis may last from a few hours to a week or more. Symptoms include: Belly pain, usually in the lower left side, that is sometimes worse when you move. This is the most common symptom. Fever and chills. Bloating and gas. Diarrhea or constipation. Nausea and sometimes vomiting. Not feeling like eating. How is diverticulitis diagnosed? Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and will examine you. He or she may do tests to see if you have an infection or to make sure that you don't have other problems. Tests may include: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC). Other tests, such as an X-ray, a CT scan, or a colonoscopy.

How is it treated? The treatment you need depends on how bad your symptoms are and whether you have an infection. You may need to have only liquids at first, and then return to solid food when you start feeling better. If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. For mild cramps and belly pain: Use a heating pad, set on low, on your belly. Relax. For example, try meditation or slow, deep breathing in a quiet room. Take medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example). You may need surgery only if diverticulitis doesn't get better with other treatment, or if you have problems such as long-lasting (chronic) pain, a bowel obstruction, a fistula, or a pocket of infection (abscess). How can you prevent diverticulitis? You may be able to prevent diverticulitis if you drink plenty of water, get regular exercise, and eat a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet includes whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Heartburn is a feeling of burning, warmth, heat, or pain that often starts in the upper abdomen just beneath the lower breastbone (sternum). This discomfort may spread in waves upward into your throat, and you may have a sour taste in your mouth. Heartburn is sometimes called indigestion, acid regurgitation, sour stomach, or pyrosis. It is not caused by problems with your heart, although sometimes heart problems can feel like heartburn. See a picture of heartburn . Heartburn may cause problems with swallowing, burping, nausea, or bloating. These symptoms can sometimes last up to 2 hours or longer. In some people, heartburn symptoms may cause sleep problems, a chronic cough, asthma, wheezing, or choking episodes. Heartburn usually is worse after eating or made worse by lying down or bending over. It gets better if you sit or stand up. Almost everyone will have troubles with heartburn now and then. Heartburn occurs more frequently in adults than in children. Many women have heartburn every day when they are pregnant. This is because the growing uterus puts increasing upward pressure on the stomach. Symptoms of heartburn and symptoms of a heart attack may feel the same. Occasionally, a person may dismiss serious symptoms as "just gas or indigestion." If you have a history of heart problems or risk factors for a heart attack, your heartburn symptoms may indicate a more serious problem and need to be checked by your doctor. Dyspepsia is a medical term that is used to describe a vague feeling of fullness, gnawing, or burning in the chest or upper abdomen, especially after eating. A person may describe this feeling as "gas." Other symptoms may occur at the same time, such as belching, rumbling noises in the abdomen, increased flatus, poor appetite, and a change in bowel habits. Causes of dyspepsia can vary from minor to serious.

Causes of heartburn Heartburn occurs when food and stomach juices back up (reflux) into the esophagus, which is the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach. This process is called gastroesophageal reflux . Common causes of reflux include: Incomplete closing of the valve (the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) between the esophagus and the stomach. Foods and drinks, such as chocolate, peppermint, fried foods, fatty foods, or sugars; and coffee, carbonated drinks, or alcohol. Once heartburn occurs, the backflow of stomach juices can cause the esophagus to become sensitive to other foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, garlic, and onions. Eating these foods may cause more heartburn. Pressure on the stomach caused by obesity, frequent bending over and lifting, tight clothes, straining with bowel movements, vigorous exercise, and pregnancy. Smoking and use of other tobacco products. Prescription and nonprescription medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, prednisone, iron, potassium, antihistamines, or sleeping pills. A hiatal hernia , which occurs when a small portion of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the lungs from the abdomen. Stress, which can increase the amount of acid your stomach makes and cause your stomach to empty more slowly.