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Suggest Treatment For Constipation
Question: Hi Doctor, I feel that I have constipation for last few days specially because there seems to be a hard stool stuck inside and it's not coming out and giving me some pain. I am answering to nature's call daily but very less quantity. It could be some small infection there but there no way of checkin it.
I am writing here because it is too embarasing to visit a doctor and ask for checking it. Can you please suggest some medication or home remedy for that, let me know if any question? Thanks.
I am writing here because it is too embarasing to visit a doctor and ask for checking it. Can you please suggest some medication or home remedy for that, let me know if any question? Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Home treatment for constipation
Detailed Answer:
Hi there thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic!
I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties. Let me start off by giving you 3 pieces of easy advice you can use to try and clear it. If those don't work, then we will see further.
The most common causes of Constipation are the following:
1) Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is the most common cause. The Gut is designed to absorb all the water it can absorb from digested food before it is expelled. If they body is lacking water, it will try and absorb more from digested food.. this makes the remaining waste material very hard and difficult to pass.
The easiest way to fix this is to drink more water. PLAIN water, juice and soda DON'T COUNT as they can actually dehydrate you more.
2)Lack of fiber: Fiber is a natural component of cooked food. Processed foods high in Maida are stripped of most of their fiber to make them taste better and give them a long shelf life. If you have a tendency to eat packaged foods or restaurant foods. Then you may be suffering from constipation due to the lack of fiber.
There are two ways to fix this. Eat more homecooked stuff AND/OR take a fiber supplement. They are very safe. I usually reccomend a spoonful of Cremadiet before bed with 2 glasses of water.
3) Lack of Movement: People with desk bound jobs tend to suffer from constipation due to lack of movement. The Human Gut actually works better and faster when you are moving and stimulating the gut. So if you have difficuties with constipation, taking a walk may help mobilize the gut and evacuate the waste.
Those are the 3 first steps I think you should look into. If those don't work, then we might need to look into taking a laxative. But, lets hold of on that for now and try the basic stuff. Sound like a plan?
Looking forward to your reply,
Vin
Home treatment for constipation
Detailed Answer:
Hi there thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic!
I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties. Let me start off by giving you 3 pieces of easy advice you can use to try and clear it. If those don't work, then we will see further.
The most common causes of Constipation are the following:
1) Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is the most common cause. The Gut is designed to absorb all the water it can absorb from digested food before it is expelled. If they body is lacking water, it will try and absorb more from digested food.. this makes the remaining waste material very hard and difficult to pass.
The easiest way to fix this is to drink more water. PLAIN water, juice and soda DON'T COUNT as they can actually dehydrate you more.
2)Lack of fiber: Fiber is a natural component of cooked food. Processed foods high in Maida are stripped of most of their fiber to make them taste better and give them a long shelf life. If you have a tendency to eat packaged foods or restaurant foods. Then you may be suffering from constipation due to the lack of fiber.
There are two ways to fix this. Eat more homecooked stuff AND/OR take a fiber supplement. They are very safe. I usually reccomend a spoonful of Cremadiet before bed with 2 glasses of water.
3) Lack of Movement: People with desk bound jobs tend to suffer from constipation due to lack of movement. The Human Gut actually works better and faster when you are moving and stimulating the gut. So if you have difficuties with constipation, taking a walk may help mobilize the gut and evacuate the waste.
Those are the 3 first steps I think you should look into. If those don't work, then we might need to look into taking a laxative. But, lets hold of on that for now and try the basic stuff. Sound like a plan?
Looking forward to your reply,
Vin
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thanks Doctor Bhardwaj for the detailed answer.
I can totally relate to your description as I have a sitting job and that is making gut movement difficult. I will start working on these suggestions and buy Cremadiet, is it something I can take forever for a smooth life or I should stop it after sometime?
Regards,
XXXX
I can totally relate to your description as I have a sitting job and that is making gut movement difficult. I will start working on these suggestions and buy Cremadiet, is it something I can take forever for a smooth life or I should stop it after sometime?
Regards,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Always better to get your fiber naturally.
Detailed Answer:
Hey there! Thanks for the follow-up!
I'm glad you asked me this. Now, there is NO KNOWN side effect to taking fiber supplements over the long term as long as you get all the important nutrients you need from normal food. Those who try to use fiber supplement as a REPLACEMENT for food are going to suffer.
Isbagol is the fiber supplement present in Cremadiet and it is a natural fiber with both a soluble component and an insoluble component. So its very safe.
That having been said, my basic idea is that ANY supplement is a poor substitute for real food.
So even though, I can't really say there would be a problem taking it forever, I would suggest you try and improve the natural fiber content of your meals over the long term.
Hope this makes sense.
V
Always better to get your fiber naturally.
Detailed Answer:
Hey there! Thanks for the follow-up!
I'm glad you asked me this. Now, there is NO KNOWN side effect to taking fiber supplements over the long term as long as you get all the important nutrients you need from normal food. Those who try to use fiber supplement as a REPLACEMENT for food are going to suffer.
Isbagol is the fiber supplement present in Cremadiet and it is a natural fiber with both a soluble component and an insoluble component. So its very safe.
That having been said, my basic idea is that ANY supplement is a poor substitute for real food.
So even though, I can't really say there would be a problem taking it forever, I would suggest you try and improve the natural fiber content of your meals over the long term.
Hope this makes sense.
V
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Brief Answer:
Its safe, but I don't know if it will help
Detailed Answer:
Hey there.
So lets think about this. Whey protein is basically dried and concentrated protein. Proteins are the building blocks of cells. They are used for making new cells and for repairing injured tissue. Its not commonly used as an energy source by the body.
The body tries to use carbohydrates first, then fats as pure energy sources. The metabolic process that burn them are much more efficient. So the body prefers the,
My fear is that you would be taking the whey protein and not getting any improvement in your energy levels.
Chronic fatigue is a VAST universe of possibilities. Any thing from lack of sleep, to lack of vitamins, to dehydration, to inadequate glucose intake, to certain diseases like anemia and hypothyroidism can cause chronic fatigue.
So before you spend alot on a whey supplement, lets try and find out WHY you are fatigued.
Can you describe your Lifestyle a bit for me?
What is your Sleep Cycle like? How many hours do you sleep?
Is it good quality sleep? Do you keep regular hours?
What is your overall diet like? Do you have a documented protein deficiency?
Do you get any exercise on a regular basis?
Do you have any medical conditions? Do you take any regular meds?
Do you drink, smoke or take any drugs (i'm not judging, i'm just trying to get a baseline of your metabolism. All your information is CONFIDENTIAL)?
Have you had any recent blood work done? If you have, upload it and I can go over it.
Try and answer these queries for me.. any information you can give me is worthwhile to form a complete picture. Then we can really get into your fatigue issues and make a plan on how to deal with it.
In the meantime, lets assume that the most common causes of Chronic Fatigue are the same causes in your case and start some basic treatment.
1) Lack of Sleep: This is obvious. At your age you should be getting 6-8 hours of sleep per night in a dark, noiseless environment. If you smoke, you should not be smoking withing an hour of going to bed. The basic idea is a concept called Sleep Hygiene. You can read more about it here.
http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene
2) Mineral AND/OR Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamin B deficiency and Iron deficiency are pretty common, Starting a Multivitamin supplement might help. Iron deficiency has to be confirmed with a physical examination and blood work. But if you have old blood work with a borderline Hemoglobin level.. we can assume deficiency and begin treatment. The treatments are pretty harmless, so think about it.
Looking forward to your reply. I might not be able to reply back right away today, but will get back to you very soon.
V
Its safe, but I don't know if it will help
Detailed Answer:
Hey there.
So lets think about this. Whey protein is basically dried and concentrated protein. Proteins are the building blocks of cells. They are used for making new cells and for repairing injured tissue. Its not commonly used as an energy source by the body.
The body tries to use carbohydrates first, then fats as pure energy sources. The metabolic process that burn them are much more efficient. So the body prefers the,
My fear is that you would be taking the whey protein and not getting any improvement in your energy levels.
Chronic fatigue is a VAST universe of possibilities. Any thing from lack of sleep, to lack of vitamins, to dehydration, to inadequate glucose intake, to certain diseases like anemia and hypothyroidism can cause chronic fatigue.
So before you spend alot on a whey supplement, lets try and find out WHY you are fatigued.
Can you describe your Lifestyle a bit for me?
What is your Sleep Cycle like? How many hours do you sleep?
Is it good quality sleep? Do you keep regular hours?
What is your overall diet like? Do you have a documented protein deficiency?
Do you get any exercise on a regular basis?
Do you have any medical conditions? Do you take any regular meds?
Do you drink, smoke or take any drugs (i'm not judging, i'm just trying to get a baseline of your metabolism. All your information is CONFIDENTIAL)?
Have you had any recent blood work done? If you have, upload it and I can go over it.
Try and answer these queries for me.. any information you can give me is worthwhile to form a complete picture. Then we can really get into your fatigue issues and make a plan on how to deal with it.
In the meantime, lets assume that the most common causes of Chronic Fatigue are the same causes in your case and start some basic treatment.
1) Lack of Sleep: This is obvious. At your age you should be getting 6-8 hours of sleep per night in a dark, noiseless environment. If you smoke, you should not be smoking withing an hour of going to bed. The basic idea is a concept called Sleep Hygiene. You can read more about it here.
http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene
2) Mineral AND/OR Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamin B deficiency and Iron deficiency are pretty common, Starting a Multivitamin supplement might help. Iron deficiency has to be confirmed with a physical examination and blood work. But if you have old blood work with a borderline Hemoglobin level.. we can assume deficiency and begin treatment. The treatments are pretty harmless, so think about it.
Looking forward to your reply. I might not be able to reply back right away today, but will get back to you very soon.
V
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thanks, I can see the scientific approach in your treatment.
I think I have adequate sleeps 8-9 hours everyday, gets up between 6 and 7 in the morning. I have bought Nutrilite multi-vitamin but takes it 2-3 times a week.
Please allow me answer your questions for a better picture of my fatigue-
Can you describe your Lifestyle a bit for me?
I work in a software consulting firm with timings 9 to 6, occasional evening calls. Lifestyle is seduntry for most of the time. I do some exercise particularly over the weekend.
What is your Sleep Cycle like? How many hours do you sleep?
I sleep between 11-12 PM and get's up between 6-7 AM daily except weekend where it gets extended till 8 AM.
Is it good quality sleep? Do you keep regular hours?
Yes, don't have issues with sleep. Gets to sleep within 15 mins of bed.
What is your overall diet like? Do you have a documented protein deficiency?
I am a vegetarian with 3 meals and 2 snacks/fruits in between. Daily one glass of milk in the morning, occasional outside food. No documented protein deficiency.
Do you get any exercise on a regular basis?
No, 2-3 times a week for 30 mins each. Goes to park over the weekend also.
Do you have any medical conditions? Do you take any regular meds?
No
Do you drink, smoke or take any drugs (i'm not judging, i'm just trying to get a baseline of your metabolism. All your information is CONFIDENTIAL)?
Drink socially in 2-3 months. No smoking or drugs.
Have you had any recent blood work done? If you have, upload it and I can go over it.
Yes, I had full medical test sometime back, please find attached.
Please take your time, no hurry.
Thanks,
XXXX
I think I have adequate sleeps 8-9 hours everyday, gets up between 6 and 7 in the morning. I have bought Nutrilite multi-vitamin but takes it 2-3 times a week.
Please allow me answer your questions for a better picture of my fatigue-
Can you describe your Lifestyle a bit for me?
I work in a software consulting firm with timings 9 to 6, occasional evening calls. Lifestyle is seduntry for most of the time. I do some exercise particularly over the weekend.
What is your Sleep Cycle like? How many hours do you sleep?
I sleep between 11-12 PM and get's up between 6-7 AM daily except weekend where it gets extended till 8 AM.
Is it good quality sleep? Do you keep regular hours?
Yes, don't have issues with sleep. Gets to sleep within 15 mins of bed.
What is your overall diet like? Do you have a documented protein deficiency?
I am a vegetarian with 3 meals and 2 snacks/fruits in between. Daily one glass of milk in the morning, occasional outside food. No documented protein deficiency.
Do you get any exercise on a regular basis?
No, 2-3 times a week for 30 mins each. Goes to park over the weekend also.
Do you have any medical conditions? Do you take any regular meds?
No
Do you drink, smoke or take any drugs (i'm not judging, i'm just trying to get a baseline of your metabolism. All your information is CONFIDENTIAL)?
Drink socially in 2-3 months. No smoking or drugs.
Have you had any recent blood work done? If you have, upload it and I can go over it.
Yes, I had full medical test sometime back, please find attached.
Please take your time, no hurry.
Thanks,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Beta Thal Trait and Fatigue are related!
Detailed Answer:
Hey! I got a chance to go over your blood work. You have Beta Thalassemia trait as per the report. Did you doctor ever discuss this with you? Has the diagnosis been confirmed? Have you been given any treatment for it?
Beta Thalassemia can DEFINITELY be the cause of your fatigue. Based on the history and answers you've given me, plus the blood work. I'd say there is a good chance that it IS the cause.
Beta Thal Trait means your Red Blood Cells don't get made correctly and have a tendency to get damaged easily. That means that your bodies processes for making more RBCs will be stressed and the raw materials that are needed for making those cells will get used at higher rates (raw materials like proteins, iron, certain vitamins, plasma). Unless you are taking precautions, these specific deficiencies can definitely cause fatigue.
So do me a favor. Tell me what your doc told you about this and tell me what treatment you have taken so far. I can then take that into account and create a plan of action for you.
Sorry for the delay from yesterday. Was slammed with patients. Will try to reply more quickly.
V
Beta Thal Trait and Fatigue are related!
Detailed Answer:
Hey! I got a chance to go over your blood work. You have Beta Thalassemia trait as per the report. Did you doctor ever discuss this with you? Has the diagnosis been confirmed? Have you been given any treatment for it?
Beta Thalassemia can DEFINITELY be the cause of your fatigue. Based on the history and answers you've given me, plus the blood work. I'd say there is a good chance that it IS the cause.
Beta Thal Trait means your Red Blood Cells don't get made correctly and have a tendency to get damaged easily. That means that your bodies processes for making more RBCs will be stressed and the raw materials that are needed for making those cells will get used at higher rates (raw materials like proteins, iron, certain vitamins, plasma). Unless you are taking precautions, these specific deficiencies can definitely cause fatigue.
So do me a favor. Tell me what your doc told you about this and tell me what treatment you have taken so far. I can then take that into account and create a plan of action for you.
Sorry for the delay from yesterday. Was slammed with patients. Will try to reply more quickly.
V
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Doctor XXXXXXX
Thanks very much for taking time out of your busy schedule for answering my query.
I remember reading that report and discussing with doctor but he didn't suggest it to be serious problem. In fact, it is suggestive of Thel. trait but I need to undergo another test Hb-HPLC to confirm it and I didn't go for that test, therefore no medication yet.
Please advise if I need to under any further test for confirmation, how serious is this disease, should I take any supplement for this?
Regards,
XXXX
Thanks very much for taking time out of your busy schedule for answering my query.
I remember reading that report and discussing with doctor but he didn't suggest it to be serious problem. In fact, it is suggestive of Thel. trait but I need to undergo another test Hb-HPLC to confirm it and I didn't go for that test, therefore no medication yet.
Please advise if I need to under any further test for confirmation, how serious is this disease, should I take any supplement for this?
Regards,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Thal trait isn't dangerous but it has an effect on you
Detailed Answer:
Hey Chief. I think you're doctor didn't communicate the full extent of this thing to you.
Thal 'TRAIT' is certainly less dangerous than actual full blown THALASSEMIA for sure. Thing you shouldn't do is assume it has no effect at all. Some of your RBCs would be affected by it and it would have a drag on your energy levels overall as I mentioned yesterday.
I would get the Hb-HPLC test done ASAP, at the same time, I would get the following blood work and investigations done. These relate to the mineral and Vitamin deficiencies that i mentioned before. They have not been done in that earlier batter of blood work, so it's new information and even if your confirmatory test is NEGATIVE, they could still be out of whack, so it's worth getting it done.
1) CBC (Comprehensive Blood Count)
2) Vitamin D level
3) Vitamin B level
4) Total Iron Ferritin level
5) Total Iron Binding Capacity.
6) Free Erythrocyte Porphyrin Assay
7) Liver Function Tests (LFT)
If the Hb-HPLC test comes back positive, I would also want you to get in touch with a good Hematologist for occasional follow-up. I'm actually not the expert when it comes to B Thal or blood disorders in general. So I don't want to pretend to know more than the basics.
Once that Blood work is back, we can go over it and start addressing any deficiencies if there are any. Even in perfectly normal people Vitamin D deficiencies can cause fatigue, weight gain and all kind of other issues. So I'm pretty sure I could guide you through those issues.
V
Thal trait isn't dangerous but it has an effect on you
Detailed Answer:
Hey Chief. I think you're doctor didn't communicate the full extent of this thing to you.
Thal 'TRAIT' is certainly less dangerous than actual full blown THALASSEMIA for sure. Thing you shouldn't do is assume it has no effect at all. Some of your RBCs would be affected by it and it would have a drag on your energy levels overall as I mentioned yesterday.
I would get the Hb-HPLC test done ASAP, at the same time, I would get the following blood work and investigations done. These relate to the mineral and Vitamin deficiencies that i mentioned before. They have not been done in that earlier batter of blood work, so it's new information and even if your confirmatory test is NEGATIVE, they could still be out of whack, so it's worth getting it done.
1) CBC (Comprehensive Blood Count)
2) Vitamin D level
3) Vitamin B level
4) Total Iron Ferritin level
5) Total Iron Binding Capacity.
6) Free Erythrocyte Porphyrin Assay
7) Liver Function Tests (LFT)
If the Hb-HPLC test comes back positive, I would also want you to get in touch with a good Hematologist for occasional follow-up. I'm actually not the expert when it comes to B Thal or blood disorders in general. So I don't want to pretend to know more than the basics.
Once that Blood work is back, we can go over it and start addressing any deficiencies if there are any. Even in perfectly normal people Vitamin D deficiencies can cause fatigue, weight gain and all kind of other issues. So I'm pretty sure I could guide you through those issues.
V
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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