The following is Aceva's 5 step program to manage constipation.
1. Hydration - Most constipation is caused from lack of hydration. A simple rule to follow to make sure that you are getting enough water in your diet is to divide your body weight by two and consume that amount of water in ounces. For instance, if you weigh 200 lbs. you would consume 100 ounces of water a day.
Two important points regarding your hydration:
- You must add 8 ounces of water to your hydration schedule for every cup of coffee or tea that you
consume since those beverage are a diuretic and will cause water loss.
- Water is the only beverage that counts towards your total ounces. Juices, soda, etc. do not count.
2. Dietary Changes - Increase the consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables while limiting the consumption of processed foods including white flour products such as white breads and white pasta.
3. Nutrient Intake. - There are five nutrient formulations that are of benefit to someone suffering from constipation.
- Absolute Greens - If you are dealing with general constipation, take one scoop of absolute Greens in water twice per day. Absolute Greens contains both soluble and insoluble fiber in addition to probiotics to help with acute and chronic constipation.
- Ultrabiotic / Pediabiotic - Probiotics provide beneficial bacteria to your digestive system to improve digestion and maximize immune function. Adults taking 1 capsule of Ultrabiotic or children taking 1 scoop of Pediabiotic 2-3 times daily can have a positive impact on constipation.
- Candeva - If you are bloated after eating in addition to be constipated, you may have a condition called Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO) and would benefit from taking Candeva for your constipation
- Triple Mag- According to most sources, magnesium is the most deficient nutrients in people of our country. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 normal reactions in the human body. One major side effects from deficiency is constipation. Consuming 400-1200mg a day of magnesium for 60-90 day may improve symptoms of constipation.
- Omega 3 Plus / Omega Longevity - Consuming essential fatty acids may soften the stool and lubricate it to enable normal, pain-free bowel movements. Three to five capsules a day would be a good starting point to assess its effect on your constipation.
4. Laboratory Testing - If you still have symptoms of constipation, after implementing Steps 1-3 then laboratory testing may be warranted. There are two tests that would be most beneficial for this condition.
- Microbiology - This test will unveil any imbalances in your gut flora including harmful bacteria or
fungal infections.
- Food Allergy Testing - If your body has a food allergy one of the most common side effects is
constipation. You can begin testing yourself for food allergies by eliminating the two most common food allergies, diary and wheat. You would need to completely, 100% eliminate the foods for a 60 day period of time. When I say completely I mean absolutely no consumption from any ingredient in any food you consume. If you somewhat eliminate the foods you will never no what impact a food allergy may be playing in your condition. Keep in mind that diary and wheat are not only the most common allergies but they both can cause constipation.
5. Medical Intervention - If Steps 1-4 did not provide a solution to your health problem then you should see your medical physician for additional testing and evaluation.
Disclosure: Keep in mind this free educational portal is not to be interpreted as medical or healthcare advice. This portal is designed to be an educational platform to help individuals better understand how to use diet and nutrition to enhance their overall health. Without a full clinical picture we are unable to ascertain the best actions for any individual. Consult your doctor before implementing or changing current treatment plans. If you are a doctor, use the general guidelines provided in this portal to add to your clinical picture and enable you to make the best decision for your patient.