FitSugar

Why Does Coffee Make You Have to "Go"?

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:49:32 PST

Sipping on a hot cup of coffee in the morning is one of my simple pleasures. Not only does it offer some "me time," but I love the rich flavor, and the fact that it gives me an extra pep in my step. Millions of people drink coffee for the exact same reasons, but what they may not know is that drinking joe helps relieve muscle pain as well as improves memory and that it may help prevent skin cancer while also decreasing the risk of liver cancer.

These are all great reasons to enjoy a daily cup of java, but many people also love coffee because it makes them "go," and by that I mean more than an energy rush. Keep reading to see why a java jolt helps the final stages of the digestion process.

Six Natural Remedies For Constipation

LilSugar — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:00:23 PST

Let's get to the bottom of the situation. Constipation is no fun for babies or parents alike. Watching your lil one struggle to have a bowel movement can be heart-wrenching as you sit there and wait for it to pass. Unfortunately, when tots move from breastmilk to formula or when they start solid foods, constipation is common. Before running to the pharmacist, consider these natural remedies to get the bowels moving again.

Don't Let Traveling Get You in a Bind

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:30:31 PST

The stress of traveling and being away from home can really mess with your bathroom schedule. Changing times zones, eating foods you're not used to, and skipping out on exercise doesn't help either. To prevent tummy issues, here are some tips on how to stay regular when traveling.

Drink water whenever you can as your choice of beverage. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it'll also keep things moving.
When traveling, bring your own snacks that are high in fiber. Nibble on carrot sticks, apples (with the peel), trail mix with dried fruit and nuts, granola bars, and high fiber cereal. Having healthy snacks on hand will prevent you from eating processed foods that can tie the digestive system in knots.

For more helpful tips keep reading.

Flatten Your Belly With Fiber

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:08:38 PDT

If you have an issue with regularity, then you can do all the cardio and crunches in the world, and you'll still have a little belly pouch. That's because constipation can cause bloating, which will make your belly appear slightly swollen. It's normal to have issues with going to the bathroom every so often, but if you suffer from constipation daily, it can make your middle wider than it needs to be. The solution? Up your intake of soluble fiber. Include apples, pears, berries, oats, quinoa, beans, carrots, cucumbers, and celery in your diet every day. This type of fiber soaks up water and forms a gel-like substance that stimulates the muscles in your digestive system, and helps push things along. Eating enough fiber will not only make you feel better, but it'll help flatten your belly.

What's the Difference Between Regularity Remedies?

FitSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:00:00 PDT

Nobody's likes being irregular. Even if you get your daily quota of 25 to 30 grams of fiber, stress, traveling, and lack of exercise can cause constipation.

If you have issues with regularity, there are many over-the-counter products that can help, but it's tough to know which one will work, which ones are safe to take regularly, and which ones won't cause annoying side effects. If you're curious about the differences between these remedies, then

You Asked: I "Go" To the Bathroom Every Few Days - Is This Normal?

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:00:00 PDT

Dear Fit,

I only go to the bathroom every two or three days (I'm not talking about peeing), and it's been like this for a couple years. A good friend of mine says that I should be going every day. Is that true? Is not going once a day normal, or is my bathroom schedule harming my body?

- Possible Potty Problem Pam

This is a great question since many women wonder about their regularity. To hear what I have to say

read more. Let me start off by saying that what's normal for one person may be considered constipation for someone else. Some people go to the bathroom three times a day, while others only go as often as you do. Only going a few times a week is no cause for concern unless:

Constipation is a new problem for you.
You've noticed blood in your stool.
You're losing weight even though you're not dieting.
You strain or have severe pains when you do go to the bathroom.
Your stools are hard and dry.
You have constipation that alternates with diarrhea.
You have fewer than three bowel movements a week.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor. I don't want to alarm you, but chronic constipation can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome or possibly cancer. Fit's Tips: To prevent constipation in the first place, drink more water, exercise regularly (that helps to get things moving inside), and increase the fiber in your diet. A woman should be getting between 25 and 30 grams of fiber a day, so that should help you go more often. Source

You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Psyllium Husk Every Day?

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:00:00 PST

Dear Fit,
I discovered psylium husk powder at the health food store a while back when I was having troubles with constipation. Mixing it into my juice every morning has certainly done the trick, but I wonder if my body is getting addicted to it or something. Is psyllium husk safe to use every day?
- Regular Rita

Well Rita, I am happy that you found a workable solution to your problems, but let me step back and fill everyone in on psyllium husk. While psyllium is sold in health food stores as a bulk powder, it is also sold under the brand names Metamucil or Fiberall. Many women, like yourself, have issues with constipation and have been prescribed plant-derived psyllium husk to alleviate the problem. It contains 70 percent soluble fiber and is considered a bulk-forming laxative. To find out if psyllium husk is OK for long-term use,

read more. Psyllium has been used for years to effectively treat constipation. It must be taken with plenty of water so it doesn't bulk up and block your esophagus, throat, or intestines. If a person takes too much, they can have excessive bloating, gas, or diarrhea. One rounded tablespoon equals one serving of psyllium, which contains about three grams of fiber. While psyllium is safe to use to relieve temporary constipation, it shouldn't be used to treat chronic constipation. It's better to promote a healthy digestive system and lower cholesterol through regular exercise, and by obtaining enough fiber from your diet. Not only will fiber-rich foods keep you regular, but they'll offer vitamins and nutrients that you won't get from psyllium. One apple, one pear, a serving of whole grain cereal, or half an avocado will offer you the same amount of fiber as one serving of psyllium. So I'd try gradually phasing out the psyllium and phase in fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Also try to cut out foods that may be preventing regularity.

5 Foods That May Prevent Regularity

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:00:00 PST

Wouldn't it be great if our bodies really were like clockwork and our digestive systems stayed regular no matter what? Unfortunately, that's not how it works because stress, traveling, and diet changes can cause constipation. Eating enough fiber (25 to 30 grams a day), drinking plenty of water, and exercising can help keep you regular, but eating certain foods and drugs can get in the way. Everyone's body processes foods differently, so check out this list to see if what you're eating is clogging you up.

Bananas: These do contain about three grams of fiber per piece of medium fruit, but they're also known for their binding properties. If you have diarrhea, bananas are recommended as a cure, and eating too many can cause constipation.
Dairy products: For some, too much dairy such as cheese and ice cream can prevent regularity.

To find out what else can lead to constipation,

Travel Without the Tummy Troubles

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:00:00 PST

Hooray for the holidays! Traveling for the holidays - not so much. Get ready for traffic, waiting in lines, flight delays, and possibly constipation. For some people, switching time zones or being away from home always upsets their digestive system. Here are some ways to keep things moving while you're on the move and ways to keep your tummy at ease.

Pack your own snacks, and include high fiber foods such as whole grain crackers, cereal, granola bars, dried fruit, pears and apples, and nuts. Avoid bananas and dairy products since these foods can block you up.
Thirsty? Opt for straight up water, and drink lots of it. Staying hydrated will help your body keep its natural flow.
Medicine may be necessary. Pack some Pepto in case you have heartburn or diarrhea. If you're bloated and haven't gone to the bathroom for over 24 hours, pop some Citrucel caplets. They add bulk to your food to help you go, without causing gas.

What else can help tame your tummy? To find out

Home Remedies: Digestive Issues

FitSugar — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:00:00 PST

If the four days of feasting over Thanksgiving weekend have taken a toll on your tummy, you might be interested in trying some home remedies. Prevention has created a list of tummy tamers and here are the highlights.

Ease nausea: Give frozen ginger chips a try. Make your own by infusing slices of fresh ginger in hot water. Strain the ginger and place them in an ice cube tray. When you're feeling queasy, crush the cubes and suck on the frozen pieces.

Curb flatulence: Three times a day, take two enteric-coated peppermint capsules (500 mg each). They must be coated so the peppermint can make it to your intestines. This herb will kill the bacteria in your digestive system that's causing your bloated feeling. It also has relaxing effects on your gastrointestinal muscles.

Constipation: Boil 10 grapes in six ounces of milk. Before bed, drink the milk separately and then eat the grapes.

Diarrhea: Mash bananas in white rice and eat in small amounts. The two have binding effects.

Source

Product	Price	Dosage	Main Ingredient	Negative Side Effects	Benefits
Metamucil Coarse Milled Texture Drink Mix	44.2 oz. for $15.99	1 rounded tbsp, 3 times daily	Psyllium husk (has a gritty texture)	Can cause bloating and gas	Helps lower cholesterol, provides good source of fiber.
Metamucil Strong Bones Capsules	120 for $12.99	5 capsules, up to 4 times daily	Psyllium husk	Can cause bloating and gas	Each serving contains 300 mg of calcium.
Citrucel Powder	32 oz. for $27.49	1 rounded tbsp, 3 times daily	Methylcellulose (no gritty texture)	None	Each dose contains 105 mg of potassium.
Citrucel Caplets	180 for $27.99	2 caplets, up to 6 times daily	Methylcellulose	None	Each caplet contains 10 mg of calcium.
Fibercon Caplets	140 for $18.29	2 caplets, up to 4 times daily	Calcium Polycarbophil	None	Each caplet contains 140 mg calcium and 10 mg magnesium.
Benefiber Powder	16.7 oz. for $18.99	2 tsp, 3 times daily	Wheat Dextrin	Can cause bloating and gas	Dissolves completely in beverages, is non-thickening, can cook with it, sugar free, gluten free.
Benefiber Chewables plus Calcium	90 for $12.29	3 tablets, up to 3 times daily	Wheat Dextrin	Can cause bloating and gas	Gluten free, and each dose provides as much calcium as 8 oz. of milk, and you don't need to take them with water.