Causes of Opioid-Induced Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation can be defined as a decrease in the frequency of passing formed stools. The condition also may be characterized by stools that are hard and difficult to pass.

What causes constipation?

Constipation may be the result of inadequate fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake, or a lack of physical activity. It may also be caused by disease or ailments such as diabetes, intestinal obstruction, spinal cord compression, excessive calcium levels, a lack of potassium, or kidney problems. A third cause of constipation is pharmacologically based. That is, constipation is a side-effect of drugs that are used to treat various diseases and pain, such as the opioids given to cancer patients. 

How do opioids cause constipation?

Opioids are effective pain relievers, but often have the side effect of constipation. These medicines affect the gastrointestinal tract in a variety of ways. Opioids increase the amount of time it takes stool to move through the gastric system. They increase nonpropulsive contractions in the middle of the small intestine (jejunum) and decrease longitudinal propulsive peristalsis - motions critical to moving food through the intestines. This results in food that fails to travel through the digestive tract. Opioids are also able to partially paralyze the stomach (gastroparesis) so that food remains in the digestive organ for a longer period of time. Additionally opioids reduce digestive secretions and decrease the urge to defecate.

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Constipation Remedies - Selecting Between Home Treatments and Commercial Medications

By Josef J Butcher

If there is a health condition that many people do not wish for them to experience, that will be constipation. Every day, millions of individuals all over the world complain of hard and dry stools. The mere thought of grunting until your feces come out is not appealing at all. Luckily, there is no need for you to strain every day, especially since there are various constipation remedies readily available for you.
When you talk of constipation remedies, you have two options - home treatments and commercialized products. Both can provide you with the instant relief that you need. Constipation is very easy to deal with, let this article help you out.
Are natural home remedies effective?
Constipation can strike anytime. If you are at home and you are having a difficult time inside the bathroom, here are some of the best constipation remedies that you can rely on to:

1. Hydrate well
Dehydration is one of the main reasons why you are suffering from constipation. The body needs enough amounts of liquids to function well, and that includes the process of digestion. Water helps break down the food you take so that the body will not have a hard time digesting and converting it into energy. If you are straining to get your feces out, try to walk out of the bathroom first and load up on warm water. This is very effective. Moreover, this method works fast and will not burn a hole in your pocket.
2. Block off carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are needed by the body. They give you the energy you need to function throughout the day. However, if you are consuming a lot of items from this food group, it can cause your stools to harden. If two days has passed by and you still find yourself straining, try to consume more liquid-y food like soup or cereals. Stay away from carbohydrates until you get your proper bowel movement schedule again.
3. Have some prune juice
Based on several studies, prune juice contain high levels of "good" fiber that can help speed up the process of bowel movement. It is your choice if you will opt to eat fresh prunes or drink it as juice. Nevertheless, prunes can make you feel more comfortable and they will help facilitate proper bowel passage.
Over-the-counter drugs for constipation
On the other hand, if there are people who rely on the natural magic of home remedies, there are still individuals who will choose commercialized constipation remedies. If you think that these drugs work faster, here is a list of what you can use:

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