Chronic Constipation Impact: Long-Term Effects on Health | Comprehensive Guide

Confronting the Silent Threat！ Prolonged Constipation Consequences

Constipation, a silent threat, can have serious consequences if left untreated. This article sheds light on the prolonged effects of chronic constipation on the body.

Understanding the General Systemic Consequences

Chronic constipation can have various general systemic consequences. It can lead to bloating, abdominal discomfort, and reduced appetite.

Additionally, it may cause nutrient absorption issues, resulting in vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Chronic constipation can also lead to more critical deceases as we discuss in the next section. Overall, it negatively impacts overall well-being and quality of life.

More Critical Deceases that Chronic Constipation May Raise

Chronic constipation can lead to various more critical diseases and health complications. When waste materials accumulate in the colon for an extended period, it can result in the production of toxins, which may enter the bloodstream and affect overall health. Some potential diseases that chronic constipation may raise the risk for include:

Hemorrhoids: Straining during bowel movements can cause swollen blood vessels around the rectum and anus, leading to painful hemorrhoids.
Anal fissures: Hard and compacted stools can cause small tears in the lining of the anus, causing anal fissures, which can be extremely painful and may lead to bleeding.
Diverticulosis: Chronic constipation is often associated with increased pressure within the colon, which can lead to the development of small pouches called diverticula. These pouches can become inflamed or infected, causing a condition known as diverticulitis.
Colorectal cancer: Some studies suggest that long-term constipation may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, more research is needed to establish a direct causal link.
Fecal impaction: Severe constipation can lead to fecal impaction, where hardened stool becomes stuck in the rectum or colon. This can require medical intervention for removal and may lead to intestinal blockage if left untreated.

It is crucial to improve your health habits far before you face such severe effects of chronic constipation on the body. We will discuss such prevention ways below.

Identifying the Causes of Chronic Constipation

Popular Causes of Chronic Constipation

There are several popular causes of chronic constipation.

The first is a lack of fiber in the diet. Fiber helps bulk up the stool and promote regular bowel movements.
Another cause is inadequate fluid intake. Not drinking enough water can lead to hard and dry stools.
Lack of physical activity can also play a role, as exercise helps stimulate the muscles in the intestines.
Certain medications, such as opioids and antidepressants, can cause constipation as a side effect.
Chronic constipation can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, or diabetes.
Psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety, can contribute to constipation as well.

It is important to identify the underlying cause and make appropriate lifestyle changes or seek medical advice if chronic constipation persists.

The Risk that Your Laxative Leads You to Chronic Constipation

Long-term use of laxatives can potentially result in chronic constipation. While laxatives provide short-term relief by stimulating bowel movements, prolonged use can lead to dependence on them.

Over time, the body may become less responsive to the effects of laxatives, requiring higher doses for the same effect. This can disrupt the natural bowel movement process and cause the colon muscles to become weak and less efficient.

Additionally, laxatives can alter the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body, further exacerbating constipation.

It is important to use laxatives only as directed and consult a healthcare professional if ongoing constipation persists.

Prevention from Chronic Constipation

What Should You Do to Prevent Chronic Constipation?

The good news is that you have a lot of options that you can address easily in your daily life to prevent awful effects of chronic constipation on the body.

Increase fiber intake: Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet to add bulk to your stool and promote regular bowel movements.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your stool soft and prevent dehydration, which can contribute to constipation.
Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activity to stimulate the muscles in your intestines and promote regular bowel movements.
Establish regular bathroom habits: Make time in your daily routine for a bowel movement, as this helps regulate your body’s natural digestive patterns.
Avoid delaying the urge to go: If you feel the need to have a bowel movement, don’t ignore it. Delaying can lead to the stool becoming harder and more difficult to pass.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect your digestive system, potentially leading to constipation. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Limit processed foods and caffeine: These substances can contribute to constipation, so it’s best to reduce their intake.
Consider dietary supplements: If necessary, discuss with your healthcare provider about taking fiber supplements or stool softeners to alleviate constipation. We, Juveriente®, provide you a natural supplement which is safe for long time use, based on Kanpo, Chinese medicine refined in Japan.

Remember, if you experience persistent or severe constipation, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If You Are Diagnosed… What Relieves You Out Of Chronic Constipation?

If you are diagnosed with chronic constipation, there are several methods that can help relieve your symptoms. Here are some options:

Dietary changes: Increase your fiber intake by consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. This can help soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements. Additionally, staying hydrated is important for maintaining healthy bowel function.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity stimulates the muscles in your intestines, promoting bowel movements. Engaging in regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, or yoga, can help alleviate constipation.
Over-the-counter laxatives: There are various types of over-the-counter laxatives that can help relieve constipation. Some examples include bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, stimulant laxatives, and osmotic laxatives. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using these laxatives, as they may have side effects and can interact with other medications.
Prescription medications: If over-the-counter laxatives are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe medications specifically designed to treat chronic constipation. These medications work by increasing stool frequency or softening the stool.
Kanpo Medication (Chinese Traditional Medicine Refined Through the Long Japanese History): As we have already discussed, some laxatives may lead you to chronic constipation by prolonged use. Kanpo medication aims moderate healing from the overall health and the root cause, while addressing the symptom directly but mildly.
Juveriente® has closed a partnership with a Japanese brand Nalelu®, that reconstructs the Kanpo idea with contemporary ingredients. It is formulated for long time use. They have brougt the natural laxative supplement, HarmoniHerbs Gentle Laxative, from Japan.
Lifestyle modifications: Creating a regular bowel movement schedule and allowing enough time for a complete evacuation can be helpful. It is also important to avoid suppressing the urge to have a bowel movement.

Remember, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan based on the severity and underlying causes of your chronic constipation.

Understanding Laxative Side Effects: Risks and Prevention | Health Insights

What Are The Side Effects of Laxatives – Comprehensive Review

Non Prescription Supplements – Really OK without a Doctor’s Prescription?

What are the side effects of Laxatives? Before discussing it, there is one critical fact you need to know, especially if you live in the United States. You can find a lot of laxative supplements in online marketplaces like Amazon there. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to purchase them.

However, many other countries, including Japan, designate some critical functional ingredients as pharmaceutical medicines. They are, for example,

1. 1. Bisacodyl (intestinal motility stimulants / osmotic laxative)
  2. Docusate Sodium (osmotic laxative)
  3. Magnesium Hydroxide (osmotic laxative)
  4. Polyethylene Glycol (osmotic laxative)

It means these ingredients contain certain severe risks if you take them without a doctor’s supervision. Let’s see what kind of risks lie there.

Types of Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives

These laxatives contain fiber that absorbs water, increasing stool bulk. They help promote regular bowel movements and are usually considered safe for long-term use.

Stimulant laxatives

This type of laxative stimulates the intestines to contract, which helps move stool through the bowel. Stimulant laxatives are effective but should be used cautiously as they can cause dependence and may have side effects such as abdominal cramps.

Osmotic laxatives

Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool and promoting bowel movements. They are useful for constipation relief but can also cause electrolyte imbalances with prolonged use.

Stool softeners

Stool softeners add moisture to the stool, making it easier to pass. They are commonly used for short-term relief of constipation, especially in individuals with painful or hard stools.

Lubricant laxatives

These laxatives coat the stool, making it slippery and easier to pass through the colon. However, lubricant laxatives are generally used less frequently due to potential side effects and the availability of other more effective options.

What Are The Side Effects Of Laxatives by Type

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives are commonly used to relieve constipation. However, they can cause various side effects, both in the short term and the long term.

Short-term side effects may include abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. These effects are typically mild and subside once the laxative use is discontinued.

Long-term use of stimulant laxatives may lead to dependence on these medications for regular bowel movements. Over time, the bowel may become less responsive to the laxatives, resulting in decreased effectiveness. Chronic laxative use can also interfere with the body’s natural ability to regulate bowel movements, leading to a reliance on laxatives for normal bowel function.

Additionally, long-term use of stimulant laxatives can cause damage to the intestines, impairing their natural ability to contract and move waste through the digestive system. This can result in a condition known as “lazy bowel” or intestinal inertia.

It is important to note that stimulant laxatives are meant for short-term use only and should not be used regularly without medical supervision.

Osmotic laxatives

The short-term side effects of osmotic laxatives may include stomach discomfort, bloating, and cramping. These laxatives draw water into the intestines to soften the stool and promote bowel movements.

However, long-term use can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, such as dehydration or excessive water retention.

Additionally, if used excessively for a prolonged period, it may cause dependency or a lazy bowel syndrome, where the natural ability of the bowel to contract and move stool is compromised.

It is important to use osmotic laxatives under the guidance of a healthcare professional and for short-term purposes only.

Stool Softeners

Short-term side effects of stool softeners may include nausea, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. these side effects are usually mild and improve over time.

In the long term, prolonged use of stool softeners can lead to dependence on the medication for bowel movements. This can result in the body becoming reliant on the stool softener to maintain regular bowel movements, making it difficult to have a bowel movement without the medication.

Additionally, long-term use may cause electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium levels, as well as dehydration. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use and duration of stool softeners.

Kanpo Laxatives: Free from Side Effects?

What is Kanpo?

Kanpo laxative is a laxative medication derived from traditional Japanese herbal medicine. It is known to be relatively free from significant side effects. While individual reactions may vary, Kanpo laxative generally has a low risk of causing adverse effects such as nausea, abdominal cramping, or diarrhea.

Are all the Kanpo Ingredients Free from Side Effects?

No. Kanpo and its prototype, Chinese traditional medicine, have picked effective herbs for medication. They are from nature and are not refined or concentrated artificially. In addition, they have passed hundreds or thousands of years of clinical tests. In these senses, Kanpo ingredients are relatively safe. But if one herb has a specific effect, it can have a certain extent of potential side effects, even though it is a natural herb.

Why Kanpo medicine is safer?

Kanpo focuses on the body’s natural healing power and aims to improve the fundamental constitution causing bodily discomfort by combining numerous natural ingredients. This approach differs from the Western medical philosophy of ‘directly correcting specific issues with functional substance.’
Kanpo often contains natural ingredients in three roles. They are;

(1) Functional ingredients for immediate/fast healing of the symptom

(2) Ingredients to improve the root cause of the symptom; in most cases, it’s the general health condition of the whole body.

(3) Ingredients to support (1) and (2) to mitigate the risk of side effects, to organize the health condition that the ingredients can work well, etc.

One Kanpo medicine designates many different items for each role. Such a large number of ingredients will make the Kanpo medicine more similar to just food and make it safer.

Contemporary Kanpo “Nalelu”

NALELU is a supplement brand in Japan based on the idea to reconstruct this Kampo philosophy with contemporary materials. People have loved their products for decades in Japan.

Juveriente has closed a partnership with Nalelu and bring you their natural supplement of “contemporary Kanpo” as JUVERIENTE®/Nalelu®.

HarmoniHerbs Gentle Laxative by JUVERIENTE® / Nalelu®

HarmoniHerbs Gentle Laxative combines 29 plant materials as a Contemporary Chinese herbal remedy under the concept of Kanpo. It aims to provide a mild improvement in bowel movements while working towards fundamental improvement in constitution for better and safer long-term use.

DIRECT PROMOTION OF BOWEL MOVEMENTS:

- Aloe Vera, Senna, Candle Bush (moves the intestines, establishes a rhythm for excreting accumulated stool)
- Cranberry (expels lower body swelling and facilitates intestinal movement)

IMPROVEMENT OF INTESTINAL ENVIRONMENT:

- Inulin (water-soluble fiber found in chicory and burdock), Plantago ovata (insoluble fiber, a traditional folk remedy in Japan), Ashitaba and barley young leaves (well-known as comprehensive health materials in Japan)
- Oligosaccharides (lactulose), Bifidobacteria (increases beneficial bacteria in the intestines)
- Enzyme extract (powder of fermentation extract from 82 types of foods)

SUPPORT FOR IMPROVING THE INTESTINAL ENVIRONMENT:

- Cumin, black pepper, Sichuan pepper (activates intestinal movement, from Indian and Chinese medicine)
- Chitosan (animal-derived fiber from crabs and shrimp)
- Job’s Tears (a traditional Chinese herbal material for relieving abdominal swelling)
- Ginger (warms the abdomen and improves blood circulation, a traditional Chinese herbal material)

How about taking this opportunity to explore the wisdom of Kanpo, which is a culmination of extensive experience and knowledge accumulated over many years?

Can Menopause Cause Constipation? Understanding Digestive Changes

Exploring the Link Between Menopause and Constipation Concerns

Can menopause cause constipation?
Many women experience digestive system changes as they enter menopause. A decline in estrogen levels can slow gastrointestinal movement, leading to constipation.

What happens behind it and how we can address it?

What Happens to Your Digestive Health During Menopause?

During menopause, changes in hormone levels can have an impact on digestive health.

The decrease in estrogen can affect the functioning of the digestive system, causing a slowdown in bowel movements and potentially leading to constipation.

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can also affect the balance of gut bacteria, which may contribute to digestive issues.

Perimenopause and constipation

Perimenopause, which is the transitional stage before menopause, can also contribute to constipation. During this time, hormonal changes can affect the digestive system and lead to slower bowel movements.

Additionally, perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances may indirectly affect bowel regularity. (This also holds true in menopause, too.)

The Impact of Menopause on Bowel Movements (in-depth explanation)

During menopause, hormonal changes occur, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a role in maintaining the integrity and function of the gastrointestinal tract, including the muscles responsible for bowel movements.

The decrease in estrogen can lead to decreased muscle tone and motility in the intestines, resulting in slower transit time of waste through the digestive system. This can contribute to constipation and difficulty with bowel movements.

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during menopause can also affect fluid balance in the body, leading to dehydration and further exacerbating constipation.

juveriente.com

HarmoniHerbs Gentle Laxative by JUVERIENTE®/Nalelu®

Safety InformationDo not exceed the recommended dosage.Keep out of reach of children.Legal Disclaimer*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.IngredientsPRIMARY INGREDIENTS・　Lactobacillus Bifidus (dead bacteria)・　Lactosucrose・　Chitosan（originated from CRAB）・　Fermented Plant Extra Powder (as enzyme) (contains SESAME)OTHER INGREDIENTSInulin (water soluble dietary fiber), Can...

Moreover, menopause can be associated with other factors contributing to bowel movement changes, such as increased stress levels, dietary changes, and reduced physical activity. These factors can further contribute to the difficulty in passing stool.

Identifying and Managing Bowel Irregularity in Post-Menopausal Women

In the study, “Identifying and Managing Constipation in Post-Menopausal Women,” researchers aimed to provide insights into the identification and management of constipation in women after menopause.

The study highlights the importance of recognizing the unique factors that contribute to constipation in this population, such as hormonal changes and decreased physical activity.

How to Prevent and Address Menopausal Constipation?

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in managing the healthy passing of stool. Firstly, increasing dietary fiber intake is essential. Fiber helps to add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive system. It also helps promote beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

Incorporating foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can significantly contribute to meeting the recommended fiber intake.

Additionally, staying hydrated is important. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps to keep the stool soft and facilitates its passage. Physical activity is another key aspect as it helps to stimulate bowel movements and maintain regularity. Engaging in regular exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help prevent and manage constipation during menopause.

Furthermore, it is important to avoid or limit certain foods that can contribute to constipation, such as processed foods, fried and fatty foods, and dairy products. These can slow down digestion and make bowel movements more difficult.

In conclusion, adopting a diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding constipation-triggering foods can all contribute to effectively managing menopausal constipation. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to rule out any underlying health conditions.

The Effect of Alcohol

While moderate alcohol intake may not directly cause constipation, excessive or frequent alcohol consumption can contribute to constipation in menopausal women.

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can affect the digestive system, potentially leading to constipation.

Additionally, alcohol can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, which may further contribute to constipation.

It is important for menopausal women experiencing constipation to stay hydrated and consume alcohol in moderation, if at all, to help manage symptoms. Consulting with a healthcare professional is always recommended for personalized advice.

About Laxative Supplements

Laxative supplement ingredients in the USA designated as pharmaceuticals in Japan

We researched the popular constipation supplements in Amazon USA. What surprised us was that the functional ingredients in some top-rated laxative supplements are ingredients designated as pharmaceuticals in Japan.
Some laxative ingredients have solid functions and will relieve you immediately. But you must be careful about strong ingredients

Intestinal Motility Stimulants

Continued use of intestinal motility stimulants may lead to the body developing tolerance and chronic low peristaltic movement, which means chronic constipation symptoms. Such low intestinal motility may need surgical recovery in worse cases.

Osmotic Laxative

Some supplements called “stool softener” often contain osmotic laxative. It inhibits water absorption and electrolytes in the intestines, increases water content in the stool, and enhances stool softness, promoting bowel movements.
It is comparatively safer than intestinal motility stimulants even by continuous usage, but it also has potential side effects. They include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. It also develops a tolerance.

The most popular osmotic laxative, magnesium hydroxide, poses another concern, hypermagnesemia, by long continuous dosage.

Regardless of the ingredient’s function types, we don’t recommend prolonged use of potent ingredients designated as pharmaceuticals in other countries.

Examples of laxative ingredients which are used for supplements in the USA but designated as pharmaceuticals in Japan

1. 1. Bisacodyl (intestinal motility stimulants / osmotic laxative)
  2. Docusate Sodium (osmotic laxative)
  3. Magnesium Hydroxide (osmotic laxative)
  4. Polyethylene Glycol (osmotic laxative)

Natural Laxatives

Botanical Laxatives

Natural laxatives,

with a long history in traditional medicine, have been tested over time and are generally considered to be relatively safe.　They include Rhubarb, Cannubis Fractus, etc.

Japanese Herbal Remedies

Kanpo uses the above natural laxatives. “Kanpo” is traditional Japanese herbal medicine shaped by refining ancient Chinese medicine throughout Japanese history.

It’s not only a natural alternative to modern medicines. The concept is different from modern medicine and popular supplements, as the following.

(1) Its goal is to make bowel movements as natural as possible rather than immediate and clear results.

(2) The approach combines various natural ingredients to achieve long-term effects with minimal side effects, aiming to improve the constitution rather than relying on a single potent component for immediate, easily noticeable results.

For example, it minimizes the natural intestinal stimulant by combining dietary fiber for a more natural solution. Combining various ingredients will support each other in their pros and cons and shape a safe and effective solution as the whole set.

Juveriente®’s Natural Laxative Complex, HarmoniHerbs Gentle Laxative

A Japanese natural supplement brand, Nalelu®, has been supplying a long-seller natural laxative complex in Japan based on the concept of Kanpo.
Now, Juveriente® has brought it to international customers for their safer and long-term solution.

You can find the further details about this product here.

juveriente.com

HarmoniHerbs Gentle Laxative by JUVERIENTE®/Nalelu®

A natural supplement to balance your hormone, extracted from Miso

Needless to say, it’s crucial to improve your hormonal imbalance, the root cause, before discussing constipation relief.

Miso soup made from Miso, fermented soybean paste is a Japanese staple. Miso has a lot of health benefits and works as a daily herbal medicine to keep up Japanese people’s life. One notable benefit of Miso is that Japanese women experience far easier menopausal experiences than Westerners. You can enjoy the same health benefits with this natural supplement.

Juveriente®’s Effisoy, launched in 2016, based on fermented soybean germ extract has been loved as a natural menopause relief since its launching in 2016.

Its primary function is to boost the weakened synthesis of a hormone precursor, DHEA. It’s safe as it only heals the natural synthesis function. The hormone boost doesn’t provide the only relief from menopausal symptoms. It also supports various aging and hormonal imbalance issues like insomnia, weight increase by aging, etc.

Here are some of the real product reviews in our Amazon shop.

“Restful sleep finally!!”, “I Am Now Free of Hot Flashes!!”, “Lifesaver”