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Treatments for Conditions
Are you fiber deficient, like many Americans? Fiber can reduce the symptoms of many conditions including constipation, hemorrhoids along with many others.
The American diet is commonly low in fiber due to the abundance of processed foods like white bread and pasta. However, when people begin to get the recommended amount of fiber daily (25-30 grams), they can get the many health benefits of a proper fiber-rich diet. Konsyl fiber supplements make it simple to get more fiber daily.
Do you have a particular health concern? Read on to see how fiber can help and which type of fiber may be most beneficial. |
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New research:
Increased dietary fiber intake may reduce risk of preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition in which a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can lead to stroke or impaired kidney function, decreased blood flow to the placenta, seizures and, if other complications arise, possibly death. New study findings published online July 17, 2008 in American Journal of Hypertension, showed that women who increased their fiber intake in the first trimester of pregnancy had a lower risk of preeclampsia.
In this study, it was found that after adding 5g of fiber, a 14% reduction was seen for preeclampsia. It was reported that the women in the study who ate the highest amounts of fiber (at least 21g per day), had 67% lower chance of preeclampsia than the women who got the least amount of fiber – less than 11.9 g per day. Further research is needed before a conclusive connection can be made, but this may be an added benefit of fiber for pregnant women, many of whom are already increasing fiber intake to avoid constipation.
Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. Constipation is common in women in general and particularly a problem for pregnant women.
Fiber increases the amount of water content in fecal matter, creating more bulk and softer, well-formed stools. It helps the bowel system function naturally and avoids the harsh, irritating effects of habit-forming, stimulant laxatives.
Fiber is doctor-recommended for pregnancy constipation
 Causes of Constipation during Pregnancy
- Hormone Changes: The pregnancy hormone progesterone slows down intestinal function, and the longer the stool sits in the large intestine, the harder and drier it gets.
- Vitamins and Antacids: While they have many benefits, prenatal vitamins, particularly those containing iron, are very constipating. Calcium-based antacids (like TUMS® ) and calcium supplements also can lead to constipation.
- Pressure on the Intestines: As the uterus grows, it can press on the bowel and slow the passage of stool.
- Stool Retention: If there is pain from an episiotomy or laceration, women often feel afraid to have a bowel movement and consciously or unconsciously hold back
- Medication Side-effect: Narcotic pain medications (such as codeine) are constipating.
Treatment and Prevention of Constipation
The best treatment of this type of constipation is a high-fiber diet and plenty of water and exercise. Also, avoid long periods of standing or sitting. Your doctor may prescribe an all-natural psyllium fiber supplement like Konsyl Original or Konsyl Easy Mix. The fiber in Konsyl is safe and effective for both the pregnant woman and her baby. Pregnant women can take psyllium fiber daily .
Stimulant laxatives (like Dulcolax® , Ex-lax® and Correctol®*) should be avoided unless directed by a practitioner. Mild laxatives are safe to use during pregnancy. For occasional constipation, a natural fiber laxative such as Konsyl provides a concentrated source of fiber, and therefore safely serves a useful purpose. Fiber supplements should be taken with plenty of liquids and are safe even if taken on a daily basis.
Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy
Especially during the third trimester, many pregnant women get hemorrhoids (also called "piles"). Hemorrhoids are more common if the woman is constipated. Hemorrhoids are a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Fiber produces a softer fecal mass and encourages better regularity with less straining and irritation.
Causes of Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy
An increase in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy causes the walls of the veins to relax, allowing them to swell more easily. Also, the weight and position of the baby puts pressure on the rectal veins. Constipation can also cause hemorrhoids or make them worse.
Postpartum Hemorrhoids
Causes of Postpartum Hemorrhoids
The pushing required for vaginal delivery puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the rectal veins. Many women suffer from hemorrhoids after delivery. Preventing and treating constipation is important. Often hemorrhoids resolve as the body recovers from the birthing experience.
Treatment and Prevention of Hemorrhoids
Measures to reduce symptoms include tub baths in plain, warm water and application of a hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time.
Doctors may suggest a a natural treamtment, bulk stool softener or a psyllium fiber supplement, like Konsyl Original or Konsyl Easy Mix. The fiber in Konsyl is safe and effective for use during pregnancy.
*Dulcolax is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Ex-Lax is a registered trademark of Novartis Consumer Health, Inc , Correctol is a registered trademark of Schering-Plough, Inc. Tums is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline.
Try Konsyl Easy Mix psyllium fiber
Konsyl Easy Mix fiber supplement has 4.3g of psyllium per teaspoonful. It has no sugar or artificial sweeteners. Mix it up with your favorite juice for high fiber with better mixability.
Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious.
Fiber increases the amount of water content in fecal matter, creating more bulk and softer, well-formed stools. It is a natural treatment and helps the bowel system function and avoids the harsh, irritating effects of habit-forming, stimulant laxatives.
Signs and Symptoms of Constipation
- Fewer bowel movements than usual
Hard, dry stools that are difficult or painful to pass
The sensation of a full rectum, even after a bowel movement
Causes of Constipation
The colon (large intestine) absorbs excess water while forming waste products. Muscle contractions remove the waste from the rectum. When these natural contractions are interrupted or disturbed, waste materials move slowly. This causes the colon to absorb too much water, resulting in constipation. Many factors can cause constipation, such as:
- A low-fiber diet
- Lack of exercise
- A low fluid intake
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- Stress and anxiety
- Medication side effect
- Lifestyle changes, such as pregnancy and travel
Treatment and Prevention of Constipation
Fortunately, in most cases, constipation can be treated and prevented easily by making a few lifestyle changes, including eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising.
Some tips to help you stay regular:
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily
Your doctor may recommend a stimulant laxative such as SennaPrompt for overnight relief, followed by a daily routine of psyllium fiber such as Konsyl Original fiber supplement to maintain regularity.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician.
"I'm a devoted customer. A friend told me about SennaPrompt because I have ended up in the hospital many times because of my problem with not being able to have a bowel movement. At one point they wanted to remove my small intestine to fix the problem, and even that was not guaranteed. I'm on heavy pain medication for arthritis and other medical problems. My doctors have tried every type of prescription drugs and over the counter too to have a bowel movement.Since I have been using your product daily I have been feeling 100% better. Without SennaPrompt my life would be much tougher. Thank you for a great product."Richard in McKinleyville, CA
Constipation and Women
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints and it has been estimated that at least 4.5 million people, two thirds of them women, suffer constipation that is frequent and problematic enough to require medical attention.
The bowel frequency of women is generally less than that of men. (1) Studies have been done that suggest that the majority of women have bowel movements no more often than every other day. (2) It may be that there is a range of normal, from three times per week to three times per day.
Konsyl fiber products are recommended by doctors and may help.
All studies are in agreement that significantly more women than men report constipation and that the prevalence increases with age. In 1989, an analysis on national data reported that the prevalence of frequent or chronic constipation was about 2%. (3) Constipation was three times more common in women and after age 65, it rose to 8% in women and 4% in men. In 1990, the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported a higher incidence in the general population of 12.8% with the ratio of women to men being more than 2 to 1 (18.2% vs 7%). (4)
Pregnant women may have greater problems, as many as 38%, although there is not good research in this area. The majority of the problems are in the third trimester and often persist for several months. Pregnancy and vaginal delivery may also have long lasting adverse effects on bowel function by weakening the pelvic floor muscles.
Signs and Symptoms of Constipation
- Fewer bowel movements than usual
- Hard, dry stools that are difficult or painful to pass
- The sensation of a full rectum, even after a bowel movement
Causes of Constipation in Women
There are some possible explanations as to why women have a higher incidence of constipation. Pelvic floor dysfunction after pregnancy could be an explanation for some of the cases. Longer transit times have been noted in the third trimester and during the luteal phase when progesterone levels are high. Other hormonal influences may influence physiological changes in water absorption, peristalsis (rippling motion of muscles in the digestive tract), and transit time. Psychological differences may also be a source of the higher incidence in women. Depression, more common in women, is also more common in women with other bowel problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.(5)
The colon (large intestine) absorbs excess water while forming waste products. Muscle contractions remove the waste from the rectum. When these natural contractions are interrupted or disturbed, waste materials move slowly. This causes the colon to absorb too much water, resulting in constipation. Many factors can cause constipation, such as:
- A low-fiber diet
- Lack of exercise
- A low fluid intake
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- Stress and anxiety
- Medication side effect
- Lifestyle changes, such as pregnancy and travel
Treatment and Prevention of Constipation
Fortunately, in most cases, constipation can be treated and prevented easily by making a few lifestyle changes, including eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising.
Example of a treatment plan for mild uncomplicated constipation: (try for 2 to 3 months before adding other therapies):
- Diet modifications: increased fiber, increased water (eight glasses per day) reduced caffeine and alcohol
- Exercise: minimum of 30 minutes 4 times weekly
- Magnesium: 500mg to 1,000 mg daily
- Bulk forming laxative (such as Konsyl fiber): in the morning plus full glass of water
- Prunes: 6 per day
- Lactobacillus: 2 capsules per day
Your doctor may recommend a stimulant laxative such as SennaPrompt for overnight relief, followed by a daily routine of psyllium fiber supplements such as Konsyl Original or Konsyl Easy Mix to maintain regularity.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician.
(1.) Heaton K, Radvan J, Cripps H, et al. Defecation frequency and timing, and stool form in the general population: a prospective study. Gut. 1992; 33:818-824.(2.) Toglia M. Pathophysiology of anorectal dysfunction. Obstet Gynecal Clin North Am. 1998; 25:771-780.(3.) Sonnenberg A, Koch T. Epidemiology of constipation in the United States. Dis Colon Rectum. 1989;32:1-8.(4.) Sandier R, Jordan M, Shelton B. Demographic and dietary determinants of constipation in the US population. Am J Public Health. 1990;80:185-289.(5.) Hudson T, "Constipation in women" - Women's Health Update, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, June 2003.
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Hemorrhoids are a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Fiber produces a softer fecal mass and encourages better regularity with less straining and irritation.
Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids are rectal pain, protrusion with occasional itching. There are internal and external hemorrhoids. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood on toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl. Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause hemorrhoids.
Treatment and Prevention of Hemorrhoids
Non-Surgical Treatment:
- Increase fiber to 25-35 grams per day
- Increase water intake
- Regular exercise
- Decrease fat in diet
Measures to reduce symptoms include tub baths in plain, warm water and applcation of a hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time.
Doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a psyllium fiber supplement such as Konsyl Original or Konsyl Easy Mix to aid in the treamtent of hemorrhoids.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. >> Back to top
Did you know that taking fiber can help lower or maintain your proper cholesterol levels? Studies show that fiber reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
How much psyllium fiber do you need to lower cholesterol levels?
Studies show 14 grams of psyllium seed husk per day, along with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol have lowered blood total as well as LDL cholesterol levels.
Psyllium husk is a top supplement for those protective of their hearts
Better Homes & Gardens' February 2009 issue lists Konsyl psyllium fiber as a nutrient supplement to boost heart health. Soy and fish oil were other top picks for those caring for their heart health.
Oatmeal vs psyllium for lowering cholesterol
You may have heard about oatmeal as a good source of soluble fiber for lowering cholesterol. But if you eat those packets of sweetened instant oatmeal, you’d have to eat 3 packets to get enough. For a flavor like maple brown sugar, that’d be 480 calories!
To get the same amount of cholesterol lowering power from pure psyllium, just take 2 1/2 rounded teaspoonfuls – only 8 calories! Divide your doses throughout the day. Take fiber 20 minutes before each meal and feel less hungry, too.
For the best value, get Konsyl Original. This fiber supplement is 450 grams of pure psyllium husk - no fillers, sugars or artificial sweeteners. (Don't be fooled by the large size container of the other guys! They add artificial flavors, sugar substitutes and other things you don't want. You'll only get 376 grams of psyllium in their "value size.")
A cost-effective approach to caring for heart health In an article printed in Preventative Cardiology, Fall 1999, Dr. Stephen R. Yarnall wrote, "The most overlooked, cost effective treatment of elevated cholesterol levels is soluble fiber.... Soluble fiber supplementation should be considered in every patient with elevated LDL cholesterol, since a reduction of 5% - 15% in LDL levels may be achieved, as well as other health benefits." Konsyl is an excellent (or concentrated) source of that soluble fiber.
What’s wrong with cholesterol?
Too much cholesterol in the blood may cause fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits make it difficult for enough blood to flow through the arteries. The heart may not get as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs, which increases the risk of a heart attack. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician.
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Do you have trouble losing weight and keeping it off?
The key to your successful weight loss may not lie in trendy diets that offer little more than yo-yo weight loss. Studies have shown that increasing fiber intake, both soluble and insoluble, along with a diet rich in whole grains, fruit, and vegetables will increase your chances of weight loss success significantly. Feel Fuller with Fiber
Adding more high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes and whole grains is the first step towards weight loss success. Fiber is not digested by the body, so it gives a feeling of fullness without converting into calories. The fuller you feel, the less likely you are to eat between meals. Of course, it can be difficult to keep fresh fruits at hand or change your mind about foods you don't care for. A fiber supplement can be a quick way to get a fiber boost, aiding in your goal of long-term weight loss and weight management. Doctors Approve Fiber for Weight Loss
Doctors agree that eating a high fiber diet can help weight loss. Dr. Jan McBarron from the Hughston Clinic, in Columbus Georgia, suggests "a diet high in fiber can help you control certain medical conditions by helping you control your weight."
Dr. David L. Smith noted: "A generous supply of Konsyl shakers/samples arrived safe and sound at the VA Clinic in Colorado Springs. I thank you. Currently I recommend the product well diluted in juice for the standard indications and as part of a weight reduction program. I see a lot of overweight diabetics with lipid problems and Konsyl tends to "bulk up" the stomach and cut the appetite with little caloric intake. Of course it also helps to eat less (smaller portions) and leave something on the plate. A liberal water intake is helpful. Again, thanks." The South Beach Lifestyle
Many consider the popular South Beach Diet more of a lifestyle than a quick fix. The word "diet" can mean that you follow a regimen for a while, lose weight, then go back to your old eating habits. Often this pattern leads to fluctuations in weight that can be unhealthy. The South Beach Diet suggests eating high fiber whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as part of an overall lifestyle change to accomplish weight loss. Dr. Arthur Agatston, cardiologist and author of the South Beach Diet says, "Fiber plays an important role in long-term health, but as a society, we don't consume nearly enough. According to some statistics, Americans only eat between 12 and 17 grams per day when they should be getting 25 to 30 grams per day." Taking a fiber supplement like Konsyl Original (5g per teaspoonful) while following the parameters of the diet will help you meet your daily fiber requirements and you will be on your way to weight loss success. Nutritionists Agree
Well-known nutritionist Joy Bauer (TODAY Show contributor) devotes an entire chapter in her book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Total Nutrition, to the benefits of fiber and where to get it. She advocates "eating fiber rich foods….[They] can make you feel full because they absorb water and swell inside you." Fiber supplements act in the same way. When you choose a supplement, look carefully at the label. Not all supplements are created equal. Look for one that has the highest total grams of fiber without any added sugars and unwanted extra calories. Look to the range of Konsyl fiber products to find a premium fiber supplement you can use every day.
A Registered Dietician's advice on looking for high fiber foods.
“If you’re having a slice of bread, for one serving, you should have at least 3 grams of fiber.”
"Get the whole fruit, instead of getting the juice."
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Some go back and forth between constipation and diarrhea. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines. Dietary fiber seems to reduce the abdominal discomfort and allows the colon to relax, resulting in consistent bowel movements on a regular basis.
"Konsyl Easy Mix is the latest improvement in fiber supplements. I began taking Konsyl about 1972. It changed my life. I recently sent it to a friend in Italy who has suffered from IBS and diverticulitis for all of his life. After a week he was eating foods he was unable to eat. It has changed his life too. I have recommended it to many people over the years."Bryna
Signs and Symptoms of IBS
The primary symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Other common symptoms are indigestion, nausea, gas and bloating. Generally speaking, the abdominal pain is in the lower abdomen and is characterized by a crampy feeling which comes and goes.
- Do you have crampy abdominal pain that is often relieved by the passage of stool or gas?
- Do you have diarrhea usually associated with meals?
- Do you often get diarrhea early in the day?
- Do you experience constipation -- either the passage of small quantities of stool (often in small balls or narrow strands) or infrequent bowel movements (less than every third day)?
- Do you find your body alternates between diarrhea and constipation?
Because of the complex nature of this disorder, your physician will need a thorough medical history including medications, other health problems, dietary habits, exercise patterns and home/work environments.
Jennifer Snyder, R.D.
A dietician finds fiber helps her IBS
"I first started to notice the symptoms of IBS at the age of 23, inconveniently the same day my husband proposed to me. On a daily basis, I would experience abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating. As a dietitian, I couldn't understand why I was experiencing such awful constipation when I ate a near perfect diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. As time passed, I noticed that the symptoms would intensify during periods of high stress- even during my wedding and honeymoon. While talking with a patient that had IBS, it dawned on me that I was suffering from the same symptoms that she had. (Light bulb!) I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome!For my patients with IBS and constipation, I always recommend a high fiber diet. But as a vegetarian, I knew I was eating about as many veggies as I could handle in one day, and I wasn't feeling any better. So I started to look for a good fiber supplement, and I found it in Konsyl. I like that it has no extra fillers or artificial sweeteners that can exacerbate IBS. I started taking 1 tsp. each morning before going to work, and my IBS resolved immediately! I still take it once or twice a day and my symptoms have completely disappeared. As a Registered Dietitian, I now recommend Konsyl to all my IBS patients. It helped me return to a normal life, and I'm sharing this story in hopes that it might help other IBS sufferers as well."
Hear Jennifer on the Danielle Lin health radio show.
Causes of IBS
The exact cause of IBS is not known. Symptoms appear to result from a disturbance in the interaction between the gut, brain, and nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motor or sensory function. IBS is not caused by stress. However, because of the connection between the brain and the gut, symptoms can be exacerbated or triggered by stress. There is no specific test for IBS, but diagnostic tests may be needed to rule out other diseases.
Natural Treatment and Prevention of IBS
The average American eats too much fat and only one-third the amount of fiber recommended by the National Cancer Institute. Fiber is a general term for food which is not absorbed into your system and which stays in the stool, thereby increasing the stool bulk. Many people with IBS are aided by the regular ingestion of a fiber supplement such as Konsyl fiber to increase stool bulk.
"Konsyl was recommended to me by the gastroenterologist that tested and treated me for IBS. I have used it faithfully for three plus years. It is so easy to use and has resolved my problems with IBS." D in Elkridge, MD
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician.
Try Konsyl Easy Mix psyllium fiber
Konsyl Easy Mix fiber supplement has 4.3g of psyllium per teaspoonful. It has no sugar or artificial sweeteners. Mix it up with your favorite juice for high fiber with better mixability. Try a complimentary sample of Easy Mix.
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