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Constipation increases the chance of cognitive downfall.

Constipation increases the chance of cognitive downfall.

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Researchers looked into the relationship between constipation and deteriorating cognitive function in several recent studies.

In addition to various alterations in the gut flora, they discovered that having one bowel movement every three days or less frequently is associated with increased rates of cognitive deterioration.

More research is required to determine how these results might influence cognitive decline prevention and treatment approaches.

Constipation affects approximately 16% of the world’s population. Low levels of physical activity, being a woman, living in an area with high rates of constipation, and certain medical diseases, such as depression, hemorrhoids, and several cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal problems are all risk factors for constipation.

When a person has fewer than one bowel movement every three days or more, they are said to be chronically constipated. It has been connected to several illnesses, including sadness and anxiety.

According to studies, constipation is a frequent consequence of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease and is associated with a faster course of Alzheimer’s disease.

The development of treatments and preventative measures for cognitive decline and related disorders may be aided by knowing more about how constipation impacts the neurological system, and consequently, the brain and cognition.

The relationship between constipation and cognitive deterioration has recently been studied by experts. They discovered that a 73% higher likelihood of subjective cognitive deterioration was associated with having bowel movements every three days or less frequently.

Cognition and gut bacteria

Increases and decreases in specific gut flora have been associated with dementia and cognitive decline, according to several studies in this area.

According to Dr. Thomas Gut, an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell who was not involved in this study, “This research is a first step to investigating whether certain types of bacterial presence within our intestines protects our brains from certain types of cognitive diseases.”

Dr. Thomas Gut stated that although “this research does not even begin to address the question of whether promoting certain types of bacterial colonization could be protective of memory and brain function,” it does raise the issue and open up a new line of inquiry.”

Constipation linked to three additional years of age

The researchers analyzed information from 112,753 men and women for the study. the frequency of their bowel movements between 2012 and 2013, as well as self-reports of their cognitive function between 2014 and 2017.

Under the watchful eye of experts, a portion of 12,696 subjects also undertook neuropsychological testing. The participants also gave stool samples so that the amounts of various germs could be determined.

In the end, the researchers discovered that persons who had a bowel movement every three or more days had much lower cognition than those who had one each day, which is comparable to an additional three years of aging.

Additionally, they produced 73% less butyrate, a sign of good bacteria that aid in the digestion of dietary fibers, and had a lower overall risk of subjective cognitive decline.

The study’s findings also revealed that those who had more than two bowel movements each day had a somewhat higher risk of cognitive decline and tended to have more pro-inflammatory species in their microbiomes.

The study’s findings suggest that having fewer bowel movements is associated with poorer cognitive function and that this association may be explained by changes in the gut flora.

Certain gut bacteria linked to cognitive decline

Two more recent studies looked more closely at particular gut bacteria associated with an increased risk of dementia as well as those that may be neuroprotective.

In the initial investigation, data from 140 cognitively sound subjects with an average age of 56 years were analyzed. Data included measurements of the Alzheimer’s protein biomarkers amyloid and tau from PET brain scans as well as fecal samples.

They discovered that lower levels of the gut bacteria Butyricicoccus and Ruminococcus and higher levels of Cytophaga and Alistipes were associated with higher levels of amyloid and tau. They mentioned the possibility of neuroprotective benefits from Butyricicoccus and Ruminococcus.

According to a news statement from the researchers, the absence of some bacteria may increase gut permeability and the transport of some metabolites to the brain, which may in turn lead to an increase in amyloid-beta and tau protein formation.

They recommended testing if introducing, boosting, or decreasing particular gut microorganisms could advantageously alter levels of amyloid and tau. If so, this would be useful in locating potential novel Alzheimer’s treatment strategies.

In the second study, experts looked at fecal samples and the results of cognitive tests from 1,014 participants, with a mean age of 52. They divided the cohort into groups based on the results of their cognitive tests and contrasted those scoring in the bottom 20% with those scoring in the top 20%.

To learn more about the potential neuroprotective benefits of these bacteria, the researchers stressed that more study is required. They did, however, add that in the future, it might be able to control their abundance through food and prebiotics to maintain cognitive performance and brain health.

Uncertainty regarding causality

The National Institutes of Health’s Dr. J. Wes Ulm, a bioinformatic scientific resource analyzer and biological data specialist who was not involved in the study, was consulted by experts regarding its drawbacks.

The studies, he claimed, do not prove causation because of their early nature even though they reveal a link between constipation and cognitive deterioration.

It’s also unclear whether certain dietary habits, such consuming fibre or using probiotics or prebiotics, are related to the reported results, the author said.

Additionally, only a relatively small sample of the related patient population underwent objective testing using several methods to more reliably corroborate such a finding, making the majority of the findings of cognitive impairment in the patient group subjective.

Can overcoming constipation promote mental health?

Dr. Ulm highlighted that although the exact causes and processes of chronic constipation are still unknown, other research have demonstrated a connection between inflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders and factors that contribute to chronic constipation, such as inadequate fibre consumption, inadequate hydration intake, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Despite the fact that dietary guidelines regularly change in response to new scientific findings, he continued, strengthening general health practises may lower the risk of cognitive decline in the long run. Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, fibre, and water, as well as more frequent exercise, are examples of such practises.

Dr. Ulm came to the conclusion that it would be interesting to observe the results of this research, from straightforward methods to ease constipation to focused adjustments to the gut microbiota, and how they can aid in preventing dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.

REFERENCES:

For Constipation related medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=33

What are the list of worst food for constipation?

What are the list of worst food for constipation?

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Many foods have been found to aggravate or precipitate constipation. Regularity can be encouraged by altering your diet and consuming fewer of these meals.

Constipation, which is typically understood to mean having fewer than three bowel motions per week, is a common issue. In reality, it affects up to 27% of adults and is accompanied by symptoms including bloating and gas. It is more likely to affect you as you age or become less physically active.

While some meals can worsen constipation, others can help ease it or lessen the risk of it.

Can foods cause constipation?

A single, particular food will rarely directly induce constipation in healthy individuals. Yet, some diets can exacerbate it. Certain meals may have an effect on a person’s symptoms if they have persistent constipation.

Most people will experience occasional constipation at some point in their lives. However, chronic constipation, which is persistent, affects 2-27 percent of the population.

People are more prone to develop constipation, per the National Health Service (NHS), if they:

  • are expecting
  • regularly taking laxatives
  • consume a fiber-free diet
  • not enough fluids are consumed
  • suffer anxiety, despair, or stress
  • typically not active

Constipation can also be brought on by a variety of intestinal problems, including:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
  • an increase of microorganisms in the small intestine
  • inflammation of the colon (IBD)
  • diverticulosis

In addition, some drugs and supplements, such as opioids, antacids, and iron supplements, might have constipation as a side effect.

Foods that may cause or worsen constipation

Several foods that may worsen or cause constipation will be covered in the sections that follow.

Alcohol

Constipation is frequently cited as possibly being caused by alcohol. This is due to the fact that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the amount of fluids lost through urine, leading to dehydration.

Constipation is frequently associated with inadequate hydration, which can result from either not drinking enough water or losing too much of it through urine.

The direct connection between drinking alcohol and constipation could, sadly, not be proven by investigations. In addition, after a night of drinking, some people claim to experience diarrhoea rather than constipation.

It’s likely that different people experience different affects. Try to follow up each serving of alcohol with a glass of water or another non-alcoholic beverage to counteract the potential drying and constipating effects of alcohol.

Gluten-containing foods

Grains like wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and triticale contain the protein gluten. After consuming gluten-containing meals, some people may become constipated. Moreover, some persons are gluten intolerant. This is a disorder known as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Gluten causes the immune system of a person with celiac disease to attack their intestines, seriously damaging it. Because to this, those who have this condition must eat a gluten-free diet.

An estimated 0.5–1% of people worldwide are thought to have celiac disease, however many may be unaware of it. One of the common symptoms is chronic constipation. Eliminating gluten can help the gut feel better and mend.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) are two more conditions in which a person’s gut may react to wheat. Despite not being gluten intolerant, people with several medical disorders seem to be sensitive to wheat and other grains.

Before eliminating gluten from your diet if you believe it is the cause of your constipation, be careful to consult a medical practitioner to rule out celiac disease.

Processed grains

White bread, white rice, and white pasta are examples of processed grains and goods that are lower in fibre and may cause greater constipation than whole grains.

This is due to the removal of the grain’s bran and germ during processing. In particular, fibre, a nutrient that gives stool volume and promotes movement, is present in bran.

A higher fibre intake has been associated with a lower incidence of constipation in numerous studies. In fact, a recent study found that for every additional gramme of fibre ingested daily, constipation risk decreased by 1.8%.

Consequently, gradually reducing their intake of processed grains and substituting them with whole grains may be beneficial for persons who experience constipation.

Milk and other dairy goods

At least for some people, dairy appears to be another frequently occurring cause of constipation. Children and young adults seem to be at the greatest risk, probably because of a sensitivity to the proteins in cow’s milk.

According to a review of studies published over a 26-year period, some kids with persistent constipation got better when they stopped drinking cow’s milk.

Children with persistent constipation, ages 1 to 12, were given cow’s milk to drink for a while in a recent study. Soy milk was then used in place of cow’s milk for a while after that.

When soy milk was substituted for cow’s milk in the study’s group of 13 kids, nine of them got relief from constipation.

Red meat

For three primary reasons, eating red meat may make constipation worse. First off, it doesn’t have much fibre, which gives stools bulk and aids in movement.

Second, by substituting for higher-fiber foods in the diet, red meat may indirectly lower a person’s total daily fibre intake. This is particularly true if you overindulge in meat at a meal, which limits how much fiber-rich produce, beans, and whole grains you may have at the same time.

As a result of this scenario, daily fibre intake would be generally lower, thereby raising the risk of constipation. In addition, red meat often has higher fat content than other meats like poultry and fish, and high-fat diets take longer for the body to digest. It’s possible that doing this will make constipation even more likely in some circumstances.

Fast or fried food

Constipation risk may also be boosted by eating a lot of or frequently fried or fast food.

For the same reason that red meat might inhibit digestion, these foods frequently have high fat content and low fibre content. A person’s diet may also substitute fast food snacks like chips, cookies, chocolate, and ice cream for more fiber-rich options like fruits and vegetables.

By lowering the total quantity of fibre ingested each day, this can further raise the risk of constipation. It’s interesting how many people think chocolate is one of the main reasons they get constipated.

Additionally, the high salt concentration of fried and fast foods can reduce the water content of the stool, drying it out, and making it more difficult to pass through the body.

This occurs as a result of consuming excessive amounts of salt because your body absorbs water from your intestines to help balance out the excess salt in your bloodstream.

Persimmons

Popular fruits from Eastern Asia called persimmons might cause constipation in certain people.

There are many types, but the most fall into one of two categories: sweet or astringent. In instance, tannins, a substance known to lessen stomach secretions and contractions and inhibit bowel motions, are abundant in astringent persimmons.

Hence, excessive persimmon consumption, especially of astringent types, should be avoided by those who have constipation.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/list-of-foods-that-cause-constipation
  • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-foods-that-cause-constipation
  • https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a19995215/worst-foods-for-constipation/
  • https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-to-avoid-when-you-are-constipated-1944831
  • https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/worst-foods-for-constipation?

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What are the possible side effects of using Emergen-C?

What are the possible side effects of using Emergen-C?

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Vitamin C and other minerals are found in Emergen-C, a dietary supplement that will strengthen your immune system and give you more energy.

It can be combined with water to make a beverage, and people frequently choose it during the cold and flu season for added infection prevention.

What is Emergen-C?

It is said that Emergen-C, a powdered supplement with high dosages of vitamin C and B vitamins, would strengthen your immune system and give you more energy.

The product is sold in single-serving packets that should be dissolved in 4-6 ounces (118–177 ml) of water before use.

The finished beverage has a gentle fizz and contains 10 oranges’ worth of vitamin C. The ingredients in the original Emergen-C formulation, which is available in 12 varieties, are as follows:

  • 35 calories
  • 6 grammes sugar
  • 1,000 mg, or 1,667% of the daily value, of vitamin C (DV)
  • 10 mg, or 500% of the DV, of vitamin B6
  • 25 mcg, or 417% of the DV, of vitamin B12
  • 100 mcg of vitamin B-9 (25 percent of your RDA)
  • 0.5 mcg of manganese (25 percent of your RDA)
  • 2 mg of zinc (13 percent of your RDA)

Benefits

  • Immunity can be strengthened by vitamin C. It might also aid in collagen production to support healthy skin.
  • A healthy neurological system and the metabolism of red blood cells and lipids may both be supported by vitamin B-6.
  • Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body, and vitamin B-12 may aid in their production. In order to produce energy, food must be metabolised.
  • Folic acid supports the synthesis of amino acids.
  • Your overall immune system is supported by manganese, which also strengthens your skin and bones.
  • Assists in enhancing immunity is zinc.

How to use Emergen-C Tablet?

Take this medication as indicated, generally once daily. Chew it well before swallowing. Follow all the instructions on the product’s packaging or do what your doctor advises. Never take more than the dosage that is advised. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any queries.

To get the most benefit from this medication, take it frequently. Take it at the same time every day to aid in memory.

Side effects of Emergen-C

You could experience diarrhoea, constipation, or a stomachache. These side effects are typically transient and can go away as your body becomes used to the medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects persist or get worse.

Rarely will this medication cause a very serious allergic reaction. However, if you have any of the following signs of a significant allergic response, you should seek immediate medical attention. Reaction includes rash, itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or neck), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

The list of potential negative effects is not exhaustive. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other side effects not covered above.

Interactions

Drug interactions could alter how your medications function or raise the possibility of major negative side effects. All probable medication interactions are not included in this document. Keep a list of everything you use, including herbal products, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and provide it to your doctor and pharmacist.

Avoid taking your multivitamin, if it contains iron, at the same time as antacids, levodopa, bisphosphonates (such as alendronate), thyroid drugs (such as levothyroxine), or some antibiotics (for example, tetracyclines, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin). Find out how long you should wait between doses from your doctor or pharmacist, and ask them for assistance in creating a dosing schedule that will work with all of your drugs.This medication may affect some lab tests, leading to potentially inaccurate test results. Make sure all of your doctors and lab staff are aware that you use this medication.

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if you have any allergies to any of its ingredients or if you have any other allergies. Inactive chemicals in this product have the potential to trigger allergic reactions or other issues. To learn more, speak with your pharmacist.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before using this drug, especially of alcohol use or abuse, liver problems, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as ulcer, colitis).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking your multivitamin if it contains folic acid and you suffer from pernicious anaemia or vitamin B12 deficiency. Without addressing this anaemia, folic acid may have an impact on several laboratory tests for vitamin B12 deficiency. Serious nerve issues could arise from vitamin B12 deficiency if left untreated. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication may affect some lab tests, leading to potentially inaccurate test results. Make sure all of your doctors and lab staff are aware that you use this medication.

Bottom line

  • The dietary supplement Emergen-C contains significant amounts of the minerals zinc and vitamin D, as well as other vitamins and nutrients critical for immunity and energy levels.
  • It is unclear if these nutrients are beneficial for healthy adults, despite some evidence to the contrary.
  • Although it’s probably safe to use Emergen-C in moderation, taking too much vitamin C, vitamin B6, or zinc may cause stomach trouble, nerve damage, or a copper deficiency.
  • To enhance your immune system, in addition to eating the correct meals, you should also take care of your gut, exercise frequently, get adequate sleep, and manage your stress.

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How effective is Diphenhydramine for allergy symptoms?

How effective is Diphenhydramine for allergy symptoms?

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Diphenhydramine

Antihistamine diphenhydramine is used to treat cold, hay fever, and allergy symptoms. Rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing are some of these symptoms. Additionally, it is used to both prevent and treat motion sickness-related nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Diphenhydramine can also be used to induce sleep and promote relaxation. This medication works by preventing the body from producing a particular natural chemical called histamine when you experience an allergic reaction. It works by drying out symptoms like watery eyes and a runny nose by preventing the production of another natural substance by your body.

How to use Diphenhydramine ?

Observe every instruction on the product package. Take the medication as advised if your doctor has prescribed it. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any queries.

With or without food, take the pill, capsule, or liquid by mouth. Use a special measuring tool or spoon when measuring the liquid forms of this drug. Avoid using a regular spoon because you could not get the right dosage. You do not need to measure the dose if you have a single-dose form of this drug (such as a single-use whistle).

Allowing the rapidly dissolving tablet or strip to dissolve on the tongue before swallowing it with or without water is advised. Before swallowing the chewable tablets, they should be fully chewed.

Your age, health, and treatment response all factor into the dosage. There are numerous diphenhydramine brands and dosage options. Because the dosage for each product might vary, be sure to carefully read the directions before using it. Do not use this medication in larger amounts or more frequently than recommended.

Side effects of Diphenhydramine

There may be symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, constipation, stomach discomfort, impaired vision, or dry mouth, nose, or throat. Inform your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects persist or get worse.

If you experience any severe adverse effects, such as mental or mood problems (such as restlessness or confusion), difficulties urinating, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor straight once.

Rarely will this medication cause a very serious allergic reaction. However, if you experience any major adverse reaction symptoms, such as a rash, itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away.

The list of potential negative effects is not exhaustive. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other side effects not covered above.

Precautions before using Diphenhydramine

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies before taking diphenhydramine, including those to it, dimenhydrinate, or other substances. Inactive chemicals in this product have the potential to trigger allergic reactions or other issues. To learn more, speak with your pharmacist.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all of your medical conditions before taking this medication such as, breathing issues (such as asthma, emphysema), high eye pressure (glaucoma), heart issues, high blood pressure, seizures, liver disease, stomach/intestine issues (such as ulcers, blockage), an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or trouble urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate).

Inform your surgeon or dentist of all the products you use prior to surgery (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

What happens if I miss a dose?

You might not be on a dose plan because diphenhydramine is taken as needed. Use the missing dose as soon as you remember if you are on a schedule. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. To make up for a missed dose, do not take more medication.

Effects of Diphenhydramine on allergy symptoms

Diphenhydramine(Benadryl ) is an antihistamine that helps with allergy symptoms. It is referred to as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine and is more likely than other antihistamines to make you feel sleepy.

Benadryl is useful for reducing hives-related itching skin. It’s frequently regarded as the first line of defence against hives. Benadryl isn’t frequently used for treating seasonal allergies, despite the fact that it works well for doing so. This is a result of negative effects like tiredness.

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