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Health Information
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Relieving Constipation Naturally
- Get adequate rest and relaxation. Try to avoid nervous tension.
- Eat a balanced diet including fruit and vegetables. Be sure to include enough fiber (at least 20-25 grams per day). Enjoy meals in a leisurely manner.
- A convenient way to increase fiber is to eat high fiber snacks such as FiberMed, Slimfast bars, and so on, available at the pharmacy or supermarket. Consume these snacks along with one large glass of water or milk. One teaspoon of unflavored Regulord or unflavored Metamucil in one large glass of juice daily can also be helpful.
- Some moderate routine exercises can help tone up the whole body and the "sluggish" bowel, too.
- Establish a regular time for going to the bathroom.
- When the urge to move the bowels occurs, don't put it off. Take all the time needed for comfortable elimination.
- Drink enough fluids. In addition to the other liquids normally consumed, try to drink six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Check with the physician if fluid intake has been restricted for another reason.
- Ask the doctor to discontinue or substitute, if possible, any medicines that may cause constipation.
- If there is any sudden, unexplained change in bowel function, change in color or size of stools, or if constipation persists or recurs frequently, consult a physician.
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Simple Solutions for Treating Dry Mouth
- Chew Trident™, Biotene™ or other sugarless gums. Suck on sugarless hard candies (e.g. Sorbee™, Velomint™, Breath Savers™), ice cubes, fruit pits or lemon rinds. Stimulation of the sucking or chewing reflex increases saliva flow.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to stimulate saliva flow.
- Stop cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking. It can irritate the mouth and cause numerous other health problems.
- Avoid the use of mouthwash, fluoride rinses or beverages containing alcohol or witch hazel, which can aggravate mouth dryness. Try Al-Free™ or Biotene™ mouthwash.
- Minimize time spent in air conditioned (dehumidified) environments such as offices, supermarkets, airplanes, and so on.
- Use a humidifier in the room at night during fall and winter months when the air is dry, especially October-April. The target humidity level should be 60 percent. This is particularly helpful for people who experience dryness at night or upon awakening each morning.
- Increase the intake of liquids during the day. Sugarless beverages (e.g. diet soda) work best for many people.
- Try artificial salivas like Mouth Kote™ or Optimoist™. Use two to three squirts in the mouth every hour while awake. Do not spit out; these preparations are safe to swallow.
- Spread vitamin E oil on the tongue and inside of the cheeks after meals and before retiring at night. Use the liquid preparation or punch a hole in the capsules and empty contents into mouth. Apply Oral Balance™ (moisturizing gel) or Borofax™ (a lanolin-based emollient) to dry or sore parts of the mouth or tongue two to three times per day.
- Ask the family doctor to discontinue all medications that may cause dry mouth. A suitable substitute without this effect can often be found.
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