Getting Rid of Constipation - 6 Simple Strategies

Everybody experiences constipation at some point in their lives. Now that is no consolation for you if you're currently experiencing this because you are probably in so much discomfort all you are focused on is getting rid of constipation as quickly as possible. As you read through to the end of this article you will learn simple yet highly effective strategies you can implement starting the minute you finish reading that will help you on your quest of getting rid of constipation.

Constipation can become serious if left unchecked as it signals a problem with your digestive system. If you have chronic constipation which basically means it is more than just an occasional pain in the you know what, but is a frequent issue you deal with, then you need to pay close attention as it can lead to bigger issues such as hemorrhoids, colitis, diverticulosis and possibly even colon cancer.

Just so you know, many people are constipated and don't know it. This is because we are supposed to have a bowel movement after every meal so if we eat 3 meals a day then 3 bowel movements are supposed to follow. If not, we are constipated and the fecal matter that is not eliminated remains to rot in our intestines which is very unhealthy and can lead to very serious disease.

So here are some things you can do to get rid of constipation;

1. Drink Lots of Water - water helps our bodies to flush toxins out so it is essential that you drink water constantly throughout each day.
2. Drink warm milk or tea - this can help promote bowel movements
3. Add or Increase Fiber in Your Diet - The best sources are from fresh fruits and vegetables so aside from all of the beneficial nutrients you get from these they also help your body to stay regular
4. Exercise and Physical Activity- exercise is so necessary for our bodies for so many reasons. As far as constipation goes I think exercise just helps the body perform better which prevents us from becoming constipated in the first place
5. Eat Prunes - Prunes are well know to be like a natural laxative. You could also drink prune juice. Prunes are also high in fiber so you could add this to your diet on a regular basis if you suffer regularly from constipation.
6. Probiotics - Probiotics introduce good bacteria back into your intestines that years of taking antibiotics could have removed. They help balance the intestinal tract and restore it to a healthy level.

So there you have 6 things you can and should do or add to your diet to help you to get immediate relief from constipation and to prevent getting it in the future. Notice that all of these suggestions are all natural and besides having the benefit of being effective against constipation, also have added benefits for your body as a whole which is how you should approach any health issue ideally.

There are many other natural methods of getting rid of constipation but the above should help you get off to a good start.

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Baked Whipped Fruit Dessert

Desserts do not have to be loaded with fat and empty calories all the time. Fruit whips are simple to make and it seems like there is always room for a light, tasty end to a great meal. This dessert contains only 4 ingredients and none of them have hidden fat waiting to clog your arteries unless you want to smother it in whipped cream.

For this dessert I use dried fruit. Prunes will give you fiber which is usually not found in cakes or pastries. Apricots, raisins or dried cherries are also good to use. I remember my grandfather eating this with his breakfast. He would always make sure there was some left for his breakfast. I prefer it as a dessert.

To make this I take1/2-pound of pitted prunes and cover them with water and let them soak all night. The next morning I cook the prunes in the same water in which they were soaked until they are tender. I let them cool and puree them. Next I add 1/4-cup of sugar and cook for 5-minutes. Then I let them cool to room temperature.

Next I beat 2-egg whites until they are very stiff. Next I stir 1/2-tablespoon lemon juice into the prunes. I then fold the beaten egg whites into the prune mixture. I lightly butter a shallow baking dish and pour the mixture into it. I bake it for 20-minutes in a pre-heated 325-degree oven. This very good served warm or cold and with or without real whipped cream.

If other dried fruit is used just remember to use 1/2-pound of that fruit.

Everything I write about is from personal observation and life experiences. I love to cook and prepare foods in different ways. I like sharing my experiences about food and cooking. My website [http://www.pothaven.com] was created because of my interest in quality cookware and cooking.

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Foods That Cause Acne

The embarrassing condition of acne has been blamed on a wide variety of causes throughout the ages. Many people unjustly blame individuals with acne-prone skin of being dirty or failing to wash their faces properly. This is obviously far from the truth as acne can strike anyone, regardless of their personal hygiene habits. Others believe that eating large amounts of chocolate will ensure an acne breakout. This is also not the case, but research has linked acne to choices a person's diet. We are going to discuss some types of foods that cause acne.

Foods that are highly acidic tend to cause acne as they create an imbalance in your body's pH levels. The foods you should avoid include the following:

• Vegetables: lentils, squash, corn
• Fruits: currants, plums, prunes, cranberries and blueberries
• Grains: barley, cornstarch, oatmeal, wheat bran, amaranth, rice, rye, wheat germ, noodles, macaroni, spaghetti, bread, soda crackers, white flour, rolled oats and wheat flour
• Beans & Legumes: chick peas, green peas, kidney beans, pinto beans, red beans, soy beans, black beans and white beans
• Dairy Products: butter, ice cream, processed cheese, butter and ice milk
• Nuts & Butters: peanuts, pecans, walnuts, cashews and peanut butter
• Animal Proteins: bacon, beef, pork, salmon, lamb, fish, clams, cod, mussels, sausage, scallops, turkey, venison, shrimp and lobster
• Fats & Oils: canola oil, lard, olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, hemp seed oil and safflower oil
• Sweeteners: corn syrup, sugar and carob
• Alcohol: spirits, hard liquor, wine and beer
• Condiments: vinegar, pepper, ketchup and mustard
• Drinks: coffee and soft drinks
• Drugs & chemicals: aspirin, pesticides, tobacco and herbicides

If you want to prevent or minimize acne breakouts, you should replace acidic food with alkaline food choices. Some examples include carrots, cucumbers, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, apples, grapes, lemons, pineapples, raisins, strawberries, peaches, oranges and almonds. You may be surprised to see so many citrus fruits on this list. The reason is that the specific citric acid they each contain has an alkalinizing effect on your body that will actually reduce the level of acidity, rather than increase it.

Rather than making an effort to avoid one specific type of food, it is better to avoid groups of acidic foods that will enhance your acne. Replace some of the choices in the first list with more alkaline foods from the second list. You will soon discover that small changes in your diet can produce big results!

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All-Bran Banana Bread is a Real Homemade Treat

With rich, sugar-consuming desserts off the list for the duration, women are wondering how they are going to give their meals that extra something that satisfies. One answer is with homemade bread and muffins. When golden brown muffins or fragrant, freshly baked bread are served, no other dessert is necessary.

Fortunately, most of today's tastiest breads are quick bread, which means that they can be turned out in an hour or so. Secondly, they can be piled full of nutrition by using bran or whole grain flours; by adding nuts and dried fruits, and by serving with fresh, creamy dairy butter.

Probably the favorite-of-favorites among homemade bread is All-Bran Banana Nut Bread. Bananas give it a moist sweetness, nuts a crunchiness, and bran a toasted wheaty taste. Sliced and spread with butter, it's delectable.

Whole Wheat Prune Bread is another winner. In this tender textured, deep flavored loaf molasses pinch-hits for sugar, while the prunes do a fine job of flavoring. This, by the way, makes superb cream cheese sandwiches.

Two muffins that deserve attention as dessert substitutes are Apple Corn Muffins and All-Bran Cream Scones. The Corn Muffins, of course, can be baked in a shallow pan, johnnycake fashion, sliced pie-shape and served piping hot with butter. So tasty are the Bran Cream Scones when spread with strawberry preserves or honey, that no one's going to miss those before-the-war pies and cakes.

All-Bran Banana Nut Bread

1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup bran cereal
3/2 cups mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon each, salt and soda
1/2 cup chopped nut meats

Blend shortening and sugar thoroughly; add egg and beat well. Add bran cereal, bananas and flavoring. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and soda together; add to first mixture with nut meats, stirring only until flour disappears. Bake in greased leaf pan (4.5 by 8.5 inches) with waxed paper in bottom, in moderate oven (350 degrees F.) about 1 hour.

Whole Wheat Prune Bread

1 cup sifted enriched flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
5/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup chopped cooked prunes
2 cups sour milk or buttermilk
1/2 cup molasses

Mix and sift enriched flour, baking powder, soda, salt and sugar; stir in whole wheat flour and prunes. Combine sour milk and molasses; add to flour mixture, stirring only until well mixed. Turn into greased loaf pan, 9x5x3 inches, and bake in moderate oven (350 degrees F.) about 1 hour.

Apple Corn Muffins

3/4 cup sifted flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons shortening, melted
3/4 cup finely diced apple

Mix and sift dry ingredients. Combine egg and milk, and add to flour mixture, stirring only until well mixed; stir in shortening and apple. Turn into greased, shallow pan or muffin pans and bake; in pan in hot oven (400 degrees F.) about 30 minutes; in muffin pans in hot oven (425 degrees F.) about 20 minutes. Makes 8 portions, or 8 medium-sized muffins.

All-Bran Cream Scones

2 cups flour
4 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup bran cereal
1/4 cup butter
2 egg
1/3 cup cream or top milk

Sift flour with baking powder, salt and sugar; add bran cereal. Cut in butter with pastry blender. Reserve small portion of egg white; beat remaining eggs and add to first mixture with cream. Stir until dough is formed. Toss on floured board, knead slightly and roll out to 3/4 inch thickness. Cut in triangle shapes; brush with egg white mixed with 1 teaspoon water, sprinkle with sugar and bake in hot oven (425 degrees F.) about 15 minutes. Makes 12 scones.

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Foods That Relieve Constipation - 4 Foods That Will Help You Relieve Constipation Quickly

If you are seeking foods that relieve constipation, you will be happy to know that there are at number of foods that can help you to relieve your constipation quickly. This article will detail four of these foods that have been proven to help anyone that is constipated.

Natural relief can be derived by consuming fruits and nuts which promote healthy, regular bowel movements. What's more, the foods used for constipation relief also have a number of superlative health benefits.

Red Apples

Consuming a single apple every day can help to alleviate problems with constipation. Apples contain natural phytochemicals which are cited as a natural remedy and preventive measure against certain types of cancers, including cancer of the colon too. The entire apple should be consumed, skin and all, since the rich red skin contains the most phytochemicals. Apples also naturally contain insoluble fiber so that you can have a well regulated digestive tract.

Blueberries

Blueberries are yet another fruit that is high in phytochemical content thereby making it a superb cancer defense. A single cup of fresh blueberries supplies you with 3.6 grams of constipation fighting fiber, and their low salt content ensures that you retain less fluid too. Finally, blueberries have immune system boosting properties too, so they are great for your overall health.

Prunes

Prunes are actually dried plums that can be consumed whole or as a juice. When you consume 100 grams of prunes, you get 7 grams of fiber. Prunes, like blueberries, are also super low in sodium content as well: a mere 2 grams of sodium are supplied in a 100 gram serving of prunes. Further, prunes are very high in Vitamin K content, which aids in the digestive process and reduces the potential for waste accumulation.

Almonds

Unsalted almonds contain 11 grams of fiber per every 100 gram serving. These nuts also have low sodium content, and once consumed, assist the body in moving bowels through the intestinal tract. Almonds also contain Manganese, which helps your body to naturally process amino acids, and to produce needed enzymes for adequate digestion. The Manganese in almonds also promotes the breakdown of fats.

Are you tired of feeling bloated and constipated all the time? There is a good chance that what you are eating is contributing or even causing all your constipation related problems. To get a free report on The Foods That Cause Constipation so that you can start to avoid these foods, and start to enjoy healthier bowel movements, CLICK HERE.

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Happy Healthy Chocolate Birthday Cake

Unlike most birthday cake indulgences this one won't make you feel nearly as guilty in the morning. I'm not going to say it's the healthiest thing since sprouted sliced whole grain bread because it does contain sugar-but it contains less than half of what's in most cakes (and not to worry, it's still sweet thanks to the pureed prunes). Truly, it really is WAY healthier than your average birthday cake. For most cakes I can't find more than about 2 healthy "whole food" ingredients (if that!)-this one has triple that!

The Happy Healthy Chocolate Birthday Cake has the following "whole food" ingredients:

Prunes
Whole wheat flour (I use "white" whole wheat flour because it's lighter in texture than regular whole wheat flour but still has all the same nutritional goodness-all the fiber, "germ" with nutrients, etc)
Unsweetened cocoa
Organic free-range eggs
Apples
Pecans
Extra virgin coconut oil

I'll admit, sweets (and wine) really are my two biggest vices-but I've found that by spiking my sweets with healthy "whole food" ingredients (such as nuts, fruit, whole grain flours, etc) I can help offset the damage. Plus I always limit myself to just one sweet treat a day (and I'm careful about reading ingredients on foods I buy and not eating hidden sugars all throughout the day). I haven't figured out what to spike my wine with though-maybe I could chase it with some powdered greens =)

Anyway, here's our healthy family cake recipe below (if you are serving the cake to kids don't worry about the Bailey's Irish Cream, there isn't enough in 1 serving to make a difference).

Cake
Ingredients (Serves 12)

3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon good quality instant espresso
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (such as Ghirardeli)
30 pitted prunes
3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil (such as Barleans) plus more for greasing pans
12 organic, free-range eggs
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour (such as King Arthur Flour)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
1 cup good quality unsweetened cocoa (such as Ghirardeli)
3 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled, finely chopped
1 cups finely chopped pecans

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Coat three 9-inch round cake pans with extra virgin coconut oil.
2. Pour the water into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high. Add the instant espresso and chocolate chips stirring to blend all ingredients. When chocolate melts, add the prunes and reduce the heat to low. Gently cook for 1 minute to soften the prunes. Add the oil. Remove saucepan from the heat and set mixture aside to cool.
3. Place the eggs in a blender and process for 1 minute, or until pale yellow and frothy. Add the vanilla extract and chocolate-prune mixture; process for an additional minute, or until prunes are completely pureed.
4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and cocoa. Add the egg mixture and stir to combine. Stir in the chopped apples and pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared pans. 5. Bake in the center of the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
6. Remove the torte from the oven, immediately run a knife around the inside rim and set aside to cool. Set cakes on a wire rack and let cool for at least 2 hours before frosting.

Whipped Cream Topping

1 cup organic grass-fed whipping cream
2 tablespoons white sugar
6 tablespoons Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur

1. Pour the whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks begin to form, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar and liqueur and beat for several more seconds.

To get free daily updates on whole foods nutrition, whole foods cooking video demos, nutrition advice, 30-minute workouts, healthy product reviews and more visit Ivy Larson at http://www.HotandHealthyLiving.com

Ivy is a healthy lifestyle coach who runs http://www.HotandHealthyLiving.com. Along with her husband, Andy Larson, M.D., Ivy is the author of the bestselling Gold Coast Cure, Fitter Firmer Faster and Whole Foods Diet Cookbook. A popular figure among national media outlets, Ivy has appeared on such shows as Good Morning America, CNN, and Fox News. She currently makes regular appearances on Lifetime Television.

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Silver Palate Glazed Baked Ham With Best Potato Gratin

This dazzling fruit-studded baked-ham is one of the most popular recipes ever from the classic Silver Palate Cookbook by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso. Delicious and relatively easy to prepare, it's a postcard-perfect centerpiece course that will be remembered for years. It serves 20, and any leftovers can be used to make Croque-Monsieur, Quiche Lorraine, or baked beans and ham.

Baked Ham With Glazed Apricots & Prunes:

Baste this frequently for a glistening baked ham, and slice the meat thinly for serving.

o1 ready-to-eat, bone-in ham (12 to 16 pounds)
oWhole cloves, to cover surface of the ham
o1/4 cup Dijon mustard
o1 cup dark-brown sugar
o3 cups apple juice
o1/2 pound dried apricots
o1 cup Madeira wine
o1/2 pound pitted prunes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Peel the skin from the ham and trim the fat, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer to protect the meat. With a sharp knife, score the fat in a diamond pattern.

3. Set the ham in a shallow roasting pan, insert a whole clove in the crossed point of each diamond and pat mustard evenly over the top and sides of the ham. Sprinkle the top with the brown sugar and pour apple juice into the bottom of the pan.

4. Bake the ham for 1 1/2 hours, basting frequently.

5. Combine the apricots and Madeira wine in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and remove from heat.

6. Thirty minutes prior to the end of baking, add apricots, cooking liquid and prunes to the roasting pan; continue to bake and baste.

7. Transfer the ham to a large platter. Decorate the top of the ham with apricots and prunes, attaching them with toothpicks. Skim the fat from the pan juices and discard. Pour the pan juices into a sauceboat. Serve the ham with the pan juices and your favorite mustards and chutneys.

Silver Palate's Best Potato Gratin:

This dish can be assembled ahead of time.

o2 cups heavy cream
o1 cup milk
o7 cloves of garlic, crushed
o2 sprigs fresh rosemary
o4 sprigs fresh thyme
oSalt and white pepper, to taste
o6 Idaho potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled
o2 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Bring the cream, milk, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper to a low simmer; cook for 30 minutes. Strain into a bowl, discarding the herbs and garlic. Reserve.

3. While the mixture simmers, slice the potatoes 1/8-inch thick, rinse under cold water, drain and pat dry.

4. Grease a 9x13x2-inch gratin dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange a layer of potatoes in rows, overlapping slightly; season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 cup of cream mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the process twice, then cover with remaining cream mixture. Dot with remaining butter; cover with foil.

5. Bake for 45 minutes; remove foil. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, about 45 minutes more.

Wine suggestion:

From the Signature Series of the Gold Medal winning Tamayo Family Vineyards, Serve the rich and lively Celebration Rose 2006, or the luscious and fruity Bailey 2008 Viognier.

For more information click on: http://www.tamayofamilyvineyards.com/

© 2008 -Suzanne de Cornelia. All worldwide rights apply. This article may be reprinted on websites as long as the entire article, including website link and resource box below are included and unchanged. Suzanne de Cornelia is a freelance writer, and author of "French Heart." Contact Suzanne on Facebook, or Twitter @SuzanneDeC. And click-on her site now for a blogroll of free and fascinating resources: http://suzannedecornelia.com/

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