Opioids are effective pain relievers. However, opioids often have the side effect of constipation. How do opioids cause constipation?

These addictive pharmaceuticals cause constipation by affecting the gastrointestinal tract in a variety of ways. Opioids increase the amount of time it takes stool to move through the gastric system. Opioids increase nonpropulsive contractions in the middle of the small intestine (jejunum) and decrease longitudinal propulsive peristalsis - motions critical to moving food through the intestines. Due to this muscular interference, food fails to travel effectively through the digestive tract.

Opioids are also able to partially paralyze the stomach (gastroparesis) so that food remains in this digestive organ for a longer period of time. Additionally, opioids reduce digestive secretions and decrease the urge to defecate.

In the last 15 years alone, opioid abuse has drastically increased by about 200%. For more perspective, in 2014 the number of opioid drug overdose deaths reached 47,055 people, or the equivalent of about 125 Americans every day.

The dispensing of opioid analgesics in the U.S. grew from nearly 149 million prescriptions in early 2003 to 207 million in 2013.

Opioid-induced constipation:

• is one of the most common types of constipation
• does not tend to to go away over time
• can cause fecal impaction, overflow diarrhea, and pseudo-obstruction if left untreated
• is usually difficult to manage and unresponsive to common treatment regimens
• can occur at opioid doses lower than those needed to produce effective analgesia in many patients
• decreases intestinal motility, so fiber intake is not recommended

Optimal Health Network can help!

COFFEE ENEMAS - Coffee enemas have a long history of both reducing pain and relieving constipation. Before you try opioids, take a daily coffee enema for a month.

• Buy Coffee Enema Supplies

SUPPOSITORIES - For some, Optimal Health Network’s Coffee Enema Essential Oil Blend used in a daily suppository is a better choice due to not having space or time to take daily enemas.

• Buy Coffee Enema Essential Oil Blend

REACTED MAGNESIUM - Magnesium is a therapeutic, laxative-like supplement that can be titrated to bowel tolerance. It is a safe and effective method of emptying the bowel daily for adults, children, and infants.

• Buy Ortho Reacted Magnesium

DIET - The Ten Days to Optimal Health program is a clinically proven, easy-to-follow dietary and colon cleanse program, making it an excellent cure for constipation.

• Buy Kristina's Book, Ten Days to Optimal Health

EMOTIONAL HEALING - Working with your emotions around pain and addiction can be vital in overcoming opioid dependency. Kristina Amelong has worked with thousands of clients since 1998, and can support you to overcome opioid dependency.

• Learn More about Consultations with Kristina

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References:

• Opioid-Induced Constipation: Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities
• All About Opioids and Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC)
• Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Distinct Class and Cause
• Chronic Opioid-induced Constipation in Patients with Nonmalignant Pain: Challenges and Opportunities

Labels: constipation relief, constipation solutions, drug overdose, fiber, health consultations, magnesium, opioids, suppository