Restore life’s rhythm

HELPING YOU RESTORE LIFE’S RHYTHM

Constipation can seriously disrupt daily life, creating discomfort, and holding you back from doing the things you love – even more so when it happens regularly.39,40 There are several ways to treat or prevent recurring constipation.39,40– read on to find out how to restore your life’s rhythm.

40% OF PEOPLE


Did you know that around 40% of people are affected by constipation suffer from recurring constipation that can last for several weeks or longer?

THE GUT AND BRAIN CONNECTION

Recently, scientists have begun to think of the gut as a second brain42 – its function is no longer limited to simply processing the food we eat.42 Some of their findings have revealed that.

A big part of our emotions is influenced by the nerves in our gut.42 Signals of the gut can reach different parts of the brain43 – the gut actually has a large system of nerves which makes it the body’s largest sensory organ.42 A gut that doesn’t feel good can affect our mood and health.42,44

Because the brain and the gastrointestinal system are  intimately connected, the brain has a direct effect on our stomachs, ultimately linking constipation to stress.45

YOGA EXERCISE

There are a number of ways to break the cycle of reccuring constipation – such as a healthy diet, good toilet habits,39 the right treatment such as Lactulose (Duphalac®),4 and regular exercise.39 In fact, light exercise like yoga can help improve your bowel habits.45

Science has proven that yoga is a great way to support digestive health by relaxing the mind and body and increasing blood flow to the gut.45 One of the well-known benefits of yoga is reducing stress,45 which contributes to constipation.

Experts from the Yoga Institute have developed a yoga routine to help you manage constipation.46 These are simple poses that you can easily integrate into your daily life – either alone or with your loved ones – to kick-start healthy living habits and restore your digestive health.

IN COLLABORATION WITH THE YOGA INSTITUTE


The Yoga Institute is a government recognized non-profit organization, known as the oldest organized yoga center in the world. It was founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendra, who was one of the important figures in the modern revival of yoga. It is headquartered at Santacruz in Mumbai, India.

PRANAYAMA IV OR THE BREATHING EXERCISE


This is an effective breathing exercise whereby the abdominal muscles are exercised, and movement of the belly helps to improve the digestive system. Regular practice of pranayama IV can help to overcome other ailments such as stomach disorders, insomnia, acidity and reduce belly fat.46

VAJRASANA OR THE ADAMANT POSE


Vajrasana offers uniform postural fixity and helps correct postural defects. It improves blood circulation to the abdominal region – helping to improve digestion. Beneficial in various conditions such as chronic constipation, stomach disorders and digestive problems. It can enable flexibility of lower limbs, strengthen digestive organs and the digestive tract. It is considered as one of the best yoga asanas (positions) for constipation and indigestion.46

BHUJANGASANA OR THE COBRA POSE


This pose is effective and beneficial for improving the function of the digestion system. This yoga asana can strengthen the abdominal muscles and clean the digestive tract. Used to relieve constipation and indigestion problems.46

HALASANA OR THE PLOUGH POSE


This pose helps to strengthen back muscles and reduce stress. It stimulates the abdominal viscera and organs to aid better digestion.46

PAVANAMUKTASANA OR THE WIND-RELIEVING POSE


Pavanamuktasana is effective for removing gases and improving the digestive system, it is considered the ideal yoga pose for constipation and indigestion. This posture gives relief to flatulence by quickening the movement and expulsion of the intestinal flatus, providing relief in cases of chronic constipation and/or a sluggish liver. 46

PASCHIMOTTANASANA OR THE FORWARD BENDING POSE


An excellent asana for constipation and digestive disorders. The deep intra-abdominal compression massages the abdominal viscera and provides relief in conditions related to constipation, weak digestion, and/or a sluggish liver. This pose can also strengthen and stimulate the back muscles and the abdominal organs.46

DHANURASANA OR THE BOW POSE


This asana strengthens the abdominal organs. Those suffering from gas and digestion problems should practice Dhanurasana regularly. This pose can help prevent disease by aiding elimination through intra-abdominal pressure.46

Sometimes you might need a little extra help beyond diet and exercise. Finding the right treatment to break the cycle can be key. Not all laxatives work the same way. Some treatments work extremely fast, but constipation keeps coming back. Lactulose (Duphalac®) is a well tolerated, effective, easy-to-take solution, that frees people from the ongoing up and down challenges of constipation.1,3,4 It is constipation relief that works now and lasts.1,4 

Lactulose (Duphalac®) breaks the cycle of recurring constipation in two ways – it treats immediate symptoms and has prebiotic properties to encourage growth of health-promoting bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which contribute to long term bowel regulation.4,18 Thanks to its dual action, Lactulose (Duphalac®) does not just treat symptoms – it also provides a long-term treatment approach for constipation1,4 to Restore Life’s Rhythm.

As a global health leader and maker of Lactulose (Duphalac®), the #1 lactulose brand worldwide,5 Abbott has launched Restore Life’s Rhythm, a campaign that aims to shed light on the issue of recurring constipation, helping people break the cycle and get back to doing the things they love. Through the Restore Life’s Rhythm campaign, we will continue to work with gastroenterologists, yoga experts and others to create tips and exercises to help people improve their gut health and, ultimately, restore their life’s rhythm.