Using bathroom

srossomano

Texeira11 wrote: »

Yes i do try to avoid fat, now i will eat more than usual thank you @AmyRhubarb

@Texeria11 - I had a friend who decided to go "Fat-Free Atkins"... Pretty much no carbs and no fat (this is not what Atkins was intended for). She had "stomach issues" and the doctor took an x-ray. She could see on the x-ray how backed up she was. He told her that what she was doing was dangerous (not enough fat) and could have caused her real problems later. She took the weekend to do a "clean-out" and lost 10 pounds (yes, that is not an exaggeration). So, the moral of the story is to be sure to eat the right combination of food.

Also - I notice that sometimes when I eat the right stuff and not a lot of junk, my body uses more of it and I "go" less... But if you are having constipation problems, as embarrassing as it may feel, taking to your doctor would be the best route.

ker95texas

I'm doing much better than I used to, and yes, it's because I added fats back into my diet. When it's been 'too long', I have a small bag of pistachios and it really helps. And, just a sidenote... and this is weird, but.... I was looking at a catalog of specialty items for senior citizens (for my mother! I may almost be old enough to qualify, but I don't consider myself one yet thank you very much), and they had something to help someone sit 'properly' on the toilet. Basically - lean forward to pee, backwards for other stuff. Oh, and skip the nasty laxatives and go with a stool softener. MUCH kinder and just as efficient.

(wondering if I can post this anonymously LOL)

blankiefinder

MarziDeThrall wrote: »

My aunt swears that too much fiber can cause constipation. I went on a high fiber/low fat diet once and she insisted I was going to get a bowel obstruction.

Too much fiber can definitely cause constipation. Fats help keep things oiled and moving. Fiber for bulk, water for softness, fat for movement.

AnnPT77

MarziDeThrall wrote: »

My aunt swears that too much fiber can cause constipation. I went on a high fiber/low fat diet once and she insisted I was going to get a bowel obstruction.

IME, it can be a problem to get lots of fiber but not enough water. At one point, I had IBS/C symptoms & my doc had me take a fiber supplement. Seriously Did. Not. Help. Bigtime. (I've been vegetarian for decades. I was already getting plenty of fiber!)

By experimentation, I learned my system is very picky about getting enough water. Back to OP's larger question: With enough fiber, other things that help are water, fat, and (again, IME) exercise.

Besides helping avoid constipation, you want to be getting some healthy fat with your food - some vitamins require fat in order for your body to absorb them best. Don't be afraid to get healthy fats!

jtate0212

Pear nectar really works for my son, who also struggles with this issue.