Yikes constipation
Replies
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I started getting severe constipation this year. I tend to eat very little grains and fruit, and super high volume leafy greens but not enough fibrous veg. I'm a mess. I look preggo right now.0
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I drank a whole bottle of magnesium citrate once and it did not a THING.0
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While I am willing to accept the notion that everybody and every body is different, I seem to recall reading that in general, if one is otherwise healthy, one should have a bowel movement for each meal, about 24 hours later; hence the term "circadian rhythm" (from the Latin circa (about) + dian (day)). This means if you eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, you should have a morning, a mid-day, and an evening BM to eliminate yesterday's meals.
Check out Mary Roach's book "Gulp. Adventures on the Alimentary Canal"
http://maryroach.net/gulp.html1 -
vikinglander wrote: »While I am willing to accept the notion that everybody and every body is different, I seem to recall reading that in general, if one is otherwise healthy, one should have a bowel movement for each meal, about 24 hours later; hence the term "circadian rhythm" (from the Latin circa (about) + dian (day)). This means if you eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, you should have a morning, a mid-day, and an evening BM to eliminate yesterday's meals.
Check out Mary Roach's book "Gulp. Adventures on the Alimentary Canal"
http://maryroach.net/gulp.html
lol no. 3x per day?0 -
vikinglander wrote: »While I am willing to accept the notion that everybody and every body is different, I seem to recall reading that in general, if one is otherwise healthy, one should have a bowel movement for each meal, about 24 hours later; hence the term "circadian rhythm" (from the Latin circa (about) + dian (day)). This means if you eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, you should have a morning, a mid-day, and an evening BM to eliminate yesterday's meals.
Check out Mary Roach's book "Gulp. Adventures on the Alimentary Canal"
http://maryroach.net/gulp.html
That's exactly how my husband rolls. I am so jealous of his perfect regularity.
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vikinglander wrote: »While I am willing to accept the notion that everybody and every body is different, I seem to recall reading that in general, if one is otherwise healthy, one should have a bowel movement for each meal, about 24 hours later; hence the term "circadian rhythm" (from the Latin circa (about) + dian (day)). This means if you eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, you should have a morning, a mid-day, and an evening BM to eliminate yesterday's meals.
Check out Mary Roach's book "Gulp. Adventures on the Alimentary Canal"
http://maryroach.net/gulp.html
I think everyone has their own 'schedule'. For example once a month I have to go several times a day usually for 1 day or 2 max but its not the runs just normal BM although sometimes the need feels urgent. Aunt Flo comes to visit 3-5 days later. Because of this I am usually lightest just before my period unlike most women who generally have water retention.1 -
Metamucil is pretty good. The sugar free one.0
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Reinforcing others' mainstream messages: First get fiber, water, fat, and exercise at a reasonable level.
I emphasize fat because many people trying to lose weight will cut fat too far. Try for a minimum of around 0.4g per day per pound of healthy goal weight (more is OK). You also need fat for proper hormone function, and in order to best utilize the fat-soluble vitamins, among other things. Don't lowball it.
If all of that's on point, then consider probiotics and supplements.
Do not rely on laxatives, even so-called natural ones like senna, on a regular basis.
Regular use can seriously mess things up. If the problem is routine or frequent, see your doctor.
Defecating several times daily, as long as it's not diarrhea, is not a problem, if your eating is high-fiber and you have no negative symptoms.0 -
Walking around as much as possible, drinking plenty of water, also try holding a hot water bottle over your lower abdominal area which can help things get moving sometimes if the medicinal route is taking its time.0
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Reinforcing others' mainstream messages: First get fiber, water, fat, and exercise at a reasonable level.
I emphasize fat because many people trying to lose weight will cut fat too far. Try for a minimum of around 0.4g per day per pound of healthy goal weight (more is OK). You also need fat for proper hormone function, and in order to best utilize the fat-soluble vitamins, among other things. Don't lowball it.
If all of that's on point, then consider probiotics and supplements.
Do not rely on laxatives, even so-called natural ones like senna, on a regular basis.
Regular use can seriously mess things up. If the problem is routine or frequent, see your doctor.
Defecating several times daily, as long as it's not diarrhea, is not a problem, if your eating is high-fiber and you have no negative symptoms.
yes dont rely on laxatives my grandpa did this because his meds caused chronic constipation even though he got enough fiber and was active and as he got older he had to use them just to go.1 -
Lately I have been taking alot of tums... That constipated me. I had to offset with magnesium but if you are already taking it that probably won't help. Also not getting enough veggies which others have mentioned. If it continues it wouldn't hurt to see your doc. Last time I let it go I ended up with terrible hemorrhoids. Not fun at all.......0
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Oh yes, the other thing that helped me was probiotics! Forgot about that one.2
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I had this problem a while back, realised (eventually) that I had switched from my usual oats for breakfast to eggs as they kept me full for longer. Have switched back to oats and problem solved. It's horrible isn't it!1
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cheryldumais wrote: »Lately I have been taking alot of tums... That constipated me. I had to offset with magnesium but if you are already taking it that probably won't help. Also not getting enough veggies which others have mentioned. If it continues it wouldn't hurt to see your doc. Last time I let it go I ended up with terrible hemorrhoids. Not fun at all.......
Tums has lots of calcium.0 -
Agree with others on this. Hit your macros, drink water when thirsty, get plenty of fiber, exercise, and possibly add multivitamin/magnesium.
I do not get enough fiber from whole food so I add it in daily with packages on insoluble fiber in water. They are nearly tasteless so putting them in other drinks would be fine.0 -
Try mixing 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of apple juice and a sliced lemon. I make mine @ night and drink it 1st thing in the morning. Works like a charm. (I do use the motts 4 tots apple juice 2 cut back on sugar).0
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You might want to read this article from Harvard. It's got a lot of good, solid medical advise that may help decide what to do:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/constipation-and-impaction0 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »Reinforcing others' mainstream messages: First get fiber, water, fat, and exercise at a reasonable level.
I emphasize fat because many people trying to lose weight will cut fat too far. Try for a minimum of around 0.4g per day per pound of healthy goal weight (more is OK). You also need fat for proper hormone function, and in order to best utilize the fat-soluble vitamins, among other things. Don't lowball it.
If all of that's on point, then consider probiotics and supplements.
Do not rely on laxatives, even so-called natural ones like senna, on a regular basis.
Regular use can seriously mess things up. If the problem is routine or frequent, see your doctor.
Defecating several times daily, as long as it's not diarrhea, is not a problem, if your eating is high-fiber and you have no negative symptoms.
yes dont rely on laxatives my grandpa did this because his meds caused chronic constipation even though he got enough fiber and was active and as he got older he had to use them just to go.
If a person suffers from chronic constipation, there's an underlying medical or dietary issue at play. These are not actually all that uncommon; from peristalsis of the large intestine to food intolerances to not getting enough fiber/fat/water.
Taking regular laxatives is something doctors regularly recommend, and if you have chronic constipation your doctor will almost certainly recommend adding them to your diet to try and see if that clears the problem up. Laxatives do NOT cause constipation.
Still, its best to discuss this issue with your doctor at your next wellness visit regardless of whether the problem is cleared up or not by the use of the laxatives.1 -
You might want to read this article from Harvard. It's got a lot of good, solid medical advise that may help decide what to do:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/constipation-and-impaction
You have to be a member to read that article. So i signed up, and it still wont let me read it
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CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »Reinforcing others' mainstream messages: First get fiber, water, fat, and exercise at a reasonable level.
I emphasize fat because many people trying to lose weight will cut fat too far. Try for a minimum of around 0.4g per day per pound of healthy goal weight (more is OK). You also need fat for proper hormone function, and in order to best utilize the fat-soluble vitamins, among other things. Don't lowball it.
If all of that's on point, then consider probiotics and supplements.
Do not rely on laxatives, even so-called natural ones like senna, on a regular basis.
Regular use can seriously mess things up. If the problem is routine or frequent, see your doctor.
Defecating several times daily, as long as it's not diarrhea, is not a problem, if your eating is high-fiber and you have no negative symptoms.
yes dont rely on laxatives my grandpa did this because his meds caused chronic constipation even though he got enough fiber and was active and as he got older he had to use them just to go.
If a person suffers from chronic constipation, there's an underlying medical or dietary issue at play. These are not actually all that uncommon; from peristalsis of the large intestine to food intolerances to not getting enough fiber/fat/water.
Taking regular laxatives is something doctors regularly recommend, and if you have chronic constipation your doctor will almost certainly recommend adding them to your diet to try and see if that clears the problem up. Laxatives do NOT cause constipation.
Still, its best to discuss this issue with your doctor at your next wellness visit regardless of whether the problem is cleared up or not by the use of the laxatives.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/health/hct/laxative-overuse-is-a-risk-when-treating-constipation0 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »Reinforcing others' mainstream messages: First get fiber, water, fat, and exercise at a reasonable level.
I emphasize fat because many people trying to lose weight will cut fat too far. Try for a minimum of around 0.4g per day per pound of healthy goal weight (more is OK). You also need fat for proper hormone function, and in order to best utilize the fat-soluble vitamins, among other things. Don't lowball it.
If all of that's on point, then consider probiotics and supplements.
Do not rely on laxatives, even so-called natural ones like senna, on a regular basis.
Regular use can seriously mess things up. If the problem is routine or frequent, see your doctor.
Defecating several times daily, as long as it's not diarrhea, is not a problem, if your eating is high-fiber and you have no negative symptoms.
yes dont rely on laxatives my grandpa did this because his meds caused chronic constipation even though he got enough fiber and was active and as he got older he had to use them just to go.
If a person suffers from chronic constipation, there's an underlying medical or dietary issue at play. These are not actually all that uncommon; from peristalsis of the large intestine to food intolerances to not getting enough fiber/fat/water.
Taking regular laxatives is something doctors regularly recommend, and if you have chronic constipation your doctor will almost certainly recommend adding them to your diet to try and see if that clears the problem up. Laxatives do NOT cause constipation.
Still, its best to discuss this issue with your doctor at your next wellness visit regardless of whether the problem is cleared up or not by the use of the laxatives.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/health/hct/laxative-overuse-is-a-risk-when-treating-constipation
They are referring to specific laxatives that are only available by prescription. Not to regular use of, say, miralax or Metamucil, which function as roughage /lubricants.
I don't believe constant use of magnesium citrate is advisable either, because of the accompanying dehydration risks. It'll clear you out, sure, but if you're blocked up enough to need that regularly, you have a significant physiological issue that needs medical care. But the magnesium citrate, or miralax, or Metamucil cannot make you physically dependent on them. Neither is a suppository gel, which is an emulsion of a lubricant.
If you aren't going to the bathroom regularly ( definition varies by individual from several times a day to 2 or 3 times a week) you already have a problem. Fixing the problem with diet, exercise, or laxatives may be a solution, but if it recurs regularly, it's a sign of another underlying issue. That recurrence is not caused by the use of the laxative, but rather chronic laxative use is a sign of digestive problems. Does the difference make sense?
This is one of my issues with general medical and science writing. Often the author does not understand the science, and neither does the editor. The writers here, at least if they've meant to include over - the - counter laxatives, have put the cart before the horse.0 -
I suffered from constipation when I was cutting I think i went to far into limiting fats and to high protein once I incorporated a little more fat into my diet it helped alot1
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Been there...Ive spend half of my adult life so miserable.
All the OTC things became inefficient. I mean, 2-3 Exlax and still nothing for 3 days... just kill me now.
The only thing that changed my life, literally:
Tracking fiber- getting over 35g/day. (chia seeds, oatmeal, fiber one brownies, Quest bars, spinach, apples, prunes, grapes, broccoli, asparagus, cheerios)
Water, water and more water. <~~ if I slack in this area on any given day it is noticeable within 48 hours.
A decent amount of Fats
Pasta, rice, bread and dairy work against me in this department - but I still enjoy occasionally and drown them with H2O.0 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »Reinforcing others' mainstream messages: First get fiber, water, fat, and exercise at a reasonable level.
I emphasize fat because many people trying to lose weight will cut fat too far. Try for a minimum of around 0.4g per day per pound of healthy goal weight (more is OK). You also need fat for proper hormone function, and in order to best utilize the fat-soluble vitamins, among other things. Don't lowball it.
If all of that's on point, then consider probiotics and supplements.
Do not rely on laxatives, even so-called natural ones like senna, on a regular basis.
Regular use can seriously mess things up. If the problem is routine or frequent, see your doctor.
Defecating several times daily, as long as it's not diarrhea, is not a problem, if your eating is high-fiber and you have no negative symptoms.
yes dont rely on laxatives my grandpa did this because his meds caused chronic constipation even though he got enough fiber and was active and as he got older he had to use them just to go.
If a person suffers from chronic constipation, there's an underlying medical or dietary issue at play. These are not actually all that uncommon; from peristalsis of the large intestine to food intolerances to not getting enough fiber/fat/water.
Taking regular laxatives is something doctors regularly recommend, and if you have chronic constipation your doctor will almost certainly recommend adding them to your diet to try and see if that clears the problem up. Laxatives do NOT cause constipation.
Still, its best to discuss this issue with your doctor at your next wellness visit regardless of whether the problem is cleared up or not by the use of the laxatives.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/health/hct/laxative-overuse-is-a-risk-when-treating-constipation
They are referring to specific laxatives that are only available by prescription. Not to regular use of, say, miralax or Metamucil, which function as roughage /lubricants.
I don't believe constant use of magnesium citrate is advisable either, because of the accompanying dehydration risks. It'll clear you out, sure, but if you're blocked up enough to need that regularly, you have a significant physiological issue that needs medical care. But the magnesium citrate, or miralax, or Metamucil cannot make you physically dependent on them. Neither is a suppository gel, which is an emulsion of a lubricant.
If you aren't going to the bathroom regularly ( definition varies by individual from several times a day to 2 or 3 times a week) you already have a problem. Fixing the problem with diet, exercise, or laxatives may be a solution, but if it recurs regularly, it's a sign of another underlying issue. That recurrence is not caused by the use of the laxative, but rather chronic laxative use is a sign of digestive problems. Does the difference make sense?
This is one of my issues with general medical and science writing. Often the author does not understand the science, and neither does the editor. The writers here, at least if they've meant to include over - the - counter laxatives, have put the cart before the horse.
even too much fiber can cause constipation though too not just over the counter stuff. and yes you can become dependent on them. my sister has several eating disorders and sure she is dependent on them,they arent addictive per se,but for a person like her they think they have to have them or do it for stupid reasons. But a lot of what you said does make sense. like I said though too much of a good thing can become a bad thing though.like for some too much cheese will constipate them.whether or not thats a digestive issue or not is hard to tell0 -
About the article, hm. I just pulled it up and read it. I'm not a member of anything. Not sure why you can't get in.0
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