Awkward topic and I apologize for this...

FitnessLover001

I know this is awkward to discuss, but we all do it, and I need feedback.

I get constipated a lot. And a lot of people tell me since I work out regularly and drink a lot of water that I really shouldn't be having that problem. But I can only go number 2 like once a week, and when I do, it's like a thirty minute bathroom break. I don't really know why this is, but does anyone else have this problem and if so, what did you do to fix it? It's really inconvienent lol

If you need to look through my diary to see if i'm eating something that may cause that, feel free to. My aunt told me last weekend that too many bananas can cause constipation, and I typically eat one every morning at breakfast, but I've stopped since she told me that.

Any advice or help to get a regular bowel movement going again…? Again, sorry for the awkward topic!

smn76237

1) This sounds like a question for your doctor
2) Your diary is not open.

Berkables

i have the same problem. Some say it has to do with an increase in protein? I think, for me, it's stress related.

But, yes, you should stop eating bananas IMMEDIATELY! They are the enemy of healthy bowls. Stop eating them, increase your fiber, drink coffee, and most importantly, relax and stop thinking about it. When I'm really backed up, I eat a dinner of black beans and spinach, but even that won't work if I'm obsessing over it.

Don't be ashamed! Everybody poops. Good luck!

jennylew1212

I used to have similar problems and I changed what I eat to include more fiber. If I don't hit my fiber total each day I suffer. You can look through my diary if you'd like.

Kitteneyes01

I had this problem as well. But for me the protein increase has actually helped. Also increasing my fibre. I need to get MORE than enough fibre. EVERY. DAY. Those are usually the first two macros I always try to hit, protein and fibre. Which explains why my carb and fats are at an all time low. Lol

I don't know about the banana thing. I eat them daily and it's never affected me. *shrugs*

DR2501

Prune juice?

tkillion810

A quick peek at your diary looks like you may be on the lighter side for fiber intake. You might try modifying your diary settings to show you your fiber count, like you can see carbs, fat, protein, etc. Then you will be able to see what your intake and find ways to increase it, if necessary.

Not sure if this applies to you, but if I get busy with life, I forget to go. It's something I have to make time for each day. Articles I read suggested going to the bathroom at generally the same time everyday and just sitting there. Maybe nothing will happen for a while, but eventually, you can train your body to know that's when to go. It helped me tremendously!

Kitteneyes01

But, yes, you should stop eating bananas IMMEDIATELY! They are the enemy of healthy bowls.

:huh:

1Cor1510

Cheese is also an enemy of regularity for me. Up that fiber!

Berkables

I have had life-long battles with constipation (starting from birth, seriously) and several doctors have told me this. Also, I just know it from my daily life. If I eat more than 3 bananas a week, I suffer. And it sucks because they're delicious and filling.

CharleePear

Go to your doctor but it sounds like Irritable Bowel Syndrome a bit...but it could be a lot of things

Jerrypeoples

i would gladly trade my BM's for this

Terrappyn1

Try some ground flax seed. Increase fiberous veggies consumption.

ColeCake292012

Yes, avoid bananas for a while..and cheese for sure!

Try prunes, apples, avocado, fiber supplements, coffee and skim milk. They all work for me, anyway.

I stay much more regular if I take an hour or two in the morning without eating and drink a large glass of water and some of my coffee.

Boccellin

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Bananas are the enemy of healthy bowels? This is news to me. I eat bananas like nobodies business and I've never had this problem. I usually eat at least 8 bananas a week, sometimes 10 or even 11.

ianthamfyolek

I have had the same problem all my life and only recently have I finally figured out what works for me. I have chronic idiopathic constipation, which basically means I'm constipated despite drinking plenty of water, getting enough exercise, and ingesting good amounts of fiber. Kellogs All Bran Buds (2 servings per day, on top of normal fiber intake) along with a prescription Amitiza from my doc have helped quite a bit. We figured out that my body just likes to be constipated, much to my annoyance. I now get almost double of the daily recommendation for fiber along with the med and that has helped considerably. I've never been as regular as I have been these last two months.

Cliffslosinit

Doctor visit is the first thing to do.

Holly_Roman_Empire

You can either:

1) Eat more fiber.

2) Eat more dietary fat.

3) Drink more water.

I find that if I am lacking in any of the above areas, it's a safe bet that I'm going to have problems.

ETA: I give my toddler apple juice or prunes to get things moving along if she needs it. Works every time.

megjr8

More fiber. Try switching out some of your dairy products for non-dairy alternatives, like almond milk. Probiotics daily can help tremendously.

jtrack3d

I am also someone that doesn't move daily, like some. My family has the genes for megacolon which in non-extreme cases causes reduced frequency.

My point is, that it isn't necessarily something to alarm you so long as you go. If you are taking 30 minutes, though, that is concerning especially if straining is involved because you can damage yourself.

I would say...
1. Are you drinking enough fluids... I would make to log it carefully for a while and see.
2. Are you eating regular fibrous food, if not metamucil or some other know fiber quantity for a while.
3. Avoiding some dairy also helps folks.

I actually log mine, for me it's between 3-6 days.

WalkingAlong

Eat more bananas.

I'm kidding. But eat more fiber. Take a fiber supplement, if you need to. The clear powders like Benefiber that dissolve in water completely are easy. A bonus is taken before meals they actually slow digestion and help you feel fuller longer.

I've never heard that bananas are constipating.

andreavarangu

Ok....from my personal experience,....avoid bananas....avoid white rice...and cherries are in season and they are a sure fire fix for me!

darrensurrey

Try some ground flax seed. Increase fiberous veggies consumption.

Ditto for both!

Also, have you cut out carbs? I hear some people have problems with constipation when they reduce their carb intake.

jemhh

Something I learned once I had a young child: focus on some "p" fruits and veggies. Prunes, plums, peaches, peas, and pineapples all help get things moving.

DeliriumCanBeFun

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Bananas are the enemy of healthy bowels? This is news to me. I eat bananas like nobodies business and I've never had this problem. I usually eat at least 8 bananas a week, sometimes 10 or even 11.

Thank you! That is completely false. I eat at least 1-2 every day, and I go every single morning first thing like clockwork. I do have a little shot of coffee before, but I don't even track fiber because I go way over every day. Actually under ripe bananas are can contribute to a firming so to speak, but over ripe bananas can actually have the opposite effect. Drink more water, get more fiber from whole food and you should be fine. If that doesn't work, you should see a doctor.

Ella1882

A quick peek at your diary looks like you may be on the lighter side for fiber intake. You might try modifying your diary settings to show you your fiber count, like you can see carbs, fat, protein, etc. Then you will be able to see what your intake and find ways to increase it, if necessary.

Not sure if this applies to you, but if I get busy with life, I forget to go. It's something I have to make time for each day. Articles I read suggested going to the bathroom at generally the same time everyday and just sitting there. Maybe nothing will happen for a while, but eventually, you can train your body to know that's when to go. It helped me tremendously!

Everyone here had great advice, especially ^^^^,

I'd also note that replacing your evil bananas with other fruits -- especially mangos, apricots, strawberries, plums -- might help. Most fruits have a slight, natural laxative effect. (I hadn't heard of the banana's constipating effect, but I'll believe the anecdotes!)

And I find that dairy products noticeably slow my digestion. Yogurt is far less constipating than cheese, but I think many people find that dairy of almost any kind messes with their digestion.

Make sure you don't add too much fiber too quickly to your diet. Gradual fiber increases are a good idea, but sudden, dramatic increases in fiber will constipate you more.

*Edited to correct spelling and add a sentence.

wheird

Make lentil and broccoli soup and chase it with an apple and prune juice mixture. Make sure your phone is fully charged and your toilet has hand holds.

DesertStar86

Nothing awkward about poop!

I can't speak highly enough of the virtues of fibre.

I eat a LOT of veg and grains to stay regular. My failsafe poop foods are are lentils, roasted onions and bell peppers, beetroot, sweet potato, peas, sweetcorn, beans. I try to eat generous portions of bulk. I don't eat much meat. A 3 bean stew/chilli or a veg curry for dinner usually does the trick. Tonight it's a baked sweet potato. And sweetcorn. And beetroot... :blushing:

I have heard that bananas can be binding, as can dairy and eggs. Not sure how accurate that is but if I eat too much protein everything definitely slows down.

Make sure you get enough fat. A good serving of nuts, cheese or olive oil may help.

Bran flakes or Weetabix?

I'd definitely recommend incorporating some of the above foods into your diet daily for a few weeks, remember to drink plenty of water and see if that helps.

I'd be really sad if I didn't poop daily. (FYI & TMI - if you can get your bowel movements regular, you'll be done and dusted in a matter of minutes - no more half hour toilet sessions!)

Good luck!

darnice2013

I, too, have had a issue with this all my life. It got better and then worse after having a bowel surgery. The only things I could add to the good ideas already expressed, is to consider magnesium. I found out I have low on magnesium levels chronically, which causes sluggish bowels. I use a product called Natural Calm because of its 'bioavailablity'. (I get the Lemon raspberry flavor) Even so, I know I am in for problems if missing ample amounts of daily veggies, fiber (I use Fiber One because it has a lot in 1 cup serving) AND exercise. I am pretty sure part of my recent increased problems are related to less physical activity. A stool softener, Docusate Sodium is helpful as well as supplement with Anise in it, the same plant used to flavor licorice... or you can just eat licorice.

Good you brought this up.. we all have to have regularlty!

sfbaumgarten

Metamucil is really helpful when I have this... issue. Fruit, coffee, and running also help me in the less severe cases.

vividreflection

I have to chime in here and agree that it is not good advice to tell someone to stop what is likely their main source of potassium. One a day is totally fine and your body NEEDS potassium.