stupid digestive system

nel0311

sooooo i am one of those people who have a crappy (no pun intended) digestive systems.

Sometime it will be....2/3 days until I go.

I thought, working out would ....work it out
I thought eating lots of greens would help
increasing my fiber maybe??

but after all that......i stop and say, "when is the last time i...."

so the past two days i have had my trusty miralax and i have been wondering if this is safe to keep using?
should i do it everyday?
every other day?
one a week?

All i know is that being backed up is sooo not healthy nor good for those weigh in days.

Any help or suggestions?

P.S
My doctor said every day.....but idk know bout her. Im switching doctors soon

Scarlett_S

Miralax is fine to use every day. It is non habit forming and not a true laxative.

UponThisRock

Get your fiber up to 30-50g per day, and make sure you're drinking plenty of water

SiltyPigeon

Try Taco Bell... works for me every time.

On a lesser note, though.... there is nothing wrong with going every 2/3 days. It is considered normal to have a bowel movement anywhere from every day to once a week.... as long as it is consistent. Consistency is key, not frequency. Don't start taking laxatives on a regular basis unless a doctor says you should. They can cause you to become dehydrated among other things.

Articeluvsmemphis

water, spinach

teas if you like them keeps things moving, taking a vitamin as well

emmyvera

I always suggest water, produce and beans with fiber. Trying to not stress (ha!)
Oh and small meals work for me. If I eat too much or have too many sweets, cheese or bread - then I'm doing myself a disservice in many ways. I've always had those problems on and off. But I've learned to work with it through diet and exercise.

I actually discovered something last night that I'm going to post about here in a bit.......

Check it out, I think you might be interested. :happy:

kmbrooks15

Get your fiber up to 30-50g per day, and make sure you're drinking plenty of water

If you have trouble with this, try Benefiber or something similar (I use the Walmart version). It has no taste, so you can mix it right into milk, juice, coffee, etc.

ActorGirl1476

I agree with the person above me who said try benefiber.. I LOVE taking a fiber supplement because try as I might, I never seem to get as much as I should the natural way. I prefer the chewy tablets instead of the dissolving powder though.

Also, I've read that miralax is safe to use every day, but I would still feel a little weird about using it every single day.

thatgirl125

Im in the same boat as you and actually since I have been working out I havent really been able "to go". Yesterday I went ahead and bought fiber one bars, had my first one today hopefully it'll help. It did help when I was pregnant!
(I might honestly invest in some miralax. )

Sublimely_Self_Righteousreused

It's because you're a woman. It's generally against women's nature to poop. And fart. They just don't do it. At least that's what I've been told.

theprettyone1010

I have similar issues. So I've been taking psyllium husk ( a natural fiber, sold at Whole Foods & health stores), flaxseed tablets (helps make it easier to go), and prune juice (natural stimulant) to get things in motion. They're healthy alternatives to using laxatives and pretty effective.

Hope this helps!

CaptainGordo

From the Unofficial MFP FAQ ( http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/457-unofficial-mfp-faq ) ...

FREQUENCY OF BOWEL MOVEMENTS

"Bowel habits vary widely among healthy people. Some healthy people may have three bowel movements per week, while others may have three per day."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frequent-bowel-movements/my00786

CONSTIPATION OR INFREQUENT BOWEL MOVEMENTS

"What's considered normal frequency for bowel movements varies widely. In general, however, you're probably experiencing constipation if you pass fewer than three stools a week, and your stools are hard and dry.

Fortunately, most cases of constipation are temporary. Simple lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, drinking more fluids and eating a high-fiber diet, can go a long way toward alleviating constipation. Constipation may also be treated with over-the-counter laxatives.

Not having a bowel movement every day doesn't necessarily mean you're constipated. You likely have constipation, however, if you've had at least two of the following signs and symptoms for at least three of the past six months:

- Pass fewer than three stools a week
- Experience hard stools
- Strain excessively during bowel movements
- Experience a sense of rectal blockage
- Have a feeling of incomplete evacuation after having a bowel movement
- Need to use manual maneuvers to have a bowel movement, such as finger evacuation or manipulation of your lower abdomen

To help prevent constipation:

- Eat a high-fiber diet. Choose lots of high-fiber foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole-grain cereals and breads. Aim to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily. Experiment to see if particular fruits or vegetables have a laxative effect for you. Remember to add fiber to your diet gradually to help reduce related gas and bloating.
- Limit low-fiber foods. Foods that are high in fat and sugar and those that tend to be low in fiber content, such as ice cream, cheese and processed foods, may cause or aggravate constipation.
- Drink plenty of liquids. The exact amount of water and other fluids you should drink each day varies and depends on your age, sex, health, activity level and other factors. Limit caffeine intake, which can worsen symptoms of constipation by causing dehydration.
- Exercise regularly. Engage in regular physical exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming, to help stimulate intestinal function. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week is recommended.
- Heed nature's call. Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. The longer you delay, the more water is absorbed from your stool and the harder it becomes.
- Try fiber supplements. Over-the-counter products, such as Metamucil and Citrucel, can help keep stools soft and regular. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids every day, as taking fiber supplements without drinking plenty of fluids may worsen constipation.
- Be careful about introducing stimulant laxatives. Habitual use of agents such as Correctol and Dulcolax can make your colon dependent on them and may require increasing dosages, eventually leading to problems with your intestines. For occasional relief try a saline laxative, such as milk of magnesia, which draws water into the colon to lubricate the stool. Avoid giving children laxatives without a doctor's approval."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/constipation/DS00063

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frequent-bowel-movements/my00786

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/397439-what-about-bowel-movements

sdailey4

The more fiber I intake the less likely it is that I can go...so if increasing the fiber isn't helping that could be a problem. I have IBS so it's common to cause constipation, my sons pediatrician put him on miralax every day as well so I'd trust that it would be ok.

nel0311

Thanks friends!!! me and miralax will have a lasting relationship then