Having bathroom issues...

2»

Replies

  • GreenTeaForDays
    GreenTeaForDays Posts: 166 Member
    First of all, stop with the laxatives. You can become dependent on them.

    Second, contact your doctor if you are feeling particularly uncomfortable or if it has been a few days.


    Some tips that have helped me are:

    [1] running and prolonged physical activity does the trick for me.
    [2] My friend's doctor told her to drink a lukewarm cup of water right when she woke up before eating because she was having issues when she was pregnant.
    [3] Low sodium and low water intake can cause problems too.
    [4] How large is your calorie deficit? I notice that when I have a day where I eat a lot things get moving again. This is obviously counter productive to weight loss but it may be worth considering.
    [5] too much protein can slow things up

    These are just the factors I am aware of. I would seriously recommend talking to your doctor and stopping the laxatives immediately. Most have warnings about prolonged use on the box, even if they are "natural", and you do not want to do any permanent damage.
  • 20diane
    20diane Posts: 18 Member
    Have been told that Linseeds are just the thing to get you moving.
  • kaydensmom12
    kaydensmom12 Posts: 338
    If you are using laxatives regularly, and are unable to go to the bathroom without them then you need to call your doctor. Even short term regular laxative use can lead to dependence, your bowel will not contract and you will not be able to go to the bathroom yourself. You have to go through a process of retraining your bowel.

    If that is not the case then all you can do is eat plenty of fiber, especially natural fiber, with plenty of fluids and exercise.
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    Without being able to see your diary, I wonder what your diet consists of if it is stopping you up. Generally, high protein plans can be constipating for some people. I'm one of those people, so my first thought was that you probably went on a low carb diet to lose weight and that is causing the problem. Not that it is the only reason someone can be constipated, but it does happen a lot of the time. Like was mentioned above, I would recommend upping your fruits and veggies and drinking lots of water. Also, a cup of hot coffee has been shown to help move things along.

    16 years Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor
    9 years Certified Sports Nutritionist
    Bachelors in Exercise Physiology with a Minor in Nutritional Science
    ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist
    NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • GreenTeaForDays
    GreenTeaForDays Posts: 166 Member
    I had issues for about 2ish weeks. I thought, like everyone else that it was fibre and water shortage, I was wrong. After another couple days of suffering and feeling bloated I finally gave in and started cooking again with high fat things (ie butter), now everything has cleared up, so to speak. Basically, make sure you're getting enough fats and oils in your diet as well as fibre and water!

    On this note...

    When I started taking an omega-3 supplement I saw huge improvements. Maybe your fat intake is too low? If so, try and get more healthy fats.
  • autumnk921
    autumnk921 Posts: 1,374 Member
    Usually in the morning once I drank a little bit of coffee it gets me going....Also, I take fiber supplements as well and have noticed that if I DO NOT drink enough water the day before it is very difficult to go...This makes me remember to drink plenty of water daily, more than 8 cups a day...More like 12 for me...Another thing someone mentioned was taking the Omega-3 supplements...I guess b/c of the fatty oils in there...This has helped me even more...I didn't realize this until it was mentioned on here and it's true....I hope this helps you out....Plus like alot of people have said....Stop the laxatives and use something like Miralax - My 3yr old is prescribed that so it has to be pretty gentle & it can be used daily if needed....I hope this helps you out!! :)
  • flechero
    flechero Posts: 260 Member
    Just reading this thread caused me to have to go....
  • morninglilli
    morninglilli Posts: 194
    And on a strange note, walking into any shopping center makes me have to go bad!!!!!! So I highly recommend walking into a target or Walmart, don't buy anything, just look around get the urge and get out! Hahaha!
    It may be strictly phycosymatic for me, but works every time!
  • Frederi825
    Frederi825 Posts: 24 Member
    Thanks everyone! I appreciate the advise and the non-judgement!! :blushing:

    Non-judgement?! Did not anyone mention that regularity issues usually stem from not treating your mother as nicely as you ought? :wink:
  • nokittyno
    nokittyno Posts: 293 Member
    Sorry to Hijack this thread, but at a quick glance I saw the OP's title as:

    "...Having Batman Issues..."

    I lol'ed at it.. cause my eyes make life interesting when my intermittent brain comes into play...
  • YummyTpn
    YummyTpn Posts: 334 Member
    Are you having at least 5-7 servings of fresh fruit and veggies everyday, as well as drinking at least 6-8 8oz glasses of water a day? But, avoid bananas...They actually make constipation worse.

    What I've noticed is that while many of us stay within our calorie range, few of us are eating enough fruits and veggies, myself included, some days!

    Also, walking, or most other cardio exercise (although I think walking works best!) is good too...It helps to get things moving in the intestines.

    I've tried Metmusil in the capsule form, and it worked for me! Maybe you could try this until your body catches up (or any other form of a fibre supplement).

    If you're doing all the above and still have the problem, then I would go to the doc.

    Hope this helps!
  • YummyTpn
    YummyTpn Posts: 334 Member
    And on a strange note, walking into any shopping center makes me have to go bad!!!!!! So I highly recommend walking into a target or Walmart, don't buy anything, just look around get the urge and get out! Hahaha!
    It may be strictly phycosymatic for me, but works every time!

    OMG this always happens to me! As soon as I'm in a department store...I thought I was the only one with this problem!
  • McMomsie
    McMomsie Posts: 4 Member
    I have this problem too. (!!)
    i attribute it to the fact that im ingesting less fatty foods.
    Im eating strickly clean, and maybe my body doesnt have the "fats/oil" it relied on before.
    fiber supplements had no effect on me.
    i drink a bottle of magnesium citrate once a week when im having trouble. works like a CHARM.
    I also highly reccomend a vast increase in your water intake ( but it sounds like you are drinking more then enough)
    good luck.
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    Are you having at least 5-7 servings of fresh fruit and veggies everyday, as well as drinking at least 6-8 8oz glasses of water a day? But, avoid bananas...They actually make constipation worse.

    Actually, Bananas are one of the few foods that help me go when I'm constipated. It really depends on the person. What triggers one person to constipation may trigger diarrhea in another. Even different forms of the same macronutrient can trigger a different response in the same person. While protein in the form of meat will constipate me, protein powders will help me go. If I'm really suffering, I can get one of those ready to drink NitroTech protein shakes that is like 50 grams of protein and you won't get me out of the bathroom for the rest of the day.

    16 years Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor
    9 years Certified Sports Nutritionist
    Bachelors in Exercise Physiology with a Minor in Nutritional Science
    ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist
    NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • toomuchsweetness
    toomuchsweetness Posts: 168 Member
    Do you feel constipated or just not having to go as often? If you are eating healthier and exercising more, perhaps your body is using more of the food your are consuming and having to expel less? Also, be careful with the laxatives. A gentle stool softener is much safer, taken every 12 hrs as needed.

    I agree.. too many laxatives and your body will become dependant on them.. Im not a huge fan of fiberous veggies.. I usually have one or 2 90 calorie fiber brownies or bars daily. ... or a cup of all bran cereal with almond milk... Sometimes if you are eating too much dairy , it will bind you as well. gl.
  • lulu386
    lulu386 Posts: 20
    I used to have that problem and I find that eating a serving of kale and apples a day helps A LOT
  • tami101
    tami101 Posts: 617 Member
    And on a strange note, walking into any shopping center makes me have to go bad!!!!!! So I highly recommend walking into a target or Walmart, don't buy anything, just look around get the urge and get out! Hahaha!
    It may be strictly phycosymatic for me, but works every time!

    OMG this always happens to me! As soon as I'm in a department store...I thought I was the only one with this problem!

    This happens to me too! I work at Walmart, but it doesn't happen when I'm working, only when shopping. It has to be psychological, but nice to know I'm not alone! Ha ha!
  • DrewMaxwell
    DrewMaxwell Posts: 269 Member
    The US RDA for fiber is between 28-34 (g)/day.

    Soluble fiber may improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Oats, dried beans, apples and oranges, are good sources of soluble fiber.

    Insoluble fiber can help prevent constipation. Vegetables, wheat bran, other whole grains, unsalted-nuts,seeds are good sources of insoluble fiber.
  • aoikirin
    aoikirin Posts: 143
    I would say be careful about the amount of animal protein in your diet. Meat ,especially red meat, is incredibly constipating. It takes quite a long time to go through everything. This is why so many Americans have chronic constipation. Too much meat.

    Not that this need be the reason in your case. Some people are just prone to constipation regardless of what they eat. It could also be something else. Good luck with it. :)
  • srpm
    srpm Posts: 275 Member
    Have you cut out caffeine? some peoples system gets used to the extra help it gets from there morning coffee so if they suddenly quit drinking it they have problems for a week or two.

    Try eating yogurt with probiotics (activia?) or taking a probiotic supplement if you're still having problems after your body has time to adjust to the new diet.