Better bowel movement - constipation - HELP!

anahita84

So I need tips on how to improve my 'bathroom' situation. I went shopping last night and got one of those fiber powders that you can mix with your water...Called Metamulcil..?

Anyone knows a better way to deal with heavy consitpation?

missmgray

A big tablespoon of ground flax seed mixed into applesauce is wonderful natural remedy. Are you getting too much iron?

BackTatJIM

any type of fiber, the powder, pills, gummies, fruit, wholr grain products, fiber one snack bars, some cereal has a lot of fiber, almonds and nuts have some fiber

DanaDark

You could eat more fiber instead of taking the powder... celery and broccoli are great sources. Fiber, in the long term, will harden the stool (if its soft and runny), and will also help keep you regular (strong intestines).

Caffeine actually aids in encouraging bowel movements as well. (Excited intestines)

Fair warning #1: Increasing fiber in the diet may lead to excessive flatulence.

Fair warning #2: Caffeine, such as coffee, on an empty stomach can lead to very liquidy stool.

wewon

Nuts and beans have tons of fiber.

wewon

Fair warning #1: Increasing fiber in the diet may lead to excessive flatulence.

Is that a warning for her or the people around her?

Shelgirl001

Just don't forget lots of water, or the fiber can make it worse yet...

MLeigh18

coffee first thing in the morning tends to do the trick for most people it seems

erickirb

When increasing fiber intake you also need to increase water intake, or else the increase in fiber will have the opposite effect of what you want it to do.

pk6868

I recommend over the counter Miralax (go for the generic)for my patients to help with immediate constipation. It is a powder you can add it to any liquid and it is tasteless. Sometimes you have to take it several days in a row to help you develop regular bowel movements, but it is safe and gentle on your system.

To help prevent problems in the future try taking a daily over the counter probiotic--I like Floragen--you have to ask the pharmacist for it as it is kept in the refrigerator. The probiotic is just good for overall colon health. Besides taking the Floragen eating oatmeal and a container of yogurt daily really helps me. Metamucil is good as well because it is a good source of fiber, I just personally don't like the taste (but that is just my opinion).

Good luck, that is a tough problem to have.

BubbleGumKisses

I take a 60cal prune pak each night, and strong coffee each morning....
also, miralax daily....

Naomipal

Read up on taking magnesium, it helped me lots.

shiseido_faerie

lots and lots of water, nuts, raw veggies, and if you still can't go... a coffee should do the trick!

PARCELQUEEN

prunes in juice

lisanorman6

Increase your fiber intake (as previously said). Personally, the taste of Metamucil makes me want to hurl so I shy away from it. My son has cerebral palsy and constipation is a huge issue for him, regardless of foods eaten. We use Miralax and I totally swear by it! There is zero taste and it dissolves in any beverage.

I have IBS and started taking a 25 billion count probiotic. Hello regularity. Check probiotics out, they're worth it!

dup32

I take Miralax everyday, DR reccommended.. It does help

Vonwarr

In addition to making sure you're getting enough fibre, it's also important to get enough dietary fat and water... too little fat makes everything harden up, and becomes harder for your body to move. Many people dieting cut most of the fat out of their diet and this can be a side effect. If you're increasing your fibre, as mentioned above, you should also increase your water intake.

Think of it like the difference between squeezing a tube of toothpaste vs trying to squeeze gravel through a garden hose that is bent in tight curves. Great mental image but the best comparison I can think of! (need more coffee) :laugh:

If it's really bad, or you're getting sharp stomach pains etc, you might want to considering seeing a doctor for a solution and then work on a longer term diet change to prevent future issues.

Skyyy12

A P P L E J U I C E WORKS FOR ME!!

VogtAndrea

Ask a Dietician says: "Generally, a person should consume 1 gram of fiber for every 100 calories or approximately 25 grams of fiber per day. Persons with reduced food intake, say 1200 calories, should aim for at least 15 grams of fiber as the average American only eats 12 grams per day."
You should
"Choose whole fruits more often than fruit juice. Fresh, frozen, or canned, it doesn’t matter, they all count.
Try to eat two vegetables with your evening meal.
Keep a bowl of veggies washed and prepared in your refrigerator. Cucumbers, celery, or carrots are a good choice for a quick snack.
Make a meal around dried beans or peas (also called legumes) instead of meat. "

taso42

plenty of fiber, plenty of fat.

ifyouwanttosingout

Read up on taking magnesium, it helped me lots.

I agree with this. I have horrible issues w/constipation and this is the only thing that's helped me.

amanda52488

I've been seeing my dr recently for this issue recently. She is having me drink WARM prune juice daily. 6-8 oz. It has def been helping. I'd def recommend!

jcpmoore

Add high fiber foods to your diet. I like beans myself. Have a decent amount of fat in your diet, too. While you're waiting, try a stool softener.

HTH

jcjsjones

I am really big supporter of probiotics! It has done wonders for me (and doesn't make you near as gassy)!

morgansmom02

Taco Bell or Pizza Hut should do the trick

Francesca3162

water water water water water water
when you are done with that.. drink
water water water water water water
when you are done with that, drink
water water water water water water

i think you get my point.. do not take anything without taking alot of water

i eat 1/2 teaspoon of ground flax seed every day with my plain greek yogurt..
and lotsa water..

wurgin

i eat 5 pitted prunes mid day everyday as a snack. It ensures everything keeps flowing. Plus increasing your water intake may help if you have not done that already.

Swissmiss

I am so glad that you posted this. I have this problem whenever I eat healthy. I eat lots of fruit and veggies, drink 8 to 12 cups of water, exercise every day and still need help. If I were to overeat then all would be well. I am taking the powder stuff at this time.

babesintow

Is this an everyday thing...or a monthly thing? Some women with troublesome PMS can have issues once a month...also other health issues can come into play. But if these do not apply... exercise will help get things moving, extra shot of some sugar...it coats the bowels (and before someone disagrees a doctor has given this to my children and it works like a charm...it is some kind of syrup) chocolate seems to have a nice effect (I always liked a brownie and a pop)...caffeine works if you are not over doing it to begin with, too much will dehydrate you and cause things to slow down...water water water...something hot to drink...it's summer so you can find melon, it works because of the fiber and it's mostly water...fiber power is great once things are moving but I didn't see immediate changes myself...also having a protein shake followed by a soda has worked for me too...not exactly sure why...but I use that power in my protein shakes now and eat fiber bars to make sure I get enough everyday and everything moves through just fine.

Hope these are enough ideas to get you "moving"

Cliffslosinit

Someone who loves you and a spoon.....

Lift_This_

i drink 2-4 cups of coffee in the morning...always helps me feel better and empty my bowels.