Constipation

wrightm31
wrightm31 Posts: 2
in Food and Nutrition
Hey guys, so I have been constipated for awhile now and it's really starting to bug me. I try to eat as much fiber as I can and I drink a lot of water. Any ideas on how to help?
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Replies

  • wanttolose40lbs
    wanttolose40lbs Posts: 239 Member
    Prunes really loosen things up
  • seena511
    seena511 Posts: 685 Member
    prune juice (mix with sprite if you want it to taste not quite as nasty) and raisins...you can also buy laxative teas. i've never tried them but i've considered it because not going for 3 days prior to a weigh in is really throwing off my progress :mad:
  • Lyssa62
    Lyssa62 Posts: 930 Member
    activia yogurt -- may have to eat it for a few days in a row to notice ..but it will help ...if you can eat yogurt
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    For me two things work: not eating bread and/or taking magnesium citrate supplements.

    None of the other common fixes ever worked for me.
  • dovetail22uk
    dovetail22uk Posts: 339 Member
    Allegedly, Bobby Brown would help Whitney Houston out when she was constipated by using a spoon. I have no idea what he meant by that, but apparently that was real love.

    Oranges are really good too.

    And senna laxatives (follow the instructions!)
  • evileen99
    evileen99 Posts: 1,564 Member
    "as much fiber as I can" doesn't really help us know your fiber intake.

    First, are you eating constipating foods? Eggs and dairy are the most constipating foods on the planet, so if you've started having eggs for breakfast or eat a bunch of cottage cheese, you could have problems

    Are you really tracking your fiber intake? Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the best sources of fiber. Lentils and berries are very high, and prunes, while having fiber, also contain a substance which can increase GI motility. Chia seeds have 3 grams of fiber per tablespoon so they are an easy way to increase your fiber intake. Caffeine is a bowel stimulant as well and can help to get things moving. Eating healthy fats, like nuts and nut butters and avocado, is also important in keeping things moving.

    Fiber added products, like Fiber One, probably don't give you the same effect, gram for gram, as naturally occurring fiber.

    And drink lots of water.

    Senna is a very harsh laxative; I would use it only as a last result.
  • benflando
    benflando Posts: 193
    Smooth Moves tea from Whole Food or any organic store.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    hot water with lemon does it for me if i'm eating alot of protein. coffee can help too and obviously loads of veg.
  • angmarie28
    angmarie28 Posts: 2,885 Member
    Smooth Moves tea from Whole Food or any organic store.
    yes smooth move tea, also walmart and target carry it
  • ChloeRoseLejeune
    ChloeRoseLejeune Posts: 488
    "as much fiber as I can" doesn't really help us know your fiber intake.

    First, are you eating constipating foods? Eggs and dairy are the most constipating foods on the planet, so if you've started having eggs for breakfast or eat a bunch of cottage cheese, you could have problems

    Are you really tracking your fiber intake? Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the best sources of fiber. Lentils and berries are very high, and prunes, while having fiber, also contain a substance which can increase GI motility. Chia seeds have 3 grams of fiber per tablespoon so they are an easy way to increase your fiber intake. Caffeine is a bowel stimulant as well and can help to get things moving. Eating healthy fats, like nuts and nut butters and avocado, is also important in keeping things moving.

    Fiber added products, like Fiber One, probably don't give you the same effect, gram for gram, as naturally occurring fiber.

    And drink lots of water.

    Senna is a very harsh laxative; I would use it only as a last result.

    Dairy is probiotic, so how exactly are eggs and dairy causes of constipation?

    You could try kefir, it's like a runny yoghurt type drink.

    Or maybe you're eating too much protein and not enough fiber to move it through your digestive tract.
  • DenyseMarieL
    DenyseMarieL Posts: 673 Member
    I am also prone to this problem, despite drinking lots of water, eating fruits and veggies. Fibre One bars have been a godsend. One a day and I'm golden. When the Fibre One brownies came out, I was ecstatic. They also work like a charm. And they taste pretty good too.
  • SeraFee
    SeraFee Posts: 52 Member
    I have the same issue. Something that helps me is to drink AT LEAST 16 oz of water in the morning right when I wake up, about 20 minutes BEFORE breakfast. Its not sure fire, but I'm a lot more regular when I do this on a daily basis.
  • PG58
    PG58 Posts: 4 Member
    Make sure to exercise or at least move around to get your body working. If you are eating a lot of fiber and drinking a lot of water, you might want to check with doctor if this continues. Sometimes this can (not always) be an indication of a health problem. Better to be safe and not sorry.

    My constipation stems from a thyroid problem. Something to continue working on.:smile:
  • Flowers4Julia
    Flowers4Julia Posts: 521 Member
    Guess what! It's not totally a fiber issue! F A T S .......are what get the intestines doing their job. Make sure you are eating healthy dietary fats including saturated fats.

    For extra help you can try the over the counter Miralax, empty stomach, first thing in the morning. It brings water to the intestine which will help create the urge to go. Not harsh!

    Best!

    Seriously - google about fats. In todays "low fat" world, constipation is the outcome....or not ;-)
  • kr1stadee
    kr1stadee Posts: 1,774 Member
    As soon as my calories dropped down to 1200, things stopped moving for me. I upped the calories, and ta-dah, poop!

    LOL sorry, I'm really blunt haha

    Coffee usually helps too!! What doesn't? Cheese (for me) and I live on the stuff.
  • Absonthebrain
    Absonthebrain Posts: 587 Member
    For me spinach works wonders! I can get frozen or fresh spinach and steam it. It literally works in hours!
  • Jemmuno
    Jemmuno Posts: 413 Member
    Drink some coffee! I always poo after my morning coffee.
  • RachNRoll
    RachNRoll Posts: 192 Member
    Try my special mix of avocado, 1 tbs of peanut butter, 3 tbs of bran and some raisins in it. Mix, mix, mix, eat it and you'll poop like a boss!
  • Schmidty102
    Schmidty102 Posts: 168 Member
    I take a daily probiotic and fish oil/omega 3. It seems like they help keep my bowl movements in line. My mother swears by fish oil helping.
  • leantool
    leantool Posts: 365 Member
    you may want to know about psyllium husk(with plenty of water).
  • ChapinaGrande
    ChapinaGrande Posts: 289 Member
    I was going to say everything everybody else said. I will also add Taco Bell. You're welcome.
  • 2credneck208
    2credneck208 Posts: 501 Member
    i have had the same problem. I was getting headaches along with constipation, I was going over on fiber and drinking 100 oz plus water, so I figured that 1200 calories wasn't enough and upped them. Its been 3 days and I am feeling better.
  • strikerjb007
    strikerjb007 Posts: 443 Member
    You might want to throw some White Castle in there. I hear it's pretty effective! :huh:
  • zenathabutifll1
    zenathabutifll1 Posts: 28
    lmao yes your right
  • zenathabutifll1
    zenathabutifll1 Posts: 28
    i have always had that issue; it may take a week to go for me...but not anymore...i changed my diet ..only fruits and veggies...but things that help..apples, green foods such as kale cabbage spinach... golden seal smoove move tea , and weight loss tea, (prune juice takes too long and causes gas), you can do a liquid enema,
  • zenathabutifll1
    zenathabutifll1 Posts: 28
    oh yea oatmeal and coffee
  • stephaniemejia1671
    stephaniemejia1671 Posts: 482 Member
    I am also prone to this problem, despite drinking lots of water, eating fruits and veggies. Fibre One bars have been a godsend. One a day and I'm golden. When the Fibre One brownies came out, I was ecstatic. They also work like a charm. And they taste pretty good too.

    Hmmmm... I've been eating alot of the fiber one bars myself, and granola bars... Now the pieces are falling into place lol. Too much of something could actually be counterproductive, try to lessen the amount you are eating and just let your body work naturally. I tend to go when I do loads of ab work during my workouts. How will you go about trying out all these tips? Lol. But do keep drinking water.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    Smooth Moves tea from Whole Food or any organic store.
    yes smooth move tea, also walmart and target carry it
    Smooth move uses SENNA and other harsh laxatives
  • chels0722
    chels0722 Posts: 465 Member
    Eating too much fiber can actually have adverse affects on the body. Try to keep your intake below 50 grams. Also, consuming too much fiber can keep your body from absorbing the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that it needs. You need to find a happy medium. Usually somewhere between 30-50 grams of fiber. It is recommended at least 35 for weight loss, and lots of water. Ginger tea with lemon is a good natural way to promote more efficient digestive health.
  • KristyHumphrey
    KristyHumphrey Posts: 248 Member
    Heavy drinking will get things moving every time-LOL

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