digestion issues.

VegGoddess
VegGoddess Posts: 81 Member
don't mind all the TMI :)

so i'm a pretty healthy eater (vegan) and try to eat fiber but have always had digestion problems ever since i was little, from constipation and not "going" for almost weeks at a time to odd colored, ahemmm... poo. and was hoping other people on here had the same problem! how do you regulate it?

i usually try using a senna leaf tea which acts as a natural laxative but today i had three cups and a coffee and not much of anything had happened in 48 hours! i need advice!

Replies

  • bsavithri
    bsavithri Posts: 8 Member
    Have you ever tried oats? Try boiling it and add a pinch of salt, mix it with buttermikl after it cools and drink it.. or u can also drink it with milk n sugar...
  • _CowgirlUp_
    _CowgirlUp_ Posts: 585 Member
    Miralax. It's a lifesaver. It's safe...you mix the powder with your favorite liquid...gatorade, flavored water or tea, etc. No flavor or texture...you won't even know you're drinking it. I work for a GI doctor and we use this and 4 dulcolax tablets for our colonoscopy prep. PM me if you want more info.
  • SusanMcAvoy
    SusanMcAvoy Posts: 445 Member
    Benefiber with prune jiuce works real well. I have the same issues. Good luck!! :flowerforyou:
  • kouzzzz
    kouzzzz Posts: 540 Member
    Stop eating grains and starch (such as breads, cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes) they tend to clog your digestive system. Eat more protein (in veggies or protein powder for vegans), veggies and good oils. Vegans tend to eat a lot of processed foods, stay away from that.
  • I second the Miralax suggestion - my son has had severe constipation issues most of his life and that is the only thing that has helped him to stay regular for the most part, it seems to work fairly quickly (when you havent gone for weeks, even waiting a day is quick compared to that!) and no cramping or discomfort either. I've used it myself on occasion and can testify for it as well!

    Good Luck!
  • WifeMomDVM
    WifeMomDVM Posts: 1,025 Member
    I've never had issues, but I take a kiwifruit supplement that is supposed to regulate your bowels (mine were already regular), help with constipation, diarrhea, IBS, etc....

    I take it because it provides prebioitics (not to be confused with probiotics). Am I being sold a gimmick? I dunno, seems to work great for me, but again, I was normal before - I like the idea of taking something that helps me maximally absorb all my nutrients.

    It's sold by a company called xtend life www.xtend-life.com, the product is called digestin-K
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    don't mind all the TMI :)

    so i'm a pretty healthy eater (vegan) and try to eat fiber but have always had digestion problems ever since i was little, from constipation and not "going" for almost weeks at a time to odd colored, ahemmm... poo. and was hoping other people on here had the same problem! how do you regulate it?

    i usually try using a senna leaf tea which acts as a natural laxative but today i had three cups and a coffee and not much of anything had happened in 48 hours! i need advice!

    Have you ever considered consulting with a Gastroenterologist where you mentioned you have had problems since you were younger?

    Before taking anything over the counter, I would consider talking with a GI specialist...
  • flinchyny
    flinchyny Posts: 106 Member
    I second the suggestion to see a doc ... also to help with the issues surrounding your username and the info in your profile ... :\ ... also, eating vegan does not necessarily = healthy.
  • Hi,
    I'm new here and I've had some serious digestive issues for almost two years now. I don't really know what else to do at this point in terms of getting the nutrients I need without a visit to the ER. No insurance, working only 11 hours a week and looking for a second job, and a growing mountain of medical bills. I just want to get back to being happy, healthy, and fit again. Any suggestions? or anyone with similar issues?
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    I second the suggestion to see a doc ... also to help with the issues surrounding your username and the info in your profile ... :\ ... also, eating vegan does not necessarily = healthy.

    agreeing wholeheartedly with you on the latter....
  • juliapurpletoes
    juliapurpletoes Posts: 951 Member
    what a ton of folks don't realize is that FAT is what gets the digestion moving along. Our intestines were not designed to process carbs, starches and grain fiber......so all that eat fiber and drink lots of water is (although conventional wisdom) not very helpful!

    Include proteins and fats in your diet - really!

    It works for me and I've been through YEARS of constipation thinking it was about water and fiber :grumble: .....miralax worked, metamucil did too. Low fat Pringles as well!

    But what really works the best is a proper diet. Don't leave out the fats and cut WAY back on starchy-grains...oats, corn and wheat. They just clog things up.
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