Laxatives

sophieford1
sophieford1 Posts: 12
edited December 21 in Food and Nutrition
despite the controversy of this topic area, I will ask anyway. Laxatives - weight losers best friend and constipation relief. I don't use these for weight loss, Id like to just underline that matter. But, due to being clarified as non-ceolic anymore (allergic to wheat) I have started to enjoy breads, pastas etc again but with this, I have had some serious constipation and it is so uncomfortable.
When is the best time to take them to get rid of this, before or after eating?
It says on the box to take 2 before bed, but then I am awoken at stupid o'clock to do its business and as I suffer badly with bad sleeping patterns anyway Id much rather keep away from this.
Would they work just as effectively if I took them before I ate, or is this not an option?

Replies

  • loztredders
    loztredders Posts: 142
    Take them in the morning it you'd prefer to, the only reason the manufacturer states at night its because generally this causes users to 'evacuate' soon after waking.
    They really shouldn't be used on a long term basis though or regularly as your system can become dependent on them to work. Maybe cut back on the wheat until normal bowel movements have been resume
    d and then slowly re introduce them.
  • wasveganvictoria88
    wasveganvictoria88 Posts: 249 Member
    If you go to your local health food store, you can get alternatives like rice pasta etc...and try making your own bread with rice flour. If you are allergic you really shouldn't be putting your body through that! Thats probably why you have bad sleeping patterns.
  • Zoeeee_xx
    Zoeeee_xx Posts: 112 Member
    Laxatives dont do anything for weight loss. As for taking it, it depends what type of laxative you have, is it a fast moving one? Because then you will want to take it when you are at home and have no plans. Doesnt really matter what time of the day you take them. Ive always taken them after eating aswell. Why dont you try and introduce more things into your diet that will help you? Cups of tea and fruit always helps me! :)
  • em9371
    em9371 Posts: 1,047 Member
    You shouldn't take them regularly, if you do you need to look at your diet.
    Always follow directions on package regarding when you should take them, if taking 2 is making you get up in the night, cut down to one.

    Try adding more natural high fibre foods like all bran or figs, or if you know the wheat based stuff is causing you problems, cut it down and reintroduce slowly do your body can adapt.
  • Denasally
    Denasally Posts: 4 Member
    Have you tried eating pears instead of taking laxatives? Try eating when they are slightly firm. Or if really stuck try to get hold of swedish bitters elixir (health food stores will sell it) and its natural, and it works better than any laxative. none of the nasty cramping side effects of laxatives.
  • jonski1968
    jonski1968 Posts: 4,490 Member
    If you want `regularity` try TNT Natlax...Available on Amazon...They do exactly what they say on the tin...Lol

    Not to be used long term...Just as a relief if you have a problem.
  • QueenSamira
    QueenSamira Posts: 7
    I have severe constipation caused by IBS, and that caused me to develop a laxative addiction which I'm trying to wean myself off, now. I find a cup of black coffee and a cigarette first thing in the morning and last thing at night helps keep me regular. I hate smoking, though :( But I reckon it's better than eating whole boxes of Ex-Lax a couple of times a week.

    If your constipation is chronic, try your doctor - they might prescribe you a light daily laxative like Miralax.

    Edit: also, check your fibre, but be warned that "fibre + water" is not the miracle cure for everyone. I can't have more than 20-25g a day without a bloating attack, and, like many IBS sufferers, struggle with digesting fruit due to fructose and the laxative sweetener sorbitol, found in grapes/prunes/plums/etc.
  • Spudeata
    Spudeata Posts: 100 Member
    Make sure your diary has fibre on the settings - that way try to reach or exceed that target daily - there are lots of fibre foods that are not based around bread products ( I know it's great that you can have them again but it does become a temptation) look for strawberries, sweetcorn etc. for alternative choices - google will give you lots more options.
  • paint_it_black
    paint_it_black Posts: 208 Member
    I started taking a daily vitamin C supplement to try and prevent picking up coughs and colds from my kids, and i've found that they really help with 'regularity'
  • fluffysexyme
    fluffysexyme Posts: 104 Member
    I find a cup of black coffee and a cigarette first thing in the morning and last thing at night helps keep me regular. I hate smoking, though :(
    I quit smoking last month... what it is about smoking that makes you want to go? I never smoked in the house or anything so it was just odd. I think it was the coffee and not the cigarette, but they went hand in hand. Yes, I stopped my morning cup too because it was a trigger. One day I made some coffee in the a.m. and everything worked fine again... *sigh* Good luck!
  • redfroggie
    redfroggie Posts: 591 Member
    There is great advice on adding fibre to your diet, but let me add this...I decided to up my intake and track it. I hit the daily average pretty fast by making sure to eat more high fibre foods. This led to constipation. Add it in slowly and work up to a correct daily amount, not all at once. Good luck!
  • lesle1
    lesle1 Posts: 354 Member
    Fresh fruits and veggies, fiber one, lots of water. Get away from laxatives.
  • missy_1975
    missy_1975 Posts: 244 Member
    I'm pretty sure recommending a ciggie for getting the bowels moving is not the ideal suggestion on a health and fitness site lol! :happy:
  • sophieford1
    sophieford1 Posts: 12
    Don't get me wrong guys, I LOVE my fruit and vegetables and I possibly couldn't have more fibre if I tried. I have been on a wheat free diet for about 2 years so my body just isn't used to more than what I was able to tolerate before.
    I wouldn't touch them for weight loss and don't believe that people should even consider it, its only temporary whilst my body becomes as custom to my new diet and Im not taking them everyday, only on my bad days in which I look about 4 months pregnant!
    thanks for you feedback.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    How about incorporating some Metamucil into your day? That might help too, in a more gentle way.
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