Probably a TMI question but here goes...

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ldrosophila
ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Has anyone experienced a slowing down of the ol' digestive track since losing weight? And what did you do to get the system running again? I've done the fiber supplements, I drink 150oz of water a day, I'm doing more fruits and veggeis, and have even resorted to laxative but its still "NO" go. Sorry for the TMI question.

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  • melonclarinet
    melonclarinet Posts: 163 Member
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    Try these things: http://www.oxypowder.com/laxative-foods.html and then if you're truly drinking enough water and getting your fiber and have tried these things and still having issues, go see your doctor.
  • melonclarinet
    melonclarinet Posts: 163 Member
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    Oh, and make sure to avoid these foods at least for now: http://www.oxypowder.com/foods-that-cause-constipation.html
  • lovinmyselfagain
    lovinmyselfagain Posts: 307 Member
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    Are you taking a multivitamin that has iron and calcium in it? If so, that could be your issue-too much iron and calcium leads to constipation. It messed me up for weeks, even after I stopped taking it.
  • CassieReannan
    CassieReannan Posts: 1,479 Member
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    I have noticed it.. but I have always been like that. I don't really go everyday, its more like once every 2 -3 days.
    The only thing I can suggest is a stool softener (movicol is a great one given to patients who are blocked up), laxative or fiber supplement. If you are really desperate try an enema.
  • stephlaplante
    stephlaplante Posts: 2
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    My daughter deals with chronic constipation. So did her father. We have been to doctor after doctor and had many tests done. After 4 years (she is almost 7) of stool softeners, a colon and rectal specialist recommended prune juice twice a day. It's hard for her to drink because of the taste, but she drinks 4oz prune mixed with 4oz apple (to help the taste) twice a day and she goes normal now. I would say try prune juice. Before the juice, she took Mirlax every day. It helped keep her going and was very easy on her little system. Walmart sells a generic version called Clearlax.
  • kazoooo8
    kazoooo8 Posts: 71
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    I was going to say its probably the new way of eating but I see you've lost 40 lbs already (great job!) I'm having the same problem cuz I gave up my fiber cereal a week ago.... yikes. Prunes work really good and are on most diet programs :)
  • Elle_45
    Elle_45 Posts: 43
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    I take magnesium tablets. Fiber one cereal bars with a cup of coffe help as well as nuts and blueberries. I have struggled with this issue all of my life. I am supposed to be drinking miralax everyday, but I can't stand the texture of it.
  • Welsh0ne
    Welsh0ne Posts: 1
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    Grapes and/or oranges have always worked for me!
  • dhakiyya
    dhakiyya Posts: 481 Member
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    are you drinking enough water? Fibre needs water to help everything move along. Fibre and insufficient water can actually make it worse.
  • MarinaPacheco
    MarinaPacheco Posts: 95 Member
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    I find walking really helps. With the action of walking the muscles around the stomach and digestive track work to massage the food through your system (aids peristalsis in the medical jargon) so a good walk is really helpful for your body. I find walking also helps deal with heartburn (not sure why, but works for me). Here's a nice link for other exercises that will also help: http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/personal/health-nutrition-fitness-information/fitness-and-exercise-article/features/exercises-for-a-fitter-digestive-system
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,326 Member
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    are you getting enough dietary fat?
  • chanson104
    chanson104 Posts: 859
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    I started getting serious about my diet one year ago and have had this problem until recently. I am currently 4 weeks in to a 6 week experiment that I am doing (just for the fun of it). I have taken grains out of my diet. Thirty six hours into doing this and things started flowing freely. The only time that I have been constipated in the last 4 weeks was when I had a cheat meal. I'm not suggesting that you give up grains entirely (unless you really want to), but you certainly have nothing to lose by doing it for a couple days to see what will happen.

    Grains add bulk and thicken up stools. I'm a nurse, and things like psyllium are what I see Doctor's prescribe for people that are having lose bowel movements to add bulk. If you do go grain free for a day or two, remember to eat plenty of fruits and veggies for fiber. -- You should be eating plenty of those things regardless.

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