bit of a yucky topic : constipation

[ingemlb]

One thing I had not posted before was my severe constipation since arriving at the hospital with several episodes of impacted stools. Which was traumatic to say the least. First time it happened I googled on how to relieve it and believe me .. you don't want to go down that track. However in desperation I had to help myself.

I tried prune juice which occasionally caused diarrhea but didn't seem to fix the original problem. The diabetic specialist didn't like the prune juice so ordered me a stuff called Nu-lax which is a fruit laxative. He felt it had less sugar but going by how sweet it was and begin solid fruit not sure I believe him. Anyway nothing worked. I figured once I got home and back onto normal food maybe it would resolve but it didn't. Going to the toilet was enough to exhaust me for hours afterwards.

So yesterday I did some research and came across a brilliant website that explains this topic in the minutest details. The chap also sells products but I was able to figure out what I could use to not have to buy yet more stuff to try out and by using his instructions I can't believe how quickly I have resolved the issue. At least made it a LOT better already. Here are the steps I used in case anyone else is suffering. But if you do you must read the article because for me this was a new issue. I only ever had short bouts of it before and suffered a lot more with diarrhea. If you have been suffering a long time you may need more information to fix the problem.

1. I stopped the laxative immediately.
2. I reduced fibre in my diet.
3. I reduced the amount of water I was quaffing down.
4. I started taking a strong pro-biotic (before going to bed last night)
5. I added fat back into the diet.

In fact he stresses number 5 in a big way. Saying that the more fibre we eat the heavier our stools get. The issue is that stools need to be mainly made up of dead bacterial cells which keep them small, light and easy to pass and the water never reaches the colon so the only thing that lubricates and moistens and softens them is animal fat or olive oil.

Having been on a very low fat diet as I am paranoid about putting on weight, then adding the fibre which I used to avoid due to all the IBS and IBD and I had the feeling in the past that high fibre set off spasms and drinking TONNES of water I was actually doing all the things to make the problem worse.

Here is the link. Its well worth reading. He has turned an entire book into a website. You need to look around a bit to find the instructions but I found the explanations very worthwhile. He is also a very funny bloke so it's easy to read.

Gut Sense: Restoring Natural Bowel Movements

[Rose]

I dont have this problem myself but I know someone who has IBS and suffers a lot. Recently he has been drinking lots thinking this will help. I will certainly pass on this link to him.

Thanks

Rose

[BookNut]

the more I read, the more I realize that our low fat obsession is a big mistake. i hope you continue to improve. If you like coffee, it might help too. i drink it with half and half. If you are worried about weight gain, cut out grains and sugar. Low carb diets are great for losing weight or at least keeping the weight stable. Good luck!

[vdub]

Anyone taking narcotics for pain, most likely has a constipation problem.

[ingemlb]

Yes vdub I am sure that's the case and it has happened to me before for short periods. But despite the narcotics I managed to finally reverse it for myself so felt others may benefit from it as well. It was the worst case i ever had and lasted 6 weeks. I am sure glad it's over