THX 1138
05-18-2005, 11:18 AM
Hi, I've been having horrible constipation because I'm hypothyroid and I'm having difficultly getting relief besides taking a magnesium citrate laxative. I've heard that prune juice can do wonders. Is this true? What else can help you besides a high fiber diet, exercise, and drinking plenty of water?
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Ding
05-18-2005, 11:57 AM
prunes in general are good. try to include them in your diet regularly
joelchicago
05-18-2005, 12:48 PM
I have struggled with this as well. I take Metamucil (actually, Target version is a GREAT price for the same thing) once a day in the AM, eat 6 servings or more of fruits and vegies a day, I've sworn off most anything to do with white flour (thank you Natural Ovens for your wonderful bread!), I take supplements (including some Green Superfood vitamin supplements), and I drink a gallon of water a day. And I'm still not regular. I am exercising moderately as well. It may never completely be eliminated.
I have found that almonds help. Since they are not completely digested, they seem to help move things through. Keep yourself under 2 handfuls a day though to avoid adding some fat - they are really good for your body in moderation though. Also, a Shaklee item called HerbalLax is very effective when you're really backed up. It was pretty gentle, and didn't cause me any trouble - just did what it was supposed to without causing any diahrrea effects. Also, aloe vera juice helps me - about 4 oz with breakfast and 4-6 oz after dinner seems to help keep the GI tract relaxed.
I've tried prunes without success, but that's just me. They are actually high in sugar count due to being dried fruit, so you're taking in far more sugar then effective fiber. Fresh fruit will help more, especially bananas and various berries. Last thing I can add here is if you have the time, juicing at home of whole fruits and vegies can really help.
Good luck!
I have found that almonds help. Since they are not completely digested, they seem to help move things through. Keep yourself under 2 handfuls a day though to avoid adding some fat - they are really good for your body in moderation though. Also, a Shaklee item called HerbalLax is very effective when you're really backed up. It was pretty gentle, and didn't cause me any trouble - just did what it was supposed to without causing any diahrrea effects. Also, aloe vera juice helps me - about 4 oz with breakfast and 4-6 oz after dinner seems to help keep the GI tract relaxed.
I've tried prunes without success, but that's just me. They are actually high in sugar count due to being dried fruit, so you're taking in far more sugar then effective fiber. Fresh fruit will help more, especially bananas and various berries. Last thing I can add here is if you have the time, juicing at home of whole fruits and vegies can really help.
Good luck!
monarchangel
05-18-2005, 02:36 PM
I will tell you what has been most effective for me: a bowl of frosted mini wheats every night. I have tried everything else and after a while, citrucel and metamucil can taste nasty.
Harry
05-20-2005, 01:45 AM
A person needs 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily to make their intestines fuction properly. It should be divided between soluble fiber for bulk and insoluble fiber for movements --- that is the way we are made!!!
The problem these days is there is too much processed food in on the market. Do like your Mom said eat your fruit and veggies -- daily--- there is no fiber in meat or dairy products!!
Prunes or juice works because it does not change (oxidize) with digestion and passes on through!!
The problem these days is there is too much processed food in on the market. Do like your Mom said eat your fruit and veggies -- daily--- there is no fiber in meat or dairy products!!
Prunes or juice works because it does not change (oxidize) with digestion and passes on through!!
dub head
05-28-2005, 10:28 AM
what about coffee?
Harry
05-29-2005, 12:33 AM
Coffee effects people differently as far as digestion goes. Some people get diarrhea and others it has no effect but when you drink coffee it makes your stomach think it has to digest a steak so it begins releasing the digestive juices that are needed.
Coffee has no nutritional value!!!
Coffee has no nutritional value!!!
Unicorn430
05-29-2005, 06:16 PM
Things I have heard help:
-Eat an apple (with skin) and a plum (not a prune) for breakfast.
-Drink hot water with lemon and 2 T. ground flax seeds mixed in each morning.
-Eat an apple on an empty stomach right before bed.
-Eat an apple (with skin) and a plum (not a prune) for breakfast.
-Drink hot water with lemon and 2 T. ground flax seeds mixed in each morning.
-Eat an apple on an empty stomach right before bed.
amethystle
05-30-2005, 02:46 AM
This might sound strange, but when I am constipated having a couple of alcoholic drinks seems to help. The next morning I can go. I'm not exactly suggesting this - but I think it has something to do with the fact that it relaxes me, so maybe a bit of stress relief is what does the trick.