Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Effective Treatment For Constipation
Question: Hi. i'm confused about how to approach constipation.
Some people say eat more fruits and vegetables, and I do, I eat a lot.
Some say eat more whole grain cereals and some say stay away from them. I've been off grains for a while but have made some cereal with oat XXXXXXX linseed, chopped dates and nuts, and slippery elm powder. Does that sound good?
I used to eat brown rice, is it good to go back to that?
Some say I need more protein, fats and oils, and I've been vegan but now I'm starting to eat fish. But what kind of fish? I'm not keen to have fresh fish in the fridge, is it OK to open a tin of sardines? I do have heart healthy oils like olive and flaxseed.
I've also been told to take pro-biotic supplements, well I got one product and it seems to be making my constipation worse. But I have pro-biotic punch and kombucha, and some miso soup, do you think that's enough if I ditch the supplement?
What about herbal laxatives? Are they really bad? I use a Caruso's product called 'Bowel Clear' which contains various herbs. And Senokot. Is there something you can recommend? Some days I go OK, but other times I get bound up no matter what I do.
Would love to have your advice
Regards
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear Jilian,
Please bare in mind that constipation is characterized by periods of improvement and aggravation. The very first thing is to identify what is causing constipation:
- your diet
- sedentary life
- less water
- sweating a lot
- it is due to genetic factors.
- medications you take
Once the real cause is determined, specific treatment is suggested together with general advice.
The main goal to ease/avoid constipation is to make the stool softener (more watery) and to help bowel movements. The longer the stool will remain in the bowel, the more solid they would become making it difficult to pass the motion.
- Eating fruits and vegetables is the best choice; however, you should observe what effect they will have on your bowel movements. For example, banana is high in fiber and very nutritious food; I do not recommend it to my patients with constipation problems as the majority of them have reported about aggravation of constipation. Instead, I highly recommend kiwi, berries, etc. to ease passing the motion.
Some of my patients have reported constipation while using XXXXXXX leaves and apples, carrots. Meanwhile, others are not being affected. That's why I always insist that my patients should observe the effect of each food in the bowel movements and to try to avoid or use it accordingly.
- I like and I encourage to go for the combination of whole grains and nuts you are preparing. Nuts are also another good choice to ease bowel movements.
- Brown rice is better as compared to white rice regarding nutritive values and positively affecting bowel movements. You can eat it.
- With regards to fish, it is also among healthiest choices you ever make. Fresh fish is better; however, I also encourage my patients to have canned fish (like sardines).
- The use of pro-biotics is advised only in cases where they are a must to optimize the intestinal flora. Sometimes, overuse/misuse of probiotics might cause bad effects (including aggravation of constipation).
Miso soup is a good choice; while, with regards to " probiotic punch and kombucha", can you please provide the specific formula (ingredients) of the one you are using? That can help me assist you further!
- Laxatives are not bad. It is advised to use them only for short periods of time in order not to damage the natural "balance" of the bowel movements. I can recommend to use 'Bowel Clear' herbal supplement only for a short period of time (to my opinion up to 2 weeks). Please follow the instructions as given in the respective leaflet.
Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr Sejdini. Great answer thank you. Regarding these points:
- your diet
- sedentary life
- less water
- sweating a lot
- it is due to genetic factors.
- medications you take
I am trying to find the right way for me with diet. Yes you are right I have to try each thing and see if it works for me. eg carrots I think are good, but definitely not bananas.
I do exercise as much as possible while recovering from a broken leg. I work out at the gym, and climb stairs, and do yoga.
I drink a lot of water and dont sweat much. However I am low sodium and am taking salt tablets at the moment. I don't know if they interfere with bowel, they are meant to adjust salt and water in the body and hopefully help with fluid retention in the lower legs. I'm afraid kidney function is not doing its job.
My mother had problems with her bowel, when I was young, and especially later when she was old. I think I took it on. Also I have a history of annorexia and bulimia, and laxative abuse, since a teenager, I think I am suffering the consequences now. I am 56.
I dont take medications other than what I have mentioned. Except for some vitamin supplements (not iron, as I have heard its not good for bowel)
I should try giving up each vitamin individually, then pick it up again and see if it affects bowel.
I have one further question about diet. Two things, soy, and dairy. You recommend the miso, its fermented, but what about soy milk?
I don't like to have much dairy, I just dont know if its good for me or not. It tends to create mucus and congestion in the chest.
One last thing, where you mention making the stool softer and more watery, does that mean eating more soluble fibre?
Thank you for your answers, I find them most helpful.
Regards, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Following answers to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
With regards to taking sodium tablet, I highly suggest to discuss with your doctor why this deficiency? What is really causing it:
- diet
- water
- medications you take
- or other problems (kidney/liver, etc.)
You can run other tests to evaluate your kidneys (urine analysis, abdominal ultrasound, kidney function tests, etc.). Depending on the results, specific treatment would be prescribed. If you have already done these tests, you can upload and send the reports to me for a second opinion.
If dairy is not good and is causing allergy to you, then, soy is an excellent choice. As long as you consume soy protein products within the normal limits, and consume lots of water, there is no fear for dehydration and subsequent constipation.
Soluble fiber is highly recommended together with consumption of large amounts of water to avoid stool become harder and difficult to move. I always advise my patients pure water instead of juices. If you like juices, I advise not to exceed 1 glass of freshly squeezed fruits/vegetables per day.
Hope it answered to your queries!
Do not hesitate to contact me again if you have more queries! I'd be happy to assist you!
Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
