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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

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Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014
Question: I take Belviq (lorcaserin) plus 25 mg of topiramate to help with weight loss. Constipation & cramping result. What kind of laxative (likely to be taken long-term) would be most helpful?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Praveen (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Switch to natural laxatives

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for posting me HCM.Its my pleasure to answer your query.

Definitely yes, I were to suggest laxative which your doctors have advised but only when its is required.Long term use of laxatives (not occasional use) is harmful meaning your becomes body dependent on them & so your bowel no longer functions properly without the medication.

I were to suggest 25 to 30 grams of per day for an average adult to ward of constipation.Choose breads, crackers, pasta, pancakes, and waffles made with whole grains, or make your own. Use brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice. Eat high-fiber cereals.

Vegetables can also add fiber to your diet.Some high-fiber vegetables are asparagus, broccoli, corn, squash, and potatoes (with the skin still on). Salads made with lettuce, spinach, and cabbage will also help.

Legumes (navy beans, kidney beans, chick peas, soy beans, and lentils), peanuts, walnuts, and almonds will also add fiber to your diet.All these are natural laxatives and free from side effects and you may make your own choice of food.

Drink 8 to10 cups of liquids, especially water, every day.

Avoid processed or fast foods, such as white breads, pastries, doughnuts, sausage, fast-food burgers, potato chips, and French fries.

Hope this keep your constipation at bay.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Praveen (15 hours later)
Thank you for your reply, Dr. XXXXXXX I am taking heed of all your suggestions. Are there any natural laxatives that you can recommend such as psyllium or similar that can be taken over long-term?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Praveen (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Isphagula husk , wheat XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.

Yes, you may surely go for psillium husk which is a natural fiber.Apart from maintaining bowel XXXXXXX it also has other health benefits such a reduction of blood cholesterol with no side effects.

Isphagula husk, wheat XXXXXXX are other opitions.You may switch or chose depending on the availability and your liking.Some are available as flavored to enhance the palatability.Make sure you drink plenty of fluids while on natural laxatives.Both the fibre and water form the bulk of your stool and eases bowel movement.

All the best.

Wish you good health.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Praveen

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1055 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Brief Answer: Switch to natural laxatives Detailed Answer: Hi dear.Thanks for posting me HCM.Its my pleasure to answer your query. Definitely yes, I were to suggest laxative which your doctors have advised but only when its is required.Long term use of laxatives (not occasional use) is harmful meaning your becomes body dependent on them & so your bowel no longer functions properly without the medication. I were to suggest 25 to 30 grams of per day for an average adult to ward of constipation.Choose breads, crackers, pasta, pancakes, and waffles made with whole grains, or make your own. Use brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice. Eat high-fiber cereals. Vegetables can also add fiber to your diet.Some high-fiber vegetables are asparagus, broccoli, corn, squash, and potatoes (with the skin still on). Salads made with lettuce, spinach, and cabbage will also help. Legumes (navy beans, kidney beans, chick peas, soy beans, and lentils), peanuts, walnuts, and almonds will also add fiber to your diet.All these are natural laxatives and free from side effects and you may make your own choice of food. Drink 8 to10 cups of liquids, especially water, every day. Avoid processed or fast foods, such as white breads, pastries, doughnuts, sausage, fast-food burgers, potato chips, and French fries. Hope this keep your constipation at bay.