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Dietary Changes for Constipation

5 star (25)		96%
4 star (1)		4%

Janine (Cerritos, California, USA) on 01/12/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I rarely see anything mentioned about diet when it comes to constipation. Believe me, if you're having problems and you don't factor in what you're eating, you are making a mistake. If you are really backed up, natural methods take time to act and even then - if you're a difficult case you may have to bring out the big guns (senna, etc.) to resolve the problem in the meantime. Your body wants to be on a schedule. In brief, no matter how you resolve the problem stick with a program. Avoid dairy (until resolved), eat at least three meals a day, use sprouted grain bread, some raw and cooked (lightly) vegetables, healthy fats, probiotics (natural or supplement), enzymes (natural and/or supplements), water, exercise regularly, sleep 8 hours, meditate. To avoid laxatives look for natural solutions like flax seed and chia seed. I use Kombucha and ACV in my diet but usually not both in the same day. Natural methods will work but only if you pay attention to the big picture. You could be taking enzymes, probiotics, ACV and still be constipated if you're diet is low in fiber and fat. Don't be afraid of protein but don't overload. Grass fed beef, milk and cheese is much lower in saturated fat than what we've typically been using and raw milk and cheese are friendlier for the gut. Too much of the non raw variety of milk will cause constipation. Do your homework.

Elaine (Edmond, Oklahoma, Usa) on 06/21/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been constipated for years. I either take Metamucil or take magnesium. I cut back on the mag because it is hard on the kidneys. I haven't really eaten watermelon in years. I bought a melon two weeks ago and oh my gosh. As long as I eat some watermelon every morning a goose has nothing on me. It worked for me.

Laura (Houston, Texas) on 12/17/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

I have had terrible constipation for as long as I can remember (I am 42). I always thought myself lucky to go a maximum of 4 times per week. I have tried eating more fiber, drank gallons of water, followed blood type diet for a year, exercised, used ACV & EVCO, all with limited success. Well, my "cure" as it turns out was to drastically increase the amount of raw fruits and veggies in my diet. Now you can set your watch by me! I still fully cook ground beef, poultry & fish (except sushi), but I eat a minimum of 3-4 whole fruits and 4-5 raw veggies a day. I've also begun drinking kefir. Give it a try!

Catrina (Waldorf, Maryland/usa) on 10/22/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

Four weeks ago, I cut out all dairy substituting almond milk instead of cows milk and began eating a vegan diet. I have been having a bowel movement everyday with no straining! For 47 years, I suffered from chronic constipation, IBS, chronic pain and bloating. I've tried conventional and non-conventional remedies. I am writing to say I have found something that works. Try cutting out all milk products or items that contain diary and see if it makes a difference. In the beginning, as my body adjusted to my new diet, I had gas pains for about one and a half weeks. Three weeks ago, I began acupuncture treatments and after two sessions, my gas pains are gone and I am not as bloated. I have four more acupuncture sessions to go to complete the series, but I attribute the bowel movements to the lack of dairy in my diet.

Denise (Tampa, Fl) on 03/11/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

I have suffered chronic constipation for most of my life, but it became extreme about 4 years ago. My gastro Dr just gave me meds that kept me hovering around the toilet all morning. I used Mg capsules, which was better, but again, it was still not normal elimination. All I was doing was coping with the problem. Then I heard that my granddaughter (no blood relation) was diagnosed with celiac disease. Her main symptom was severe constipation. I decided to go gluten-free to see if it made a difference for me.

Within 2 days, my system started to work. It's been 3 wonderful weeks now, and I am trying hard not to shout it from the roof tops. But on here I know folks are desperate for an answer and a cure. So see if if works for you. The good thing is that the health food stores have a great variety of gluten-free products. I hope to learn to cook gluten-free when I have the time.

For the folks that find their answer in avoiding gluten - congrads! And to all the others still looking, I would also tell you to check out "upper cervical chiropractic" as that adjustment is supposed to help many with constipation (among a myriad of other problems. ) Good luck!

Anne (Dallas , Pa) on 01/23/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

I have suffered from chronic constipation all of my life (47years), however my constipation was elevated to a whole new level of difficulty after a difficult child birth that required a surgical repair of my rectal wall - no pushing power. I tried everything: stool softeners, psyllium fiber, M---lax and a prescribtion medication for IBS. I eat a high fiber diet and stay hydrated But nothing worked. If you are reading this I don't have to tell you that this is really bad for the female self image. Constipation is not sexy!

This past summer I stumbled on what has been a "miracle" for me: oat bran. 100% oat bran is prepared as a hot cereal that I eat daily for breakfast (not to be confused w/ oat bran). It took a week or so, but for the most part I have been constipation free for the better part of 6 months. I have a normal BM almost daily and sometimes 2 times daily. Sometimes I might get a touch of constipation and to my amazement a single stool softener will now Do the trick, if I stick w/ my Oat bran regime. And best of all it is delicious w/ a little Spoon of sugar and some butter, Raisins and a few walnuts-yummy. I Love it! And it good for Controlling cholesterol as a bonus.

May be hard to find in a conventional grocery store, but most health food sections Of a store will have it. Some stores carry it in the loose bulk section. Any good health food store will have it. It's usually pretty cheap, but shop around if price is a consideration. Should be less than 3.50 for a small box that will last me at least 2 weeks.

I was able to rid myself of constipation. Now I will try the ACV for my Interrmitant abd pain. Good luck friends.

Rosemaryandsage (Ashland, Wi) on 03/30/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

Yes, seaweed definitely works for constipation. Eating it during the day not only helps me have a daily bowel movement, but also helps with the bloating and uncomfortable fullness. A tablespoonful before bed works well in helping me have a bowel movement in the morning. Especially if I have it in a warm cup of miso broth. It's all the minerals and enzymes, I'm sure.

Kelly (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 11/11/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

A very good remedy for constipation and heartburn is: peel and core apples (sweet or sour) put them in a freezer ziploc bag (add 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice 2 tablespoons of water/gal. bag) and freeze. They come out like really good applesauce and are well worth the time spent. Here in Ohio when winter rolls around the apples are 3x the price and have no flavor. If you suffer from chronic constipation and heartburn they will especially help if you eat before bedtime. Hope this helps someone. God Bless.

Bonnie (Fort Lauderdale, Fl) on 11/01/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I found that I cured my constipation by eliminating dairy. I have been constipated since I was a baby. I eliminated dairy to consider it a possibility for fibroids but to my surprise I was cured of constipated. I have never been without constipation for 21 days without any aids.

Laurie (Belleville, Ontario, Canada) on 09/08/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Hi. What I discovered years ago is a simple yet very effective and natural trick to be rid of constipation.

In the early evening (taken early in the day, you'll feel painful cramps) I eat 1 apple. By morning I have a very good BM. The 2nd night I have one more apple and usually the problem is gone.

IF this doesn't work at all over the first night; the 2nd evening I eat 2 apples.... for me its guaranteed it does work in the morning. Repeat the 2nd night too.

Apples are Fabulous for many reasons.

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