I think most of us have been in a situation like the one pictured above, even if we don't want to talk about it. Knowing that you have to 'poo' but simply can not do so. Either you run into the rest room every few minutes or you are the kind that will set up camp in there. Neither are fun, in my experience. What can we do about it? Hopefully the rest of this blog will give you the answer you are looking for!
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is a common but painful condition that occurs when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult. It can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, cancer, depression, and more. The best way to prevent constipation is eating a healthy diet, exercising, and drinking plenty of water. -- WebMd.com
What Are The Causes?
- Low Fiber Diet (those that have gastroparesis certainly understand this one)
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Medications
- Narcotic (pain killers)
- Chronic use of Ibuprofen and aspirin
- Antidepressant
- Antacid
- Calcium Channel Blocker
- Diuretic
- Antihistamine
- Medical Conditions (a list that MAY contribute)
- Hypothyroidism
- Crohn's Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Diabetes
- Parkinson's
- Supplements
- Calcium
- Iron
- Long term use of a laxative creates a tolerance level to them.
- Childbirth
What Foods Cause Constipation?
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Black Tea
- Red Meat
- Banana - unripened, green
- Too much dairy (cheese, milk, etc)
- Eggs
- High Processed Sugar Foods (cookies, pies, cakes, etc)
Non Prescription Relief Ideas:
- Probiotics
- Acupressure
- Yoga
- Walking
- Peppermint Tea (avoid if you have GERD)
- Castor Oil
- "Smooth Move" (actual name) of the tea
- Blackstrap molasses
- Aloe juice
- Find more at: everydayroots.com. We are not affiliated in any way with Everyday Roots, just found them when putting together this blog and they have a lot of ideas that you may benefit from. Just remember if you have GERD to avoid their suggestion of warm lemon water. Also, for those of us with Gastroparesis, to avoid suggestions that go against our standard 'low fiber' diet. Always talk to your doctor and let them know what you are doing. Some 'at home remedies' can have negative consequences with prescription medications.
Foods to help you 'go' are all high in fiber and are not recommended if you have Gastroparesis (GP). For those of you that don't have GP, here is the list:
- Beans and Lentils
- Avocado
- Prunes and Figs
- Fresh Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower and carrots
- Fresh Fruit: Plums, Pears, Apples, Peaches, Papaya, Oranges and Pineapple
- Berries: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries
- Leafy Greens: Kale, cabbage, spinach
- Whole Grains (bran cereal)
- Nuts: Brazil, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios and pecans
- Potato skin on
- Oatmeal
- Flaxseeds (not the oil form)
- Brown Rice
- Olives
Misc
In my personal experience taking Omega 3-6-9 (Fish, Flax & Borage mix) lets me have consistent bowel movements. If I stop taking the supplement, then I am back to very bad constipation and bloating. Here is a link to the blog I did on the particular one I take (Click Here).
Here is a blog that a friend of mine wrote and fits in here perfectly! It's called "Poop - What the Different Colors and Smells Mean". Click HERE to be directed to Emily's Stomach's blog entry.
