Constipation

[seameruok]

Hello all you silly yaks.  My name is Cathy, I am 73 years old and was diagnosed with Celiac 24 years ago.  I have always had problem with constipation, but seems worse of late, can't go without using a stimulant laxative like senna, I cannot use it daily because it is too strong.  Without anything I can go 6 days without a bm.  What does everyone do for this problem.  I am sure after having celiac from birth that my villi is no longer.  

[Lookingforspring]

I take a magnesium oxide supplement daily--the amount varies with the moods of my bowels, from 500mg to 750 mg.

[trents]

15 hours ago, seameruok said:

Hello all you silly yaks.  My name is Cathy, I am 73 years old and was diagnosed with Celiac 24 years ago.  I have always had problem with constipation, but seems worse of late, can't go without using a stimulant laxative like senna, I cannot use it daily because it is too strong.  Without anything I can go 6 days without a bm.  What does everyone do for this problem.  I am sure after having celiac from birth that my villi is no longer.  

Welcome to this online community, @seameruok!

Two things I would say:

First, if you have been observing a consistently gluten free diet since diagnosis, our villous atrophy should have been healed within a few years. Have you been consistently gluten free and have you ever had a follow-up endoscopy/biopsy to check for healing since diagnosis?

Second, bowel movement regularity hinges on being "regular" in several lifestyle factors. One is consistently consuming 25-30 g. of fiber daily. Have you ever calculated your fiber intake? Another is drinking plenty of liquids. Another is getting regular exercise. Another is practicing regular wake and sleep hours. Being regular in bowel movements depends on being regular in lifestyle habits in general.

Third, magnesium supplementation can help with constipation. We recommend magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate as these are more absorbable forms. The most common over the counter form, however, is magnesium oxide which is poorly absorbed.

[trents]

19 minutes ago, Lookingforspring said:

I take a magnesium oxide supplement daily--the amount varies with the moods of my bowels, from 500mg to 750 mg.

Welcome to the forum, @Lookingforspring!

Magnesium oxide is a poorly absorbable form of magnesium which accounts for it's tendency to cause loose stools. Now, I understand the problem you are trying to correct is not loose stools but constipation but if you find that your are swinging from one extreme to the other when taking magnesium oxide, I suggest you try magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate, which are more absorbable forms of the mineral.

[Lookingforspring]

Thank you, Trents. I have tried the other magnesiums and have not found them as effective. Maybe I should try again......

[S sweetie]

I am unable to have a bum.  What can I do?

[S sweetie]

I cannot have a bowel movement.  What do I do ti rectify this situation?

[trents]

Have you tried giving yourself and enema? You can purchase a home enema kit at any drug store. That is an immediate solution but not a long term one if this is a chronic problem.

[cristiana]

@seameruok  Any bowel movement changes that last more than a few weeks ought to be run past your GP.  Although it could well be coeliac disease behind the issue, best to be sure.  In women, it is worth remembering that there are certain gynecological issues that can cause constipation, too. 

[S sweetie]

I was diagnosed with celiac two years ago?  Finally got the diarrhea under control after one year and now I have constipation and have administered a drug store enama successfully.  But I am still constipated after 4 days from that success.  So I will try Magnesium Malate which I have available.  And hope it works.  I don’t get enough roughage as I live in a retirement home.  So I bought Chia and Flaxseeds and am going to get avacado and broccoli and pay more attention to my needs.  Than, you
 

[trents]

What about prunes?

[cristiana]

Another suggestion, from my mother-in-law, who lives in Italy.

A tablespoon of blackcurrant jam with each meal.  

Make sure you are drinking enough, and moving enough too.

[Sabrine]

Has anyone else tried psyllium husks?

I find those tablets quite effective for the constipation. I just wish I could get consistent advice on whether it’s safe to use them long-term. It seems to be but I would like a doctor to confirm it.

[trents]

It should be safe to use this long term as this is not chemical stimulation but a bulk producing laxative that works by collecting and retaining water as it moves through the intestines. It would be no different than eating high fiber foods like fruits and veggies.