Constipation

[blondebombshell]

is there anyone else out there that suffers from chronic constipation and bloating

[darlindeb25]

I have that problem with soy, corn, and rice--not with gluten.

[blondebombshell]

hmmm....

cause i have cut all gluten out and still have this issue!

[BRUMI1968]

For me, Celiac Disease has always been all about bloating and constipation. At the height of my symptoms I could go 5-7 days without pooping at all. Now I can't even imagine that.

Anyway, this what I found.

1. gluten (you've got that handled, unless some is sneaking in)

2. DAIRY

3. grains at all

I put dairy in all caps because it is a profound cause of constipation for me. Literally one tablespoon of butter can put me in a constipated state for a few days. It really does take DAYS to come out of it. So if you do dairy, you might consider it. Lots of other folks on the board have this experience as well.

As to the bloating, dairy cerrtainly gets me, but so does dried fruit or any time of sugary substance. I currently don't eat any fruit or sweet starchy veggies, no grains, no sugar, etc. (Not that you would need to go this far - I think I have a candida issue)

So my first two suggestions are to quit dairy to see if that helps. (Give it a few days to take effect.) And to really cut back your sugar.

Other folks have had costipation problems with other food intolerances.

Also, are you getting enough fiber, fat, and liquid - those are the three things we need to have nice bowel movements. Give it some thought. If you like avocados, they have the fat and fiber all in one delicious package.

[Di-gfree]

I've always had constipation problems, as well. Sometimes weeks would pass... seriously (even after going gluten-free more than 10 years ago). Right now, I'm finding some success by taking magnesium supplements several times a day. I'm still constipated (ie. stools aren't 'normal') - but the big thing is, I usually (but not always, I sometimes relapse) go at least once a day. Unfortunately, I have to take breaks from all supplements because I seem to become sensitive to them, so right now I'm off the magnesium for a few days, but I'll start up again soon.

My bowel completely shut down about a year ago (talk about scary) I think in part because I let the constipation go on for too long (my whole life, actually); so I've 'retrained' my bowel in a sense, and I take the time each day to make sure I, well, just sit there. Before, I would ignore small urges, so to speak, and that can lead to trouble.

[feelingbetter]

I have been constipated my entire life. I have been gluten free for 2 months. I gave up all dairy a month ago and lo and behold I have the most glorious movements everyday- and often twice.

I am also off all soy, corn and sugar as these foods will stop me up. I also really limit the amount of rice bread and never eat rice pasta. I eat a small amount of brown rice as well.

I have also added flax seed oil and a good probiotic.

[MDRB]

Yep Yep

My main symptoms were diarrhea followed by days of constipation.

The diarrhea has gone away since going gluten-free but I still occasionally have a bit of a problem with slight constipation and bloating.

It sounds a little silly but I eat lots of curry and that seems to help. lol. I also eat a lot of fresh vegetables and add flax seed to a lot of my food.

[kayavara]

I have always had a constipation issue....so about 2 years ago my gastro doc put me on MiraLax.It works great for me....like clockwork with no cramping or discomfort.I can't find anything on the label regarding gluten.In fact it is only one ingredient....Polyethylene Glycol 3350

Does anyone know of a reason a celiac patient should not be taking this.I thought about asking my new doc...that dx early celiac 4 weeks ago....but I think ya'll might be as smart or smarter than the docs on most issues! I see him in 10 days and will mention it of course.I just thought I'd run it by ya'll.

Kay

[MDRB]

I have always had a constipation issue....so about 2 years ago my gastro doc put me on MiraLax.It works great for me....like clockwork with no cramping or discomfort.I can't find anything on the label regarding gluten.In fact it is only one ingredient....Polyethylene Glycol 3350

Does anyone know of a reason a celiac patient should not be taking this.I thought about asking my new doc...that dx early celiac 4 weeks ago....but I think ya'll might be as smart or smarter than the docs on most issues! I see him in 10 days and will mention it of course.I just thought I'd run it by ya'll.

Kay

Hi,

I don't think that it contains gluten, but if you want to double check you should call the company.

Also, I looked it up at work (hospital) and the drug information site states that it could be habit forming so you shouldn't take too much of it for too long otherwise your body will not want to work without the extra help. You may want to talk to your doctor about a long term solution as polyethylene glycol is meant to treat occasional constipation and isn't really meant for long term use.

Hope this helps

[kayavara]

Hi,

I don't think that it contains gluten, but if you want to double check you should call the company.

Also, I looked it up at work (hospital) and the drug information site states that it could be habit forming so you shouldn't take too much of it for too long otherwise your body will not want to work without the extra help. You may want to talk to your doctor about a long term solution as polyethylene glycol is meant to treat occasional constipation and isn't really meant for long term use.

Hope this helps

I will ask my doctor about long term use. Thanks for the info on that. I don't need to create yet another problem!

Kay

[roxie]

Hey! I also have issues with this. I read what you wrote, and went out and got some miralax to try. I'm wondering what you mix it with, when do you take it, and how often you take it. Thanks!

[RiceGuy]

The best, safest remedy for C that I'm aware of is magnesium - something we all need anyway. Many Celiacs are deficient in magnesium, which isn't surprising considering the malabsorption issue, plus the fact that most Americans in general are deficient as well. Not everyone can handle lots of fiber, and depending on the specifics of the problem can be quite uncomfortable. On the other hand, magnesium draws water to the intestinal tract, thus softening stool.

So my recommendation is magnesium citrate powder, mixed into orange juice. The acidity of the juice will enhance absorption, thus the effectiveness. That's why the citrate form is usually recommended, though other types may also work with varying degrees of effectiveness. Some products have a combination of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D, and these seem to work too.

[MaryJones2]

The best, safest remedy for C that I'm aware of is magnesium - something we all need anyway. Many Celiacs are deficient in magnesium, which isn't surprising considering the malabsorption issue, plus the fact that most Americans in general are deficient as well. Not everyone can handle lots of fiber, and depending on the specifics of the problem can be quite uncomfortable. On the other hand, magnesium draws water to the intestinal tract, thus softening stool.

So my recommendation is magnesium citrate powder, mixed into orange juice. The acidity of the juice will enhance absorption, thus the effectiveness. That's why the citrate form is usually recommended, though other types may also work with varying degrees of effectiveness. Some products have a combination of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D, and these seem to work too.

I second the magnesium! I don't do the powder though. I do the pill thing and take Magnesium, Calcium and Vit D at the same time but I take them individually because I've never been happy with the combo thing.

[roxie]

How much magnesium is safe to take to get the laxative effect?

[kayavara]

Hey! I also have issues with this. I read what you wrote, and went out and got some miralax to try. I'm wondering what you mix it with, when do you take it, and how often you take it. Thanks!

roxie

I usually put it in some sort of fruit juice ....maybe a half of a glass or so.Water is fine as well. You really can't taste it ,once it's mixed well.I have even mixed it in a cup of yougurt before.I find it works real well for me ...but I will ask my doctor about the long term issue. My dad's doctor has had him on it for years....it's the only product that works for him.He takes a lot of medicine everyday and has had problems with constipation for years. I will ask his doctor as well.

Kay

[MaryJones2]

It varies quite a bit from person to person but anything between 250-1000 MG would be normal. The RDA is in the 300-400MG range. I'd start with 250-500MG and adjust as necessary.

[fedora]

removing gluten helped the most, then dairy went and I got even better. When I had the Gluten dairy constipation certain foods worked to get things moving. It was no always fun, but was good to feel cleaned out. Kiwis, eggplant, gapes and cherries. I didn't eat just a serving, but lots. We live in the country and grow food. We get crops in and eat lots of those foods. These alway kept things flowing.

I ate a lot of corn(experimenting with it) the last few days and got constipated. I dislike it and don't know How I stood it so long.

[MELINE]

I am taking a huge spoon full of olive oil every morning before eating and ....well....I have good results as far as C is concerned......That is something my doctor told me to do. Hope it helps you.

[BRUMI1968]

Consider adding amaranth to your diet. It is a "grain" (actually a seed) which is most often made into hot cereal by boiling it 1 part amaranth to 3 parts water for nearly 30 minutes. This stuff is a nutritional powerhouse. It has lots of fiber, protein, and MAGNESEUM. It also is relatively high in calories for what it is, which I appreciate since I'm on the light side. Anyway, even if calories are a conern, consider checking it out. It's way more nutritious than grains - and other than quinoa, is probably the best bet. Quinoa is also good.

p.s. amaranth tastes a bit like corn husk. I like it with almond milk, which in my case (Pacific) is sweetened. But if you use unsweetened nut milk of some kind, you might want to add a drop of stevia or maple syrup or agave or whatever you use for sweetner.

Good luck.

p.p.s. I eat amaranth every day for breakfast and have been super regular, and finally regaining some of the stamina I used to have, but have lost along the way. It does not bother my stomach in the least, either, which is important.

[mftnchn]

Extra vitamin C and also magnesium works for me as well, and most fiber type things don't work for me. Lately I have been trying a morning veggie smoothie, and it was really helping for the first several days but not today. So I need to observe for awhile longer.

I agree that some other foods can make it worse, and there have been some good suggestions here. I agree with the low sugar, perhaps low carb approach as a good one to consider. I think we are prone to other "bugs" in the intestine because it is already compromised by celiac.