Constipation

[Bonnie]

Hi guys,

I have had chronic constipation as far back as I remember. I am so sick and tired of being told to eat more fibre or more fruit and veg. I CAN'T eat more fruit and veg - its not possible!

When I tell doctors I am constipated they give me medication that contains loads of fibre and all it does is bloat me horribly.

I have tried EVERYTHING.

When I say I am constipated I mean I don't go - EVER! I am not exaggerating - I don't go without taking something.

Today for instance - last night I took a cup of castor oil and 4 x herbal pills (cascara etc) and another pill this morning - and nothing has happened yet!

I feel sluggish and tired because of this.

I have been gluten-free for 5 months, have intolerance to rice, chocolate, nuts, seeds, sucrose and alcohol. I do tae-bo 5 days a week.

I have been told on numerous occasion I definitely don't have a problem with dairy products but could dairy have something to do with my constipation? I can't have rice milk.

I am at my wits end. I feel so much better off gluten but this is holding me back. It makes my system toxic.

Please help me someone before I go nuts!

Yvonne

[debmidge]

Yvonne

It might be "the" stupid question, but are you keeping a good amount of water consumption in you?

I had a constip. problem years ago -- needed correction with minor surgery. Turned out I had an enlarged sphincter muscle that was acting as a"gate" so to speak. Once the "gate" was reduced, I no longer had a constip problem. Also, contributing to the constip problem I had uterine fibroids that pressed on bowel and caused a "back up."

Perhaps other causes, other than diet or gluten-free should be investigated because what you are taking should do the trick.

[Bonnie]

Hi Debmidge,

Thanks for your reply.

I am a bit addicted to water. Had to learn to cut down. I drink on average 2-3 litres a day.

I think I will need to have some tests done to see if there is another problem. Just need to find a doctor who will take me seriously!

Thanks a lot.

Yvonne

[Nantzie]

Hi Bonnie,

There is a tea here that you can get in the health section of the grocery story called Smooth Move. It's senna leaf, and they mix it with spices. It's actually really, really yummy. Like orange spice tea. And it's gentle. I've never had it give me diarrhea. It just makes me have a regular bowel movement. And since it's a tea rather than a pill, it seems to work much better. Sometimes it takes a few hours before I have a bowel movement from it, but sometimes it's less than an hour. I only get really constipated every once in a while, so it may affect you differently.

Here's the link to their site. If you don't have that brand where you are, maybe you can find a similar senna leaf tea. Open Original Shared Link It's inexpensive at less than $5US

They say on their website that if you contact them, they can let you know if they ship to your country and cost, etc.

Here are their cautions and contraindications, which you need to take a look at before you decide if you want to try it. The only drug interaction I was able to find against senna was digoxin. So if you're taking digoxin you shouldn't use senna. You also shouldn't take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cautions

Duration of Use: Stimulant laxatives should not be taken for longer than 1-2 weeks without medical advice.

Contraindications: Ileus, acute intestinal inflammation (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin, severe dehydration states with water and electrolyte depletion.

NOTICE: This product contains senna leaf. Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain because senna leaf may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Hope that helps,

Nancy

[burdee]

Hi Bonnie:

I have 2 words for you ... MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTS!!! I had chronic constipation for YEARS due to casein intolerance and celiac disease. Most undiagnosed celiacs are very deficient in magnesium which helps the bowel absorb liquids to soften the stool. If you just consume fiber w/o magnesium, you may get an impacted stool. Also VITAMIN C can stimulate intestinal contractions more naturally than herbal supplements which contain 'senna' or even laxatives which contain 'sorbitol'. Those 2 ingredients are commonly used in laxatives. However Vitamin C helps prevent other immunity problems. Start with 500 mg Vitamin C and 400 mg magnesium (WITHOUT CALCIUM which can constipate) daily and increase until constipation is resolved. Also consider that you may have casein (DAIRY protein) intolerance which is notorious for causing constipation,. Just using lactaid pills or supplements won't help, because lactose is the dairy sugar. Also are you using any iron supplements which can also cause constipation?

BURDEE

[jenvan]

Bonnie-

I feel for you--I dealt with chronic constipation for years--until several months after going gluten-free. What a huge difference. So first question---are you positive you are totally gluten-free? Trying to eliminate dairy might help too. You'll have to experiement.

I tried so many dang things--and what truly helped me was being gluten-free. However, before that I found a combination of things that helped greatly. Those were pysllium hulls (non synthetic), magnesium (already mentioned here) and hibiscus. I will warn that magnesium will give you gas...so use wisely. My favorite product is Nature's Sunshine--its is a combination of pysllium hulls and hibiscus. This combo worked better for me w/o the magnesium...however, it you can't get your hands on it, try the other. The hibiscus in this really helps carry out what the pysllium bulked up....for me in a gentler way than the magnesium did. I cked with the manufacturer--this product is gluten-free. You can order it here if you want to try it: Open Original Shared Link

I prefer powder to capsules--it has always worked better for me. I mix this in a glass of apple juice each morning, and afternoon if necessary. This product is much better on a long term basis, than a laxative (herbal or not). I would try it for SEVERAL days. You could prep with a some magnesium. It has a more immediate effect. Good luck to you!!!!

[skbird]

Oh yes, magnesium is the wonder of all wonders. I only found out about that this last year.

Here's a suggestion for an online-only supplement - I have tried it and it definitely works, big time. But it tears me up because of the citric acid in it. It's called oxy-powder. You will definitely be going after you take this. It's magnesium with oxygen bound to it, and the oxygen gets into your gut and helps break things down. If you follow their cleanse plan you are supposed to regain your natural ability to be regular.

Open Original Shared Link

Also, dairy could be contributing. Many people on this list have mentioned when they gave up dairy, they were no longer constipated. Some didn't even realize there was a problem. I don't seem to have a problem there so I still eat it, though I try to stick with goat milk dairy for the most part.

I just recently got over a bout with constipation, I had an IBS attack (triggered I think by hormones) so I am once again all to familar with this. I am still not back to normal, one month later, but at least I am better. Magnesium is saving me.

Stephanie

[burdee]

Hi Stephanie:

Goat's milk STILL has casein, but a little less than cow's milk. The only way to eliminate casein is avoid all sources and substitute soy, almond or rice milks. Obviously, that won't work if you have soy intolerance like I do.

BURDEE

[Merika]

Not all substitute milks (rice, soy, etc) have casein. Definitely a physical check-up would be in order. Also, other food allergies can cause constipation. Soy, for example, can cause it. You might be fine with dairy, and it could be something else.

.02,

Merika

[Bonnie]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies and advice.

Nantzie I get a senna tea here called 'Blackforest'. It does work but as soon as a miss it once - I go right back to being constipated.

My problem is that things don't start working on their own after using something - as soon as I stop taking anything I get constipated again straight away.

I have tried magnesium - up to 800 mg a day but it did nothing. The other things that happens is I have to keep increasing the dosage on anything I try - it works for about 2 days and then stops.

After posting yesterday I made an appointment with a specialist (4 October) to see if there is anything physically wrong.

Stephanie I would like to try the oxypowder but I will wait until I've seen the specialist.

Burdee - no I'm not taking iron. I can remember being really constipated as far back as 20 years ago - when I was still a teenager so I think there may be another problem.

Jenvan - I may have a problem with a bit of cross contamination. I am a single parent with 2 boys who eat 'normally'. I must admit I haven't replaced my pots or toaster or wooden spoons even. I do however have my own condiments, bread board etc. This has been bothering me (mentally that is!) so I will buy new things shortly.

Thanks guys!! What a great site - we can discuss our bowel movements etc! I can't imagine discussing them with anyone else!

Have a wonderful day everyone! One good thing about living here in South Africa - its 29 degrees today, lovely and hot with a beautiful blue sky.

Yvonne

[jenvan]

Yvonne-

S Africa sounds amazing! I hope to get there someday...

I do encourage encourage you to be vigilant and replace some potential sources of cross contamination. I assume you've changed your shampoos, lotions etc too?

If I was you, I would continue to take fiber for a longer period of time...month or so. Maybe you just need a hell of a 'restart' for your body. Or, perhaps there is some mild cross contamination you are still receiving---and when it is eliminated you will become regular. That's how it worked for me. I also eat beans several times a week now...that keeps me going when I feel I am slowing down again.

Let us know what the doc thinks. Sometimes there can be a physical cause for constipation--one that can be corrected. Just don't let him tell you that going infrequently is just "how your body is made." I've heard that one alot--and don't believe it! I think ideally we should be going at least once a day...

Good luck to you !!

[Bonnie]

Hi Jen,

Yes South Africa is absolutely beautiful and we have the most incredible weather here where I live on the coast. The crime is horrendous though.

I am not sure how to increase my fibre to be honest. To me fibre was always bran!

No I haven't replaced my shampoos and makeup because I can't find anyone to help me here. I have tried phoning manufacturers but no luck. This is a downside to South Africa I'm afraid - you have to live here to believe it. The service industry is really bad.

I use Colgate toothpaste which I think is ok. My lipstick I worry about because I lick my lips a lot.

The more I think about it, I definitely must be getting gluten from somewhere!

I am hoping to get to the great USA oneday too. Its always been a dream of mine.

[jenvan]

Yvonne-

I feel for you and the situation you are in. I am going to try and do some research and see if there are any companies that would ship to you... I'll let you know if I find something...

[Bonnie]

You're a star Jen.

Have a great weekend.

Yvonne

[jenvan]

Yvonne-

Okay, so I'm still working on the products/shipping, but I found this information on a S African Celiac group. Their info is below. I would definitely ck them out--if this info is current, it could be a huge help to you! Ck out this page as well--it lists other gluten-free groups in S Africa: Open Original Shared Link

South Africa

The South African Coeliac Society advises contacting them before and after arrival in the country. They can provide a Food List as well as local information on restaurants, etc.

In some cities gluten-free food is not available. Take care in restaurants and hotels and always ask about ingredients - that they may not have anything with FLOUR, only CORN STARCH - MAIZENA. In Cape Town gluten-free confectionery and rice cakes are available from certain outlets.

Coeliac Society of South Africa

Box No 64203

Highlands North

Johannesburg

2037 South Africa

Telephone: +27 11 440 3431

E-mail

Also-ck out this site:

Open Original Shared Link Near the bottom of the page you will see a gluten-free guide in S Africa mentioned. Maybe you could get your hands on one of those? I saw this phone #--perhaps you can order from it ?? "contacting Carole Smollen about getting her book A Gluten Free Guide for Southern Africa. Call tel (011) 885-2020 for more information and recipes."

Smollan, Carole. Gluten Free Guide for Southern Africa. (1992; ISBN 0623014440, 124 p.)

[jenvan]

Okay, more good news... The bad news may come when you see the shipping costs!! I'm not sure how much it will be... So far I've found several companies that will ship to you in S Africa. Woo hoo! I was hoping to get bare escentuals or some other gluten-free makeup shipped to you, but haven't figured that out yet. I cked with QVC (US & UK) and neither will ship there, nor will sephora. I have found several companies though that make gluten-free shampoos, lotions etc.

1. California Baby (I use and love their products). You can buy bubble bath, body washes (I use), face and body lotions (I use both), as well as sunscreen and a few other items. ALL of their products are gluten-free. I spoke with a woman who said to shop online and add what you might buy to your cart and then enter your address etc into the shipping form. It will give you a quote with your shipping costs before the order is completed--so you can decide then.

2. Kiss My Face. They have a lot of gluten-free products. (You can view what products DO have gluten here: Open Original Shared Link The woman I spoke with said to register with the site, choose what you want and where and you should see how much it costs too. If you need more help and can call the #--call 1.845.255.0804 ext. 120 (her name is Sarah).

3. Lastly, Aubrey Organics. I use their shampoos and lotions. Be aware--their conditioners are not gluten-free. Just make sure you verify whether a product is gluten-free before you order it.

I hope this helps!! ...still brainstorming on the makeup end...

[mandigirl1]

Jenvan ......I just wanted to say that I think its wonderful how you are reaching out to help someone, especially since they live outside the US. You're very sweet and kind. I hope the info helps her to feel better!!!!!!!!

Good Luck Bonnie, I sure hope you can find ways to eat gluten-free foods!!!

I, too, have a problem with constipation. I have it all the time. Not sure what may be contributing to it.....coffee? milk? diet coke, yogurt, chocolate (MY WEAKNESS), skipping meals, eating a very big meal.......who the hell knows? (Ive had celiac disease 6 years now, so Im dealing with it much better than in the earlier years). There have been times where NOTHING I tried worked. It lasted for days and days!!!! It was at the point where I was actually crying and cursing at the same time in the BR. I was really miserable. Not sure what helped it. I may have had a Celiac Attack, going very sickly!!!!

Any ideas?

Again, I admire the time you took to help another.....not too many people today go out of their way for anyone....especially in NYC, where I live!

[jenvan]

Yvonne-

One other company I thought of is tropical traditions (www.tropicaltraditions.com). They have great lotions, lip balms, moisturizers, exfoliants made from coconut oil and natural products. I believe pretty much all their products are gluten-free! You should be able to quote out a price on their site too. I use their tub moisturizer for my hands at night--soaks in well, very moisturizing, and their exfoilant--but i use that for body, not face. Great stuff.

Oh, and I do encourage you to switch out some of the cooking pots/utensils. You aren't sharing the toaster I hope!! Metal utensils are a great way to go if your pans are not non-stick. My husband has his own set of cooking stuff for when he wants to make some damn gluten food like pancakes

Are you able to the gluten-free food you need to eat for the most part?

mandigirl-

Sorry to hear about the constipation--so dang frustrating!! Some do have issues with milk. As for coffee--its usually stimulates people to go to the bathroom. (My dh has to have it every morning for that reason!) I don't have too much to add from my earlier posts on helps... First off I always ask--are you sure you aren't being contaminated? It wasn't until I was fiercely gluten-free that I became regular. That includes products as well as food. I would try a fiber supplement, like the one I suggested, in conjunction with plenty of water, exercise and food sources of fiber--like beans. Before gluten-free I hated beans, now I love them and eat them several times a week. They are a perfect source of fiber, and definitely help me to maintain regularity. Another idea is to try taking some acidophilus for a period of time. And lastly, you can experiment and cut out the milk too, it might make a difference. I hope you find relief soon girl! Good luck

Also--have you seen the list of gluten-free restaurants in NY floating around here? I know celiac3270 knows of a ton of them.

[blueshift]

I stopped eating all flour and that did the trick.

[Bonnie]

Hi Jen,

THANK YOU SO MUCH. As Mandigirl said it is really kind of you to go to all that trouble for me. I will look into ALL those options. Yes shipping costs can be very expensive but if I order quite a bit at a time it won't be too bad. I really appreciate your help.

I do share a toaster. I had read on this site not to but a nutritionist I went to see - who incidentally has had celiac disease for 15 years, told me I don't need to go to extremes and sharing a toaster is ok. Obviously not!

Blueshift - thats interesting about the flour. I have been trying all the different flours and don't like the way I feel after eating them. I feel a bit full and bloated even after say 1 slice of bread. I am going to stop eating them for a while. Its worth a try!

Mandigirl, I know exactly what you mean about nothing working. I have bought just about everything on the market. Something will work the first day and I am over the moon to think I may have found the solution. Hah! Back to 'normal' the next day! Don't know about you, but a lot of these products make me feel rotten too!

Anyway, thanks for the advice everyone. Jen you are an angel!

Yvonne

[beelzebubble]

I, too, have a problem with constipation. I have it all the time. Not sure what may be contributing to it.....coffee? milk? diet coke, yogurt, chocolate (MY WEAKNESS), 

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chocolate cravings can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Open Original Shared Link Open Original Shared Link Open Original Shared Link

this combined with the constipation may indicate that you need more magnesium.

here is some info about the symptoms:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link