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What Causes Sudden Constipation, Soft Stool, Weight Gain And Gas?
Question: About two weeks ago, my bowels suddenly stopped working. My stomach is distended and I have a lot of gas. Doctor said to take MiraLax twice a day, which I have been doing. I can go now, but not completely. Seems like only what I can push out each time. No real relief. My stool is very soft to liquid, but no urge to go. I am gaining weight quickly, (over ten pounds in a week). I am mild diabetic and have been having thyroid issues. Doctor was prescribing too much. He adjusted it over a month ago. This bowel thing is a new development. Thank you for any input you may have.
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Brief Answer:
increasing fiber in diet, good hydration, moderate exercises is essential.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Thyroid issues could be the most common cause. Low thyroid levels can lead to reduced activity of bowels. If the dose was recently changed, it needs to be looked into. Also any recent change in medications, since past three weeks needs to be looked into. Get a thyroid hormone levels evaluation done once, if not done recently.
2. The amount of the feces is important for the urge. Reduced fiber content could be the cause. Atleast 40-50g/day of fiber is necessary from fruits and vegetables. Take easily digestible fiber diet.
3. Need to continue with good hydration - Atleast 5-6 liters of water/day. Warm water twice daily will improve motility of the digestive system.
4. Get good and regular sleep. Early morning atleast 30 min of walking or other mild exercises.
5. Control of diabetes is essential. Diabetes mellitus, can cause autonomic neuropathy and affect bowel movements.
6. For gas, probiotics and yogurt will be helpful. Altered bowel bacteria, will cause increased gas through fermentation. Probiotics bacteria will be helpful. Continue with other medications as prescribed.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, glad to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
increasing fiber in diet, good hydration, moderate exercises is essential.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Thyroid issues could be the most common cause. Low thyroid levels can lead to reduced activity of bowels. If the dose was recently changed, it needs to be looked into. Also any recent change in medications, since past three weeks needs to be looked into. Get a thyroid hormone levels evaluation done once, if not done recently.
2. The amount of the feces is important for the urge. Reduced fiber content could be the cause. Atleast 40-50g/day of fiber is necessary from fruits and vegetables. Take easily digestible fiber diet.
3. Need to continue with good hydration - Atleast 5-6 liters of water/day. Warm water twice daily will improve motility of the digestive system.
4. Get good and regular sleep. Early morning atleast 30 min of walking or other mild exercises.
5. Control of diabetes is essential. Diabetes mellitus, can cause autonomic neuropathy and affect bowel movements.
6. For gas, probiotics and yogurt will be helpful. Altered bowel bacteria, will cause increased gas through fermentation. Probiotics bacteria will be helpful. Continue with other medications as prescribed.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, glad to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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