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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Chronic Constipation Be Treated?

I am 60 years old and have been severely constipated for more than one month. When it started I took some steps to fix things by drinking a lot more water, introducing more insoluable and soluable fiber, fruits veggies, fibercon, etc -- but no luck. I did my own colon cleanse just to see if I could 'reset' things, but still no luck. A few weeks after that my doctor approved a colonoscopy which I had last Monday. The results were fine showing no polyps or blockage. However, I am now back to the same symptoms which include hardly having the urge to go, and if I am able to go it's very minimal. I feel so blocked. After the colonoscopy the GI doctor said to take probiotics which I take every day. Yesterday I introduced fermented foods in the hopes of adding more good bacteria to my gut and I am trying not to take laxatives or Fleet enemas to see if I can return to normal naturally. I have always been very healthy, have no current health issues, do not take any medications, have had a little constipation in my life but it always resolved quickly. I was thinking I messed up my system unwittingly this summer by not drinking enough water, drinking too much iced coffee, eating a lot of summer fruit, and who knows what else. Can you advise me and tell me what the problem might be and suggestions to resolve this issue? Thank you.
Tue, 3 Oct 2017
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Ayurveda Specialist,  's  Response
Hello
Thanks for writing to us.

Add some foods in your diet which can stimulate your urge to poop. Fortunately, there are many foods you can eat to help relieve constipation, and foods to avoid that can make constipation worse. I am making a list of foods to eat to help relieve your constipation. When planning a healthy diet, it helps to include plenty of high-fiber choices to help you stay regular.

Flax seed. use one tablespoon of both brown and golden flax seed has 2.8 g fiber, both soluble and insoluble.
Most of the fiber is found in the husk of the flax seed, and ground flax seed is generally recommended for easier absorption of the fiber.
It's easy to add flax seed to smoothies, on top of
Beans
Kiwi
Berries
Pears, plums, and apples
Almonds, pecans, and walnuts have more fiber than other nuts
Whole grain bread for constipation relief

If you still feel constipated then
1. Add some processed or synthetic fiber-such as Citrucel, Metamucil, or Perdiem-to your diet each day.
2. Try a stool softener, such as Colace, if your stools are very hard.
3. Try a rectal glycerin suppository. Follow the directions on the label.

I hope you are helped.

Regards
Dr. Tripat Mehta
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How Can Chronic Constipation Be Treated?

Hello Thanks for writing to us. Add some foods in your diet which can stimulate your urge to poop. Fortunately, there are many foods you can eat to help relieve constipation, and foods to avoid that can make constipation worse. I am making a list of foods to eat to help relieve your constipation. When planning a healthy diet, it helps to include plenty of high-fiber choices to help you stay regular. Flax seed. use one tablespoon of both brown and golden flax seed has 2.8 g fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Most of the fiber is found in the husk of the flax seed, and ground flax seed is generally recommended for easier absorption of the fiber. It s easy to add flax seed to smoothies, on top of Beans Kiwi Berries Pears, plums, and apples Almonds, pecans, and walnuts have more fiber than other nuts Whole grain bread for constipation relief If you still feel constipated then 1. Add some processed or synthetic fiber-such as Citrucel, Metamucil, or Perdiem-to your diet each day. 2. Try a stool softener, such as Colace, if your stools are very hard. 3. Try a rectal glycerin suppository. Follow the directions on the label. I hope you are helped. Regards Dr. Tripat Mehta