HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can One Defecate Naturally, Without Using Any Form Of Laxatives?

I have been on Weight Watchers for the last 5 yrs. I have always been unable to defecate on a regular basis without laxative assistance. I feel the weight in my stomach of waste but cannot go on my own. What can I do naturally to reverse the need for laxatives?
Thu, 16 Feb 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Thank you for asking your question at health care magic

Here are some things you can do to help alleviate constipation
-Eating a high fiber diet help constipation
Diet rich in fiber include fruits(whole fruit and not fruit juice) , vegetables,split peas, lentils,oatmeal,naan/pasta made of whole wheat, avacado
-Drink plenty of water , unless you have a condition where doctor has advised to restrict water intake
-Probiotic rich food like yoghurt also help in restoring digestive health
-Avoid drinking too much coffee as it cause dehydration and constipation
Regular exercise as it can help with bowel movements

I would also like to know of any medications you are using currently as certain medications like cold medications,anti depressants,antacids,codeine and even over use of laxatives can cause constipation.

You should consult your doctor if you have
-weight loss along with constipation
-Abdominal pain
-Vomiting
-Inability to eat
-Blood in stools
-excessive Tiredness,weight gain,cold intolerance and menstrual irregularities as hypothyroidism can cause constipation
-There are several systemic illness that cause constipation. .Thus constipation lasting for more than 3 weeks and associated with other symptoms should get checked

Hope I was able to help you
Please feel free to address any more concerns
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer


Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can One Defecate Naturally, Without Using Any Form Of Laxatives?

Hello, Thank you for asking your question at health care magic Here are some things you can do to help alleviate constipation -Eating a high fiber diet help constipation Diet rich in fiber include fruits(whole fruit and not fruit juice) , vegetables,split peas, lentils,oatmeal,naan/pasta made of whole wheat, avacado -Drink plenty of water , unless you have a condition where doctor has advised to restrict water intake -Probiotic rich food like yoghurt also help in restoring digestive health -Avoid drinking too much coffee as it cause dehydration and constipation Regular exercise as it can help with bowel movements I would also like to know of any medications you are using currently as certain medications like cold medications,anti depressants,antacids,codeine and even over use of laxatives can cause constipation. You should consult your doctor if you have -weight loss along with constipation -Abdominal pain -Vomiting -Inability to eat -Blood in stools -excessive Tiredness,weight gain,cold intolerance and menstrual irregularities as hypothyroidism can cause constipation -There are several systemic illness that cause constipation. .Thus constipation lasting for more than 3 weeks and associated with other symptoms should get checked Hope I was able to help you Please feel free to address any more concerns Regards, Dr.Lekshmi