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What To Do For Not Having Bowel Movement Due To Stopping Of Laxatives?
Hi! Does this actually work? I just have a few questions, and I do not have insurance so I don t have a doctor I can call. Im a 24 year old female, 5 4 , 107 lbs. I struggled with anorexia for about 11 years, but I have been doing better for the past year. I now eat 1,400 - 1,500 calories a day. unfortunately though, for the past year I have continued using laxatives, and my digestive system have become dependent on them. I have been trying to slowly wean myself off of them, but its not working well. I have not had a bowel movement in the past 5 days since I stopped taking them. Do I just continue letting it run its course, or should I take some? I torn here. I need advice. I do eat a very balanced diet. I eat a large amount of fruit for breakfast ( 1 cup of pineapple, mangoes, apples, kiwi, grapes, and watermelon ), a healthy salad for lunch ( usually spinach, black beans, at least 4 kinds of veggies, vinegar based dressings I make myself, hemp/flax seeds ), and usually some sort of carb ( triscust, wheat pita ), and a normal dinner of whatever my husband cooks ( usually BBQ meat, steamed veggies, boiled potato ). What do you think I should do?
Thu, 16 Mar 2017
Hello Mam,
I just read your query. As you had been taking laxatives from one year,this condition is generally called as laxative abuse. The peristalsis(movement of intestine) depends largely on the laxatives on long term use.
* The only way to reduce unpleasant effects of laxative abuse is to prepare yourself for some common side effects like constipation, abdominal bloating, temporary weight gain etc. Duration and frequency of these side effects vary from person to person and the side effects may take one to three weeks to resolve.
* You need to follow some steps to restore your normal bowel help:
* First of all drink plenty of water. As it will make food pass through easier. Dehydration sometimes also causes constipation so have water between 8 to 10 glasses a day.
* Eat smaller portions of food more times a day as it will be easier for you to digest it. Avoid excessive foods containing gluten as they slow down peristalsis. Avoid cold drinks and excessice coffee if you take as this will also lead to dehydration.
Reduce apple,banana, rice, potato as they all also lead to constipation.
* After half an hour of breakfast you can take one cup of green tea as it is mild stimulant and will help in contraction.
* Do exercise half an hour daily as it will also help in normal peristalsis.
* Squat during bowel movement in the toilet as this position is more helpful in constipated condition.
* Train your bowel for a particular time to evacuate and do not strain too much. Initially it would be very difficult for you but with time and practice you will get habitual.
* Do gentle massage of your lower abdomen in circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes daily as it will help in normal peristalsis.
* You have not mentioned the name of laxative and you suddenly withdraw the laxative. I would advice you to take some milder laxative as compared to a powerful laxative for some time and then taper off the dose of the laxative and leave it gently as it would be easier for your bowel to leave the habit. Along with this follow all the things I have mentioned earlier.
* But as you have been using laxative for quite long time you need to check your potassium levels and also need colonoscopy too. So you can consult a nearby general physician for help.
* I hope you are satisfied with my answer.
Thank you.
I just read your query. As you had been taking laxatives from one year,this condition is generally called as laxative abuse. The peristalsis(movement of intestine) depends largely on the laxatives on long term use.
* The only way to reduce unpleasant effects of laxative abuse is to prepare yourself for some common side effects like constipation, abdominal bloating, temporary weight gain etc. Duration and frequency of these side effects vary from person to person and the side effects may take one to three weeks to resolve.
* You need to follow some steps to restore your normal bowel help:
* First of all drink plenty of water. As it will make food pass through easier. Dehydration sometimes also causes constipation so have water between 8 to 10 glasses a day.
* Eat smaller portions of food more times a day as it will be easier for you to digest it. Avoid excessive foods containing gluten as they slow down peristalsis. Avoid cold drinks and excessice coffee if you take as this will also lead to dehydration.
Reduce apple,banana, rice, potato as they all also lead to constipation.
* After half an hour of breakfast you can take one cup of green tea as it is mild stimulant and will help in contraction.
* Do exercise half an hour daily as it will also help in normal peristalsis.
* Squat during bowel movement in the toilet as this position is more helpful in constipated condition.
* Train your bowel for a particular time to evacuate and do not strain too much. Initially it would be very difficult for you but with time and practice you will get habitual.
* Do gentle massage of your lower abdomen in circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes daily as it will help in normal peristalsis.
* You have not mentioned the name of laxative and you suddenly withdraw the laxative. I would advice you to take some milder laxative as compared to a powerful laxative for some time and then taper off the dose of the laxative and leave it gently as it would be easier for your bowel to leave the habit. Along with this follow all the things I have mentioned earlier.
* But as you have been using laxative for quite long time you need to check your potassium levels and also need colonoscopy too. So you can consult a nearby general physician for help.
* I hope you are satisfied with my answer.
Thank you.
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