Looking for ideas ...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Looking for ideas ...
3
Sat, 11-06-2004 - 7:55am
I'm looking for ideas on how hypo sufferers deal with their constipation. I know it's a pretty disgusting subject but I'm getting really desperate for new ideas. I've tried fiber supplements, stool softeners, suppositories, and drink lots of water but still end up using a laxative at least once a week. My doctor has not been much help so I thought I'd turn to the experts ... YOU!

Thanks,

Sue

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Sun, 11-07-2004 - 11:37am
Hi Sue - do you eat lots of fruits and vegetables? Complex carbs like whole wheat bread and brown rice? Look for healthy foods with lots of fiber. Have a bowl of all bran with berries to start your day, or as a snack. Stonyfield farms yogurt adds an ingredient that adds natural fiber to their yogurt. If you like yogurt, try that brand. Look for high fiber waffles in the organic section of the grocery store or try Nutrigrain waffles. Eat them with some peanut butter and a banana instead of syrup. It will add fiber and protein. How much water are you drinking? Is it at least 64 oz? I used to think I drank a lot of water until I started keeping track. Found out I hardle drank any!! I would eat frequent, regular meals, well balanced with carbs, proteins and fats at every meal. Have a high fiber snack in between meals, too, to keep things moving along. I think part of the whole constipation thing is a result of a slower metabolism - your body is just very slow at breaking down your food and getting rid of it. So if you eat frequent meals at a regular time each day, your body will begin to get the idea that it's being fed regularly and will also be working all day to metabolize your food, not just for 3 larger size meals, which it has a hard time doing. So 3 smaller meals, plus 2 snack-like meals, each about 300 to 400 calories for the meals, and 100 to 200 calories for the snacks, will keep your body going.

I just don't think taking fiber supplements is the same and as good for you as crunching on an apple, eating broccoli or having a handful of almonds. That kind of food makes your body work - the supplements just don't. I just remembered we did a fiber challenge on the Kathy Smith board. If I still have the links to fiber-filled foods, I'll post them in the D&F folder. Well, those are my ideas!! Hope it helps a bit. Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 2:02pm
Thanks for your reply, Cathy. I'm doing everything you suggest. I follow the Weight Watchers plan which is high fiber so eat plenty of fruits & veggies every day. I drink at least 64 ounces of water plus orange juice or apple cider (for more fiber). I actually eat 6 small meals every day including my bedtime snack.

My doctor did increase my meds from 100 to 112.5 with the hopes that it might help. It's been 3 weeks so I'm trying to be patient and hopeful but nothing seems much different yet. I know it can take up to 6 weeks for the new dosage to kick in.

Anyhow, for now I'll just deal with it as best as I can. Thanks again!

Sue

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 3:59pm
It sounds like you're doing everything you can!! I hope the new medication helps. Cathy :)