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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can severe Constipation be Treated?

I am a 68 year old female and deal with constipation almost daily. I take benefiber 2 to 3 times daily. Lately it doesn t seem to help anymore. I use Miramax at times. It helps but don t want to take it everyday. What are some other remedies I can try? Thank You
Thu, 15 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

I agree that the miralax should not be used too often. Laxatives can cause or worsen constipation if they are used more than they should because they stop the bowel from working well.

Make sure that the version of the benefiber that you are using is sugar free is this option is available. The sugar free options are usually twice as effective.
Metamucil , for example, has both a sugar free and sugar options.

The other options to the benefiber is metamucil or cetrucil.

In addition to the fiber supplement, you can try using enough dietary fiber (at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily). This means fruits and vegetables with each meal and snack.
At least 8 glasses of fluid daily, not including any caffeine products or alcohol because these have a diuretic effect and cause fluid loss.

I hope this helps
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How Can severe Constipation be Treated?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic I agree that the miralax should not be used too often. Laxatives can cause or worsen constipation if they are used more than they should because they stop the bowel from working well. Make sure that the version of the benefiber that you are using is sugar free is this option is available. The sugar free options are usually twice as effective. Metamucil , for example, has both a sugar free and sugar options. The other options to the benefiber is metamucil or cetrucil. In addition to the fiber supplement, you can try using enough dietary fiber (at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily). This means fruits and vegetables with each meal and snack. At least 8 glasses of fluid daily, not including any caffeine products or alcohol because these have a diuretic effect and cause fluid loss. I hope this helps