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Suggest Remedies For Constipation

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Posted on Wed, 18 May 2016
Question: I have been experiencing issues with getting my bowel to empty on a regular basis. This has been going on for over a year and I am currently taking Amatiza to aid in activating my bowel however even that doesn't seem to work on a regular basis. Do you have any suggestions
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
would be best to discontinue all laxatives- cause chronic constipation

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to use laxatives to try to help with bowel movements but in the long run, they are not advised because they actually eventually worsen constipation.

They stop the bowel from working on its own. Laxatives are the used once ever so often ( once a month or less if possible).
You can search and see that they are listed as a cause of constipation.

It would be best to stop and only use when absolutely necessary.

Treatment to help with bowel movements: (1) fluids- very important - 8 to 10 glasses of fluid daily.
This does not include alcohol or any caffeine products because these promote fluid loss

(2)activity- physical activity also helps as well

(3)fiber, fiber and more fiber- this means at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables
Whole grain foods
Fiber supplement may also be helpful as well- this includes miralex, benefiber, cetrucil

These supplements ensure adequate fiber intake which would be helpful with movements

(4)probiotics may also be useful for you as well

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For Constipation

Brief Answer: would be best to discontinue all laxatives- cause chronic constipation Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to use laxatives to try to help with bowel movements but in the long run, they are not advised because they actually eventually worsen constipation. They stop the bowel from working on its own. Laxatives are the used once ever so often ( once a month or less if possible). You can search and see that they are listed as a cause of constipation. It would be best to stop and only use when absolutely necessary. Treatment to help with bowel movements: (1) fluids- very important - 8 to 10 glasses of fluid daily. This does not include alcohol or any caffeine products because these promote fluid loss (2)activity- physical activity also helps as well (3)fiber, fiber and more fiber- this means at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables Whole grain foods Fiber supplement may also be helpful as well- this includes miralex, benefiber, cetrucil These supplements ensure adequate fiber intake which would be helpful with movements (4)probiotics may also be useful for you as well I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions