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 Weight Loss And Chronic Constipation Despite Taking Stool Softeners Intermittently Be Treated?

i began having hard stools a little over a year ago. i eat plenty of fiber, drink mostly water(never soda) or tea, exercise daily. i have a non bacterial ulcer which is under control but i think it morphed into IBS. i had been taking aleve (2 tabs daily, sometimes twice) but have decided to stop for the above reason. what else can i do for myself? i do sometimes take a stool softener but find that taking a complete dose makes me quite uncomfortable. i probably don t eat enough. i have also had unintended weight loss though not an alarming rate. i have had a colonoscopy which was clean but for a couple of tiny pollups.
Fri, 28 Dec 2018
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and thank you for using Healthcaremagic.com

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

I think that your constipation problems are due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The fact that your bowl habits have changed supports the diagnosis of IBS (as you already have stated).

Therefore, in order to alleviate the constipation you are advised to do the following:

Take regular meals, avoid prolonged periods between meals;

Take time to thoroughly chew the food

Keep the high consumption of water and liquids (not containing caffeine or tea)

Reduce or quit alcohol and the amount of sugar consumed (in food and drinks)

Reduce the so-called "resistant and semi resistant starch", including whole grains and not well-done bananas, pasta, oats, etc.

Do not use large amounts of fresh fruits (1-2 per day)

Please note that herbal remedies will not work for IBS.

If after such measures (for example, after 1 months) the constipation is not alleviated then you have to consult a specialized doctor in order to follow more strict food regimes.

I hope I have helped you and wish you good luck!
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and 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 Weight Loss And Chronic Constipation Despite Taking Stool Softeners Intermittently Be Treated?

Hello and thank you for using Healthcaremagic.com I have read your question and understand your concerns. I think that your constipation problems are due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The fact that your bowl habits have changed supports the diagnosis of IBS (as you already have stated). Therefore, in order to alleviate the constipation you are advised to do the following: Take regular meals, avoid prolonged periods between meals; Take time to thoroughly chew the food Keep the high consumption of water and liquids (not containing caffeine or tea) Reduce or quit alcohol and the amount of sugar consumed (in food and drinks) Reduce the so-called resistant and semi resistant starch , including whole grains and not well-done bananas, pasta, oats, etc. Do not use large amounts of fresh fruits (1-2 per day) Please note that herbal remedies will not work for IBS. If after such measures (for example, after 1 months) the constipation is not alleviated then you have to consult a specialized doctor in order to follow more strict food regimes. I hope I have helped you and wish you good luck!