What to do?!
Question:
What to do?
Hi,I am very badly constipated as a result of too much food at one go last night (one of them occasions). I have a thing where the day after indulgence such as that, I dont eat solid foods but wait till evening to have something light. Though i am not particularly hungry at all, just very thirsty and somehow craving juice, like orange. I need something that will help "clear my insides" (e.g. act as a natural laxative). Would orange juice help get my bowels moving? What kinda juice will help. Im going out shopping later on so would appreciate some input! I hate prune juice by the way and react ADVERSELY to that, stinks aswell, so forget that. Any ideas? I even thought of having just cereal (some kinda bran) but that might make the consipation worse. Let me know! Thanks in advance. Im so desparate to feel unclogged again!
Answers:
Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water or juice a day.
If you're constipated, it's very important to drink plenty of fluids -- but not all drinks are created equal. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages actually cause fluid loss, making constipation worse. On the other hand, water, vegetable and fruit juices, and clear soups are excellent fluid replenishers. A hot liquid in the morning may help trigger the reflex that gets the bowels moving.
Eat foods high in fiber, including raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, bran, and dried beans.
Supplement Recommendations -
Vitamin C
Dosage: 1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Comments: The dose can be increased by 1,000 mg a day (up to a total of 5,000 mg a day) until bowel movements become regular.
Magnesium
Dosage: 400 to 800 mg a day as needed.
Comments: Take with food; reduce dose if diarrhea develops.
Psyllium
Dosage: 1-3 tbsp. powder dissolved in water or juice a day.
Comments: Or take 1-3 tbsp. ground flaxseeds or 2 tsp. ground fenugreek seeds. Drink 8 glasses of water a day for these to work.
Prune
Dosage: Drink 1/2 cup juice or eat 3 or 4 prunes each morning.
Comments: Can be used on a daily basis.
Dandelion Root
Dosage: 1 cup tea 3 times a day.
Comments: Use 1 tsp. dried root per cup of hot water.
Cascara
Dosage: 100 mg at bedtime.
Comments: Look for a preparation that is standardized to contain 25% hydroxyanthracene derivatives.