The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Margaret Alice (Jacksonville, Fl) on 07/28/2014
★★★★★
Cabbage is the best thing to use for constipation. Oatmeal is good too.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rita (Sedona) on 09/22/2021
Hi Andrea, I have been focusing on his diet and have found I am getting constipated when I have not in fifteen years. I don't eat raw eggs and have not been able to find raw milk but have been taking the most organic kefir I can find. Doing meats more which used to be a rarity - only grass fed and I have been veggies in beef bone broth - I have taken raw cheese which I normally don't take .. what in this diet gives you the regularity with your stool?
I am going to have to do something tomorrow bc I know it is not healthy to not have at least one bowel movement a day. Or that is what feels best for me.
Thanks!
Castor Oil
Posted by Mari (Florida) on 12/08/2016
1-how long you were on 4tbsp?
2-did you do 4tbsp daily in the morning?
3-how did you manage the taste? how you were able to swallow it?
Thank you.
Herbs
Posted by Sweet Pea (Somewhere, Usa) on 03/03/2013
I should have mentioned that I only use Cascara Sagrada for severe constipation. Other than that I would probably just drink good old prune juice. I wonder if you have tried coconut oil, iodine, and yogurt and other fermented foods for your issues? I always felt my gut was calmer with organic yogurt.
Yellow Dock Tea
Posted by Amnon (California) on 10/03/2024
Did you use yellow dock flower, leaves or roots?
Over the Counter
Posted by Nat (Brooklyn, Ny) on 10/26/2011
★★★★★
Speaking to a nephrologist about a member of the family who is on dialysis, I asked about Magnesium Citrate as a supplement. He said that Citrate products are not used on dialysis patients because it was seen that Calcium Citrate increases aluminum in the bodies of dialysis patients. (In kidney failure, the kidneys cannot filter out aluminum, and dialysis does not either. Normal kidneys filter out aluminum. ) But what about all the people who have partial kidney failure and don't even know it. So we stopped using the Magnesium Citrate, just as a precaution.
Instead experimentation was made using one to two tablespoons Benefiber from the pharmacy (one can use up to six tablespoons Benefiber a day) in one or two glasses of water, in combination with one or two (or three) tablespoons Milk of Magnesia - sometimes also with some Magnesium Bicarbonate (made by pouring two or three full measuring tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia - a half to three fourths of the enclosed cap - into a bottle of seltzer/club soda and shaking the contents - as recommended on Earthclinic by Bill from San Fernando, Philippines - but sometimes using a bit less Milk of Magnesia than recommended).
Glucomannan, a fiber supplement recommended by Pam from Alabama, might also be used with the water and Milk of Magnesia.
Milk of Magnesia, starting at five Tbsp. and going down gradually, is recommended, in the name of an older doctor, by Redclary from Oklahoma .
Some extra seltzer/club soda, recommended by Carol from Cumberland, MD, is also helpful (used in the mixture).
This simple combination of Benefiber and Milk of Magnesia in water is much better than many other things used to help the intestines.
After a few days one can often use smaller amounts of the Milk of Magnesia while increasing slightly the Benefiber.
Benefiber is a fiber supplement that helps increase good bacteria in the body. It is made from Hydrolyzed guar gum. For some reason it is better than plain Guar Gum. Also, it is mostly tasteless and does not thicken.
Juice
Posted by Warren (Costa Mesa, Ca) on 05/26/2011
★★★★★
Great suggestions here. I make a smoothie every morning and have always used Rice Dream or Almond breeze but now use Papaya Juice instead. It helps to move things along along with whatever else you're doing.
Triphala Churna
Posted by Roane (Los Angeles, Ca) on 04/28/2011
★★★★★
Maybe you should try upon rising drinking a glass of water with probiotics and one half lemon or line. Next prepare the morning flex drink:
TRIPHALA-prevents aging, imparts immunity and improves mental faculties. It helps to detoxify the liver, restore digestion and purify blood. It is also a laxative that rejuvenates the membrane lining the digestive tract and contributes to effective cleansing of the colon.
PSYLLIUM HUSK: Is a Fiber Psyllium appears to increase stool mass more effectively than do other common laxative fibre sources
Dietary Changes
Posted by Denise (Tampa, Fl) on 03/11/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered chronic constipation for most of my life, but it became extreme about 4 years ago. My gastro Dr just gave me meds that kept me hovering around the toilet all morning. I used Mg capsules, which was better, but again, it was still not normal elimination. All I was doing was coping with the problem. Then I heard that my granddaughter (no blood relation) was diagnosed with celiac disease. Her main symptom was severe constipation. I decided to go gluten-free to see if it made a difference for me.
Within 2 days, my system started to work. It's been 3 wonderful weeks now, and I am trying hard not to shout it from the roof tops. But on here I know folks are desperate for an answer and a cure. So see if if works for you. The good thing is that the health food stores have a great variety of gluten-free products. I hope to learn to cook gluten-free when I have the time.
For the folks that find their answer in avoiding gluten - congrads! And to all the others still looking, I would also tell you to check out "upper cervical chiropractic" as that adjustment is supposed to help many with constipation (among a myriad of other problems. ) Good luck!
Flaxseed and Prune Juice
Posted by Keith (Richmond, Virginia) on 10/17/2010
★★★★★
I wanted to add to my review of the Ground Flaxseed & Prune Juice remedy. First, I had SEVERE constipation because of the antibiotics I was taking 2x day. I found the Flaxseed/Prune Juice only worked 1/3 to 1/2 the time and just a small 1-2 bowel movements from it. At first, it worked great, but after 2-3 times not. What I did find that worked was a suggestion from my Grandma that the Hospital gave her. This has worked *every* time for me and usually within 4-5 hours (sometimes 2 hours). 2 ounces Apple juice, 2 ounces Prune Juice, 2 ounces Milk of Magnesia (I used a generic brand at a well known chain store - much cheaper). Mix together and drink and the taste is OK.
Triphala Churna
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 05/23/2010
I ran across this Ayurveda herb called triphala churna that claims to help eliminate constipation problems. I was wondering if anyone had any information that they could share about it.
Molasses
Posted by Rosemaryandsage (Ashland, Wi) on 04/11/2010
★☆☆☆☆
Blackstrap Molasses for constipation definitely did not work for me. If you are sensitive to sugar, this may not be best. I took a tablespoon of molasses in the morning, and the rest of the day was ruined by extreme bloating and gas, rumbling sensation and pain.I should have known this would happen because even one tablespoon of honey and too much fruit results in the same for me. I love molasses (in food, mixed), but this is too intense for me, and it did not result in a bm.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rosemaryandsage (Ashland, Wi) on 03/30/2010
★★★★★
Yes, seaweed definitely works for constipation. Eating it during the day not only helps me have a daily bowel movement, but also helps with the bloating and uncomfortable fullness. A tablespoonful before bed works well in helping me have a bowel movement in the morning. Especially if I have it in a warm cup of miso broth. It's all the minerals and enzymes, I'm sure.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Eve (Tampa, Florida) on 06/22/2009
★★★★★
I have had gastric bypass surgery and as a result when I eat things I am not supposed to, I often become constipated. Whenever this happens I grab a bag of baby spinach and make myself a salad. Within a few hours, I'm ready to get down to business!! I also stay 'regular' by drinking 2 tsp of ____ _____ in room temperature water every morning (on an empty stomach). This is the powder form of juiced barley grass but it does contain Maltodextrin.
Acupressure
Posted by Lee (Durban, South Africa) on 03/12/2013
Hi! Could you please explain a bit more clearly where this acupressure point on the arm is?
Cabbage
Posted by Mujahid (Tobyhanna, Pennsylanvia) on 08/31/2008
★★★★★
I stopped eating meat, and started eating cabbage everyday, yes gas is part of what is expected, but my bowel movement is now regulated, my system is cleansed, stool is no longer dark and there is no unbearable smell. my weight is going down. And most of all I feel better physically. I juice 8 oz twice a day. And eat 1/4 pound per day. Basil and Fennel and black pepper for flavor.
Acupressure
Posted by Lisa (West Plains MO) on 04/24/2006
★★★★★
I tried Donna's suggestion on acupressure and it works!!! I rub not only my stomach but where my colon is. Also I found taking 2 tbsp. of molasses morning and night followed by acv in tea and then the acupressure works every time for me. I don't have to sit on the crapper for 15 minutes anymore.
