Me and my Husband eat the same yet I get constipated all the time?

[beenherebefore]

I cook everyday and me and my Partner eat pretty much the same meals. I eat way more fruits and vegetables than my Husband and he eats double sometimes even triple the amount of carbs than me. I also drink a significant amount of water everyday more than 1,5L per day. My Husband often drinks soft drinks and snacks a lot on crisps and popcorn while me I feel like snacking I usually go for almonds and other types of nuts and dried fruits.

My Husband bowel movements are very regular and he never had any constipation issues. I on the other hand am scared of eating anything that is not a vegetable or fruit with fear of getting constipated. I get so easily constipated to the point that I now carry glycerin suppositories or enemas with me whenever I travel.

I've recently visited a gastroenterology and done all the prescribed exams including an abdominal ultra-sound. On my first appointment Doctor prescribed probiotic capsules that I've previously taken and didn't see much of a difference and psyllium husk supplement twice a day which has actually been great. My next follow up appointment is in one week but I'm a bit concerned and anxious. What could possibly be the reason? Anyone had similar experiences?

[Sonorous]

If I have constipation, it's likely because for whatever reason something is interfering with my gut mucosa production. Can happen from many reasons. Going from low fiber to high fiber & high fodmap foods, food intolerance, sugar that feeds harmful bacteria or candida, not eating enough bulk, not drinking enough water, no moving enough, etc. For me, it's usually when I eat sugar. No matter the source, I have sibo & sifo, so it feeds harmful bacteria & candida that wreak havoc on my gut mucosa & subsequently motility.

I discovered this by analyzing my other side effects ofc & by doing other tests. Through the tests, it seemed that going without sugar brought an extremely high percentage likelihood of having no constipation, but the best results were when I temporarily cut out carbs completely before hand to buy my gut some time for repair & proper function. I would purposefully eat sugar on day to disrupt gut motility, then do a no carb day the next day & then the day afterward, I'd eat my healthy carbs like normal but make sure to keep my sugars low. Didn't have anymore constipation.

But I also recently inadvertently found a method that doesn't allow me to be constipated with whatever I eat. I just have to structure it properly:

As soon as I wake up, I mix some cacao powder, artificial sweetener, & walnuts into protein powder & eat it.
• The artificial sweetener name is "swerve" & it acts as a osmotic laxative because of the "vegetable glycerin" in it.
• The cacao powder I use is from "Better body foods." It has no sugar & has insoluble fiber that stimulates gut movement even before it leaves the stomach.
• And the walnuts are there to help with satiety but for this purpose, it would help stimulate bile, which would help with gut motility, clearing out harmful bacteria, etc..

And this is important: Drink a total of around 40-80ounces of water 3 times in intervals of 40mins to an hour apart until you reach 60oz of water. For me, 60oz works so I just drink 20ounces around 40mins to an hour apart. And sometime after the second or third water consumption, you will likely have to go to the bathroom if there is enough bulk to actually move & get rid of.

[Sonorous]

until you reach 40-80oz of water.*

[Sonorous]

Also, not consuming carbs until after this process is best for best results.

[Anonymous]

It's frustrating when you're eating a seemingly healthy diet and still experiencing constipation while your husband doesn't. Several factors could contribute to this disparity, even with similar diets: individual gut microbiome differences, variations in gut motility, hormonal fluctuations, stress levels, pelvic floor dysfunction, or even undiagnosed food intolerances could play a role. While you're doing the right thing by consulting a gastroenterologist, it's essential to discuss these possibilities and ensure a thorough investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of your persistent constipation.

[beenherebefore]

I'm looking forward to next appoint to find out the exam results. This is actually scary.

[Opinion Owner]

Yes absolutely. I can feel your emotions and feelings you are going through

[bowenw]

I believe popcorn is high in fiber, so you may want to have some with your husband. Also try psyllium husk capsules.

[beenherebefore]

I'm currently taking Psyllium Husk soluble sachets twice a day as prescribed by the Doctor.

[bowenw]

It sounds like you are doing everything right so a visit to your doctor is warranted.

[Anonymous]

It's the fibre in the fruit
Too much will cause a back up
Famously it killed George 2nd

[beenherebefore]

I don't think I eat that much fruit to cause a blockage. I consume the recommended amount of fruits in the morning I'm not eat more fruits than I should.