Should I try laxatives?

[Anonymous]

***GROSS TOPIC***

Okay this is super embarrassing and awkward for me so I'm asking for only serious answers please.

Here's the deal.

It would seem that I'm having a little trouble...expelling waste from my system.

Like, I use the bathroom about 4 times a day give or take. And I always have the need to *ahem* go number 2 but...nothing comes. And if something does it's like really difficult and there's not that much.

I feel like

A) it shouldn't be this hard to take a crap

and

B) there should be more because I'm certainly eating enough solid waste type things.

I've been drinking 8 glasses of water a day like they recommend you do, I keep active, I eat healthy...and yet nothing.

On a less important side note, I also feel like I should...I don't know, weigh less/be thinner than I am. I am feeling bloated in that area and I'm no where near my time of the month or anything. Plus with how active I am and with the workout schedule I have, I feel like I shouldn't be where I am, if that makes sense.

But I'm more worried about it in the sense that, well, it really sucks when you can't take a crap lol.

Do you think laxatives would help it along? Also, if you DO suggest laxatives, what kind would you think? I know there are different kinds. And if you DON'T suggest laxatives, what do you think I should do?

I figure if it keeps up I'll contact a doctor next time I'm home (I'm away at school away from my family doctor).

Gosh this is so awkward I can't believe I asked this but I've been kind of worrying about it since it has been going on for the last couple of weeks.

[Paris13]

In my experience with family members who have had "more than enough" problems with this, there may be a chance you have the start of what they refer to as : "Lazy bowel syndrome," sweetie. And this is nothing to feel embarrassed about. A doctor can best guide you in determining what to eat, and how to handle it.I would suggest a colonoscopy, but I think you are too young yet to have this, after 40 is suggested. It checks for polyps that can contribute to Colon cancer. My grandmother passed away from this.

In the meantime as you are already planning a trip to see the doc, eat more fiber, vegetables, fruits. Warm milk can help. Herbal tea too. Even chocolate I found to be helpful.

A mild laxative(even one more organic from a local health food store), a stool softener, Fiber Con, which can be taken once a day. An enema works wonders for helping to clean out the system.And my sister has even gone so far as to buy a "colon cleanse" to clean the entire colon out. I believe that if more people would actually do this Once a month, they may find fewer cases of polyps, that can lead into dangerous waters. Like a septic tank, if I could here, That needs to be tended to, so why would our bowel track and colon be any different?

You might also have the start of "gall stones," which is quite common, but that lead to gall bladder problems down the road. But of course, all of this all Must be looked at.

Yes, it does indeed "suck," and being bloated and having no energy will contribute to this as well.

Please, as soon as you can, go see your physician for more answers.

Good luck, and hope everything turns out okay for you.xx

[bombdotcom]

I have IBS

For quick relief, Miralax.

That said, you probably need a diet overhaul.

Keep in mind that you DO need to drink water with any fiber you consume, whether it's a supplement or natural source of fiber. Fiber NEEDS water in order to help with regularity, or else it can result in further constipation.

Ginger tea keeps me regular though. I know it's good for digestion, but if I drink it in the morning then I can expect to go later in the day (maybe about 12 hours later). I drink it cause I love it, but it's definitely a nice benefit.

Try drinking it first thing in the morning with some lemon juice added. That will help stimulate your digestive system.

When you eat veggies and fruits, make sure you're drinking water before, during and after--as you eat. That way it bulks up but can move throughout your system.

You could always add in Metamucil into your diet for a week or two to help you regulate.

Chia seeds and/or flax seeds are a great way to add natural fiber into your diet, meaning from foods themselves.

Also, keep in mind that not all veggies are best eaten raw. Some veggies like broccoli, spinach, kale and cauliflower are better off steamed or boiled. Your body actually absorbs the nutrients better.

Oh, don't lay down right after eating. You need to give the food time to settle. Laying down can inhibit digestion.

If you aren't too pressed on $$$, look into probiotic supplements. There's so many to choose from, usually in the fiber section of stores.

Are you particularly stressed out as of late?

[Asker]

Not terribly. I'm a college student so there's the workload of classes but I've been in college for two years and the workload is no more than past semesters so I wouldn't say I'm more stressed than usual.

[bombdotcom]

You definitely need to look into probiotics to help balance whatever bacteria is in your tummy. But if this continues for much longer you need to see a doctor. You could have IBS or something 'wrong.' Laxatives should only be a quick fix when necessary so you need to make sure you're regular like before.

Is there anything else you did differently before?

[arthurdent]

I don't know for sure - give more credence to answers that come from people who seem like they know what they're talking about. But, if your are going 4 times a day, and *anything* is coming out, I think it possible that there is nothing at all to worry about. By all means, ask your doctor, please! Also, even if things aren't, um, exiting like they should, if you aren't feeling serious discomfort, then there's probably nothing actually wrong. This is one of those health areas where your body will tell you, I believe, if something is really wrong. As in, you'll be bent over, prostrate, in pain if something is really wrong. So use your common sense, of course. Talk to your doctor. But beyond that, trust your body. It generally knows what it needs, and doesn't need, to do. I'm sorry for your predicament - it made me really want to answer this. I hope I've been at least a little bit helpful!

[summiter]

It happens to everyone at some time in their lives. You need to eat or increase your fiber intake. Get a fiber supplement and mix one or two tablespoons of it in with water. You will be pleasantly surprised. As I am sure you know exercise helps move things along also.

[Asker]

I exercise a lot. Like I'm in the gym every day for between 2 and 4 hours lol so I don't think it's a lack of exercise.

[teasegirl]

A friend of mine is going through this. They told her she had an "abnormally slow metabolism" she has to take pills daily now.

There's some teas that help, apples speed up metabolism too. Don't eat junk food at all. Lots of green veggies. Yogurt. And keep it up with the water. Papaya helps, not many people like papaya though. Also drinking a cup of warm water is good, it helps your digestion.

[Asker]

Hmm...interesting 'cause I have a fast metabolism but I'll try the water thing and the veggies and yogurt.

[teasegirl]

Yeah I know. This girl goes to the gym all the time too, I would think her metabolism is very fast. But the doctor said it was not.

[CrazynKinky]

Alright so if you don't think it's a serious issue like you don't need to go to your doctor. Try one but just remember they do not work how you think they will make sure you have a few days free so you can be near a bathroom. I have stomach problems now and then and taking a laxative twice a year seems to clean out my system and help me out. Don't be embarrassed about it.

[Paris13]

Might I also suggest, CrazynKinky, going to see a doctor just to b eon the safe side. One never knows, when having to "unclog the drain," to put it mildly, what a doctor might find up in there. Could be the start of gall stones, which do multiply, leading to gall bladder problems. And the "Lazy bowel syndrome," which my sister had, and got worse. Later gall bladder surgery. Just a helpful hint..xx

[CrazynKinky]

I had ridiculously bad food poisoning it messed up my digestive track a bit. I have been checked out

[bubbiexo]

My mom has a lot of issues in this area. She was constantly using enemas and laxatives and eating a ton of fiber... Nothing helped. Then one day after I had been telling her for months, she tried prune juice. One medium shot in the morning and she was good to go. If this worked for her, I feel like it could work for anyone!

[lucky24]

I am sure many people have already suggested this (too lazy to scroll down and look) but you can increase the amount of fiber intake. Maybe try grinding flax seeds and eating those in your food or make a smoothie. You can also try taking metamucil which is high in fiber.



Get well soon :)

[Kesser]

prune juice

fiber

miralax

colace

cit mag

all of the above are safe to use and you can purchase them over the counter. I would suggest trying the first one, if that doesn't work then the next, and so on. if none of the above work (which I highly doubt) then see your doctor.

[Jonny_]

You can get 'stool softener', which kind of works like a laxative but it's not as harsh... Some of it is to do with diet as well, they would talk about getting fibre etc... I personally would avoid laxatives.

[Luv2BRealExotic13]

Fiber and high vitamin C if laxatives and water don't work. Have some avacados oranges and water.

[Asker]

I eat avacados all the time lol - I love guacamole. :) I can certainly up the avacado intake lol

[kheserthorpe]

Can you define 'eat healthy'?

If you're not eating plenty of fibrous veggies, fruit, maybe legumes, do so.

[myspacemybroke]

Try some kind of fiber supplement like Metamucil. Take it once or twice a day for a bit, and see what happens.

[thetundrawolf]

Yes, try a good, safe, natural laxative, like metamucil. Everyone gets constipated, it's nothing abnormal.

[beastman88]

ive gone 3 days without pooping and still wouldn't recommend lax, you could become lax dependent for your bms. just drink more water, eat more fiber

[Jsonason]

I most definitely DONT suggest laxatives. Your #1 stop should be a doctor, not home medicine.

[Paris13]

A mild laxative, even organic one..just until you can see the doc..You need to "go" soon and---soon too to the doctor..xx

[getincrumpdup]

try a little miralax powder daily in a drink or a fiber pill regimen.

[UlsterScot]

Miralax, which is propylene glycol. It becomes a slick lubricant in the body.

[UlsterScot]

It has no side effects. It is chemically inert.

[RasmusAiken]

It's great fluid for deicing your corporate jet, too.

[222fallguy2]

Try some natural fiber first then maybe consult a physician.

[AmongTheApples]

No. Just eat more fiber.

[Asker]

Do you suggest fiber pills? What food has fiber in it?

[AmongTheApples]

You can use them if you want, but, you can get it from more nutritionist sources like apples, oranges, nuts, bananas, pretty much any fruit, and some vegetables (broccoli and karats). Eating more fiber solves almost all cases of constipation.

[Paris13]

Don't try to mask your problem with too many things, that, too, can "screw the system up." Pick and chose carefully, but again, see your doctor. There may be more than meets the eyexx..