constipation, an ongoing problem

[samariah]

okay, ive been raw for 6 days now and ive only gone number 2 twice! im eating a lot. bananas, flaxseed, lots of greens, other various fruits, coconut, olive oil, other veggies, etc. i can feel the mass building up in me but it seems like my body just cant push it along properly anymore. i dont get those sudden urges to just go, it sucks. could there be something deeper and more serious going on? ive had constipation on and off (mostly on) for months now despite eating lots of fiber the majority of the time.

[monkapotapus]

Drinking plenty of water - at least 12 - 8oz cups (I've heard this recommeded for people with constipation) should also help things move along - this is usually the biggest reason for constipation besides lack of fiber.

Fresh apples juiced, figs, melons - just to name a few.

If you do any herbs - senna or cascara sagrada will help on that front too - just note these are not to be used on a daily basis, or your body could become reliant on them.

Another thing is magnesium hydroxide - this will get the parastalstic motion going in your intestines.

Aloe juice also has natural laxitive effects & is very soothing for your insides.

I hope you find something that helps!

[Raine]

Unfortunately it took months for your body to get to where it is so it's going to need time to work out the kinks. You could try juice fasting and/or colonics.

[samariah]

i just found this like by searching the forums http://naturesplatform.com/health_benefits.html#colon_diagram

and i tried squatting, just had a bm within a few mins! this is great, im going to do this from now on.

[monkapotapus]

Congratulations! :D

[Raine]

i just found this like by searching the forums http://naturesplatform.com/health_benefits.html#colon_diagram

and i tried squatting, just had a bm within a few mins! this is great, im going to do this from now on.

Paul Bragg made a major issue of that position in his writings as it will help the colon eliminate matter.

[Ilse W.]

My mother told me to hold my arms straight up above my head. Works every time. It somehow straightens out your spine or something, and gets everything moving.:p

[samariah]

cool, ill give it a try. imagine me balancing on the toilet squatting AND sticking my arms above my head. ha ha

[rande]

things that were a big help when i was starting (and i still use most of these regularly!)

putting your feet up on a stool when your on the toilet

COLONICS!! (cant tell you how much these have helped me, only the "gravity method" though, everything else seemed to be too intense for me)

green juice (don't know why this helps but, for me, it does)

jumping on a rebounder (mini trampoline)

good food combining!

[Aleesha Sattva]

cool, ill give it a try. imagine me balancing on the toilet squatting AND sticking my arms above my head. ha ha

hahahahaha great visual!!!

i use my rebounder when i'm feeling 'stuffed up'... also a nice big glass or two of fresh apple juice ALWAYS gets me going.

of course you can also use some Cascara Sagrada (http://www.juicefeasting.com/JuiceFeastingIntro/SupplementsandSuperfoods/tabid/182/Default.aspx) - that assists as well. you can get it at your local health food store.


Cascara Sagrada
There have been a limited number of clinical trials on cascara sagrada that have explored its value for cleansing the colon before bowel examinations and similar diagnostic tests. Its value is clear for easing constipation--when it's taken properly and at a safe dosage. In fact, cascara is such a mild laxative that it can safely be used by the elderly, and for the mild constipation that can occur following anal or rectal surgery.

Cascara Sagrada is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-5, calcium, manganese and potassium. The natural constituents found in Cascara Sagrada stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids, increase the flow of bile, and cleanse the intestines. Cascara Sagrada is beneficial for treating a sluggish gallbladder, digestive problems, enlarged liver, intestinal parasites, jaundice, and colitis. In addition, Cascara Sagrada may be used to treat hemorrhoids, and a variety of skin problems.

[samariah]

ha ha ha, so funny :)

i want a rebounder, but i live in an apartment, im afraid it might be loud for the people below me. are they quiet or is this a no no?

[annavon]

okay, ive been raw for 6 days now and ive only gone number 2 twice! im eating a lot. bananas, flaxseed, lots of greens, other various fruits, coconut, olive oil, other veggies, etc. i can feel the mass building up in me but it seems like my body just cant push it along properly anymore. i dont get those sudden urges to just go, it sucks. could there be something deeper and more serious going on? ive had constipation on and off (mostly on) for months now despite eating lots of fiber the majority of the time.

Keep in mind that bananas are given to people to control diarrhea, so they may be a little constipating. In addition to drinking more water, so excercise can help loosen things up.

[Random]

i tried squatting, just had a bm within a few mins! this is great, im going to do this from now on.

I'm interested in this! How exactly would one squat on a standard toilet? Isn't it...errr...splashy?

(Asks the girl with the H problem :rolleyes:)

[garydeb44]

I went through a LONG LONG period where I was always constipated, I did colonics 8 X. It was great but then unless I did an enema I couldn't go until the next colonic. THEN........just recently for the last 4 days, I cut out fats and nuts and only have 1 - 1 1/2 oz. of nuts per day or a half of avocado or 1 oz. of seeds. For the last 4 days, I have been having a BM after EACH MEAL. Yippee! YAhoo!!! Unheard of for me. Before I went raw I used to have a BM once every week or 10 days. I am so excited about this, I am going to keep my fat intake down FOREVER. It's only 4 days, I will let you know how it goes.

Debbie

[Aleesha Sattva]

ha ha ha, so funny :)

i want a rebounder, but i live in an apartment, im afraid it might be loud for the people below me. are they quiet or is this a no no?

not when you get a good quality one. i have a bellicon (http://www.timelessspirit.com/SEPT08/review2.shtml) and it doesn't bother my son at all (he's a cave dweller) LOL

[samariah]

i dont it didnt really splash for me but i suppose it could... ha ha

great to know about the rebounder

oh and maybe i should try eating low fat. LOTS of fruits and greens maybe will help?

[Thick]

I was constipated for the first couple of weeks as well. What really helped me was the advice to eat a whole papaya (for me, with lime juice).

Abdominal massage also helps. Be reeeeally slow and gentle. Start at you right hip and slowly massage up your abdomen, then across tot he left, then down on the left side. Really relax and go slow. Of course, this is the shape of your large intestine--and it really helped me.

[Thick]

oh and maybe i should try eating low fat. LOTS of fruits and greens maybe will help?

Too little fat can make you constipated. I'd offer the opposite advice and ask if you are sure you are getting enough fats? Of course the fruits and greens will help, too=)

[samariah]

i currently actually eat lots of fats: olive oil, coconut, avocados, flaxseed and any other seed, etc

[samariah]

i decided to look into bananas (after my state of denial) and maybe they are causing my constipation. i mean, they are starchy and most other starchy things block me up. so im going to cut them out for a while completely and see if things start moving a long (and then my boyfriend and i can stop joking about my "poop belly" ha ha ). i mean, i HAVE been eating quite few lately, in smoothies, in banana ice cream, etc, at least 2-3 most days. last night i ate two HUGE FAT bananas and i have been feeling quite "stuck" since then. i haven't gone in two days and personally i feel best when i go twice a day.

we will see!