Tex? constipation?

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 2:39 pm

Hi Tex... and anyone else who has some advice. I have a client who has been "diagnosed" with chronic IBS and has issues with constipation. Since I was always a D dominant MCer, I was wondering if the same dietary restrictions work for this and is there something else I can suggest besides vitamin D and magnesium?

Thanks
Leah

Erica P-G · Post by **Erica P-G** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 4:13 pm

Some extra fruit or veges may do the trick, at least it is a natural approach before needing to get medicinal. We know fiber is rough for our MC but some soluble fiber may not hurt. The Acacia Fiber http://www.helpforibs.com/shop/suplmts/acacia.asp might be a beginning point if natural foods are not hitting the target.

Post by **tex** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 4:39 pm

Hi Leah,

I agree with Erica's remarks. The same foods need to be avoided (if your client is sensitive to them). Dairy products are particularly known to be constipating for some people. And if enough magnesium citrate is used (such as 400 mg +) it may be more effective at alleviating C than most of the other forms. I would also agree that soluble fiber (such as metamucil, which is 70 % soluble fiber) might be helpful.

Some medications can cause C (such as antidepressants), in case your client happens to be taking any of those. And narcotic painkillers are notorious for causing C, of course.

If your client's doctor has definitely ruled out an IBD (IOW, if inflammation has been ruled out based on biopsy samples from the colon), then insoluble fiber should also be an option.

Tex

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 5:35 pm

Thanks for replying. That's what I thought. She said that she has been like this almost her whole life, so I don't know if I can help her much. She said she has had "tons of tests" and has tried "many options", but is due for a colonoscopy in a couple months. She is new to me, so I don't know much more than that.

Leah

Post by **tex** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:30 pm

I hope that she will remind her GI doc to take biopsy samples during the colonoscopy exam.

Tex

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:48 pm

Hi, Leah. I would second the magnesium citrate. I had to stop taking it because I was afraid it was causing D so for someone with C it might be the answer.

TXBrenda · Post by **TXBrenda** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 7:33 pm

Making sure I get enough healthy fat in my diet helps me with C. I say healthy because it is easier for me to consume unhealthy fat, lol.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 9:50 pm

From some first hand experience,
i would be cautious about recommending soluble fibre, as it still 'bulks up the stool' and if the person has inflammation, this can make things more painful and lead to other issues.

my constipation recommendations are;
- more water
- more fat - eating coconut oil, increase animal fat in meals, soups/stews made on fatty home made bone broth
- watered down pear juice, has anti-inflammatory properties and is gentle way to increase fibre without bulking stool
- more oral magnesium, spread out through the day
- slippery elm powder - must be powder (not tablets or capsules) helps soothe/line the gut, gently increase motility without bulking up the stool

the other options are lactulose and or parrafin (which I dont think is available in the USA)

if she has had this for life, low inflammation, easy to digest meals, small amount of ingredients like we do for MC would be eating plan basics. The gut is damaged and needs to heal.

there is no quick fix, start these things 'low and slow' small amount, one at a time, and gradually increase intake/new items to help. Once BM's improve, dont stop, if the motions get too soft /to frequent, reduce the aids, dont stop them.

if the patient is deficient in Vit D3 and magnesium, improvements will be limited until deficiencies are improved.

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Tue Jan 26, 2016 12:32 am

Thanks so much to all of you. Good point about the soluble fiber Gabes,
I know I am not on the forum too often, but I still send people here from the Facebook forum. When it comes to MC, I am doing great and am able to eat almost anything. I still stay clear of gluten, but can eat small quantities of dairy and soy.
Thanks again
Leah

twirlitgirl · Post by **twirlitgirl** » Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:51 pm

Gabes, thank-you, thank-you.. for those suggestions as a Mc flare C dominate myself it means alot to have this knowledge
for times if needed you are awesome.. hugs from me have a great day