Q: My 95-year-old neighbor has been on pain medication because of a colon problem but now she is very constipated. I read a recipe by you for that but can’t remember all of the ingredients. Some of the things were applesauce, all bran, raisins (I think), but I can’t remember the other things. I believe it was called some sort of “blaster”. I would appreciate it if you could advise me of that recipe. I have a file with articles from your column dating back to 1995 but it wasn’t in any of those.
A: Constipation occurs because of a number of reasons including specific having inadequate fiber or an insufficient intake of fluids in a person’s diet, immobility, using antacid medication that contains calcium or aluminum, hypothyroidism, stress, and being on pain medications. Because you have indicated your neighbor is on a prescription to help reduce her level of pain, the drug she has been given by her physician could be the sole cause of her constipation. She may have been prescribed a narcotic such as codeine (Tylenol 3 and others), oxycodone (Percocet) and hydromorphone (Diluded). Hydrocodone (Vicoden), cause constipation in most people of all ages. Narcotics slow bowel movements as they move through the intestine, causing stool to become hard and difficult to pass. The situation may continue until she is switched to another drug.
Before I provide the remedy you are seeking, I would be remiss if I didn’t hit on some of the other highlights mentioned in my previous paragraph. Opioids (narcotics) are at the top of my list for your friend. Keep in mind, however, that she could be having problems passing stool for any of the reasons mentioned, plus others. What is her fluid intake on a daily basis? Does she include fiber in her diet or does she prefer a soft diet because of a problem chewing her food? She may be sedentary because of her advanced age and the pain she is in. I’m sure she is happier sitting still than moving about and putting stress on her knees, back, hips, or whatever body part is disabling her. She might be on a specific antacid that should be modified or may be treated for hypothyroidism. Her physician may choose to rule out the possibility of a tumor. And so it goes, with the point being that her constipation could be occurring for a number of reasons that may take time to sort out and eliminate.
There are steps that can be taken by everyone to prevent constipation from occurring. Roughage such as whole grains, wild or brown rice, uncooked fruits, and raw vegetables should be included in a daily diet. Drink plenty of fluids. Some sources indicate that eight to ten glasses of fluids daily will keep stools soft and warm liquids will allow the bowels to work easier. Walk or exercise every day. Speak with your physician regarding using a stool softener. If you are prone to constipation, that stool softener may have to be taken in conjunction with a laxative but that is a decision best left to you and your physician.
The formula to which you refer is my “colon cocktail” which consists of equal portions of unprocessed bran, applesauce and prune juice. She should mix the ingredients together and allow them to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to blend. She should then take one or two tablespoons per day. It may take up to two weeks for the cocktail to be fully effective.
For this and other home remedies for constipation and more, readers may choose to order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
