Constipation and RLS, a frustrating combination

April 6, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 76-year-old female with RLS for many years. The symptoms have increased in the past 10 years. It begins about two hours after supper and I must walk for some relief. Then it continues (many times with jerking) when I go to bed so I have to get up and walk. I average about four to five hours of sleep every night and don’t nap during the day. I have been on the low-dose generic drug for Mirapex for several years. It worked very well for about seven to eight months, then started lessening.

I now suspect that my ongoing constipation problem, which has increased with aging, is the cause of my RLS. My primary care doctor disagrees but the RLS symptoms seem related to my difficulty with having bowel movements, especially since they occur mostly after supper. Have any studies been done on that possibility?
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EVOO fights constipation

October 29, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been reading your column for a while now. I am an 80-year-old woman who has been suffering with constipation for a long time.

I started taking extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons in the morning and one at bedtime. I immediately noticed a change the very next day. This has helped me tremendously as I have tried so many over-the-counter products and prescriptions to no avail.

I would like you to share this with your readers.

DEAR READER: And share it I will.
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What kind of bran?

July 13, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have checked Kroger, Wal-Mart and Meijer for bran to make your colon cocktail. All they had was oat bran or rice bran. Are these acceptable for the cocktail of prune juice and applesauce?

DEAR READER: There are several forms of bran, including oat, rice, wheat, corn, barley and millet. I suggest you look in the cereal isle of your local grocery to find All-Bran or other labels that list bran as the initial ingredient.
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Fighting constipation naturally

May 27, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was so happy to see your colon-cocktail ingredients in print, as I have a real problem with constipation. Do you have other ways to stop this annoyance?

DEAR READER: The gastrointestinal tract slows as we age, with dietary and lifestyle changes often being to blame. For example, it is often far easier to eat a frozen dinner or a prepared meal that may be nutritious but that may lack the necessary fiber to keep you regular. Or your previous, faster pace of daily living might be slowed, so you don’t exercise as much as you once did. Both scenarios can lead to constipation. Perhaps a diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains and unprocessed bran, an increase in the amount of fluids you consume daily and moderate exercise will get you back on track quickly. [Read more...]

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Where to get bran

April 16, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: In a recent article on constipation, you listed bran as one ingredient in your remedy. I know what bran is, but where can I buy it? I have been unable to find it in any store, nor have any clerks heard of such a product.

DEAR READER: To the best of my knowledge, products such as Kellogg’s All-Bran, Quaker Oat Bran and many others are available in the cereal aisle of most grocery stores. Bran by itself may be beneficial, so if you buy muffins, waffles and other products, be sure to read labels because many commercial oat- and wheat-bran products contain a minimal amount of bran but lots of sodium and fat. Furthermore, oat-bran fiber can lower the absorption of statin medications prescribed for lowering cholesterol.

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Constipation and arthritis home remedies

March 8, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Can you please reprint your colon cocktail and grape arthritis drink recipes? I clipped them out but seem to have misplaced them when I moved. Thank you.

DEAR READER: My colon cocktail is simply equal portions of applesauce, bran and prune juice. Take 1 or 2 tablespoons each morning to prevent and/or remedy constipation. Be sure to store any extra in the refrigerator. It is best to prepare it in small batches because it lasts only up to three or four days once mixed.
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Celiac disease may cause abdominal pain

December 14, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: This is in regard to your article about the 15-year-old with chronic abdominal pain. Why didn’t you think of celiac disease? My granddaughter was diagnosed at age 6 after developing severe abdominal pain. She managed her celiac and is doing very well on a gluten-free diet.

DEAR READER: Your letter is just one of many I have received about this young girl’s problem.

Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue and gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is a digestive disorder. These people cannot tolerate the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. These grains are present in many foods, even some nonfood items, such as vitamins and medications.
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Reader offers home remedies

December 11, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column in the daily paper, and I would like to share some suggestions with your readers that have helped me over the years.

First, Kellogg’s All-Bran Bran Buds can help fight constipation. Second, for minor sinus congestion, facial massage can help. For serious congestion, try chiropractic massage.

DEAR READER: Thank you for the suggestions. Bran is a part of my colon cocktail and is a great way to add fiber to the diet, thus preventing constipation.
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MS linked to constipation

November 3, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My son has progressive multiple sclerosis and is suffering with abnormal bowel movements. They’re very hard and large. His doctor recommended Colace, Fleet enemas and suppositories, but they don’t seem to help. His diet right now is baby food, hot cereal and pureed prunes, along with electrolytes and other liquids. He also takes vitamins and lots of medication for depression.

We try different things every few days but are running out of ideas. Your information has been so valuable. I read your column every day in our local newspaper. Any suggestions?

DEAR READER: For readers who may not fully understand multiple sclerosis, this disorder occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself, destroying the protective sheath that covers the nerves. [Read more...]

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Is constipation solution harmful?

October 23, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: When I can’t move my bowels, I put my thumb into my vagina and push back against my colon. This helps to push the feces out and breaks it up. Is this harmful? I don’t like to use laxatives or stool softeners, but the medications I take do cause constipation. I can’t bring this up to my doctor or anyone else as it’s just too embarrassing.

DEAR READER: If you are suffering from occasional constipation, I don’t believe this method will harm you. However, you should inform your doctor. Perhaps your constipation is caused by something other than your medication, such as improper diet or a rectocele. Increase your fluid and fiber consumption to add bulk and moisture to your stool. This alone may resolve your problem. If you continue to have difficulties, a change in medication may be in order.
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