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Natural Laxative Safer

April 1, 2009 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I’m a 77-year-old woman. You have written about a natural remedy for constipation consisting of apple sauce, prune juice, and bran. I just can’t remember the measurements. Also, what kind of bran should I use? I’ve been bothered with constant constipation and would like to try something healthful without taking laxatives.

DEAR READER:
Constipation can be caused by a number of conditions such as a diet low in fiber, inadequate liquid intake, stress, and certain medications. Irritable bowel syndrome can contribute to constipation, as can a lack of exercise.

If you feel you don’t get adequate fiber or liquids in your diet on a regular basis, make it a point to consume more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Supplement the change with more water, juice or other liquids throughout the day. [Read more...]

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Fiber Good For Occasional Constipation

December 31, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a healthy and active 45-year-old female. Due to severe constipation (five to seven days without a bowel movement) I have had two colonoscopies over the last eight years. Each has shown that my colon is about two feet longer than normal but is otherwise fine. I was diagnosed with IBS and my gastroenterologist put me on Miralax. I have been taking it for eight years now and eat a fairly healthful diet. Both seem to have helped my constipation; however, once every few months I have constipation that will last five to seven days before I have another bowel movement. This concerns me and I have read about many “bowel cleansing” solutions. I am reluctant to try these because I am afraid of causing damage or that these solutions may become habit forming. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

December 19, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Lately my bowel movement habits have changed. They used to be extremely regular and the correct consistency and shape. A few months ago I started eating a Fiber One bar for breakfast every day. They are filling and taste good. Most days they held me through lunch. Then two things happened. The gas I would have after eating lunch was awful. And I experienced a change in regularity and consistency. I could only attribute it to the Fiber One bar, as that was the only thing I was doing differently.

I stopped the bars hoping things would return to normal. They didn’t. My movements are inconsistent and I’m having to strain. I tried a laxative. Big, violent mistake. I didn’t like it, nor did it help. A stool softener helped a little, but I’m still not happy. I’m concerned there may be a blockage. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

April 8, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 35-year-old female, am relatively healthy but have chronic constipation. I am taking Zelnorm and milk of magnesia but still only have a bowel movement once a month, usually at the time my menses start. It is very painful to pass the stool because it is like a big ball.

Recently, I started feeling tired and run down after normal activity. I consulted my medical doctor who ordered a colonoscopy and blood testing. The results of the colonoscopy were negative. Blood tests indicated my red blood count was four, so I’ve been taking iron pills for three months. It is still four. Where do I go from here?

DEAR READER:
A red blood cell count of four is hardly abnormal. I don’t believe you are suffering the symptoms of anemia.

When did the constipation and fatigue start? Do they coincide? Have you been diagnosed as having Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with constipation? (I would also like to add that having one bowel movement a month is a near physical impossibility, especially when taking Zelnorm, a drug used for the short-term treatment of IBS with constipation and milk of magnesia.)

Zelnorm shows improvement in most individuals who take it but can cause diarrhea. Milk of magnesia encourages evacuation. It seems to me that when taking both these medications, you would hardly be able to leave the house for fear of constant diarrhea. It also suggests that you may have an intestinal abnormality causing obstruction or a similar disorder.

You need to be seen by a gastroenterologist. I believe your symptoms are related to your chronic constipation. If the gastroenterologist determines there is no physical reason for the constipation and believes the fatigue is from your very slight anemia, you may wish to see a hematologist (blood specialist) for further evaluation.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” and “Blood — Donations and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

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Frequent enemas not safe

February 23, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT: I frequently use a rubber enema bag to flush out my colon. It works but it is getting more difficult to get rid of my feces. Is there any danger in doing this? Are there other ways to do this?

DEAR READER: Colonic irrigation is unnecessary and should be avoided.

If you have chronic constipation, you should be examined by your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist. He or she can examine you to ensure there is no physical cause, such as blockage or polyps. You should then be checked for irritable bowel syndrome which can manifest itself as chronic diarrhea or constipation or a combination of both. Depending on the cause, you can then discuss treatment options such as bulking up with fiber, the use of stool softeners or perhaps you need medication.
[Read more...]

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