| PattyBo
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| Beans are an excellent source of fiber, I eat them at least once a day to keep me regular. Also try eating lots of greens, and cut back on cheese. Collard greens do it for me. |
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Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:55 pm |
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| Burdle
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Sorry, I didn't see this thread and started another, which I will edit out.
Here's my thoughts on the subject:
Thought it might be a good idea to start a thread here on constipation, since many have talked about it here on The Forum.
For many people, the problem passes in a few days, for others, it is a long term problem. Here's what can help:
Beans. For many, just adding 1/2 -1 cup of cooked beans a day works.
Psyllium, as recommended in the SBD Book, before meals. Make sure you drink lots of water when taking this, or it can cause a blockage. Some people get severe stomach pains from psyllium. There are many different brands, including Metamucil, that are composed of psyllium. Make sure you get one that is sugar free.
Benefiber works for some. They have just come out with flavored tablets, but these might contain non-SBD ingredients, like sugar.
Today, I remembered an old allergy trick for constipation, Vitamin C. Because fruit is not allowed on P1, many become Vitamin C deficient, so adding 500 mg. a day or more might help. If you take too much Vitamin C, first comes bad gas, then loose stools, so increase very slowly on Vitamin C. I have recently read that it is unwise to take more than 2,000 mgs. a day, while years ago, there didn't seem to be a limit. Some people, like me, get a rash from Vitamin C.
Aloe vera can also help with constipation, but not the regular liquid sold by the quart and gallon at healthfood stores. You need what is called aloe latex for constipation, which comes from a different part of the aloe plant from aloe vera juice, sold as a tablet or a powder in a capsule.
Fresh fruit is the best, but not allowed on P1, and somewhat limited on P2.
Drinking a lot of water is a necessity with constipation and when taking products to relieve this problem. Do not take any product for constipation if you can't drink 8-16 ounces of water afterwards.
Most products sold for relief of constipation have a warning to use for occasional constipation, and not to use for more than a week. Doesn't help us constipation lifers much.
If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to add them to this thread.
Burdle The Bean Queen and former healthfood store employee |
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Wed Aug 18, 2004 1:41 pm |
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| Mariposa
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I was told to use Magnesium up to three tablets per day. I was wondering if I could go higher. I also use two or three stool softeners these days, and that in conjunction with 3 scoops of Citrucel (sugar free), tons of beans, gallons of water, and blue berries seem to be helping a bit. Mind you, I think the cheese and protein is still causing me some problems so I might have to cut back there.
My hubby who has never had constipation in his life is experiencing the same on this diet.
We've been adding Flaxseed as well, and I also started having figs (2) per day. |
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Thu Aug 19, 2004 4:37 am |
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| Burdle
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You are right, magnesium can work, too. You have to be careful using vitamins and minerals by themselves as too much can drive down other vitamins and mineral levels in your body. Best to check with a nutritionist as to how much you can safely take.
Burdle |
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Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:08 am |
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| Kimboroni
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| I tried the 2 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 packet of Splenda in boiling water that someone here suggested. It worked great! |
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Fri Aug 20, 2004 3:28 am |
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| PattyBo
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| That sounds easy enough Kimboroni - on 8 oz of water? How long before it works? |
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Fri Aug 20, 2004 2:15 pm |
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| Kimboroni
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Yeah, about 8 oz, like in a regular coffee mug. It took about half an hour to work. I'll find the original post.
Here it is:
debbiec
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 16
Location: Virginia
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 6:18 pm
Post subject: Having trouble with Constipation?
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If so- try this. Instead of your morning cup o'joe first thing- take a cup of boiling water, add 2 tbsp of lemon juice & a pkt of splenda and drink . I then have my morning tea with breakfast a little later on
I got this tip from a friend on another low carb plan and it works well. And its much cheaper than laxatives!
Debbie |
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Fri Aug 20, 2004 9:37 pm |
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| cbyron
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| I have a question for other vegetarians on SBD. When I was a meat eater I had lots of constipation problems, I've been a vegetarian for 10 years now and rarely am constipated now. Now, I'm in phase one and with all the extra water and beans and fresh vegetables, everything is great causing me to wonder if it is easier for someone who is used to eating more beans, vegetables etc to be on SBD? |
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Fri Aug 20, 2004 10:12 pm |
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| Burdle
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In some ways it is easier, as people who are not used to all the fiber can have digestive upset when starting a high fiber diet. It is harder because of the lack of protein, making it more difficult to lose the belly fat.
Burdle The Vegan Bean Queen
172/128/120 started 1/5/04 |
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Sat Aug 21, 2004 1:29 am |
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| Dawnblue
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Mel wrote: i've tried Metamucil and Fiber choice. they don't work for me. i usually have 1/2 cup of All Bran cereal to keep me regular. but since i can't have it on P1, i've been having constipation. any suggestion??
Mel,
Another thing I like to do when I get a little "stuffy" is try some senna tea. If you like herbal tea, I am suggesting it. They have Super Dieter's Tea - which is basically a senna tea. DO NOT use these teas for weight loss. Over a long term, (as with any laxitive) they can be dangerous. Drink it at night and you will be a new woman in the morning. However, only drink about half a cup. Toss the rest. |
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Sun Aug 22, 2004 1:34 pm |
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