What type of foods are good to help with constipation?

Question

I had two surgerys within a weeks time. For over a week I haven't been able to....well, you know. My doctor has me taking over the counter stuff but it doesn't really help. Anyone know a site on nutrition for that or what foods would help. Thank you!

Answer 1

Prunes are good but a good stiff dose of Castor oil should do the trick.

Coach

Answer 2

So I don't get sued for answering a medical question, I will tell you I am not a doctor - you should ask one. That being said...

1. Prunes

2. For a major flush -
mix 1/3 cup Castor oil and 1/3 cup beer
stir & drink it
finish the rest of the can of beer within 1/2 hour
better stay around the toilet for a few hours.

This is from the book "more natural cures"

Answer 3

First and foremost, if you had surgery you were given anesthesia to knock you out. In itself it can constipate you until it is fully out of your system.
If you are also taking anti bio tics for the relief of your injury/surgery it is also contributing to stomach bloating and constipation. Go to your local health food store and ask for probiotics. they will restore the natural flora and balance to your digestive system which has just gone through a traumatic experience from the surgery.
Also you can take psylium powder 1 teaspoon with water or juice upon rising and the same before bedtime until you become regular. It is also good practice to do this regularly for added benefit of fiber in your life style.

Answer 4

Be careful of what you put into your body when you eat your meals. I work at Hospice and all of our patients get constipated. Have you tried an enema? Also you can try some warm prune juice. Also rub your belly in a clockwise direction for a few minutes and then in a counter clockwise direction to stir up your bowels.

Answer 5

high fiber foods and plenty of water! prunes are great because they cause the intestines to gently contract. eat 5 or 6 dried prunes and you should go within 12 hours. also, try adding flax seed to cereal. eat grains that are whole - and that have at least 3-4 grams of fiber per serving. you should be getting 32-35 grams of fiber in your diet each day. here's a great web page about gastrointestinal care. hope you feel better!

Answer 6

Anything with lots of fiber. Leafy green vegetables, nuts, fruits, prune juice, celery etc. etc.

However, I had surgery in which they perforated my bowel and these types of foods can irritate the bowels especially after surgery. Best thing I've ever tried is coffee as suggested by my doctor. Its a natural stimulant to the bowels.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

This is what I did when I had surgery with complications that put me on a stomach pump for two weeks and the same thing happened to me and I continue to do it again if I have a problem:

I eat four individual containers of yogurt a day for several days. This yogurt MUST contain Acidophilus & Bifidum Cultures!!! I make sure I get PLENTY of fibre and stay away from cheese. Cheese is binding and can cause constipation to get worse! I also drink Peppermint Tea instead of coffee and other caffienated drinks. Caffien causes dehydration, the OPPOSITE to what the body needs! Peppermint Tea, made from REAL Peppermint Leaves acts as a relaxant to the stomach but stimulates the bowels. Besides the Peppermint Tea, I sometimes use prune juice as well. And mostly I drink plain old water for the rest of my fluid intake, sometimes a bit of NON-Caffienated soda/pop.

Since you only JUST had surgery. You must GENTLY coax your body into working correctly again. Anything too drastic could possibly cause complications to the surgery you had. It can take a few days of this 'therapy' to work but it'll be WORTH it in the 'end'! (sorry, bad pun, there!)

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"Assuming no underlying cause, constipation relief is often achieved with lifestyle changes:

Drink plenty of water.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a high fiber diet (bran, fruits, vegetables). "

The above is from:

http://www.gitract.info/intestinal-disorders/constipation2.php

"Include lots of fiber in your diet, including raw fruit and vegetables, whole grains and pulses.
Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water, herbal tea or juice a day.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid beverages containing caffeine and alcohol as these cause dehydration.
Avoid highly processed and junk foods."

From:

http://www.prophecykeepers.com/natural_alternative_remedies/909.html

"Constipation is not only uncomfortable and distressing, it can lead to more serious health conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diverticulitis and should not be allowed to carry on for more than a week without doing something about it.

As our bodies are made up of 65% water, it is important that we replenish our bodies with plenty of water, drinking at least 8 glasses of pure, fresh water a day. Water rich foods including fruit and vegetables supply water to the body. Insoluble fibre rich foods such as brown rice, wholegrains and vegetables soften the stool making it easier to pass.

Exercise on a regular basis is also known to increase muscular contractions and helps relieve constipation. In addition to taking the above steps, there are natural supplements you can take for quick relief. Golden Flaxseed (Linseeds) is a rich source of mucilage and omega 3 EFAs that provide lubrication in the bowel. Taking the actual linseed on a daily basis, either in juice or sprinkled on cereal also helps to provide bulk in the intestine, encouraging regular bowel movements.

Psylium, a gel forming fibre, can reduce aftermeal glucose and insulin levels in both healthy and diabetic people. It assists in cleansing and detoxing the body as heavy metals and other impurities bind themselves onto the fibre and are removed from the body through excretion.

Words by Sarah Casey
Healthy Spirit, Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury"

From:

http://www.didsburylife.com/healthandbeauty/features/naturalrelief.php

Answer 9

I have that all the time. Prunes are good. Prune juice. Apricots Oranges are also good. Eat a couple of these types of high fiber foods and it shall set you free.

Answer 10

Stuff that is high in fiber- bran, wheat- also leafy green veggies (spinach, salad, cabbage)- it will also help soften your stool, which is why it helps with constipation. Also, you can try metamucil or something like that. Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, because without water, these things won't work properly in your body.

-EA

EDIT!!! LMAO @ MOPARS answer!!! Anything from taco bell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HILARIOUS!! you get a thumbs up from me!

Answer 11

Prune Juice!