This is a common problem for many of us who are in the process of aging. I am glad that you reported that your colonoscopy was normal. That is good that you have ruled out serious problems with the colon.
Yes, constipation can be a problem, when we are less active than we used to be. Also, hydration is very important. There are many products like Mira lax and Metamucil that can be very helpful if they are used on a regular (daily) basis.
Here is another conversation on Connect about this topic, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/problem-with-chronic-constipation/. Please click on this link and read some of the discussions. If you would like to comment or ask a question of any of the members you can hit "Reply" and then post your questions. I would like to invite, @pdilly and @marcconley to this discussion as well.
What lifestyle changes have you made to help with constipation (I'm thinking of fluid intake, food, and exercise)?
This is a common problem for many of us who are in the process of aging. I am glad that you reported that your colonoscopy was normal. That is good that you have ruled out serious problems with the colon.
Yes, constipation can be a problem, when we are less active than we used to be. Also, hydration is very important. There are many products like Mira lax and Metamucil that can be very helpful if they are used on a regular (daily) basis.
Here is another conversation on Connect about this topic, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/problem-with-chronic-constipation/. Please click on this link and read some of the discussions. If you would like to comment or ask a question of any of the members you can hit "Reply" and then post your questions. I would like to invite, @pdilly and @marcconley to this discussion as well.
What lifestyle changes have you made to help with constipation (I'm thinking of fluid intake, food, and exercise)?
I know this sounds weird but popcorn helps me, plenty of it. Also shreddies or any high fiber cereal. One stool softener life brand and magnesium citrate. Calcium constipates me and red meat! Hope this helps!
I increased my vegetable intake to approximately 1/2 my plate and it has helped a lot! Eating more fruit has also helped. I think a lot of senior digestion problems relate to diet. Eating and shopping and cooking get boring so wa neglect eating properly which leads to problems. Check your diet first before doing or taking anything.
I learned the hard way. We need lots of fiber and protein and less processed food.
I increased my vegetable intake to approximately 1/2 my plate and it has helped a lot! Eating more fruit has also helped. I think a lot of senior digestion problems relate to diet. Eating and shopping and cooking get boring so wa neglect eating properly which leads to problems. Check your diet first before doing or taking anything.
I learned the hard way. We need lots of fiber and protein and less processed food.
These food choices are great ways to help with constipation. I appreciate your posting about this.
I agree with your comment, "Eating and shopping and cooking get boring." As a result, I make it a habit to go to grocery stores and produce markets that sell chopped or shredded veggies in small containers.
Every week, I make a very simple turkey chili with chili beans and add diced peppers (of various colors) and chopped carrots. The added veggies ups the fiber for the chili and really helps with constipation.
I do a similar thing with scrambled eggs and add chopped peppers and sometimes onions. It improves the fiber content and also the taste.
It's important, as we age, to plan meals that are tasty and yet easy to put together. Probably all of us look for shortcuts when it comes to cooking preparation and this method of buying pre-prepped veggies works well for me.
I, as a matter of fact was recommended this tea by my daughter. She gave me a couple of these tea bags to try. I had a up of this tea last night before bed. I did have a bowel movement this morning. It's called; Organic Smooth Move, herbal supplement: Traditional Medicinals. The flavor I have is; Senna Peppermint, Stinulant Laxitive.Look for it at Fred Meyers grocery or I would think at a GNC or other major grocery store. It also says it relieves occasional constipation. It is for hot tea. I'm going to be getting more of this. It's a nice cup of hot tea before bed. They might have other flavors as well.
D13
Someone else had mentioned the smooth move tea to me. How is the taste? Thought I would pick some up at sprouts but wasn’t sure of the taste. Sorry you are going through this. I hate being constipated it actually freaks me out if I cannot go every day. Four weeks out from having my colon removed due to diverticulitis. Constipation is a definite no-no.
These food choices are great ways to help with constipation. I appreciate your posting about this.
I agree with your comment, "Eating and shopping and cooking get boring." As a result, I make it a habit to go to grocery stores and produce markets that sell chopped or shredded veggies in small containers.
Every week, I make a very simple turkey chili with chili beans and add diced peppers (of various colors) and chopped carrots. The added veggies ups the fiber for the chili and really helps with constipation.
I do a similar thing with scrambled eggs and add chopped peppers and sometimes onions. It improves the fiber content and also the taste.
It's important, as we age, to plan meals that are tasty and yet easy to put together. Probably all of us look for shortcuts when it comes to cooking preparation and this method of buying pre-prepped veggies works well for me.
Good to hear! Trader Joe's is good for mixed-bagged salad ingredients making, some with dressing. That is, if there is one nearby. Gotta eat lots of fruit, too, not juice but the entire thing. E.G., Squeezed Orange juice is mostly liquid sugar. Lots of beans too.
D13
Someone else had mentioned the smooth move tea to me. How is the taste? Thought I would pick some up at sprouts but wasn’t sure of the taste. Sorry you are going through this. I hate being constipated it actually freaks me out if I cannot go every day. Four weeks out from having my colon removed due to diverticulitis. Constipation is a definite no-no.
I usually add a another tea bag to the smooth move tea to improve the taste. I use it only occasionally as it contains senna, which for some creates a lot of uncomfortable cramping.
I have delayed colon transit time due to small fiber neuropathy. I take Linzess as well as magnesium citrate in a tablet form. I buy it in Whole Foods in the vitamin section.
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Hello @nattayaleuenberger,
This is a common problem for many of us who are in the process of aging. I am glad that you reported that your colonoscopy was normal. That is good that you have ruled out serious problems with the colon.
Yes, constipation can be a problem, when we are less active than we used to be. Also, hydration is very important. There are many products like Mira lax and Metamucil that can be very helpful if they are used on a regular (daily) basis.
Here is another conversation on Connect about this topic, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/problem-with-chronic-constipation/. Please click on this link and read some of the discussions. If you would like to comment or ask a question of any of the members you can hit "Reply" and then post your questions. I would like to invite, @pdilly and @marcconley to this discussion as well.
What lifestyle changes have you made to help with constipation (I'm thinking of fluid intake, food, and exercise)?
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2 ReactionsI know this sounds weird but popcorn helps me, plenty of it. Also shreddies or any high fiber cereal. One stool softener life brand and magnesium citrate. Calcium constipates me and red meat! Hope this helps!
Nancy
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5 ReactionsEpsom Salt!!
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3 ReactionsI increased my vegetable intake to approximately 1/2 my plate and it has helped a lot! Eating more fruit has also helped. I think a lot of senior digestion problems relate to diet. Eating and shopping and cooking get boring so wa neglect eating properly which leads to problems. Check your diet first before doing or taking anything.
I learned the hard way. We need lots of fiber and protein and less processed food.
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4 ReactionsHello @cantab,
These food choices are great ways to help with constipation. I appreciate your posting about this.
I agree with your comment, "Eating and shopping and cooking get boring." As a result, I make it a habit to go to grocery stores and produce markets that sell chopped or shredded veggies in small containers.
Every week, I make a very simple turkey chili with chili beans and add diced peppers (of various colors) and chopped carrots. The added veggies ups the fiber for the chili and really helps with constipation.
I do a similar thing with scrambled eggs and add chopped peppers and sometimes onions. It improves the fiber content and also the taste.
It's important, as we age, to plan meals that are tasty and yet easy to put together. Probably all of us look for shortcuts when it comes to cooking preparation and this method of buying pre-prepped veggies works well for me.
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6 ReactionsMiralax has helped me.
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4 ReactionsD13
Someone else had mentioned the smooth move tea to me. How is the taste? Thought I would pick some up at sprouts but wasn’t sure of the taste. Sorry you are going through this. I hate being constipated it actually freaks me out if I cannot go every day. Four weeks out from having my colon removed due to diverticulitis. Constipation is a definite no-no.
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Helpful -
Hug
8 ReactionsGood to hear! Trader Joe's is good for mixed-bagged salad ingredients making, some with dressing. That is, if there is one nearby. Gotta eat lots of fruit, too, not juice but the entire thing. E.G., Squeezed Orange juice is mostly liquid sugar. Lots of beans too.
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5 Reactions@bbarbiee
I usually add a another tea bag to the smooth move tea to improve the taste. I use it only occasionally as it contains senna, which for some creates a lot of uncomfortable cramping.
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6 ReactionsI have delayed colon transit time due to small fiber neuropathy. I take Linzess as well as magnesium citrate in a tablet form. I buy it in Whole Foods in the vitamin section.
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Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions