Chronic constipation alternatives

Posted by redfinch @redfinch, Dec 27, 2022

Can Benefiber be a good substitute for Miralax that was Prescribed to be taken daily? Can it be used while taking Miralax ? Mayo suggestions re daily schedule, diet, exercise all very helpful

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carolmaeray | @carolmaeray | Jan 2, 2023

In reply to @sue225 "I really dont like Miralax anymore. Gives me such extreme bloating." + (show)

Last time I used it to get cleaned out before I started using Linzess I got terrible nausea I decided I would absolutely refuse to use MiraLAX ever again.

dcw | @dcw | Jan 2, 2023

Hi - I was prescribed Miralax and Benefiber by my gastro doc. I capful Miralix and 2 tablespoons 2x a day of Benefiber. Have been on for 2 months. Still have some issues but more regular in bowel habits. Some bloating occurs.

shatonia | @shatonia | Jan 2, 2023

In reply to @dcw "Hi - I was prescribed Miralax and Benefiber by my gastro doc. I capful Miralix and..." + (show)

One thing that has really helped me is making a smoothie every morning with 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed. I use yogurt & fruits with it & it tastes great. I have been doing this about 15 years now. I am in trouble if I don't use this, really makes a difference.

ripley | @ripley | Jan 3, 2023

In reply to @dcw "Hi - I was prescribed Miralax and Benefiber by my gastro doc. I capful Miralix and..." + (show)

My GI Dr recommended Citrucel fiber because it's less likely to produce excess gas. I found this info online: The cellulose in Citrucel is a non-fermentable fiber, which means that the bacteria in your digestive tract doesn't ferment it. If your digestive tract doesn't ferment the fiber, you're less likely to experience gas, bloating and other gastrointestinal issues...Wheat dextrin (as in Benefiber) is a fermentable fiber. This means that you might experience more gas and bloating, but fermentable fiber can also help increase mineral absorption and decreased production of certain kinds of bad bacteria, according to a 2010 article published in the "Journal of Medicinal Foods."

redfinch | @redfinch | Jan 5, 2023

In reply to @hopeful2 "Heavy metals is an issue in some herbs. It is hard to find a brand that..." + (show)

Whole foods here have FDA approved Triphala; have not tried it tet. Presently 2 tsp Benefiber and 1/2 capsule Miralax maybe maybe working. Water intake, exercize critical

elizaolson | @elizaolson | Jan 6, 2023

Kernel corn or coconut cookies act as a cure for constipation for me. I don't know if it will work for everyone but it is worth a try. Focus on eating raw vegetables in your diet. It is cheaper than drugs and more fun. Stay away from a lot of baked or cooked food. Add fruit to your breakfast. Blueberries are great. If you can, pick your own and then freeze them for the winter, The exercise will help your body and picking your own will help the wallet. Good luck!

jerrysgirl3 | @jerrysgirl3 | Jan 6, 2023

In reply to @redfinch "Whole foods here have FDA approved Triphala; have not tried it tet. Presently 2 tsp Benefiber..." + (show)

I have found that any fiber supplements actually suck all moisture from my body and makes my constipation worse! Sometimes the good old fashioned prunes, or I've been told other dried fruit, helps!

redfinch | @redfinch | Jan 6, 2023

In reply to @jerrysgirl3 "I have found that any fiber supplements actually suck all moisture from my body and makes..." + (show)

May be why drs increase the water to 100!;I find fiber in green &leafy veggies critical

redfinch | @redfinch | Jan 9, 2023

In reply to @mikaylar "Magnesium powder in juice or water. You will go in 15 minutes. 1/2 teaspoon. If you..." + (show)

I called Bayer Miralax div. Asking how to measure a half dose of Miralax— which doctors at one point in hospital ER suggested .
Spokes person for Miralax said “ we don’t know — we only recommend full dose. You should ask your doctor” Does anyone know what half dose is?