Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: continuing constipation even though I am on "the diet"

Hi and thanks, Megan!

Well, it has taken me *years* to get totally stabilized, but every month was an improvement. I would definitely search on the site (not the boards) for Heather's newsletters and look at the two most recent ones about constipation. You can also search the boards for IBS-C, since we've been discussing that a lot lately.

First off, you *must* get insoluble fiber. You're going to stay bloated and C unless you do. I try to get some with every meal teamed up with soluble fiber, but you'll have to experiment and figure out what works for you. You gotta keep both the SF and the IF high.

Second, you gotta get fluids. There's been a lot of discussions on the boards about this and Heather discusses it in the newsletter.

Third, you have to get exercise. That's what gets things moving! Yoga twists are good for some immediate relief, but some sort of daily aerobic work really helps loads.

And there's plenty of other things you can play with to see how they work for you: hypnotherapy, magnesium, yoga, etc. etc. But the first three are absolutely crucial, and you will definitely see some improvement if you get those going.

(For more acute bloating/C, I crank up my fruits and veggies and maybe even stoop to caffeinated black tea or a little extra dark chocolate - but only with bread or some other SF. I do extra yoga and/or sit and relax with a cat or a heating pad on my belly. What I do *not* do is increase my fat intake or eat meat 'cause that will send me straight to D without passing GO.

)

--AC

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator