Tummy issues

[kohardis]

I suffer with chronic constipation...have since I was a teenager and had a few GI surgeries.  Any recommendations?  Is it a time/ healing thing?  Anything I can do to speed the proces up?  I am on day 2 and feeling great except for the constipation which is making me feel bloated.

Thanks!

[Tom Denham]

Every time you change your diet - like starting a Whole30 - your body may react by doing its thing. In your case, that seems to be constipation. You will need to stay with your diet for a long enough period for your body to adjust to it. Many people get through digestive upset in a few weeks. If you have long-standing problems, it may take several months.

 

Trying to speed things up is often counter productive. Consuming too much fiber can create "logjams." Drinking senna tea can make you go promptly, but lead to dependency and make things worse in the long run.

 

About the only thing I recommend for relieving constipation in the short-term is taking the magnesium supplement Natural Calm. Many people develop diarrhea when they first begin taking it and require a week or more to adjust to taking a full dose. This effect can help overcome constipation. But after that, I see it as a waiting game as you let natural, whole foods and the removal of problem foods from your diet work its magic.

 

By the way, if you are on meds that cause constipation, I am not as sure of what I am saying as I am if you are constipated more "naturally."

[kohardis]

Thanks!  No meds.  would the magnesium be considered compliant?  and by naturally- I mean I have always gone less frequently than most but that is my norm.