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Posted 8/9/2016 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
I am sure others suffer from constipation. Yes? No?
What do you use for it?
The doctor I am seeing only has Magnesium as option. I have tried maleate, citrate and glycinate. Unfortunately, I seem to be one of those people who are very reactive to magnesium. I am trying on my own to find something else. I tried Fiber Plus but it has Psyllium and I am allergic to it. Once my system settles down from Psyllium I am going to try Acacia.
I use Aloe water and am receiving colonic hydrotherapy weekly.
Any thoughts or information would be much appreciated.
The doc I am working with is reluctant to begin treatment until detox/bowels are working better but is not offering any ideas on help other than magnesium.
Posted 8/9/2016 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
I've suffered with this for my entire life. I use magnesium oxide mainly, as it pulls water into the colon, unlike other forms of magnesium. But, start off on a low dose! And then build up very slowly until you end up with loose stools (sorry!) then back down just a little until you find just the right amount.
Posted 8/9/2016 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks.
Have not tried Oxide but likely can't take it. Apparently there is a narrow segment of population that has issues taking magnesium and I seem to be one of them.
Does anyone have any other options that work for them?
Posted 8/9/2016 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Not enough water in the colon can be from dehydration or not enough sodium, phosphorus, and/or choline. I say up your sodium and water intake first and see what happens. Nitrogen intake lowers your water level so cutting back on nitrogen containing foods and drinks can help.
Posted 8/9/2016 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Here comes the foodie advice.

Aloe vera juice is what we put in the baby's bottle with the milk when the baby is constipated. Start out with just a little and work up.

We also always have a can of cherries in the pantry for those super bad days of constipation.

Blackberrys for when you are too loose.
Posted 8/9/2016 8:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi LymeOhNo

I have oscillated from constipation to diarrhea on a wkly basis since I started treatment - for some reason. And only when I got my bowel movements more regular did I realize how bad they were!

First, it really is smart of your MD to get this corrected first. I think it is a CRITICAL and often undervalued component to detoxing that people miss because they don't realize they are constipated. But constipation is a sure fire way to cause perpetual herxing.

People get worried about taking a binder but I think it is in part because some people are dehydrated - now is when a binder is really needed. I like using both a binder (with copious amounts of water) and a natural, gentle laxative like tart cherry juice. OTC charcoal and bentonite clay are good binders. When you get more regular, try adding in more fiber or something like psyllium husk.

Start with low amounts of each and TONS of water. Drink some juice (start with 1 tablespoon ) and then after the recommended 1-2 hr buffer take the binder (start with 1 tablespoon) with lots of water. At least 16 oz. And work up to a high dose of the binder and you can even combine binders. I do cholestyramine with a clay chaser.

I have found that PURE cholestyramine has literally been THE catalyst in my treatment. I have never been so regular or had such ideal bowel movements in my life. This is not the manufactured versions like Welchol or Questran - but the raw product. It's more expensive but might be a good investment to get you back on track so you can start your treatment.

-p
Posted 8/9/2016 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
This has been one of my problems since just before I got sick. Actually, a couple years, which is one of the reasons my LLMD said ive had Lyme and Bart for years before I knew it. He said the digestive problems were a sign I didnt pick up but my GP should have and keyed in on.

I go every day, sometimes multiple times. But it feels incomplete some days. Others its like tar. I almost always strain. I just started a soluble fiber supplement. A walmart brand made with dextrin? I actually thought taking these abx would loosen things up but they seem to have the opposite effect. I have been off work yesterday and today with intestinal pains. Im eating. Things just dont feel like theyre moving. Or im dealing with swelling and inflammation. Not sure. Hopefully the fiber will help. I really hate laxatives like milk of magnesia and such. They always cause a lot of pain along with immediate diarrhea.
Posted 8/9/2016 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
xylitol can help, you can try it
Posted 8/10/2016 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Digestive enzymes can help.
Posted 8/10/2016 11:21 AM (GMT 0)
I have awful constipation. My LLMD said to avoid charcoal and recommend cholerra instead. It does help a little.

I still can't find a sure fire, natural, way to get things moving the way I'd like. I used to take Linzess and that absolutely made me go. I am even try a colonic, and then follow up monthly with a gentle enema (not coffee, not good if you're constipated, only once you get things moving)
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