Re:Re: Constipation Protocol

[Guest guest]

Ellen

I

have lots of experience dealing with constipation, unfortunately. It is

one of my chronic digestive symptoms, as I have poor digestive motility as a

result of developing Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

What

motility medication are you using?

I

had bouts of severe constipation frequently during my first year on SCD despite

taking Zelnorm (motility med.) and Miralax (osmotic laxative). I finally

decided it was part of my body’s healing cycle, since I couldn’t

connect it directly to any foods after the first two months on SCD. It

has since improved a bit, although I still deal with episodes of more severe

constipation due to the cyclic nature of my neurological issues.

Anyway,

I do recommend using Miralax, if you aren’t already. It is an

osmotic laxative, works by retaining water in the stools. It does take 3

to 5 days to become effective, however, and doesn’t actually increase

peristalsis, just helps your body move the material along.

I

can now handle prunes or prune nectar, but I couldn’t touch prunes (and

can’t eat much fruit due to having insulin resistance) during the first 3

years on SCD due to high candida levels. One of the solutions to

constipation is to increase vitamin C, so increased fruit is helpful, and

prunes seem to be particularly effective. Some experts taking mega

doses of Vitamin C until you have a bowel movement.

Another

option for dealing with constipation is to supplement magnesium. I take magnesium

every day, partly for an issue I have with muscle cramps, but partly for the

help with digestive motility. Some experts recommend taking a large dose of

magnesium to trigger a bowel movement. I don’t tolerate large doses

of anything, so I just stick to small but regular doses of magnesium.

I

also keep water enemas on hand for the really bad times when it has been

several days without a b.m. and I’m getting a lot of discomfort and

pain. I get Fleet enemas, which are saline that is too irritating for my

lower GI, and replace the saline with purified water.

As

to muffins. I find that almond flour is very constipating, and even a

blend of nut flours in a muffin can still cause constipation. I limit

myself to one nut flour muffin or one piece of nut flour bread per day, and use

a blend of nut flours with no more than 50% almond. I am not sure what

Elaine was referring to when she discussed muffins in connection with the

constipation protocol. Can you point me to the page in the book that

includes this suggestion?

I

can’t advise you on charcoal or epsom salt baths as my body won’t

tolerate either of these options. Hopefully others will give you advice

on this.

Kim M.

SCD 6 years

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction 6+ years

neurological & spinal deterioration 3+ years

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I

have some questions about Elaine's constipation protocol. I started the diet

about 5 days ago, and my last bowl movement was on the first day of the diet.

I'm taking medicine specifically for constipation that helps me go at least

every other day, sometimes every day. I know my body is probably adjusting to

all the changes in my diet. I'm also thinking a potential yeast problem because

I'm having problems with bananas and grape juice, which I've severely limited

as well as honey.

Anyways, I'm starting to get cramps and just really need to go. Sooo I was

wondering has anyone done Elaine's constipation protocol?

-I'm confused about the 1 muffin a day - what is this supposed muffin? Where

can I find out how to make it?

-Stewed prunes - what are they, how do you make them?

-Epsom Salts or activated charcoal - do they work?

Thanks for your patience with these questions

Ellen