Guest guest Posted June 20, 2010 Report Share Posted June 20, 2010 I, too, deal with constipation and IC, among other chronic symptoms. Thanks to being on SCD I’ve reached the place where I have good symptom management, but I do have to continue to remain vigilant. Constipation is the opposite extreme of dealing with gut dysbiosis, so SCD can help. Of course if you have poor digestive motility due to neuromuscular issues (as I do) then you still might need to do some things to help even after your gut ecology has been restored. And I’ve found that being on SCD helped resolve my IC symptoms, or at least moved them to the infrequent level, although I still have to be careful with the triggers. I’m sure you are aware of the known IC triggers, such as high levels of C and B vitamins, acidic foods, die-off toxins, certain medications. Which means during the first few months on SCD when you’re going through periods of die-off, you’ll probably have IC symptom flares. But I found that once I managed the other IC symptom triggers, the flares from die-off only lasted a day or two. Much easier to tolerate. When it comes to constipation, there are several options that help. Time on SCD is the greatest help, but there are things that you can do that help while your gut ecology is stabilizing. Elaine discusses some options: http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/knowledge_base/kb/constipation.htm http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/knowledge_base/kb/constipation_continued.htm Other things that help are staying hydrated, supplementing magnesium, getting some regular, gentle exercise such as walking. I use Miralax daily, which is an osmotic laxative, works as a stool softener, plus I supplement magnesium. There is also a prescription medication, Amitiza, that some people find helpful (my body rejected it, much preferred low dose Zelnorm but that has been removed from the US and Canadian markets). Despite using the motility aids I still have periodic bouts of severe constipation due to neuropathies (about every 2 to 3 months), so I keep water enemas on hand; once is usually enough to restart my digestive motility. Unfortunately I did experience frequent bouts of severe constipation during my first year on SCD despite taking the motility medication Zelnorm and using Miralax and magnesium. I realized that it was all part of the healing process. Good thing is that things improved in the 2nd year, and by the 3rd year on SCD I only experienced severe constipation when I had my periodic neuropathic flare-up, or I was on anesthetics for a surgery, or was on narcotic pain relievers, so I knew it was coming and the bouts didn’t last long. That’s enough for now, I think [grin]. Kim M. SCD 6 years Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction 6+ years neurological & spinal deterioration 3+ years >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I am new and I only suffer with constipation it seems like when I read the book it was more geared to diarrhea. When I started the intro I felt even more constipated and tried stopping peeling things just cooking it helped some but still more constipated then I normally am. Does anyone have any light to shed on this? I decided to do this diet because of my IC (Interstitial Cystitis )so I also have to limit things for that but because that disease is caused by antiboitic over use among other things I feel like this could really help there are a lot of things that are the same I have the leaky gut in the bladder as well as my gut and then the candida on top. Any tips would be great Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2010 Report Share Posted June 20, 2010 Hi, . I am pretty new too (about 5 weeks or so in). I was constipated and bloated when I started the diet. The first two weeks, I was no longer bloated but was not going at all. About 9 days in, I read the constipation protocol: http://pecanbread.com/p/how/coprotocol.htmI found this piece of it most helpful: " Get on the introductory diet for two days. Then introduce the muffins, one per day, along with COOKED AND PEELED vegetables and fruits. " I now have one muffin and apple or pear sauce for breakfast and returned to regularity very quickly. A delicious solution, or it has been for me. Best wishes, Kelley Celiac 4/10SCD 5/10 I, too, deal with constipation and IC, among other chronic symptoms. Thanks to being on SCD I’ve reached the place where I have good symptom management, but I do have to continue to remain vigilant. Constipation is the opposite extreme of dealing with gut dysbiosis, so SCD can help. Of course if you have poor digestive motility due to neuromuscular issues (as I do) then you still might need to do some things to help even after your gut ecology has been restored. And I’ve found that being on SCD helped resolve my IC symptoms, or at least moved them to the infrequent level, although I still have to be careful with the triggers. I’m sure you are aware of the known IC triggers, such as high levels of C and B vitamins, acidic foods, die-off toxins, certain medications. Which means during the first few months on SCD when you’re going through periods of die-off, you’ll probably have IC symptom flares. But I found that once I managed the other IC symptom triggers, the flares from die-off only lasted a day or two. Much easier to tolerate. When it comes to constipation, there are several options that help. Time on SCD is the greatest help, but there are things that you can do that help while your gut ecology is stabilizing. Elaine discusses some options: http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/knowledge_base/kb/constipation.htm http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/knowledge_base/kb/constipation_continued.htm Other things that help are staying hydrated, supplementing magnesium, getting some regular, gentle exercise such as walking. I use Miralax daily, which is an osmotic laxative, works as a stool softener, plus I supplement magnesium. There is also a prescription medication, Amitiza, that some people find helpful (my body rejected it, much preferred low dose Zelnorm but that has been removed from the US and Canadian markets). Despite using the motility aids I still have periodic bouts of severe constipation due to neuropathies (about every 2 to 3 months), so I keep water enemas on hand; once is usually enough to restart my digestive motility. Unfortunately I did experience frequent bouts of severe constipation during my first year on SCD despite taking the motility medication Zelnorm and using Miralax and magnesium. I realized that it was all part of the healing process. Good thing is that things improved in the 2nd year, and by the 3rd year on SCD I only experienced severe constipation when I had my periodic neuropathic flare-up, or I was on anesthetics for a surgery, or was on narcotic pain relievers, so I knew it was coming and the bouts didn’t last long. That’s enough for now, I think [grin]. Kim M. SCD 6 years Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction 6+ years neurological & spinal deterioration 3+ years >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I am new and I only suffer with constipation it seems like when I read the book it was more geared to diarrhea. When I started the intro I felt even more constipated and tried stopping peeling things just cooking it helped some but still more constipated then I normally am. Does anyone have any light to shed on this? I decided to do this diet because of my IC (Interstitial Cystitis )so I also have to limit things for that but because that disease is caused by antiboitic over use among other things I feel like this could really help there are a lot of things that are the same I have the leaky gut in the bladder as well as my gut and then the candida on top. Any tips would be great Thanks -- Kelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2010 Report Share Posted June 20, 2010 Hi , I struggle with constipation as well. I am on constipation meds but still wasn't able to find a regular rhythm until this past week. It may have been the diet starting to kick in, or it could be my regular avocado-banana smoothie with apple cider every morning. They aren't the prettiest BMs (sorry TMI), but they are substantial definitely relieving of any cramps or gas I have leading up to them. I have about a half an avocado and one big banana with 8 oz of diluted apple cider. I introduced avocado way early in the diet, so you should decide whether or not you want to. But I did have some confusion when I started, whether or not my increased bloating was due to the avocado or taking too much probiotic or just my body going through changes (i think I just can't have raw, whole avocados - I need them cooked in pancakes or blended up into a smoothie. It might be worth trying to see if it works for you. I do have a lot of gas still, but haven't had a horrible bloating episode this week And have had 4 straight days of substantial BMs, but not today, so maybe I'm jinxing myself... Anyways, just thought I'd share in cased you wanted to give it a try. Oh and also, the prune juice and orange juice combo on the constipation protocol also worked, I usually went within a couple days. And one time, all I had with me were prunes, so I just ate them straight, which is probably not recommended, but probably not too much of a worry for us without D problems. The prunes in combination with an acupuncture session (HIGHLY recommended) tailored toward constipation relief finally got things moving again. Oh, and another note about the smoothies. Sometimes I would put a little baked fruit like apricots (YUM) or peaches. And I had been using cooked spinach, but it turns my stools green so it kinda freaked me out, but that could have been contributing to my regularity too. Don't worry, it still tastes delish with the spinach Hope you feel better! Oh, I just realized you said you have Candida so maybe you can't take my suggestion? Sorry Maybe you can try to eat the avocados on their own and see if you have any problems? Ellen > > I am new and I only suffer with constipation it seems like when I read the book it was more geared to diarrhea. When I started the intro I felt even more constipated and tried stopping peeling things just cooking it helped some but still more constipated then I normally am. Does anyone have any light to shed on this? > > I decided to do this diet because of my IC (Interstitial Cystitis )so I also have to limit things for that but because that disease is caused by antiboitic over use among other things I feel like this could really help there are a lot of things that are the same I have the leaky gut in the bladder as well as my gut and then the candida on top. > > > Any tips would be great > Thanks > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2010 Report Share Posted June 21, 2010 Hi , I also suffer from severe constipation, I was worried that this diet wouldn't help either since it seems so geared to diarrhea. I felt like it was a last resort though because before I started absolutely nothing was working for me, miralax, milk of magnesia, and dulcolax all did absolutely nothing for me. Anyways, I have been on the diet for about 3 weeks now and it was going really well until I made my yogurt wrong last week (didn't introduce enough probiotic) and didn't realize for a few days that that was what was upsetting me. I have found that despite what everyone says about fiber being the cure for constipation, it doesn't work for me. I have been experimenting with different fruits and vegetables to see what works. So far, I do really well with squash (acorn or butternut) homemade pearsauce, bananas and avacados. I'm sure with time I'll be able to add more. I also recently discovered that I'm not ready for nuts yet, they don't work so well for me. I do really well with proteins though, so I try to eat eggs for breakfast and something with meat for dinner. Also, every morning I have my prune juice and orange mixture, with coffee and scrambled eggs. That has really worked wonders for me. And when things get really bad I will use the glycerin suppository that Elaine suggested. Hope that helps! Amber > > > > > I am new and I only suffer with constipation it seems like when I read the book it was more geared to diarrhea. When I started the intro I felt even more constipated and tried stopping peeling things just cooking it helped some but still more constipated then I normally am. Does anyone have any light to shed on this? > > > > I decided to do this diet because of my IC (Interstitial Cystitis )so I also have to limit things for that but because that disease is caused by antiboitic over use among other things I feel like this could really help there are a lot of things that are the same I have the leaky gut in the bladder as well as my gut and then the candida on top. > > > > > > Any tips would be great > > Thanks > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2010 Report Share Posted June 21, 2010 Hi , It is normal to be constipated the first week or two on the diet. That is most people's initial experience. It will get better. Some suggestions: well cooked french cut green beans prune juice lots of water My son was severely constipated for two years and the only thing that's worked for him has been chiropractic. No dietary interventions or supplements worked at all and, believe me, we tried it all. Is that something you could explore? My son now has 1-2 BMs a day. I hope you're feeling better. The diet is hard in the beginning but you'll find it's so worth it. - > > I am new and I only suffer with constipation it seems like when I read the book it was more geared to diarrhea. When I started the intro I felt even more constipated and tried stopping peeling things just cooking it helped some but still more constipated then I normally am. Does anyone have any light to shed on this? > > I decided to do this diet because of my IC (Interstitial Cystitis )so I also have to limit things for that but because that disease is caused by antiboitic over use among other things I feel like this could really help there are a lot of things that are the same I have the leaky gut in the bladder as well as my gut and then the candida on top. > > > Any tips would be great > Thanks > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2010 Report Share Posted June 21, 2010 > > > > > > I, too, deal with constipation and IC, among other chronic symptoms. Thanks > to being on SCD I've reached the place where I have good symptom management, > but I do have to continue to remain vigilant. Constipation is the opposite > extreme of dealing with gut dysbiosis, so SCD can help. Of course if you > have poor digestive motility due to neuromuscular issues (as I do) then you > still might need to do some things to help even after your gut ecology has > been restored. And I've found that being on SCD helped resolve my IC > symptoms, or at least moved them to the infrequent level, although I still > have to be careful with the triggers. > > > > I'm sure you are aware of the known IC triggers, such as high levels of C > and B vitamins, acidic foods, die-off toxins, certain medications. Which > means during the first few months on SCD when you're going through periods > of die-off, you'll probably have IC symptom flares. But I found that once I > managed the other IC symptom triggers, the flares from die-off only lasted a > day or two. Much easier to tolerate. > > > > When it comes to constipation, there are several options that help. Time on > SCD is the greatest help, but there are things that you can do that help > while your gut ecology is stabilizing. Elaine discusses some options: > > http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/knowledge_base/kb/constipation.htm > > http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/knowledge_base/kb/constipation_conti > nued.htm > > > > Other things that help are staying hydrated, supplementing magnesium, > getting some regular, gentle exercise such as walking. I use Miralax daily, > which is an osmotic laxative, works as a stool softener, plus I supplement > magnesium. There is also a prescription medication, Amitiza, that some > people find helpful (my body rejected it, much preferred low dose Zelnorm > but that has been removed from the US and Canadian markets). Despite using > the motility aids I still have periodic bouts of severe constipation due to > neuropathies (about every 2 to 3 months), so I keep water enemas on hand; > once is usually enough to restart my digestive motility. > > > > Unfortunately I did experience frequent bouts of severe constipation during > my first year on SCD despite taking the motility medication Zelnorm and > using Miralax and magnesium. I realized that it was all part of the healing > process. Good thing is that things improved in the 2nd year, and by the 3rd > year on SCD I only experienced severe constipation when I had my periodic > neuropathic flare-up, or I was on anesthetics for a surgery, or was on > narcotic pain relievers, so I knew it was coming and the bouts didn't last > long. > > > > That's enough for now, I think [grin]. > > > > Kim M. > > SCD 6 years > > Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction 6+ years > > neurological & spinal deterioration 3+ years > > > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> > > I am new and I only suffer with constipation it seems like when I read the > book it was more geared to diarrhea. When I started the intro I felt even > more constipated and tried stopping peeling things just cooking it helped > some but still more constipated then I normally am. Does anyone have any > light to shed on this? > > I decided to do this diet because of my IC (Interstitial Cystitis )so I also > have to limit things for that but because that disease is caused by > antiboitic over use among other things I feel like this could really help > there are a lot of things that are the same I have the leaky gut in the > bladder as well as my gut and then the candida on top. > > Any tips would be great > Thanks > > Thanks for all the tips, I can't really do the prune or the nuts because of my bladder I can't do any of the fruits atm. I had read on GAPS that juicing some cabbage sets the stomach acids right and that is helping some but still not great I was having one good bm at least every day and the only thing different from my diet was raw milk and potatoes. So now that i forgo the potatoes I have no more bloat and same with the milk. I made the yogart out of the raw milk and only heated it to 100 so hopefully that will help bc i think that is what was making me go before. I guess its all about restoring the proper bacteria. I have had to take any of the laxitives and i don't want to make my gut dependent on those its been yrs since i have needed them. I don't think that is a good way to go. Right now I am taking bulgaricum, and superdopilis drinking my broth. I don't think its due to neuromuscular issues as they ran all the tests in the book when i first got dignosed with my IC. I wasn't using the typical IC diet prior to finding SCD so this isn't really that much of a strech. I am a patient of Dr. Matia Brizman's for my IC she is a DOM. She is had great progress with her IC patients but I still felt something lacking . Her whole disertation was on how IC was an intestinal disease not a bladder disease that it just effects the bladder. That is how I came about doing SCD. I am more hydrated since doing the broth but I still find myself drinking about a gallon a day esp in this hot FL weather. today I made a list of my IC/SCD foods in a chart according to the stages and I am hoping things continue I just hate feeling constipated. My fibro gets worse my anxiety gets worse everything all gets acted up. I am sure you all know what I mean. I am really looking forward to finally healing. Oh not to mention all the numbess and tingling in my head oh how i hate that. thanks again for all the advise I guess I will just keep plugging a long and see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2010 Report Share Posted June 21, 2010 I've often seen avocado oil mentioned as a constipation remedy. That must be why avocados are working so well for you! Holly Crohn's SCD 12/01/08 > > Hi , > > I struggle with constipation as well. I am on constipation meds but still wasn't able to find a regular rhythm until this past week. It may have been the diet starting to kick in, or it could be my regular avocado-banana smoothie with apple cider every morning. They aren't the prettiest BMs (sorry TMI), but they are substantial definitely relieving of any cramps or gas I have leading up to them. I have about a half an avocado and one big banana with 8 oz of diluted apple cider. I introduced avocado way early in the diet, so you should decide whether or not you want to. But I did have some confusion when I started, whether or not my increased bloating was due to the avocado or taking too much probiotic or just my body going through changes (i think I just can't have raw, whole avocados - I need them cooked in pancakes or blended up into a smoothie. It might be worth trying to see if it works for you. I do have a lot of gas still, but haven't had a horrible bloating episode this week And have had 4 straight days of substantial BMs, but not today, so maybe I'm jinxing myself... > > Anyways, just thought I'd share in cased you wanted to give it a try. Oh and also, the prune juice and orange juice combo on the constipation protocol also worked, I usually went within a couple days. And one time, all I had with me were prunes, so I just ate them straight, which is probably not recommended, but probably not too much of a worry for us without D problems. The prunes in combination with an acupuncture session (HIGHLY recommended) tailored toward constipation relief finally got things moving again. > > Oh, and another note about the smoothies. Sometimes I would put a little baked fruit like apricots (YUM) or peaches. And I had been using cooked spinach, but it turns my stools green so it kinda freaked me out, but that could have been contributing to my regularity too. Don't worry, it still tastes delish with the spinach > > Hope you feel better! Oh, I just realized you said you have Candida so maybe you can't take my suggestion? Sorry Maybe you can try to eat the avocados on their own and see if you have any problems? > > Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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