Q&A for How to Relieve Constipation Quickly and Naturally

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I insert a glycerin suppository once a week?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    No-- relying on a suppository is not a great idea. If your diet is rich in fiber and you are drinking enough water, there may be a concern that you feel you have to use a glycerin suppository regularly.  Make an appointment with your doctor and explain that you have chronic constipation.  Bring this article with you and let your physician know which of these methods you have tried.
  • Question
    How long can I go with out having a stool?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    Bowel movements vary from one person to the next.  For some people, having one or two bowel movements every day is normal.  For another person, having one bowel movement every other day may be normal.  Most people have at least 5-10 bowel movements a week or 1 or more a day. If you are not uncomfortable or feel bloated, then the number of bowel movements you have are normal for you.
  • Question
    I have IBS and am constipated. What can I take?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    Most people with IBS-C (IBS with constipation) benefit by mixing the approaches described in this article.  You have have to take an "all of the above" approach.  Also, keep a diet diary for a few weeks-- sometimes, certain foods or food combinations can make IBS-C worse.  The diet diary should help you figure this out.  Avoid foods with added sugars, fried foods, fatty foods or highly processed foods-- these tend to cause more constipation.  Include a quality probiotic and try some fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchee or keffir). It is often a process of trial and error to find what works for you-- so try to be patient!
  • Question
    My baby has been constipated for 6 months. What should I do?
    Laura Marusinec, MD
    Board Certified Pediatrician
    Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.
    Board Certified Pediatrician
    Expert Answer
    Talk to your doctor. First, your doctor will help you decide if your baby is really constipated or not. Then they will make sure your baby is growing and developing normally, and make sure there are no problems causing constipation. Finally, they can help the baby with constipation by making changes to the baby's diet and activity, or occasionally medications.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article