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Q. I have suffered with constipation for more than a year and have had little success finding relief. Someone suggested that I eat an entire red pepper daily. This certainly does not appeal to me, but I am feeling desperate and would try it if you say it would help. I take Bentyl, digoxin, Norpace, Tegretol, Coumadin and prochlorperazine. Is there any way to alleviate this problem?
A. Some of the medicines you are taking could be contributing to your constipation woes. Although your doctor may not be able to substitute alternatives, you should discuss this problem with her before trying to counteract this drug-induced complication.
It is unlikely that a red pepper would solve your constipation problems. Chewing sugarless gum may help. You might also try “Power Pudding.” Mix 1 cup coarse bran, 1 cup applesauce and 3/4 cup prune juice. Take one or two tablespoons daily with plenty of water. Refrigerate the remainder. Do not take this within two hours of digoxin, however, since the extra fiber could interfere with proper absorption of your heart medicine.
For more details about this special remedy, our dynamite pumpkin bran muffin recipe, 10 tips to combat constipation and a list of drugs that can cause it we are sending you our Guide to Constipation. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. GG-30, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Constipation is not always about fiber. Sometimes it's about a stimulant. I have not found a natural one that works.
To Whom It May Concern:
I would not want to be a participant if a study were conducted. Take care. I love the show.
--NB, BSW Student
Appalachian State University
I tried your prune juice, applesauce and fiber mix but my blood sugar began to rise. I think the prune juice was affecting it. I used grape nuts instead of bran, which was an error. My doctor recommended MIRALAX, which is helping.
I tried almost everything for constipation. I even had surgery, which didn't resolve the problem either.
What I found more effective than anything else is my prune paste made by blending the cooked dry prune. Every evening I use a spoonful or two, sometimes in water or flaxseed meal drink.
If I forget to use that, I will definitely have problem with constipation or rectal bleeding. If you are concerned about the calories related to blood sugar level, it is better to take the calories in prunes into account(10 dried plums contains about 200 calories). Prunes also have other nutritious values, such as potassium and antioxidants. I guess it won't hurt to try.