Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Overcoming Constipation

Q. My wife has suffered from constipation for years. She usually has just one or two small bowel movements a week, with difficulty. She has tried prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including fiber and docusate, to no avail. A recent colonoscopy was all clear.
We have read that natural colon cleansers are supposed to loosen and remove deeply impacted toxic buildup in the colon without side effects. My wife has high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and hypothyroidism. I wonder if such products would be safe in conjunction with her medications.
A. We are not enthusiastic about colon cleansing except prior to colonoscopy or bowel surgery. We worry about herbal colon cleansers because when they work, the resulting diarrhea can upset the balance of minerals in the body. This could be quite hazardous for a person with congestive heart failure.
Instead, we suggest she try sugarless gum and possibly add a few doses of Power Pudding, a mixture of bran, prune juice and applesauce. The Guides we are sending you (Digestive Disorders and Constipation) have our ten tips to combat constipation and a recipe for Power Pudding.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
3.8- 6 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.