Q. I have been using an applesauce-fiber mixture I learned about from you. It works well to combat constipation.
Now I have to go abroad for two weeks. Do you have any suggestions on how to take this mixture with me? Constipation while traveling is a big problem, starting with the long flight.
A. Dehydration is a frequent result of air travel. It complicates constipation, so make sure you get lots of liquids. Sugarless gum can also help.
The mixture of applesauce, bran and prune juice you have found helpful needs refrigeration and will be too difficult to take with you. Instead, try something like psyllium cookies (Metamucil brand for example). Magnesium supplements are also easy to carry and should help with regularity.
We are sending you our Guide with Ten Tips to Controlling Constipation. It also includes the recipes for Power Pudding made of bran, applesauce and prune juice and dynamite pumpkin-bran muffins.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.