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Articles categorized as Constipation

Article imageTerry Graedon - August 19, 2024
Article imageTerry Graedon - August 8, 2024
Article imageTerry Graedon - September 5, 2024 - 1 comments

Show 1398: Protecting Children from the Perils of Plastic

in our discussion, Dr. Alan Greene offers parents advice on protecting children from minute plastic particles.

Terry Graedon - June 3, 2024

Overcoming Constipation While Traveling

Terry Graedon - April 8, 2024

What Is the Best Approach to Overcome Constipation?

Terry Graedon - March 20, 2024

Psyllium Fiber Is Versatile Remedy

Joe Graedon - December 11, 2023

Don’t Let Psychiatric Side Effects Surprise You!

Terry Graedon - October 9, 2023

Magnesium Excels Against Constipation

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Joe Graedon - July 17, 2023

Why Does Coffee Make You Poop With Regularity?

Have you ever had the experience of drinking a cup of coffee and then having to head for the bathroom pronto? Can coffee make you poop or is it a myth? Find out!

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Joe Graedon - June 19, 2023

How Can You Manage Opioid-Induced Constipation?

One drawback of narcotics for pain relief is opioid-induced constipation. Several drugs may help counteract this complication.

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Joe Graedon - March 2, 2023

Power Pudding Is Nurses’ Secret Weapon Against Constipation

When all else fails, nurses often resort to a constipation remedy called "Power Pudding." It contains bran, applesauce and prune juice.

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Joe Graedon - February 23, 2023

How Can You Get Off the Laxative Merry-Go-Round?

Have you ever felt the need for a laxative? These medications are popular, but there are downsides to regular use.

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Terry Graedon - January 2, 2023

Are There Natural Remedies for Constipation?

A number of natural remedies for constipation work well. They include eating two kiwifruit or a pumpkin-bran muffin daily.

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Terry Graedon - December 26, 2022

Can Taking a Probiotic Product Help You Sleep Better?

A reader found that taking a probiotic product for better digestion also improved sleep. Studies support this observation.

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Joe Graedon - September 19, 2022

Solving Problems With Both Constipation and Diarrhea

A person who suffers constipation and diarrhea as a result of irritable bowel syndrome offers tips on how to manage them both.

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Joe Graedon - August 15, 2022

Video Demonstrates How To Make Nurse’s Power Pudding for Constipation

What can you do when constipation is a terrible challenge? Our video demonstrates how to make Power Pudding for constipation.

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Terry Graedon - November 1, 2021

Can Treated Licorice (DGL) Ease IBS Symptoms?

Irritable bowel syndrome may be explained by an imbalance in gut microbes. One reader reports DGL helped ease IBS symptoms.

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Terry Graedon - April 1, 2021

Show 1179: What Should You Do About Digestive Distress? (Archive)

Listen to find out when your digestive distress might signal a serious problem and when you could manage it at home with simple remedies.

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Terry Graedon - February 1, 2021

Can You Use Dark Cocoa to Overcome Constipation?

One reader found that drinking dark cocoa eased post-operative constipation. Scientists agree that cocoa compounds can improve bowel habits.

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Terry Graedon - July 29, 2020

Show 1222: How Can You Optimize Your Microbiome?

To optimize your microbiome, focus on fiber. The more different types of plants you consume, the more your gut microbes will thrive.

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Joe Graedon - July 6, 2020

Chronic Constipation Causes Can be Challenging

Laxatives are not a great solution for chronic constipation. That’s especially true if chronic constipation causes are related to medications.

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Terry Graedon - March 2, 2020

Are There Problems With Mineral Oil for Constipation?

You can use mineral oil for constipation, but regular use for a long time could lead to vitamin deficiencies. Add another approach.

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Terry Graedon - December 16, 2019

How a Little Girl Overcame Her Constipation

A mother describes how her young daughter overcame her constipation by following a diet full of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits.

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Joe Graedon - September 9, 2019

Nurse Endorses Coffee to Stimulate Bowels After Surgery

Passing gas doesn't seem like a great accomplishment unless you have had abdominal surgery. Doctors need to stimulate bowels after surgery to prevent POI.

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Terry Graedon - August 8, 2019

Can Coffee Help You Leave the Hospital Sooner?

People who drink coffee after abdominal surgery get their bowels moving faster and can often leave the hospital earlier. Three cups daily did the trick.

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Terry Graedon - June 20, 2019

How Do You Feed Your Microbiota?

An intriguing study reveals that what you feed your microbiota influences the variety of microbes in your intestines. The relationships are unique to you.

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Terry Graedon - June 17, 2019

Will Hot Water Help You Move Your Bowels?

Coffee can help you move your bowels early in the morning. Will a cup of plain hot water have the same benefit?

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Terry Graedon - May 13, 2019

Can Antibiotic Help Post-Colonoscopy Problems?

One reader had persistent digestive distress following a colonoscopy. An antibiotic prescribed for something else solved the post-colonoscopy problems.

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Terry Graedon - May 6, 2019

Must You Grind Flaxseed to Get Its Nutritional Benefits?

The scientific consensus is that if you grind flaxseed, you get more of the fiber, lignans and omega-3 fats that make it a healthful food.

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Joe Graedon - January 7, 2019

Why KayaBiotics from Germany? Certified Organic!

What's the latest on probiotics? Which strains are best for your specific condition? Learn more about Kaya Biotics and why the Europeans have a head start.

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Terry Graedon - December 17, 2018

Can Epsom Salts Combat Chronic Constipation?

There are many ways to combat chronic constipation. Incorporating more high-fiber vegetables and fruits in the diet may be among the best.

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Joe Graedon - October 15, 2018

Arthritis Remedy Does Double Duty Overcoming Constipation

We love it when a remedy for one thing works really well for something else. And it's great when there is science to support it for overcoming constipation!

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Terry Graedon - October 4, 2018

Will Artificial Sweeteners Harm Your Microbiota?

Artificial sweeteners appear to be toxic to bacteria similar to those that inhabit our intestines. That could potentially be bad news for our health, too.

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Terry Graedon - September 24, 2018

Are Cucumbers a Cure for Chronic Constipation?

One reader found that eating cucumbers can correct chronic constipation. Have you tried this simple remedy, or do you have other foods you use for this problem?

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Terry Graedon - June 4, 2018

Should You Try Yogurt to Combat Constipation?

Including plenty of fiber and fluid in the diet is the best way to combat constipation. Foods like yogurt that contain probiotic bacteria may also be surprisingly helpful.

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Terry Graedon - April 9, 2018

Agonizing Constipation from Calcium Pills for Bones

If calcium supplements cause agonizing constipation, how can you avoid it? Also, how can you get the calcium you need to keep your bones strong?

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Terry Graedon - March 22, 2018

Show 1115: How You Can Conquer Constipation

The old wives were right when they said you should eat your vegetables. A fiber-rich diet, including vegetable stems, is a big help when you are trying to conquer constipation.

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Terry Graedon - February 11, 2018

Does the Laxative Psyllium Really Lower Cholesterol?

Regular consumption of the laxative psyllium can lower cholesterol and blood sugar as well as prevent constipation.

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Terry Graedon - January 15, 2018

Do You Absorb Magnesium from Your Armpits?

Applying milk of magnesia to your armpits can cut body odor. Scientists haven't seen proof that much magnesium is absorbed through the skin.

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Joe Graedon - September 25, 2017

Should You Worry About Constipation?

Some readers have likened the sensation to passing bricks. Do you worry about constipation? What do you do about it? Readers share their favorite remedies.

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Terry Graedon - February 20, 2017

Can You Find a Breakfast That Will Fight Constipation?

Wheat bran with plenty of fluids can help fight constipation. One reader adopted a morning regimen featuring bran flakes and coffee.

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Terry Graedon - December 19, 2016

Can Special Yogurt Prevent Diarrhea and Constipation?

Consuming a special yogurt rich in probiotic bacteria might help solve problems with diarrhea and with constipation.

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Terry Graedon - August 13, 2016

Mother Found Solution for her Son’s Big BMs

A child with encopresis passed big BMs that clogged the toilet. Fiber, probiotics and a vitamin-mineral supplement have helped.

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Terry Graedon - July 25, 2016

How to Improve Digestive Health with a Poop Transplant

A poop transplant that alters the disturbed microbiota of a diseased digestive tract can provide surprising relief from diarrhea, pain and other symptoms.

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Terry Graedon - June 23, 2016

Are Laxatives in Hospitals Sending Money Down the Drain?

A study of laxatives in hospitals found that a lot of nursing time is spent giving docusate, a bad-tasting stool softener with little evidence of efficacy.

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Terry Graedon - April 4, 2016

How to Overcome Drug-Induced Constipation

When narcotic pain relievers result in drug-induced constipation, prunes and fiber may ease the problem; prescription drugs Relistor or Movantik could help.

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Terry Graedon - March 7, 2016

How to Ease Joint Pain Without Suffering Constipation

Taking a tablespoon of Certo in four ounces of purple grape juice can ease joint pain, but one reader reports suffering constipation as a consequence.

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Joe Graedon - October 8, 2015

What Can I Do About Plopping Poop Toilet Water Splashblack

If you have ever experienced the unwelcome sensation of water splashing back from the toilet bowl onto your bottom, you know why this reader is unhappy.

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Joe Graedon - September 7, 2015

Prunes and Prune Juice Overcame Constipation

The standard constipation remedy of previous generations, prunes, works just as well today.

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Joe Graedon - July 20, 2015

Probiotics Solved Problem of Bowel Movements That Clog the Toilet

What can be done when the stool is so large it can clog the toilet? One mother found the answer at the health food store.

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Joe Graedon - June 22, 2015

Common-Sense Approaches to Constipation

Eating high-fiber foods, drinking lots of low-sugar fluids and chewing sugarless gum are common-sense approaches to constipation that can ease discomfort.

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Joe Graedon - March 9, 2015

Stepstool Aids in Achieving Proper Pooping Posture

Putting the feet on a stepstool can help achieve a more natural toilet posture without the danger of falling.

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Joe Graedon - February 12, 2015

People Get Testy About Pooping Posture

For most of human history pooping meant squatting. Now we sit. Is that good or bad? Readers weigh in on this question.

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Joe Graedon - February 9, 2015

Tasty Way to Combat Toddler’s Constipation

Psyllium-containing Metamucil cookies are a sweet way to help a toddler overcome constipation and the resulting reluctance to use the potty.

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Joe Graedon - January 8, 2015

Is Popular MiraLAX Laxative Too Risky for Kids?

MiraLAX has never been approved for use in children; is this widely-used laxative safe?

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Terry Graedon - July 7, 2014

Home Remedies to Combat Frustrating Drug-Induced Constipation

Non-drug strategies to combat drug-induced constipation include sugarless gum, psyllium fiber, magnesium and our "Power Pudding" home remedy.

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Terry Graedon - May 5, 2014

Constipation Is a Common Complication of Pain Medication

Opioid pain medication commonly causes constipation. The drug Movantik has been approved to counteract this complication. Patients also offer non-drug approaches they have found helpful.

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Terry Graedon - February 17, 2014

Magnesium Supplement Can Activate a Sluggish Bowel

When used as a dietary supplement in the 250 mg to 400 mg range, magnesium can help combat constipation or sluggish bowel without causing diarrhea.

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Joe Graedon - December 5, 2013

Don’t Fall in Love with Laxatives

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Terry Graedon - May 20, 2013

How to Combat Chronic Constipation

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Terry Graedon - May 9, 2013

Fluids Better Than Fiber for Fighting Constipation

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Terry Graedon - December 20, 2012

No More Enemas for Constant Constipation

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Joe Graedon - September 17, 2012

Home Remedy Reverses Chronic Constipation

Power Pudding made from wheat bran, applesauce and prune juice and washed down with adequate water can often help ease chronic constipation.

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Terry Graedon - June 4, 2012

Overcoming Laxative Habit

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Terry Graedon - April 23, 2012

Overcoming Constipation with Yogurt

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Terry Graedon - April 2, 2012

Tips to Ease Constipation

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Terry Graedon - January 2, 2012

Combating Chronic Constipation

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Joe Graedon - September 29, 2011

Is Constipation Linked to Colon Cancer?

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Joe Graedon - September 22, 2011

Big Bowel Movements Block Toilet

Large bowel movements that block the toilet can be embarrassing, but laxatives are probably not a good long term solution.

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Terry Graedon - August 8, 2011

Medications Contribute to Constipation

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Terry Graedon - May 2, 2011

Overcoming Constipation

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Terry Graedon - June 6, 2010

Constipation Treatments

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Joe Graedon - October 2, 2008

Calcium Was Constipation Culprit

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Joe Graedon - July 10, 2008

Getting Rid Of Constipation

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Joe Graedon - May 7, 2008

Long-Term Laxative Addiction

"Laxative addiction" or overuse can lead to loss of crucial minerals, cramping, or a “lazy” colon that will not function properly without laxatives.

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Joe Graedon - March 20, 2008

Special Recipe For Getting Rid of Constipation

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Joe Graedon - April 30, 2007

“Power Pudding” for Constipation

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Joe Graedon - November 16, 2005

Flaxseed for Constipation

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Joe Graedon - May 23, 2005

Overcoming Constipation Is A Challenge

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Joe Graedon - October 7, 2002

Constipation Can Be Cured

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Joe Graedon - October 1, 2002

Patient Power Resurrects Drug

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Joe Graedon - April 8, 2002

Getting Off The Laxative Bandwagon