Constipation and miralax

(What The Fast?!) #41

Yep, same here.

Please tell me the magic combo!! Was it the psyllium and flax?? I’ve been using chia and that seems to help some. I also eat lots of salt and take salt pills as well because it’s hard to get enough throughout the day.

(jim Chiodo) #42

Obviously we are different. Male vs female. I’m probably way bigger than you (280 down from 320). Probably older than you as I am older than dirt.

First the good news: When all systems are “going” the weight comes off faster. I was stalled at about 285 for 3-4 weeks with constipation on and off, feeling sluggish and with stomach discomfort. In the last week or so, I got under 280. Whoot!

While there were some good advice (video from DAN DAN was really the breakthrough but I couldn’t figure out what was soluble vs insoluble Fearing constipation problems might cause a flare up of diverticulitis I saw a doctor who familiar with that part of my anatomy, as he had gone where no mane went before. HA.

I was having gut pain from straining and that is bad for diverticulitis. I told him I didn’t want carbs and he said to try a 1/2 cup of Fiber One cereal. normal serving is one cup with 24 gr of carb, but 14 of fiber yielding 10 net carbs. Half of that is 5 carbs so i figured i could “stomach” it.

I also sprinkle a couple tablespoons of flax seeds on the F-1 and use about just enough whole milk to float it. It doesn’t change the taste of F-1 much which is kinda bland and has some crunch. It wasn’t like I expected it to be like frosted flakes anyhow. I’ve sprinkled some on salads or other things. Flax seeds are “Great Value” which is a Walmart brand. In two tablespoons there are 4 gr of carbs and 4 of fiber so it’s a wash. The label doesn’t break down between soluble and insoluble but somebody told me flax was soluble.

I also picked up a jar of Equate clear soluble fiber powder. However, it doesn’t give nutrional stuff such a carbs nor how much fiber, although the label specifically says “soluble” I wish I could see a side by side comparison with Metamucil which has 6gr “dietary” fiber and 5gr soluble. I’m assuming “dietary” means insoluble

Since I don’t log food and have been experimenting with fiber stuff, I can’t say for certain how much of each I’ve had in the last week or so. I’m not a very organized person so keeping track of things is not my strength.

With all of the above, I can retain more water. probably not drinking as much as I should but with the increased fiber, it seems I want to drink more. Lastly, I got some Himalyan pink salt MAN is that stuff salty

As an end note on “squatting”; it isn’t for me. Granted i’m a big guy but I’m so inflexible, I can barely tie my shoes and have to sit on the edge of the bed with one leg partially up on the bed. Shoelaces tend to be tied at an angle towards the inside.

Hopefully, I’ll find just the right balance of fiber and supplements.

(What The Fast?!) #43

I just mixed a tablespoon or so of psyllium husks into a glass of water and drank it super fast. Wish me luck…it’s been a handful of days.

(What The Fast?!) #44

Yikes. I just had the most painful :poop: experience yet. I just came off a 3 day fast and while I supplemented with magnesium and salt the whole time, it was still excruciating. I’ve been using chia seed lately too - had some this morning and again when I officially broke the fast. I think it helps with motility, but not hard/softness. Uggghhh. I may have to try the fiber one.

(jim Chiodo) #45

I feel your pain. I sprinkle a couple heaping teaspoons of flax seed on top of my fiber one. It’s not 100% under control but not painful anymore. Also getting things “going” has my weight loss back on track. I hope to hit the next major milestone soon (50 lbs down). It’s only a mini milestone cause I have another 50 to go,.

Other than skipping a meal here and then, I haven’t fasted. Other than the obvious issue, is it helping your weight loss?

(What The Fast?!) #46

Yes, aggressive fasting is the only way I lose. And thanks - I’ll try the flax seed ASAP.

(Candy Lind) #47

I can SO empathize with you, @Michelinman and @KetoLikeaLady! It’s a constant juggling act to get the right mix of fiber, water, & magnesium. The Mg is REALLY helping me. KCKO!

(Shayne) #48

I can attest to this! I made it for my teenage daughter who HATES avocado and she didn’t know. I told her after she ate it and sang its praises and now she tells people that’s the only way she’ll eat avocado.

(Shayne) #49

Head’s Up Health seems to have started their own podcast and the first episode is called “Talking Shit with Dr. Grace Liu - AKA the Poo Princess”. I haven’t listened, but thought this was right up your alley.

https://www.headsuphealth.com/blog/podcast/episode-1-dr-grace-liu-gut-goddess/

(What The Fast?!) #50

I finally gave in and started taking Miralax.

(jim Chiodo) #51

So did I. How much do you take a day? I sprinkle a little more than a teaspoon on my breakfast whether it’s eggs or something else. I also have 1/2 cup of Fiber One cereal with a heaping spoon of flax seeds. A small amount of whole milk (sometimes 1/2&1/2) to make it wet.

Between the Fiber 1 for bulk (insoluble) and flax (soluble) plus the Miralax (generic “lax” Walmart brand) to make it suck up water, things have been moving right along. Haven’t had the need for a big “grunt” in weeks.

(What The Fast?!) #52

I took it for two days in a row and had good results (one capful at night with water). Then I took it a third day and it was too much. I just took it a couple days in a row again and I’m waiting for some action…I’m currently fasting though. I did find it’s making me retain water - I didn’t lose any weight so far, 36 hours into fasting.

I’m hesitant to add the Fiber One because of the carbs. Flax seeds don’t seem to do much for me.

(Angela Owens) #53

So I am on this tread trying to find out if Miralax impedes keto progress. It is easy to add non-caloric foods to your daily intake that result in an insulin response, so I am trying to be super careful. I am responding to you because of two things you mentioned and I do not see addressed by anyone. Diverticulitis is your primary concern…you have to make stools easy to pass or you will have a flare-up. Keto makes it difficult to have both a satisfying/satiating food intake while using your carbs for fiber. Take care of your gut health first. I have had many flare-ups, which is one of the reasons I got serious about Keto and weight loss. One thing that I started while on antibiotics that surprised me by helping my intestines to stay “productive” was drinking a small amount of organic & raw Gingerade Kombucha. It is full of probiotics, electrolytes and polyphenols. One bottle has 2 servings with only 6 carbs per serving. I basically probably injest maybe a 1.5 carbs a day. A bottle lasts me about a week. You can also try taking a Colace, stool softening, gel cap before bed. Sneak in real food fiber wherever you can when you are not having a flare-up (think celery with pimento cheese or peanut butter). You can also literally drink a quality oil full of good fat each day…or maybe more than once a day. I had an aunt that got me to drink a tablespoon of half olive oil and half lemon juice every day when I was a child to keep me regular. I was hoping MCT oil would help, but it has had no affect on my digestive health. I believe I developed diverticulosis because of a lazy colon. When I know I am very constipated, I will drink 1/2 a bottle of magnesium citrate. I hate to do it because it means not leaving the house, and it tastes awful to me. Finally, you mentioned diet soda and that is one of the “hidden” carbs I have decided not to have. I shows no carbs on the bottle, but it can cause an insulin response for some people. It is also making your body need more water. If you can manage, cut down on daily consumption (if you have it that often) and make it a rare treat. As I mentioned, Keto friendly or not, you have to stay away from a flare-up of diverticulitis.

(Carol Bassingthwaighte) #54

I’ve been on keto since January. Constipation has plagued me and I’ve tried most suggestions: salt magnesium potassium smooth moves tea triphala. Nothing was working to keep me regular. Some would flush me out but leave my gut feeling awful. I resisted trying chia seeds soaked overnight and finally tried and found what works for me. I started with one teaspoon in a glassful of water. It took a few days but when it worked my gut felt good. Since then it has kept me regular. Not the every day I’d prefer but every two days and always with my gut feeling good for it. I’m slowly working my way up to the recommended 2 tablespoons per day. Not sure I’ll need that much though. For me I like this natural method much better than the pharma way. Good luck. It’s so challenging to have a gut that’s sensitive and unable to manage its job.

(jim Chiodo) #55

While probably not perfect, I’ve reached a reasonable solution.

Frustrated with PPO doc, I spoke to my “bottom” doctor, who treated my diverticulitis, repaired my belly button hernia a couple times and did some back door surgery. These were all in last 3-4 years, last being divert infection mid 2016… No surgery was involved. Rather, I did bowel “rest”. Nothing to eat or drink for 5 days in the hospital while antibiotic and morphine dripped into my IV. I was allowed to suck on ice chips occasionally . A couple more days in hosp, I graduated to liquid diet, then home gradually back to real food. I lost about 20 lbs, but gained it back.

In August, 2017. I was up to 330 lbs, which is where I was in 2001. I did ATKINS then and lost 100 lbs. Kept off for 5 yrs, but eventually “found” it. Constipation from Atkins and several thrombosed hemorrhoids (very painful) left issues requiring more extensive backdoor surgery in 2010.

Over the years, I had a few minor losses using Atkins but always fell off the wagon and gained it. In August, I discovered Keto and am now down 60 lbs. It is much easier than Atkins to stay on. My loss was fast at first, then slow, a couple stalls but since my solution to constipation, Keto is working again.

Discussing fiber with my bottom Doc, and talking about different kind of fiber, he suggested 1/2 cup of Fiber One cereal a day with just enough whole milk or half and half to make it wet. I also add a heaping teaspoon of flax seeds to it. Eating this makes me thirsty and I general chase it with one or two glasses of water.

That stared working in a few days. It also kick started the Keto. Still there was some “grunting” needed occasionally. My solution, which I consider the final and permanent is to sprinkle a big teaspoon of Miralax on it. I now have the cereal every other day. Other days I have eggs.meat, tuna or some other protein breakfast. I put the same Miralax on these meals

At 7-1/2 months and down 60, I’m happy with that. I’m wearing clothes two or more sizes smaller, feel good and women are chasing me everywhere I go (wait, that last part is in my dreams). At 73 yrs old and married for 50+ yrs, I can still dream, HA.

Some other side benefits are sleeping better which helps weight loss. I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine. I have been able to lower the pressure and hopefully discontinue using it at all like I did with the 100 lb loss 17 yrs ago.

since I expect Keto to be a permanent WOE, I may even consider doing something about excess skin on my chin and neck.

(jim Chiodo) #56

I also need to get a new picture on my FB profile