Problem with constipation at 82.

[giddyup]

I eat plenty of fruit and vegetables but at 82 I'm finding my bowels just aren't regular any more. Sometimes it's 3 or 4 days between poops. If I take some of the powdered "Posh Medica" brand of high fibre for constipation it really cleans me out, but not sure if regular use of that kind of product is a good idea.

Appreciate any sensible suggestions to help with the problem.

 

[mahjongguy]

It's probably true that extended use of laxatives can have consequences. The better choice, if they work for you, is stool softeners (e.g. Fybogel).

 

Best I can tell from Shopee, Posh Medica sells several flavors of high-fibre powders.

Note: Have you tried eating ordinary bran flakes for breakfast? Add some fruit.

Note: Whatever you settle on, use no more than is necessary to get  the results you need. Too much fibre can actually make things worse.

Note: The classic is a glass every morning of prune juice. It is a laxative but at least it's natural. Del Monte brand is at TOPS. 

 

[giddyup]

9 minutes ago, mahjongguy said:

It's probably true that extended use of laxatives can have consequences. The better choice, if they work for you, is stool softeners (e.g. Fybogel).

 

Best I can tell from Shopee, Posh Medica sells several flavors of high-fibre powders.

Note: Have you tried eating ordinary bran flakes for breakfast? Add some fruit.

Note: Whatever you settle on, use no more than is necessary to get  the results you need. Too much fibre can actually make things worse.

Note: The classic is a glass every morning of prune juice. It is a laxative but at least it's natural. Del Monte brand is at TOPS. 

 

I've just ordered a kilo of dried prunes from Lazada. I do eat high fibre cereals like oat bran, Special K, porridge etc, all with a heap of mixed fresh fruit.

[sometime]

senokot laxative , just Google it

[brewsterbudgen]

Eat two whole unpeeled kiwi fruit every day.  Guaranteed to work.

[giddyup]

Just now, sometime said:

senokot laxative , just Google it

Like I said, laxatives are fine short term, but it's not good to use them too often. I'd rather try and get regular by using natural products daily.

[giddyup]

1 minute ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Eat two whole unpeeled kiwi fruit every day.  Guaranteed to work.

OK thanks, worth a try.

[troy]

Fiber intake in important, but are you getting enough hydration? Living in the tropics when you're used to more temperate climates can dry you up without you noticing.

[ModdaPunk]

Sometimes you need to think out-of-the-box.

 

[giddyup]

9 minutes ago, ModdaPunk said:

Sometimes you need to think out-of-the-box.

 

You missed the part about sensible replies?

[ModdaPunk]

1 minute ago, giddyup said:

You missed the part about sensible replies?

 

I missed your sensible parts ?

...

What do you mean ?

[LosLobo]

3 hours ago, giddyup said:

I eat plenty of fruit and vegetables but at 82 I'm finding my bowels just aren't regular any more. Sometimes it's 3 or 4 days between poops. If I take some of the powdered "Posh Medica" brand of high fibre for constipation it really cleans me out, but not sure if regular use of that kind of product is a good idea.

Appreciate any sensible suggestions to help with the problem.

 

Holland papaya or ripe green papaya is very good.

Half a dragon fruit is the bomb.

Cut down on tea and coffee and at least two litres of water and exercise every day, at least a 30 minute walk.

A 'squatty potty' aka a foot stool that elevates the knees can be beneficial.
 

Edited 12 minutes ago by LosLobo

[Gecko123]

Don't know if you have mobility issues, but exercise is key component for bowel regularity. Green tea for its soluble fiber might also be helpful.