Any sure-fire constipation-reversal tips please?? [blush]

[emeraldgirl1]

I've tried and am continuing to try: espresso coffee, avocados, kiwi fruit, bran flakes, orange juice. It's still not resolving (at least not properly IYSWIM again!!) Any other foods etc I could try before I have to resort to Senokot? Would rather resolve it naturally if poss!!

Movicol .
Cauliflower .

re. bookshops - I read somewhere once that it's an unconscious bodily response that is a result of the habit of taking a book into the loo with you...

re.re.bookshops - I never read when on the loo, but need to have an exit strategy before entering a bookshop

That's interesting, - DH never reads at all in the loo, but he regularly has to make hasty exits from libraries.

Prunes on porridge!

Prune juice, definately works but I agree you need to go easy on it at first! Drink a glass a day.

The watermelon season is just ending, but there's just time for you to get hold of some. It is truly fantastic stuff. DS produces poos with red bits in them, it comes through so fast and so effectively!

Very tasty, too. Er, that is, tasty at the top end!

I don't recall ever reading on the loo or even in the bathroom, but generaly avid reader, so maybe the link is to rush to the loo so I can get on with reading.. strange anyhow isn't it? and of course there is no loo near our library..

Our local library has loos inside. This is a good thing.

Large amounts of vitamin C taken at night is a very effective cure...

Prune juice. Regularly so you don't get into a state.

How about Fybogel Orange? You can buy it over the counter. Its not a laxative but contains ispaghula husk which is a natural plant material, high in fibre. It is safe to take during pregnancy as well.

Cherries, I had a lovely bag of them, so mourish, before I knew it the bag was gone and I was on a bus for 20 mins with everyone hearing my stomach churning, luckily bus stop was outside my house, also agree with book shops and libraries maybe its the smell of books that sets peoples bowels off.

Also have you tried sitting at table or on sofa with knees higher than hips (feet on a few books) thats a way of helping things move along.

Any combination of the above, but I think the key is loads of water.

Also exercise, anything which makes you breathless enough to be aware of your abdominal muscles working on the breath out should help.

Failing all of the healthy options, strong cup of coffee and a fag

Pinkyteddy that stuff is vile it makes me sick just remembering it and I haven't been pregnant for 10 years!

Weetabix every morning.

Go easy on the linseeds on your cereal if you go down this route (from bitter experience)

water, orange juice and a lot of grapes worked for me

Try tinned pears and prune juice. Hope things get better soon.

Raw carrots,not sure why they work but they do.

I know startail but it does work!

Exercise and good fluid intake in conjunction with lower protein/ high fibre diet. Not bananas as they are high in potassium which can lead to more fluid being lost and affect the sodium potassium balance. Bran flakes/ weetabix etc totally agree with most of the foods suggested. Exercise helps such as fast walking/running/ stepping/ swimming as it increases circulation.

Oh and cut down on caffeine as they are diuretics and reduce the fluid in your gut. HTH

Thanks so much for all this everyone - am continuing the assault but it's disheartening when you dont see speedy results!! Will have to just carry on with the high fibre, fresh veg and fruit strategy...

oops about my earlier typo, but since you mentioned high-fibre... I would cut down on wheat, esp stuff like weetabix, now THAT has serious constiaption properties!