One of the things I immediately investigate when I have a client complaining of constipation is their medical history and medication list. For example, constipation is quite a common symptom of thyroid dysfunction. Many, many people with sluggish thyroids have got constipation. The thyroid has a profound effect on the gut. When the thyroid becomes more sluggish, it can certainly affect the ability of stool to move through the bowel.
In every situation, you must look at the causes of constipation rather than just treating the effects.
If it’s possible to cut back on medication, that can often go a long way in reducing constipation. It’s a much better idea than taking more medication to manage the side effects of other medications. That’s like gambling and then trying to get more credit cards.
Antidepressants can have an impact on bowel function. Prozac is an SSRI drug that can cause both constipation and diarrhea. SSRIs impact the small intestine quite a lot. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory that impacts the circulatory system, the immune system, and the gut (particularly the stomach). One of the side effects of the thyroid medication Levo-thyroxine is constipation.
Going on a keto idea is not a really good idea if you’re constipated. You’ll block up even more, and that’s going to create a real issue for you. I wouldn’t recommend that, especially if you have fissures and hemorrhoids.
Other Related Questions
- Is Fish Oil Good For Yeast Infections?
- Can Candida Cause Canker Sores?
- Learn How To Treat And Get Rid Of Candida Yeast Infections
- Skin Yeast Infections Can Affect You Systemically
- Drunk Feeling All The Time – Is It Candida?
The most effective way of managing constipation is to address the underlying causes. That may mean treating another condition or changing your medication regime.
For example, most people can get off 50 to 100 micrograms of thyroxine. Instead, consider getting your iodine tested. Go on a thyroid supplement, which contains all the essential cofactors like iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, and different B vitamins.
Addressing lifestyle and sources of stress in your life may allow you to cut back on an SSRI.
If you don’t want to use prune juice, magnesium citrate would be my first-line recommendation. If the constipation is extreme, magnesium oxide is a possibility. Magnesium sulfate is even more dramatic. Fortunately, magnesium doesn’t interact with most medications.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28088179
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20351569
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29596128
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28507013
