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Monday 23 January 2006
Magnesium is a gentler solution
Chronic constipation has been a problem for me for as long as I can remember. I have tried extra fiber, but it makes me feel bloated and causes gas. I drink lots of water, but that makes me urinate a lot. Is there a laxative I can take regularly that would be safe?
Doctors discourage people from using strong laxatives on a daily basis because the digestive tract gives up and becomes lazy. This results in dependency on chemical stimulation and a vicious cycle of constipation.
Instead, you might want to try magnesium. Some people report that 300 to 500 milligrams daily can be helpful. Others tell us that psyllium fiber can be effective, though it, too, might cause gas. Stool softeners such as docusate can help.