I know constipation is a sensitive subject, in more ways than one, that most people don't want to talk about. But I learned a tip several months ago that really helps, and I wanted to share it.
This isn't a tip about how to get rid of constipation, but rather a tip on how to make it easier to go when you have it! I saw Dr. Oz talk about it on his show. When you are sitting on the toilet, put a footstool or chair, or something else under your feet so that your knees are bent and higher than your waist. This position straightens your intestines out, so that gravity can go to work and help things 'ease on down'!
I have to admit I was very skeptical that it would work, but remembered how when my kids and grand-kids were constipated babies, I'd lay them on their back and gently bend their knees up to their tummies, which almost always worked. This seemed to be the same principle, so with several family members who suffer from this, I knew it was just a matter of time before we could try it out!
First my mom-she has certain health issues that make her more prone to constipation. When she was having a particular problem, I suggested she try this method - sure enough, it worked!
Next, my teenage son - we didn't have a footstool in the bathroom, so I showed him the grand-babies' potty chair and told him how to use it to elevate his feet (much to his embarrassment), and once again, it worked!
Then myself! Who knew I would end up anemic and have to take iron supplements, which always cause severe constipation for me. So I tried the footstool method myself (by now I'd put one in the bathroom). I can attest that bending your knees and elevating your feet really hastens things along and makes it almost painless!
We have tried this method in our family several times since I heard it on TV, and it has worked every time - thanks Dr. Oz!
Source: Dr. Oz TV show
By Judy = Oklahoma from OK
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A friend was telling me she'd went to see her doctor about constipation. He told her to go buy her some magnesium capsules, to start out taking 1 per day for the first 3-4 days.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My 8 month old grandson has trouble with being constipated. What else besides feeding him prunes (baby food) works?
By Jackie from Enumclaw, WA
I'd talk to his doctor first, but I can suggest that you make sure he's getting enough water. Once a baby starts eating solid foods and not taking in as much water (via formula) they may become a little dehydrated, which can lead to constipation.
Our pediatrician says "P is for pooping": prunes, pears, peaches. I really good remedy is dragon fruit (pitaya, strawberry pear)
Ask his pediatrician.
Does anyone have a home remedy for constipation?
By Sheila from Flint, MI
Epsom salt and water. The recipe is on the side of the carton.
I take a 50 mg. magnesium tablet every evening. I started taking it for my heart and then noticed the added benefit. It works without fail.
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My grandson refuses to move his bowels because he says the smell makes him gag and it hurts really bad. We have talked to his doctor about this, but all they did was take x-rays of the bowel and confirm constipation.
