How To Stop Using Laxatives?

by SA
(Malverne, NY, USA)

I have IBS with constipation for years. I have now become addicted to Ducolax which is now causing me trapped gas if not used. I want a natural way to retrain my body to get off Ducolax, get rid of the trapped gas and lead a normal life again. Please help-SOS!

Michelle says: Sorry to hear about the problems you're having with IBS, constipation, and gas.

Some great herbs to help relieve the trapped gas are: peppermint, ginger, fennel, anise, coriander, and chamomile

Drink any one of them by themselves, or use a mixture of 2 or 3 of the ones you like best. You can safely drink several cups of these teas each day as you need them to relieve the gas.

Meadowsweet and marshmallow root are two great herbs for soothing and healing the digestive tract. You can add them to the teas I mentioned above, or take them by themselves.

Slippery elm bark is another excellent herb for soothing the digestive system.

It may take some time to retrain your body not to rely on the Ducolax - especially if you've been using it for a long time.

However, it's worth trying everything you can to end your dependency on it.

It's really important for you to make sure that you're drinking enough water every single day.

Learn more about how much you should drink according to your body weight on this page: http://www.natural-health-restored.com/benefits-of-water.html

It's also really important for you to increase the amount of fiber in your diet.

Keeping in mind the foods you cannot tolerate, try to slowly work towards increasing your intake of fiber rich fruits and vegetables. Increasing your intake of raw dark green leafy vegetables should help loosen your bowels.

Chewing your food slowly and very well before you swallow it will help with digestion. Good digestion helps to promote healthy bowel movements.

I've written a page about some other healthy eating habits you can try as well: http://www.natural-health-restored.com/healthy-eating-habits.html

I've also written a page about foods you should avoid because they cause constipation: http://www.natural-health-restored.com/foods-that-cause-constipation.html

And here's a page with some simple remedies for constipation: http://www.natural-health-restored.com/remedies-for-constipation.html

Try to continue making changes to your diet and lifestyle even if you don't see changes right away. It does take time for your body to repair. Try to avoid taking any laxatives unless it's absolutely necessary.

Hope that helps! Please keep me posted and let me know how it all goes.

Michelle

Comments for
How To Stop Using Laxatives?

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Thanks For Your Help
by: SA

Thanks for all your help and I will keep in touch.

It is so frustrating! They say stress can cause IBS but, I do believe the stress of constipation no matter what you do, stresses you out more than common issues faced daily. I also do believe it is hereditary as I have other family members who suffer from IBS also.

SA

More Advice...
by: Michelle

Hi SA,

I'm so glad I could be of help. I really do hope that things will improve for you quickly. You don't need that ongoing stress and frustration.

Hopefully you'll be able to try the teas that I mentioned in my last email. They should help a lot.

If you can, try adding some lemon balm to the mix. It's also great for relieving gas and soothing your digestive tract. And it also happens to be very good for relieving stress as well. Chamomile is great for calming stress too.

Yes, please let me know how it goes.

Michelle

Ducolax Weaning
by: sa

Hi! Thanks for all your advice but, as far as ducolax goes how do you wean yourself off? Do you just stop or slowly stop by decreasing pill usage. I use 8 tablets a day once or twice a week. Thanks again for all the good information.

Michelle says: Hi SA, if you've been suffering from constipation for a long time, it may take some time to retrain your gut. That's where the suggestions that I made before will really come in handy.

Things like drinking enough water every single day, getting regular exercise, eating more fiber, eating meals at regular times, etc., will help your body to normalize and regain balance.

By incorporating these lifestyle changes, you should see your need for the ducolax becoming less and less.

Unless your medical doctor has advised you otherwise, you could try decreasing the number of tablets you take by one each week, or every two weeks until you are down to zero.

Hope that helps!

Michelle

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