The forbidden topic

Constipation.   No ONE wants to talk or read about this – unless you’re having problems.

Doctors prescribe drugs.  I have a client whose primary care doctor told her that it was OK to take Miralax every day.  Are you KIDDING ME?

Yesterday a client said – in passing – I think I’m constipated all the time.   Last night it hit me.  This is something we should talk about.  It’s important.

Both my mother and grandfather dealt with this and, as a teenager, I had a hemorrhoidectomy.  It was grim.  Since that time, I have had a toilet seat bidet wherever I lived.

I’m reminded of a dear client – Allie – with whom I walked and worked for 12 years – from when she was 89 to just over 100.  She had a SYSTEM.  That’s what everyone needs – a “system.”

I’m the most “regular” person I know.  But when I travel – even one night away from home – blammo, I’m stopped up.  I have a “system” to proactively and prophylactically prevent that.

If you ever get into an accident or have a procedure done and have to take pain meds – BLAMMO – you’re instantly stopped up.   You too need a “system.”

Here was Allie’s system – fine tuned to a TEE – 12 dried prunes soaked in water.  2 prunes every day for 4 days, 5 prunes on the 5^th day and 2 prunes + ½  cup of the soaked “juice” on the 7^th day.   DO NOT use this system – this was her regimen that worked for HER.   I put it here as an example of the level of thought and fine tuning that went into keeping HER regular.

My system – a very good diet with lots of fiber.   Bidet wash every morning.  My favorite herbal laxative taken when I travel.  For travel, I also carry 1 or 2 Smooth Move tea bags.

There are stool softeners, fiber/bulk additives.  I know someone who swears by coffee enemas (which I think is nuts).   With the current awareness of our microbiome, consider how you are treating your elimination system.  Consider the problem – the cause – before just taking a laxative as a fix to a symptom.

What’s your “system?”