Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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One quick question: Did anyone try to use digestive enzymes for constipation? Any success? And if so, which enzymes would you recommend?

I had many issues with gut ( symptomps pointing towards either IBS or leaky-gut ), but most of it I healed. Still, I experience recurring episodes of constipation.

flag	asked Dec 1 2011 at 17:26 caban 313●3●8

to make some general response to all of the comments and my progress: - kefir so far doesn't seem problematic and I think it is somewhat helpful - presently I go to toilet every second day, does it mean that I still don't have normal bowel movements ? ( considering that I weight 125 lbs ( 57 kg ) being 6.1 feet tall ( 186 cm ) ) - can I expect some side, short-term effects from eating fermented foods? after I started eating sauerkraut daily I see both positive ( less bloating ) and negative ( I need to eat less when I mix some food with it, cause otherwise I am begging to feel tired quicker ) – caban Dec 7 2011 at 22:49

Kate · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-02 14:55:32Z UTC

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Garden of Life Raw Enzymes helped someone I know with constipation, when none of the other above mentioned strategies did.

answered Dec 2 2011 at 14:55

Kate
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Nance · Answer 2 · 2011-12-01 17:59:20Z UTC

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For many people, anything fermented works to solve constipation. Yogurt, water kefir, sauerkraut, etc. Are you eating any of those? They also help establish good gut flora, particularly the kefir.

answered Dec 1 2011 at 17:59

Nance
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	Yes, I have started eating homemade kefir like two weeks ago, but very small amounts so far, since I was dairy free for few months and want to incorporate all dairy very slowly. I think it's making me good, but can't say any definite conclusions yet. I also eat occasionally sauerkraut, planning to make some by myself in future. Also taking probiotics for few months, but still have these occasional episodes with constipation lasting from two to three days. – caban Dec 1 2011 at 18:35
	One caveat re: probiotic foods- high protein dairy like kefir can be problematic for constipation. The GAPS diet recommends sauerkraut and sour cream for constipation; kefir for diarrhea. My n=1 supports this. I'd lay off the kefir until the constipation resolves. – Logically Illogical Dec 2 2011 at 16:48
	Just for clarification, I mentioned WATER kefir and I don't happen to use dairy kefir but I know many people do with good results. I can tell you that the water kefir is definitely not constipating! You have to start with small amounts to avoid diarrhea. – Nance Dec 2 2011 at 17:02
	I'm with Nancy on the water kefir. I also make my own kimchi and kombucha. – Canis Minor Dec 6 2011 at 18:40

carne · Answer 3 · 2011-12-06 18:33:02Z UTC

When posting about constipation you will usually get the same litany of answers about what to put in your body. Coconut oil, cold water on an empty stomach, enzymes, ripe bananas, fiber, coffee etc. You should be doing some/all of this but it is also important to remember that sometimes the problem is not what is going in your body but your body itself. Two pieces of advice for those with constipation.

1) Do not take laxatives. Ever. Sometimes constipation stems from loose intestinal muscles that cannot properly move the bowels along. Using laxatives makes your intestines dependent on the flush of water to the intestines that laxatives cause, instead of training your intestines to do their job properly. Just wait it out, it will come.

2) When you are on the toilet, practice the "Asian Squat". http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ky72KqArodY/TUpL2d_S9LI/AAAAAAAAAPY/79iq9FvOqTs/s320/AsianSquat.jpg

The way modern toilets are built are actually not optimal for doing one's business. The Asian squat however, makes your organs loose and more open and it is the optimal way to go. An easy way to do this is to put your feet up on the toilet and with your arms on the back of the toilet to help you with equilibrium. Another way is to sit on the toilet normally but lean forward as much as you can, sort of as if you are skiing. This will also relax the bowels. Do this everytime you are in the rest room for a few minutes. It should help.

Here is some more info, in of all places cracked.com. Read #7 http://www.cracked.com/article_19121_7-basic-things-you-wont-believe-youre-all-doing-wrong.html

HIIT also seems to help, as it gets everything pumping and moving.

Cherry Berry · Answer 4 · 2011-12-02 00:54:28Z UTC

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Constipation can be caused by menstrual cycles as well! But that might not be applicable if you are male. If so, nevermind :)

answered Dec 2 2011 at 0:54

Cherry Berry
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I am male, sorry :) – caban Dec 7 2011 at 22:36

Renee · Answer 5 · 2011-12-02 13:03:32Z UTC

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Are you taking magnesium? Do you squat when you go to the bathroom? Both help me a lot. www.squattpotty.com. I don't think digestive enzymes are gonna help with much except bloating and gas.

answered Dec 2 2011 at 13:03

Renee
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	I have been taking magnessium for a long time and of course they somehow helped me with my constipation, but they didn't fully resolve the problem – caban Dec 7 2011 at 22:36
	be careful in taking mg often for constipation, you can through off your electrolyte balance........ – jessica Feb 6 2012 at 2:31

Amanda Swann · Answer 6 · 2011-12-06 17:01:16Z UTC

Are you taking a probiotic? There are lots of good ones - just be sure to buy one that is stored cold (like found at Whole Foods). You can eat yogurt and drink kefir, but would have to consume a lot (calories and sugar) to match the amount of active units in a good probiotic supplement. Digestive enzymes can help with constipation (along with any bloating) as they help fully digest your food but they aren't a "magic pill." So you can't usually take them with one meal and expect to see a difference. I'd suggest taking a good digestive enzyme along with probiotics for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference. Or just start with a good probiotic for a week or two and see how it helps. I have more information on my web site about enzymes and probiotics at www.enzymeessentials.com Please let me know if you have any questions.

digestive enzymes for constipation

6 Answers