Latest news with #constipation
Health Line
15 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
Mounjaro Can Cause Constipation: How to Get Relief
Key takeaways Mounjaro is a prescription drug for adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug may help manage blood sugar levels when combined with exercise and a balanced diet. Constipation is one of the more common side effects of Mounjaro, according to studies of the drug required for its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To relieve constipation, try increasing your water intake, being more physically active, adding more fiber to your diet, or using over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as laxatives and stool softeners. Mounjaro is a brand-name drug used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is used along with exercise and a balanced diet. Digestive side effects, including constipation, are common with Mounjaro. Lifestyle changes like drinking more water or taking certain OTC products, such as laxatives, may help relieve constipation. Continue reading to learn more about constipation with Mounjaro and ways to find relief from this side effect. Mounjaro and constipation The more common side effects of Mounjaro are digestive-related side effects. In addition to constipation, these include: nausea and vomiting decreased appetite diarrhea According to the drug's studies, the number of times constipation occurred depended on the dose of Mounjaro. In the drug's studies, 6% of people using Mounjaro 5 milligrams (mg) or 10 mg reported constipation, while 7% of people using Mounjaro 15 mg reported constipation. Most of the time, constipation with Mounjaro is mild. But Mounjaro can cause more severe digestive problems. If you have severe gastrointestinal (GI) disease or severe gastroparesis, doctors likely won't recommend Mounjaro for you. How to treat constipation If you experience constipation during treatment with Mounjaro, here are a few tips to help you find relief. Lifestyle changes Making small adjustments to your daily routine may help relieve constipation while using Mounjaro. These adjustments may include: Drinking more water: Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day can help soften stools and keep bowel movements regular. Increase physical activity: Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, can help prevent and treat constipation. Keeping your body moving helps keep your gut healthy. Check out this article on some exercises to help relieve constipation. Increase fiber intake: If you usually have a low fiber intake, try to increase the amount of fiber you consume. Include foods such as kidney beans, chia seeds, and dark chocolate, which are high in fiber. Fiber increases the number of stools you pass and helps with constipation. OTC medications OTC laxatives and stool softeners are medications that can help you poop. Some examples of these medications include: bisacodyl (Dulcolax) docusate sodium (Colace) magnesium citrate sennosides (Senna) polyethylene glycol (Miralax) Before taking any OTC medications, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The OTC medications may interact with other drugs you're taking. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend the best option for you. In some cases, your doctor may consider changing your Mounjaro dosage or trying a different medication to help manage your blood sugar levels. It is also important to follow the instructions on the packaging when taking these medications. Healthcare professionals may recommend them for short-term use. If your constipation gets worse while taking these drugs, talk with your doctor right away. » Read more about Mounjaro dosage. Summary Mounjaro is a prescription drug used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Like most drugs, Mounjaro can cause side effects. Constipation is a more common side effect of Mounjaro. You may find relief from constipation by making some lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and taking OTC laxatives or stool softeners. If you have questions about constipation and Mounjaro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
WebMD
5 days ago
- Health
- WebMD
How Aging Affects Your Gut
With age comes wisdom. But it also comes with some not-so-welcome developments, like more moments of forgetfulness, more aches and pains – and, often, more digestive woes. Here are some of the most common issues and what you can do to feel better. Constipation Most people will experience constipation at one time or another. But as you age, it can happen more frequently. Your digestive tract may start to move more slowly, and waste that sits in your intestines for too long can dry out and become hard to pass. You may also be taking more medications, some of which could cause constipation. Being less active and drinking fewer fluids both increase the likelihood, too. What to do: Be sure you're staying well-hydrated, getting exercise, and including fiber-rich foods in your meals and snacks every day. If you're still having trouble, ask your doctor about trying a daily fiber supplement like psyllium or a laxative. Food Intolerances Are there foods you happily ate in the past that are now giving you grief? Production of some digestive enzymes can decline with age. For instance, older adults tend to make less lactase, the enzyme that breaks down the lactose in milk, so you may not tolerate dairy products as well. It's even possible to develop celiac disease (the inability to digest gluten) and food allergies as you get older. What to do: Jot down what you eat and drink as well as your symptoms for a couple of weeks to see if you can spot patterns. Always see your doctor if you think you're experiencing allergic symptoms such as vomiting, hives, or itching. Heartburn Muscle tone can weaken with age, and that includes the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus. When that valve weakens, acid from the stomach can splash up into the esophagus and cause the telltale burning sensation. If you've gained weight with age, that ups your risk of heartburn, too. What to do: Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of a few large ones (an overfull belly can cause that sphincter to become relaxed). Take an after-meal walk and avoid eating right before bed. Pay attention to whether any of these trigger foods may be bothering you: caffeine and carbonated drinks, alcohol, spicy or greasy foods, chocolate, mint, tomatoes and tomato products, and citrus fruits.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The #1 Nut to Help You Poop, Recommended by Dietitians
Constipation is common and often diet-related. Almonds are our top pick for nuts to help you poop. Almonds contain magnesium, fiber and healthy fats for constipation you make less than four trips to the bathroom for No. 2 each week, you might be experiencing constipation. Feeling uncomfortable on the toilet or having hard, dry stools are also signs of constipation. While it can be caused by several things, like medication or medical conditions, constipation is frequently related to diet. And the good news is, it can often be resolved with a few small dietary changes. Focusing on water and fiber is one of the best ways to relieve recurring constipation. Experts recommend increasing your fluid intake and incorporating high-fiber foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, veggies and nuts. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, you should aim to consume 22 to 34 grams of fiber per day, depending on your sex and age. When you increase your fiber intake, remember to drink more water. 'Consuming too little fiber, or too much fiber without drinking enough fluids, can lead to constipation," says Annette Snyder, M.S., RD, CSOWM, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. "Fiber and water work together to add weight to stools, which helps gravity do its job and allows for easier passage.' One delicious and simple way to increase your fiber intake is to enjoy a handful of nuts daily. But which ones are the best for easing constipation? We asked two registered dietitians what their top choice was for a healthy fiber-filled nut, and they both agreed: It's all about the almonds. While all nuts can help you up your fiber intake, almonds are a great choice for many reasons. A lot of research has been done on the health benefits of almonds. One study found that eating almonds was associated with a better-functioning gastrointestinal system and more stool output. While both results sound great for those living with constipation, it's important to note that the Almond Board of California funded this study, leaving room for bias. With that said, almonds do contain many great nutrients for easing constipation. Here's a rundown of the most impactful ones. Almonds have a whopping 77 milligrams of magnesium in just 1 ounce (about 23 almonds). Magnesium is an important mineral for many reasons, but it's great for easing constipation. 'Fiber, magnesium and other antioxidants found in almonds can help promote better digestion and a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut flora with a variety of good bacteria produces better digestion overall, and this helps prevent chronic constipation,' says Amy Pendleton Kay, RD, LD, a registered dietitian with Edge Nutrition & Dietetics. Research has shown that magnesium has a laxative effect and works by pulling water into the intestines to help stool move better. There's evidence that people have been using this mineral for constipation—and other health benefits—since at least the 8th century. Almonds are a great source of fiber, with nearly 4 grams in a 1-ounce serving. 'Fiber foods are important because they help soften the stool and increase the frequency of bowel movements, leading to an improvement in constipation symptoms," says Kay. Almonds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber pulls water into the intestines and turns into a gel, helping move things along in the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber bulks up stool and works with soluble fiber to reduce the chance of constipation. In addition to its gut-health benefits, fiber has another wonderful advantage—it is also known to reduce your risk of heart disease. Here is a surprising fact that both dietitians pointed out: Fats in your diet can help with good digestion, too. 'Dietary fats can also help ease constipation by increasing the strength of muscle contractions that push fecal matter along and then stimulating the colon to initiate a bowel movement," says Snyder. "It's best to choose less-inflammatory fats, such as unsaturated types, found in foods like almonds. These types of fats, along with a variety of fiber, help support our protective gut bacteria.' Almonds fit the bill nicely, with 14 grams of fat in 1 ounce, most of which comes from monounsaturated fats. Research backs up the importance of fat in your diet. One study looked at over 1,400 adults in Europe and found that those who ate more fat-rich foods, like nuts, olive oil and even butter, had lower rates of constipation. The low-fat trends of the '80s and '90s still seem to stick around here and there, but it's important to remember that fat is an essential part of your diet and needed by your body to function properly—and, it seems, was unfairly judged. Both dietitians recommended almonds as their top choice, but they said other nuts have many of the same great health benefits. If almonds aren't your favorite, here are four other nuts—chosen by our dietitians—that are high in all the nutrients you need to ease constipation and improve your health. Pistachios: Both Kay and Snyder recommend pistachios for all the same reasons. One ounce (about 49 pistachios) has 34 milligrams of magnesium, 3 grams of fiber and 13 grams of fat, most of it unsaturated. Some research suggests that pistachios are associated with a healthier balance of gut microbes. Hazelnuts: Also called filberts, these tasty nuts are one of Snyder's top choices. One ounce (about 21 nuts) has 46 milligrams of magnesium, almost 3 grams of fiber and 17 grams of fat, primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Walnuts: Snyder says that walnuts are a great choice to help you poop because of their high level of magnesium (45 milligrams per 1 -ounce serving) and polyunsaturated fats (13 grams out of 18 total grams of fat). To top it off, walnuts have 2 grams of fiber per ounce. There is evidence that eating about 2 oz. of walnuts daily may improve the gut microbiome's diversity. Pecans: Kay says pecans are one of the better choices if you're looking for good fiber content. One ounce (about 19 halves) contains about 3 grams of fiber, 34 milligrams of magnesium and 20 grams of fat, nearly all of which is unsaturated. Constipation is something many people deal with from time to time, but if you seem to experience it more often, consider adding almonds or other nuts to your diet. With their high fiber, magnesium and fat content, you'll be helping your digestion run smoothly. Adding almonds to your dishes can be more exciting than just grabbing a handful each day, so toss them onto your salad or add them to your oatmeal or yogurt for a healthy, crunchy addition. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
My bowel had to be removed after years of constipation
A woman whose bowel had to be removed due to chronic and severe constipation says we should all be more open to talking about basic bodily functions. Kathryn Nicklas, 26, was told for several years that her constipation was caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and she was repeatedly prescribed laxatives. She said embarrassment about her symptoms as a teenager meant she had struggled to advocate for her condition to be taken seriously. Prof Julie Cornish, a leading pelvic health doctor, said many patients required surgery for pelvic health problems but that simpler solutions were possible when symptoms were spotted sooner. 'I wouldn't poo if my husband was at home' Women 'scared to laugh or sneeze' due to incontinence Ms Nicklas, who works in north Wales, said before her surgery she was "taking laxatives like they were smarties" but "still struggling to go to the toilet". "I was forever living in floaty dresses because of the bloating and even bought maternity jeans just to be comfortable," she said. "If I was able to go [for a poo] it would only be as a result of irrigation or an enema. I'd come home from work and spend an hour on the toilet – I had no life, because I was always uncomfortable." She added: "On one occasion I didn't go to the toilet for four weeks and was admitted to hospital. "They said I was so full of poo, everything had just stopped working." Despite various tests and changes to her diet, no cause was ever found, but years of constipation had a long lasting impact on Ms Nicklas' pelvic organs – causing pain, vaginal bleeding and bloating. Ms Nicklas' large bowel was removed in 2022. As an adult, Ms Nicklas said she advocated for her symptoms to be taken seriously, but as a teenager she said embarrassment about bodily functions had made that more difficult. "Looking back now, why is that such an embarrassing thing? "Why is going to the toilet so embarrassing when it's just a normal function that everybody does? "Would my constipation have been better if I hadn't have refused to go to the toilet unless I was at home and my brothers weren't around and no one could hear me? Because that's not healthy decision making," she added. "As a result of the constipation and so many years of it my body's been affected. "Your pelvic floor gets absolutely destroyed by the fact that you're constantly trying to go but you can't go." Prof Cornish, a colorectal surgeon, said pelvic health issues affected both men and women. "It is a public health issue that actually we need to be giving information to people at an earlier stage – and it's not just women and girls, it's also boys and men because pelvic health issues affect everybody in different ways," she said. "We're not just talking about gynaecological bits, we're talking about the bladder and bowel which can be impacted and that does have a bearing on things like pelvic organ prolapse. "So if you are chronically constipated for many years you are far more likely to develop problems with a prolapse." The need for better understanding is part of the reason why Prof Cornish set up the Everywoman health festival in Cardiff, which is now in its third year. A thousand tickets will be given free to teenagers this year, with educational sessions planned on menstrual health, pelvic health and knowing basic body parts. Shakira Hassan, a specialist women's health physiotherapist, treats a wide range of conditions including pelvic pain, bladder, bowel and prolapse issues, where pelvic organs have lowered out of place. "If you were to examine most women over 40, 50% of those women will actually have a pelvic organ prolapse, so it's about being able to educate and empower those women to be able to still lead a really normal and well life," she said. Ms Hassan said stigma was a huge factor, which could be worse in some cultures. "We know that potentially one in three women will experience some urinary incontinence and potentially one in four women will experience some level of faecal incontinence throughout their life. That's huge numbers – it's really common." "Education is key," said Prof Cornish. "And the difficulty is that whilst there are some people who have that understanding or are able to access that education, you're essentially disenfranchising a large proportion of the population who may not be able to access it, and they may end up being the patients that I see more of. "You see the inequalities that are out there. "But all of this leads to a massive delay in treatment and usually an increase in the severity of symptoms and treatments needed. "We all have a responsibility for our own health and that is going to be key – it's not just about off-loading it to the NHS, so I think the more we teach our children, that's going to empower them to take responsibility going forward." The Welsh government said: "Health and wellbeing is a mandatory part of the curriculum for Wales and helps learners to understand different factors that affect their physical health. "Our guidance expects children to learn about a range of health conditions that can affect them." 'I want my womb removed but doctors say I'm too young' Cut wait times for extra cash, FM warns health bosses 'I discovered my fat build-up condition after a Love Islander had it'
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
My large bowel had to be removed after years of constipation
A woman whose bowel had to be removed due to chronic and severe constipation says we should all be more open to talking about basic bodily Nicklas, 26, was told for several years that her constipation was caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and she was repeatedly prescribed said embarrassment about her symptoms as a teenager meant she had struggled to advocate for her condition to be taken seriously. Prof Julie Cornish, a leading pelvic health doctor, said many patients required surgery for pelvic health problems but that simpler solutions were possible when symptoms were spotted sooner. Ms Nicklas, who works in north Wales, said before her surgery she was "taking laxatives like they were smarties" but "still struggling to go to the toilet"."I was forever living in floaty dresses because of the bloating and even bought maternity jeans just to be comfortable," she said."If I was able to go [for a poo] it would only be as a result of irrigation or an enema. I'd come home from work and spend an hour on the toilet – I had no life, because I was always uncomfortable."She added: "On one occasion I didn't go to the toilet for four weeks and was admitted to hospital."They said I was so full of poo, everything had just stopped working."Despite various tests and changes to her diet, no cause was ever found, but years of constipation had a long lasting impact on Ms Nicklas' pelvic organs – causing pain, vaginal bleeding and Nicklas' large bowel was removed in 2022. As an adult, Ms Nicklas said she advocated for her symptoms to be taken seriously, but as a teenager she said embarrassment about bodily functions had made that more difficult."Looking back now, why is that such an embarrassing thing?"Why is going to the toilet so embarrassing when it's just a normal function that everybody does?"Would my constipation have been better if I hadn't have refused to go to the toilet unless I was at home and my brothers weren't around and no one could hear me? Because that's not healthy decision making," she added."As a result of the constipation and so many years of it my body's been affected."Your pelvic floor gets absolutely destroyed by the fact that you're constantly trying to go but you can't go." Prof Cornish, a colorectal surgeon, said pelvic health issues affected both men and women."It is a public health issue that actually we need to be giving information to people at an earlier stage – and it's not just women and girls, it's also boys and men because pelvic health issues affect everybody in different ways," she said."We're not just talking about gynaecological bits, we're talking about the bladder and bowel which can be impacted and that does have a bearing on things like pelvic organ prolapse."So if you are chronically constipated for many years you are far more likely to develop problems with a prolapse."The need for better understanding is part of the reason why Prof Cornish set up the Everywoman health festival in Cardiff, which is now in its third year.A thousand tickets will be given free to teenagers this year, with educational sessions planned on menstrual health, pelvic health and knowing basic body parts. Shakira Hassan, a specialist women's health physiotherapist, treats a wide range of conditions including pelvic pain, bladder, bowel and prolapse issues, where pelvic organs have lowered out of place."If you were to examine most women over 40, 50% of those women will actually have a pelvic organ prolapse, so it's about being able to educate and empower those women to be able to still lead a really normal and well life," she Hassan said stigma was a huge factor, which could be worse in some cultures."We know that potentially one in three women will experience some urinary incontinence and potentially one in four women will experience some level of faecal incontinence throughout their life. That's huge numbers – it's really common." "Education is key," said Prof Cornish. "And the difficulty is that whilst there are some people who have that understanding or are able to access that education, you're essentially disenfranchising a large proportion of the population who may not be able to access it, and they may end up being the patients that I see more of."You see the inequalities that are out there."But all of this leads to a massive delay in treatment and usually an increase in the severity of symptoms and treatments needed."We all have a responsibility for our own health and that is going to be key – it's not just about off-loading it to the NHS, so I think the more we teach our children, that's going to empower them to take responsibility going forward."The Welsh government said: "Health and wellbeing is a mandatory part of the curriculum for Wales and helps learners to understand different factors that affect their physical health. "Our guidance expects children to learn about a range of health conditions that can affect them."
