I'm so glad that he brought up *bloating* being caused by constipation. I see this pretty frequently. If you can correct the root cause(s) of constipation and get folks poopin' again the bloating starts to finally dissipate. Granted, there are other reasons for bloating, so this isn't a 100% fool-proof solution for bloating, but it's definitly worth exploring if you have both problems.
Very informative video from someone who has been constipated for many years but has recently started eating loads more veggies daily, this has been a game changer. Thank you Dr B
I’ve been on ZOE for a year and my health has improved dramatically. However lately my bowel habits suddenly got worse. I couldn’t figure out what was making me feel bloated, nauseous, pooping way more and not good ones… this podcast helped me realize I was constipated ..and the light bulb moment that I’d been adding many more plants but not drinking enough water! Plus the prune juice recommendation and why it helps. After increasing water (check the color of your pee!), restarting my daily exercise routine and adding more water and I’m much better and back on track. Thank you for this podcast!
i have had those tests, and i must say, it was not as embarrassing/humiliating/upsetting/awkward/painful etc as i had feared. They were game-changing because we realised through these tests and following discussion, that i had a bad technique of pushing too hard for too long due to a life-time of chronic constipation stemming from a childhood where i often didn't feel 'safe' to poop. diet changes and pro-biotics have also helped and i regularly go once a day o late, although consistency could still be better XD
Very interesting & important discussion. I have found that chewing my food really well has helped with bloating & bowel movements. And drinking plenty of water helps too
I had problems with constipation off and on for years, then had chronic small hard stools for a year. After a colonoscopy, my gastroenterologist just told me to take a prescription. Consulted a functional dietician, who found me to be eating a healthy diet. I took extra fiber supplements, probiotics, enzymes, walked more, drank more water, etc. Still the same issue. What worked for me was keeping a food diary. He instructed me to pay attention to abdominal pain and burping after eating. Found out that lactose causes abdominal pain, but my real culprits are garlic and onions (experienced burping). Since eliminating these from my diet, I've had no problems. I also have increased my consumption of root vegetables and resistant starch.
Have you found that you also have an issue with wheat? Or beans? I ask because onion and garlic are high in FODMAPs called fructans. In either case, you may find that herbal prokinetics (ex. ginger, artichoke) can help you reintroduce those foods without issue.
@@gutmicrobiomequeen I used an artichoke/ ginger supplement for several months, which helped a little, but didn't have that much impact until cutting out garlic and onions. I have discontinued using it. I make garlic/ onion infused oil and that works well for cooking and salad dressing. I went without wheat for a year with no improvement, except losing weight. I have introduced wheat and it seems to be keeping me regular. I mostly eat sourdough bread and use a variety of sprouted grains in pancakes, waffles, crepes etc. As far as beans, black beans and lentils seemed to be a problem. As per my dietitian, I use white canned beans and rinse and cook them a little before consuming, and that works well. I also take Fodmate when I'm eating out and possibly may have eaten something I'm sensitive to.
@@sheilasconcretegarden9946 sounds like you've covered a lot of bases! And I'm glad you're working with an RD. I see a lot of people go on very restrictive diets without proper guidance and it's not pretty 😬 Without good guidance, a lot of people 1. Overly restrict their diet unnecessarily and 2. Wind up with a ton of nutritional deficiencies
@@gutmicrobiomequeen yes, I started on the low FODMAP diet for about three weeks before seeing a dietitian. He had me switch to a no dairy no gluten diet, which seemed more restrictive... I also have diverticulosis and he pointed out popcorn and corn were causing flare-ups with that. I am no longer seeing him on a monthly basis; just will consult him if I have further problems. This has really been an educational experience!
@@sheilasconcretegarden9946try sprouting your beans for a few days. That lowers lectins much more than just cooking. I almost wait for a bit of fermentation to occur then cook. It does change the taste. Try it
I've tried all sorts for constapation and none worked! But I started drinking beetroot juice for general health (and I like it!) A side effect was I stopped taking tablets for constapation because since I started drinking beetroot juice I don't need them and poop almost daily now!
I eat a plant based diet but still suffer with constipation. What wasn’t covered is prolapse, hysterectomies, thyroid disease, also the suggestion of high FODMAP options for ways to help constipation isn’t an option for many people with IBS, coeliac disease. Having a healthy diet isn’t the remedy for me.
A word of caution - when you have SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) with chronic constipation, stomach churning, bloating and gas, increasing your fibre intake or consumption of fermented foods can actually exacerbate your symptoms. A low FODMAP diet might help, which is a bit restrictive as it excludes gluten and dairy and many fruits/veggies and beans/legumes as well - but necessary to heal the small intestines before reintroducing some of these otherwise healthy whole foods. You don't necessarily have to cut all these out completely, just reduce your consumption to tolerable levels. According to my research, the vagus nerve might also have something to do with SIBO, and could actually be the root cause - food intolerances are just the effect of SIBO not the cause! Hypothyroidism is also implicated - the theory is that SIBO causes hypothyroidism by blocking the conversion of T3 to T4 - but hypothyroidism may also promote SIBO - it's a vicious circle!
I have hydrogen SIBO but no thyroid issues. My problems started after getting long covid. I'm using antibiotics for it . Vagus nerve is an interesting 🤔 concept I was looking into recently.. I am more stressed and SIBO makes me more stressed
I suffered with all those symptoms and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism my gut has got worse and I suffer with chronic constipation yet mp go argues hypothyroidism does not cause gut issues or constipation! Omg I knew it ! I have suffered for the last 3 years since hypothyroidism
I’ve started eating more kiwi fruit, including the skin as I recently heard that ups the fibre content by 50%, always used to peel them before & I am finding I’m going more frequently. I like dried prunes & I know they’re good for constipation & also good for our bones but I worry about the amount of sugar in dried fruit including figs which I also really like so I tend to avoid these. Love listening to Dr Will as he puts info across in a way that’s easy to understand.
@16Elless This is a good option but kiwi fruits are sprayed with pesticides so if you eat the skin they need a good wash firstly to eliminate some of the toxins
There seems to be a fair amount of info about constipation and how to fix it but not so much on what might be causing stools towards the other end of the Bristol stool chart. It would be great to have another interview with Dr. Will about that 🙂
Ten years ago my husband called me in from the garden to listen to Dr Oz about this subject and that's when my life took a turn for the better. (I have struggled all my life, desperately in my youth sometimes.) I started to look into it and with my cast iron stomach, nothing seemed to work. I tried prune juice and didn't really like it. But now, I sprinkle a bowl full of prunes with cinnamon, fill it with water, cover it, and the next day I have four on my whole grain toast and unadulterated peanut butter. It is heaven, and I have never had an issue since. I love the taste - it beats jam any day. I take them on vacation (without the water obviously). I'll never look back.😉
If you are a woman over 30 and have progressive abdominal bloating go get an MRI. Your bloat (and constipation) may be growths in your abdomen. In my case I tolerated what I thought was bloat until I landed in the ER and required immediate major surgery and loss of organs due to several benign tumors. Go get an MRI. Eating well is great, microbiome blah blah sure. But you may have a serious problem and think it’s your diet. It’s not.
Could be caused by a subtle *change* of diet. e.g. the patient is an undiagnosed 'closet celiac' or 'closet IBD' which they have managed themselves by avoiding some foods which they have learnt their body does not like, but then they start eating a new food (processed food, snack, etc.) every day and don't realise that it is causing their gut to play up. So maybe also ask yourself, have I changed anything about my food and drink intake recently?
Could the host of the show possibly talk about this topic without always being on the verge of smiling and joking about it as if he’s very uncomfortable with the whole subject. I really like the doctors demeanor. Very professional and “ matter of fact”, able to talk about it comfortably to make the listener comfortable.
Im having a real bad bout of constipation - and what he says about prunes is correct. Although I try not to make a daily thing - because - when after feeling SO backed up & uncomfortable after 3 days or so - straining - I eat prunes along with water - and 4 hours later, I have to poop - but the problem is that it comes in the form of diarrhea and not normal poop - and I never quite know when I'm finished. I often think I'm finished, but I'm not so I have to rush back to the bathroom. I figure the diarrhea was helping my constipation - but guess not.
Wow, I can say that after listening to this and learning more about constipation, I need a new evacuation system !!! It hasn’t been functioning the way it’s supposed to my entire life thus far….I would try to see this doctor if I had the funds to do so….
OMG Dr. !!! You just helped me so much. I have both D and C. I had no idea what was going on. I eat only a plant based diet for years. So not sure what is happening yet but you have me going a different path now.
Am listening to your program from Papua 🇵🇬 new.. I suffer from constipation every day difficult to poop whts causing it & what could i do to prevent it & to cure it ?? Please advise me.
Jonathan, you are a nice guy, but you talk too much and interrupt too much during these interviews. This would have been so much better if you had allowed Dr. B to finish his thoughts. Please try to allow the people you interview to talk more, and you talk less. Thank you.
I dont know why but very often he comes across as a narcissistic person who loves to hear his own voice and over confident enough to think he himself is superior to other people. Its good to challenge politely with evidence from journals, but let expert people finish talking
Yes, that's because he is plant based vegan so, of course, h e is ALWAYS RIGHT by virtue that he is speaking! If you are stopped up , then , obviously the cure for that is to stuff MORE FIBER into the narrow , clogged intestine! Funny, I don't have this problem with meat based diet. One time a day, few minutes , done! No drugs, no tests , no treatments needed, which is opposite theory!
Could you do a video on nearly the opposite please? I “go” at least 3 times with in 3 hrs of getting up, then in the afternoon. I normally only eat once a day. As a result I my fishing sessions etc result in me penguin walking home in a cold sweat, cheeks firmly clenched. So I don’t go out much unless I clearly know where the loos are
Jonathan, those functional tests are nothing compared to a colonoscopy. They're not uncomfortable. Colonoscopy prep, another story. I'd take the former any day. Not that I wish them on anyone, but if you go to choose....
I’ve been taking magnesium citrate for years and it seems to help… Is that something you would recommend? ….pickles seems to help too, but you don’t include them on your list of ’firmented’ foods ??
It amazes me that in 2018, i asked the doctor preforming tests to find a cause for ky sons constipation, if they could not follow the food through the process and see what was happening, exactly what that second test mentioned here does. I just got a shake of the head and a NO as a reply. Im just happy to know i was actually thinking the right way. He still has constipation! Stool softeners are all thats prescribed for kids with disabilities! So backward! The runny constipation is something he has experience with. Impaction and overflow. I will say that overflow has a particular smell.
Would love to know what foods to avoid when constipated and does one need to treat constipation breakouts or constipation acne? Does a slow gall bladder cause constipation?
Very informative, would love a discussion for people who tend to sit more on the other end of the BM spectrum- why do some people tend to have loose-large/complete BMs and 1/2 a kiwi gives them diarrhea whilst others it does absolutely nothing!? Haha
I always thought constipation was about having hard poop. I think my problem might be not drinking enough water, I'm never thirsty enough, I pour a glass of water, have sips or don't touch it, or I think I need a drink and when I do start drinking, I'm not thirsty and can't drink it. My solution would be exercise, that makes me drink much more.
Yes, except that it is sometime useful to gave something to compare with alternate views. Certainly Zoe presents a one-sided argument, but if you see it for what it is there is some value there at least.
His broad statement about "all artificial sweeteners are bad". I don't think this is true. Stevia and Monk fruit are technically not artificial right???
If prunes provide sorbitol which eases constipation, would anything with sorbitol do the same? I'm thinking specifically about artificially - sweetened products such as chewing gum which display a warning on the packet to not eat too much because they will give you diarrhea.
Interesting. I consider myself to be constipated, yet I exercise every day ( yoga, walking, strength and cardio workouts), I drink around 1.5l of water a day, I eat a lot of plant foods cooked from fresh and very little processed foods, so I don’t understand why… it’s not a big issue but equally I would prefer to not have that feeling of needing to a lot of the time. I relate to the overflow diarrhoea. Should I be concerned ? Btw I never feel bloated or have excess gaz and if practice IF most days.
How come your period can affect bowel movement? My bowel movement is never normal during that week. I'm either constipated, or it's going towards the opposite direction and I have to go 2 or 3 times a day....
That happened to me too… and I had horrible pain just prior to my BMs because of my endometriosis. I’m in my 60s now, and am grateful that I don’t have to deal with that anymore.
It's not uncommon to be a little slow/constipated in the second half of your cycle as your body is progesterone dominant which slows your gut. When menstruation is imminent, you produce prostaglandins which can cause intestinal hurry-ups
if ur talking keto, dr sarah myhill's version stopped me having constipation while i was on it. Flax seed bread and 5g vit c were key components. Admittedly, her info is targeted towards the me/cfs community, which is how i found her n discovered paleo-keto. Since i came off the diet, my constipation progressed further until i was forced to goto the doc XD I think that diet was the healthiest ive ever been, its just very difficult for me to maintain with my issues, though i do stay as close as i can tolerate. the type of vegies are also key. i didnt have any root veg, or 'fruit' veg (peas) it was cruciferous and leafy greens on my plate
i pretty much lived on stir-fry, a 2 ppl worth of veggies (stir-fry veg bag to start with), 1 portion meat, cooked in coconut oil and herbs/spices, and flax/linseed bread, sometimes nuts and/or healthy 'fat bombs'. once i was adapted, i didnt want or need to eat more than the stir-fry n bread.i frankly wish id never stopped eating that way. im not as desperate now as i was back then when i was bed bound half the week or more and thus havent found enough incentive to stay on the diet long enough. YMMV 'self-care' as never been my forte even before i got chronic fatigue and i didnt know how to cook either n still not confident n frankly detest the kitchen, food is fuel only XD
9:09 Why do I not feel much comforted by Jon's praising this 'high tech' procedure to treat constipation? It sure is nothing more than a fancy gizmo in the hands if a stranger trying to peek into one's innards. To the sufferer as one, it would be way better not to be the subject of such procedure. It doesn't cure the distress, it's just a diagnostic tool that does not guarantee resolution to the problem. Never mind, how newfangled the tech might be in the lab room trying this novelty. Kudos to Dr B for caring for his patients' sensitivities by this answer. The right solution is to be pro-active as explained😅
from things that I've read, yes. Look up slow transit constipation. It's different again from what most people think of constipation. I have developed slow transit in the last 3 years, take masses of laxatives, and still don't go properly, even with a lot of laxatives. During my research, excess colon can be a cause. I don't have a cause for mine yet, though it started just after I had my appendix out. Gastroenterologist isn't really interested in pursuing it after clear colonoscopies :(
I've been Near-Carnivore for more than 4 years. I don't eat vegetables or fruits. (I eat 2 meals a day, no snacks, no junk food). I don't get the symptoms of constipation. And no bloating. Why should I? The food I eat mostly gets digested in the stomach and small intestine. So far less has to be pooped out! Think of constipation as a traffic-jam in the gut. I don't add to the traffic-jam! Many people using the "Carnivore food-style" report improved gut health. A study in 1930 had 2 people eat just meat for a year, With improved health and no constipation. ZOE needs to get up-to-date on "Ketogenic food-style" (it got this badly wrong) and "Carnivore food-style".
I am just starting on Keto and find you make a good point. I see to have improved along with intermittent fasting which helps with the migrating motor complex to get things moving
I can see why the Carnivore diet works by eliminating nearly everything else other than meat from your diet. But is it sustainable long term - and more importantly - is it healthy? Food intolerances are not the root cause of the problem - they are merely the effect of something else that has gone wrong in the body, through decades of abuse (too much sugar, processed food, environmental toxins, obesity, etc). Elimination diets can be useful on a short term basis while your gut heals - then you can add back whole foods one by one to see what happens. Once your gut heals - and you have addressed the underlying issues if any - you shouldn't have any problems on a whole food diet.
It’s a year later and Zoe has doubled down on the eat more plants less animals mantra, rather than learn about this alternative approach. It’s a pity because for some people, eliminating plant material revolutionises their health. Enough long term carnivores now exist to show there is no scurvy, no nutrient deficiencies, no heart attacks caused by eliminating plants. Keto and carnivore are realistic therapies that should be advocated for. Zoe never will however, regardless of the evidence.
@@ZsuzsaKarolySmithMaybe, but why risk it if none of those foods is necessary for human health, and their inclusion risks a deterioration of health. At least, from my understanding, that is what low or zero carb advocates would argue.
I get this sporadically and last time it was caused or exacerbated by dry roast peanuts. Ye God's, thank goodness that episode ended after 4 days on a liquid diet.
Hi can anyone help? I have been prescribed movicol & lactulose by colorectal surgeon, are there any prescription laxatives or stool softeners that I can take that don't ruin the gut microbiome? I have an extremely healthy diet, the constipation is not a result of a poor diet. Thanks
I'm in the same boat - look into SIBO and also the vagus nerve, which can be the root cause of SIBO. Also have your thyroids checked - hypothyroidism could be an issue. Treating the constipation doesn't address the root cause. I'm trying to follow a low FODMAP diet excluding/reducing dairy, gluten, grains, starches etc - to see if my symptoms improve - and then reintroduce them slowly. These food intolerances can be caused by SIBO - bit it's not clear what causes SIBO itself (which is where the vagus nerve theory comes in) - hypothyroidism may be both the cause and the effect. Check out Dr. DiNezza's channel: @gutmicrobiomequeen
The bowel is emptied of faeces with suppositories etc and then weetabix type stuff with contrast medium is put into your rectum. You then push that out. Medical staff are very sensitive to the dignity of the patient and it does not hurt.
@@helenjones7056 yes and I saw this featured on embarrassing bodies where the patient sits on a toilet pan behind a screen and the imaging equipment films the stools journey to exit to see of there is any physical abnormality
Hi. I wonder if anyone has some advice for me. I've watched many videos from this site - and I seem to have constipation (on & off) at times I feel normal and with a just a bit of straining or pushing - I have a normal BM. If I add prunes to my diet - 4 hours later - I HAVE go to and so much comes out followed by diarrhea. Jut when I think I'm finished; there is more - !!! I drives me crazy. But what I want to ask right now is this....I take a walk every day - but it always feels as if here is something 'there' - it's also a bit sore - I'm assuming from 'straining'? I am very uncomforable even taking a walk - feeling as if here is something there - sometimes there is - sometimes there isn't. How do I deal with this issue. I have to wait a few month to see my gastro doctor. Thank you.
Oh, really? Plant fibres ( cellulose) aid digestion? This is antiquated nonsense. I haven't eaten any plants for ten months, and I laugh in the face of this. 😅
I'm so glad that he brought up *bloating* being caused by constipation. I see this pretty frequently. If you can correct the root cause(s) of constipation and get folks poopin' again the bloating starts to finally dissipate. Granted, there are other reasons for bloating, so this isn't a 100% fool-proof solution for bloating, but it's definitly worth exploring if you have both problems.
Very informative video from someone who has been constipated for many years but has recently started eating loads more veggies daily, this has been a game changer. Thank you Dr B
Hello Beautiful
Totally agree - less is more from the presenter
I’ve been on ZOE for a year and my health has improved dramatically. However lately my bowel habits suddenly got worse. I couldn’t figure out what was making me feel bloated, nauseous, pooping way more and not good ones… this podcast helped me realize I was constipated ..and the light bulb moment that I’d been adding many more plants but not drinking enough water! Plus the prune juice recommendation and why it helps. After increasing water (check the color of your pee!), restarting my daily exercise routine and adding more water and I’m much better and back on track. Thank you for this podcast!
i have had those tests, and i must say, it was not as embarrassing/humiliating/upsetting/awkward/painful etc as i had feared.
They were game-changing because we realised through these tests and following discussion, that i had a bad technique of pushing too hard for too long due to a life-time of chronic constipation stemming from a childhood where i often didn't feel 'safe' to poop.
diet changes and pro-biotics have also helped and i regularly go once a day o late, although consistency could still be better XD
Very interesting & important discussion. I have found that chewing my food really well has helped with bloating & bowel movements. And drinking plenty of water helps too
I had problems with constipation off and on for years, then had chronic small hard stools for a year. After a colonoscopy, my gastroenterologist just told me to take a prescription. Consulted a functional dietician, who found me to be eating a healthy diet. I took extra fiber supplements, probiotics, enzymes, walked more, drank more water, etc. Still the same issue. What worked for me was keeping a food diary. He instructed me to pay attention to abdominal pain and burping after eating. Found out that lactose causes abdominal pain, but my real culprits are garlic and onions (experienced burping). Since eliminating these from my diet, I've had no problems. I also have increased my consumption of root vegetables and resistant starch.
Have you found that you also have an issue with wheat? Or beans? I ask because onion and garlic are high in FODMAPs called fructans. In either case, you may find that herbal prokinetics (ex. ginger, artichoke) can help you reintroduce those foods without issue.
@@gutmicrobiomequeen I used an artichoke/ ginger supplement for several months, which helped a little, but didn't have that much impact until cutting out garlic and onions. I have discontinued using it. I make garlic/ onion infused oil and that works well for cooking and salad dressing. I went without wheat for a year with no improvement, except losing weight. I have introduced wheat and it seems to be keeping me regular. I mostly eat sourdough bread and use a variety of sprouted grains in pancakes, waffles, crepes etc. As far as beans, black beans and lentils seemed to be a problem. As per my dietitian, I use white canned beans and rinse and cook them a little before consuming, and that works well. I also take Fodmate when I'm eating out and possibly may have eaten something I'm sensitive to.
@@sheilasconcretegarden9946 sounds like you've covered a lot of bases! And I'm glad you're working with an RD. I see a lot of people go on very restrictive diets without proper guidance and it's not pretty 😬 Without good guidance, a lot of people 1. Overly restrict their diet unnecessarily and 2. Wind up with a ton of nutritional deficiencies
@@gutmicrobiomequeen yes, I started on the low FODMAP diet for about three weeks before seeing a dietitian. He had me switch to a no dairy no gluten diet, which seemed more restrictive... I also have diverticulosis and he pointed out popcorn and corn were causing flare-ups with that. I am no longer seeing him on a monthly basis; just will consult him if I have further problems. This has really been an educational experience!
@@sheilasconcretegarden9946try sprouting your beans for a few days. That lowers lectins much more than just cooking. I almost wait for a bit of fermentation to occur then cook. It does change the taste. Try it
Well done guys, an extremely pertinent and concise run down of the problem
Fun conversation, guys! :) I too could talk about/listen to poop discussions all day long - so incredibly important!
Nearly impossible to find healthcare professionals who will do anything except precribe RX or OTC drugs
I've tried all sorts for constapation and none worked! But I started drinking beetroot juice for general health (and I like it!) A side effect was I stopped taking tablets for constapation because since I started drinking beetroot juice I don't need them and poop almost daily now!
Try magnesium( citrate) before you go to sleep.Helps.
B1 deficiency can cause same constipation .
I eat a plant based diet but still suffer with constipation. What wasn’t covered is prolapse, hysterectomies, thyroid disease, also the suggestion of high FODMAP options for ways to help constipation isn’t an option for many people with IBS, coeliac disease. Having a healthy diet isn’t the remedy for me.
I know it's a late reply, but have you tried adding more healthy fats?
A word of caution - when you have SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) with chronic constipation, stomach churning, bloating and gas, increasing your fibre intake or consumption of fermented foods can actually exacerbate your symptoms. A low FODMAP diet might help, which is a bit restrictive as it excludes gluten and dairy and many fruits/veggies and beans/legumes as well - but necessary to heal the small intestines before reintroducing some of these otherwise healthy whole foods. You don't necessarily have to cut all these out completely, just reduce your consumption to tolerable levels. According to my research, the vagus nerve might also have something to do with SIBO, and could actually be the root cause - food intolerances are just the effect of SIBO not the cause! Hypothyroidism is also implicated - the theory is that SIBO causes hypothyroidism by blocking the conversion of T3 to T4 - but hypothyroidism may also promote SIBO - it's a vicious circle!
I have hydrogen SIBO but no thyroid issues. My problems started after getting long covid. I'm using antibiotics for it . Vagus nerve is an interesting 🤔 concept I was looking into recently.. I am more stressed and SIBO makes me more stressed
I suffered with all those symptoms and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism my gut has got worse and I suffer with chronic constipation yet mp go argues hypothyroidism does not cause gut issues or constipation! Omg I knew it ! I have suffered for the last 3 years since hypothyroidism
I’ve started eating more kiwi fruit, including the skin as I recently heard that ups the fibre content by 50%, always used to peel them before & I am finding I’m going more frequently. I like dried prunes & I know they’re good for constipation & also good for our bones but I worry about the amount of sugar in dried fruit including figs which I also really like so I tend to avoid these. Love listening to Dr Will as he puts info across in a way that’s easy to understand.
@16Elless This is a good option but kiwi fruits are sprayed with pesticides so if you eat the skin they need a good wash firstly to eliminate some of the toxins
There seems to be a fair amount of info about constipation and how to fix it but not so much on what might be causing stools towards the other end of the Bristol stool chart. It would be great to have another interview with Dr. Will about that 🙂
There is a book called cure constipation now by jon wes. he treats constipation and diarhea in his protocol the same way.
Great work from Zoe! The information is very well presented and accessible.
Ten years ago my husband called me in from the garden to listen to Dr Oz about this subject and that's when my life took a turn for the better. (I have struggled all my life, desperately in my youth sometimes.) I started to look into it and with my cast iron stomach, nothing seemed to work. I tried prune juice and didn't really like it. But now, I sprinkle a bowl full of prunes with cinnamon, fill it with water, cover it, and the next day I have four on my whole grain toast and unadulterated peanut butter. It is heaven, and I have never had an issue since. I love the taste - it beats jam any day. I take them on vacation (without the water obviously). I'll never look back.😉
I’m going to give that a try!
@@16Elless Please do. I really hope it works! Tip: if you want them quicker, boiling water works faster.!
If you are a woman over 30 and have progressive abdominal bloating go get an MRI. Your bloat (and constipation) may be growths in your abdomen. In my case I tolerated what I thought was bloat until I landed in the ER and required immediate major surgery and loss of organs due to several benign tumors. Go get an MRI. Eating well is great, microbiome blah blah sure. But you may have a serious problem and think it’s your diet. It’s not.
Information excellent in this video.
No chance of talking to one of our gp’s as they are resigning and really don’t care.
Mine certainly wouldn't be interested
Could be caused by a subtle *change* of diet. e.g. the patient is an undiagnosed 'closet celiac' or 'closet IBD' which they have managed themselves by avoiding some foods which they have learnt their body does not like, but then they start eating a new food (processed food, snack, etc.) every day and don't realise that it is causing their gut to play up. So maybe also ask yourself, have I changed anything about my food and drink intake recently?
Could the host of the show possibly talk about this topic without always being on the verge of smiling and joking about it as if he’s very uncomfortable with the whole subject. I really like the doctors demeanor. Very professional and “ matter of fact”, able to talk about it comfortably to make the listener comfortable.
Chill out. 🙂
Very useful video, thank you Dr Will! P. S. Didnt appreciate Jonathan laughing/ joking about constipation throughout
Magnesium citrate.
Im having a real bad bout of constipation - and what he says about prunes is correct. Although I try not to make a daily thing - because - when after feeling SO backed up & uncomfortable after 3 days or so - straining - I eat prunes along with water - and 4 hours later, I have to poop - but the problem is that it comes in the form of diarrhea and not normal poop - and I never quite know when I'm finished. I often think I'm finished, but I'm not so I have to rush back to the bathroom. I figure the diarrhea was helping my constipation - but guess not.
Wow, I can say that after listening to this and learning more about constipation, I need a new evacuation system !!! It hasn’t been functioning the way it’s supposed to my entire life thus far….I would try to see this doctor if I had the funds to do so….
Thanks so much, Guys. It was educative listening to you.
Magnesium works for me..its been a game changer.
Should the treatment of constipation be different if one is taking medication which, as a side effect, can cause constipation?
Great question
OMG Dr. !!! You just helped me so much. I have both D and C. I had no idea what was going on. I eat only a plant based diet for years. So not sure what is happening yet but you have me going a different path now.
Am listening to your program from Papua 🇵🇬 new..
I suffer from constipation every day difficult to poop whts causing it & what could i do to prevent it & to cure it ?? Please advise me.
Jonathan, you are a nice guy, but you talk too much and interrupt too much during these interviews. This would have been so much better if you had allowed Dr. B to finish his thoughts. Please try to allow the people you interview to talk more, and you talk less. Thank you.
I dont know why but very often he comes across as a narcissistic person who loves to hear his own voice and over confident enough to think he himself is superior to other people.
Its good to challenge politely with evidence from journals, but let expert people finish talking
Yes, that's because he is plant based vegan so, of course, h e is ALWAYS RIGHT by virtue that he is speaking! If you are stopped up , then , obviously the cure for that is to stuff MORE FIBER into the narrow , clogged intestine! Funny, I don't have this problem with meat based diet. One time a day, few minutes , done! No drugs, no tests , no treatments needed, which is opposite theory!
I like his style.
He does not talk too much, that’s called an interview.
@@JN-kc2zdAgreed
Can you do a talk on cbd drinks? Waste of time?.. Placebo ? Healthy? etc cheers
Almost 1 month on a WFPB diet but still dealing with bloating 😂 Surprised that they didn’t discus the use of magnesium.
Could you do a video on nearly the opposite please? I “go” at least 3 times with in 3 hrs of getting up, then in the afternoon. I normally only eat once a day. As a result I my fishing sessions etc result in me penguin walking home in a cold sweat, cheeks firmly clenched. So I don’t go out much unless I clearly know where the loos are
Jonathan, those functional tests are nothing compared to a colonoscopy. They're not uncomfortable. Colonoscopy prep, another story. I'd take the former any day. Not that I wish them on anyone, but if you go to choose....
Thanks a lot for this video..
When Drs say chia seeds and flax seeds they never say how much ….any food discussion on here seems to lack quantities.thanks
I agree, great channel but please let the guests talk, only interrupt when necessary
I’ve been taking magnesium citrate for years and it seems to help… Is that something you would recommend? ….pickles seems to help too, but you don’t include them on your list of ’firmented’ foods ??
linseed ❤ buy it milled' & put it into smoothies, bread, kefir, scones, pancakes etc. also getting the benefit of the omegas
It amazes me that in 2018, i asked the doctor preforming tests to find a cause for ky sons constipation, if they could not follow the food through the process and see what was happening, exactly what that second test mentioned here does. I just got a shake of the head and a NO as a reply. Im just happy to know i was actually thinking the right way. He still has constipation! Stool softeners are all thats prescribed for kids with disabilities! So backward! The runny constipation is something he has experience with. Impaction and overflow. I will say that overflow has a particular smell.
Would love to know what foods to avoid when constipated and does one need to treat constipation breakouts or constipation acne? Does a slow gall bladder cause constipation?
Try ox bile salts. It works for me. And triphala
Brilliant!
Hello beautiful.
Would like your thoughts on SIBO (methane in particular). Sometimes I find chia seeds and flaxseeds can be a bit hard to handle
Very informative, would love a discussion for people who tend to sit more on the other end of the BM spectrum- why do some people tend to have loose-large/complete BMs and 1/2 a kiwi gives them diarrhea whilst others it does absolutely nothing!? Haha
@erint53 Some people are sensitive to FODMAPS or have allergies, coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, fructose, etc
I always thought constipation was about having hard poop. I think my problem might be not drinking enough water, I'm never thirsty enough, I pour a glass of water, have sips or don't touch it, or I think I need a drink and when I do start drinking, I'm not thirsty and can't drink it. My solution would be exercise, that makes me drink much more.
Tequila is fermented Agave. It’s awesome to take a dump . 💪🏼
Yes, except that it is sometime useful to gave something to compare with alternate views. Certainly Zoe presents a one-sided argument, but if you see it for what it is there is some value there at least.
Thank you. Important and interesting.
His broad statement about "all artificial sweeteners are bad".
I don't think this is true.
Stevia and Monk fruit are technically not artificial right???
If prunes provide sorbitol which eases constipation, would anything with sorbitol do the same? I'm thinking specifically about artificially - sweetened products such as chewing gum which display a warning on the packet to not eat too much because they will give you diarrhea.
Interesting. I consider myself to be constipated, yet I exercise every day ( yoga, walking, strength and cardio workouts), I drink around 1.5l of water a day, I eat a lot of plant foods cooked from fresh and very little processed foods, so I don’t understand why… it’s not a big issue but equally I would prefer to not have that feeling of needing to a lot of the time. I relate to the overflow diarrhoea. Should I be concerned ? Btw I never feel bloated or have excess gaz and if practice IF most days.
Any luck? Did you get tested?
Magnesium oxide which he mentioned in a different podcast might help!
Well, that’s all great, but does that also work for a severely redundant colon? Which I have just been diagnosed with through a colonoscopy.
How come your period can affect bowel movement? My bowel movement is never normal during that week. I'm either constipated, or it's going towards the opposite direction and I have to go 2 or 3 times a day....
That happened to me too… and I had horrible pain just prior to my BMs because of my endometriosis. I’m in my 60s now, and am grateful that I don’t have to deal with that anymore.
@@redhen689 Oh, that sounds awful. Good thing you don't have to deal with that anymore.
It's not uncommon to be a little slow/constipated in the second half of your cycle as your body is progesterone dominant which slows your gut. When menstruation is imminent, you produce prostaglandins which can cause intestinal hurry-ups
I no longer have periods but I definitely recall having frequency when my period was due.
@@cassieoz1702 Oh, right, thanks for the info!
Look up MALS…a reason for gut pain,heart burn ,shortness of breath and heart rhythm symtoms..
A low carb diet =instant constipation for mé,despite eating lots of vegetables and psyllium husks and drinking lots of water
if ur talking keto, dr sarah myhill's version stopped me having constipation while i was on it. Flax seed bread and 5g vit c were key components. Admittedly, her info is targeted towards the me/cfs community, which is how i found her n discovered paleo-keto. Since i came off the diet, my constipation progressed further until i was forced to goto the doc XD
I think that diet was the healthiest ive ever been, its just very difficult for me to maintain with my issues, though i do stay as close as i can tolerate. the type of vegies are also key. i didnt have any root veg, or 'fruit' veg (peas) it was cruciferous and leafy greens on my plate
i pretty much lived on stir-fry, a 2 ppl worth of veggies (stir-fry veg bag to start with), 1 portion meat, cooked in coconut oil and herbs/spices, and flax/linseed bread, sometimes nuts and/or healthy 'fat bombs'. once i was adapted, i didnt want or need to eat more than the stir-fry n bread.i frankly wish id never stopped eating that way. im not as desperate now as i was back then when i was bed bound half the week or more and thus havent found enough incentive to stay on the diet long enough. YMMV 'self-care' as never been my forte even before i got chronic fatigue and i didnt know how to cook either n still not confident n frankly detest the kitchen, food is fuel only XD
Prune juice …wow…who knew …I though it was just eating them …thanks
9:09 Why do I not feel much comforted by Jon's praising this 'high tech' procedure to treat constipation?
It sure is nothing more than a fancy gizmo in the hands if a stranger trying to peek into one's innards. To the sufferer as one, it would be way better not to be the subject of such procedure. It doesn't cure the distress, it's just a diagnostic tool that does not guarantee resolution to the problem. Never mind, how newfangled the tech might be in the lab room trying this novelty.
Kudos to Dr B for caring for his patients' sensitivities by this answer. The right solution is to be pro-active as explained😅
Also, try these yoga poses, they kind of help me (they "stretch" the bowel): tiger, cobra, camel, bridge... And deep squat.
I have a redundant, tortious large colon please can you tell me if that can cause me constipation?
from things that I've read, yes. Look up slow transit constipation. It's different again from what most people think of constipation. I have developed slow transit in the last 3 years, take masses of laxatives, and still don't go properly, even with a lot of laxatives. During my research, excess colon can be a cause. I don't have a cause for mine yet, though it started just after I had my appendix out. Gastroenterologist isn't really interested in pursuing it after clear colonoscopies :(
22/2/23 @ 8.48am. These two could be twins! Certainly brothers.
For me work better the figs, and also the beetroots... Not the prunes, but i know they do for most people...
I've been Near-Carnivore for more than 4 years. I don't eat vegetables or fruits.
(I eat 2 meals a day, no snacks, no junk food).
I don't get the symptoms of constipation. And no bloating. Why should I?
The food I eat mostly gets digested in the stomach and small intestine. So far less has to be pooped out!
Think of constipation as a traffic-jam in the gut. I don't add to the traffic-jam!
Many people using the "Carnivore food-style" report improved gut health.
A study in 1930 had 2 people eat just meat for a year, With improved health and no constipation.
ZOE needs to get up-to-date on "Ketogenic food-style" (it got this badly wrong) and "Carnivore food-style".
I am just starting on Keto and find you make a good point. I see to have improved along with intermittent fasting which helps with the migrating motor complex to get things moving
I can see why the Carnivore diet works by eliminating nearly everything else other than meat from your diet. But is it sustainable long term - and more importantly - is it healthy? Food intolerances are not the root cause of the problem - they are merely the effect of something else that has gone wrong in the body, through decades of abuse (too much sugar, processed food, environmental toxins, obesity, etc). Elimination diets can be useful on a short term basis while your gut heals - then you can add back whole foods one by one to see what happens. Once your gut heals - and you have addressed the underlying issues if any - you shouldn't have any problems on a whole food diet.
It’s a year later and Zoe has doubled down on the eat more plants less animals mantra, rather than learn about this alternative approach. It’s a pity because for some people, eliminating plant material revolutionises their health. Enough long term carnivores now exist to show there is no scurvy, no nutrient deficiencies, no heart attacks caused by eliminating plants. Keto and carnivore are realistic therapies that should be advocated for. Zoe never will however, regardless of the evidence.
@@ZsuzsaKarolySmithMaybe, but why risk it if none of those foods is necessary for human health, and their inclusion risks a deterioration of health. At least, from my understanding, that is what low or zero carb advocates would argue.
I get this sporadically and last time it was caused or exacerbated by dry roast peanuts. Ye God's, thank goodness that episode ended after 4 days on a liquid diet.
Hello, how is the large intestine supposed to be COMPLETELY EMPTY?
Sorbitol is good?
I completely believe you, Dr B. Im a long time sufferer of IBS. You are depicting me to a T.
How do I get a medical visit with Dr B?
How many grams is considered "high" fiber?
Gasoplan and Digestion Support capsules from Planet Ayurveda help greatly in relieving gas and bloating and improves digestive ability
Since i've upped my vegetables my stools seem to be WAY looser!
Hi can anyone help?
I have been prescribed movicol & lactulose by colorectal surgeon, are there any prescription laxatives or stool softeners that I can take that don't ruin the gut microbiome? I have an extremely healthy diet, the constipation is not a result of a poor diet.
Thanks
I'm in the same boat - look into SIBO and also the vagus nerve, which can be the root cause of SIBO. Also have your thyroids checked - hypothyroidism could be an issue. Treating the constipation doesn't address the root cause. I'm trying to follow a low FODMAP diet excluding/reducing dairy, gluten, grains, starches etc - to see if my symptoms improve - and then reintroduce them slowly. These food intolerances can be caused by SIBO - bit it's not clear what causes SIBO itself (which is where the vagus nerve theory comes in) - hypothyroidism may be both the cause and the effect. Check out Dr. DiNezza's channel: @gutmicrobiomequeen
@@ZsuzsaKarolySmith I have tried all of these things. I am dairy &gluten free for 15 years & I have hypothyroidism
ate my lunch while watching this it was a mango, kiwi, yogurt nuts and chia seeds.... I found eating plates of vegetables got me visiting to loo daily
I have called a doctor because I was so backed up and the pain so intense I thought something else was badly wrong.
It’s bad enough having regular colonoscopies! I can’t imagine having to defecate during an MRI. 😮😂😊
The bowel is emptied of faeces with suppositories etc and then weetabix type stuff with contrast medium is put into your rectum. You then push that out. Medical staff are very sensitive to the dignity of the patient and it does not hurt.
@@helenjones7056 yes and I saw this featured on embarrassing bodies where the patient sits on a toilet pan behind a screen and the imaging equipment films the stools journey to exit to see of there is any physical abnormality
Period. Next question.
But dr b you take a fiber supplement
Three bowel movements a week. Somehow i believe thats a load of crap
Hi. I wonder if anyone has some advice for me. I've watched many videos from this site - and I seem to have constipation (on & off) at times I feel normal and with a just a bit of straining or pushing - I have a normal BM. If I add prunes to my diet - 4 hours later - I HAVE go to and so much comes out followed by diarrhea. Jut when I think I'm finished; there is more - !!! I drives me crazy.
But what I want to ask right now is this....I take a walk every day - but it always feels as if here is something 'there' - it's also a bit sore - I'm assuming from 'straining'? I am very uncomforable even taking a walk - feeling as if here is something there - sometimes there is - sometimes there isn't.
How do I deal with this issue. I have to wait a few month to see my gastro doctor. Thank you.
Indeed Jonathan talking much. Please talk less.
Why do you 2 look like the same person? Just kidding. Thank you for your informative discussion.
Hello Wendy
Their glasses!
J0
💖💖🙏💖💖
Life too short to listen to these ramblings.
Oh, really? Plant fibres ( cellulose) aid digestion? This is antiquated nonsense. I haven't eaten any plants for ten months, and I laugh in the face of this. 😅