The "C" word... Constipation

[smlawrence0413]

Not the easiest to talk about, but I learned today that chronic constipation is really common in people with ADHD. I am curious do you all have issues with bowel movements? Any suggestions on natural remedies to alleviate the terrible feeling I have pretty consistently in my abdomen? Thank you in advance for your responses!

[Old_Owl]

Are you taking a stimulant to manage you ADHD? If so, they can cause constipation- I think it's listed as a side effect. A diet rich in fiber and drinking a good amount of water can help. If it doesn't help, talk with your provider- the person prescribing your ADHD meds.

[smlawrence0413 in reply to Old_Owl]

I am not taking any prescribed meds. That said, I can definitely be drinking more water.

[Old_Owl in reply to smlawrence0413]

So a quick Google says yes, apparently it is a co-morbidity. Jeez this can impact all kinds of things- it's even tied to celiac disease.

[Fayerweather in reply to Old_Owl]

uh oh. I've been avoiding wheat for years because of IBS, but maybe I should take a test for celiac.

[smlawrence0413]

Every health issue (mental, emotional, physical) can predominantly be traced back to ADHD for me. It's wild. And kind of frustrating at times, because some of the things I'm dealing could have been minized or even avoided altogether.

[mswatsox]

Problem for me as well. I take Metamucil daily in addition to trying to get good fiber & remembering to hydrate. All better now

[emiL1234]

If you google about anything, I mean ANYTHING about adhd and something physical, in 97% of the times, you will get something that says it’s related to adhd.

Stimulants cut your hunger so if you don’t eat it’s normal that you feel this way.

[lemonspeaks]

definitely impacts me for sure. I’ve found drinking a lot of water, walking daily, taking a super strong probiotic, and eating grapes everyday helps.

[PATSEY009]

Here! Here! I can relate! I blame some of my medications. When really bad-I do take a chocolate laxative if I want instant relief (lol, I know this is an embarrassing subject, but we need to address it, right?) Sometimes I use a milder version of a slow-moving over-the-counter pills like Colace or another brand (you can ask a pharmacist as well). Last but not least-make sure to see your doctor b/c they can tell if your bowels are moving like they should. (I'm no physician, but I hope this helps-I'm in remission from stage #3 colon cancer-so I do have a BIT of experience about his, lol)

[Fayerweather]

I struggled with constipation as a child, but not often since I grew up. But it really was a problem for me until puberty. Interesting.

[F_RN_Dx_at_39]

Homemade kombucha was a game changer for me. Miralax is also safe to take daily.

[smlawrence0413 in reply to F_RN_Dx_at_39]

i love kombucha, but noticed recently that it causes me to get a headache and bloating. i wonder if homemade would avoid these issues. is it a hard process to make at home?

[F_RN_Dx_at_39 in reply to smlawrence0413]

More things can go wrong with it and it can make you sick if your culture gets off. It's up to you what direction you want to explore. Some people tolerate it better than others. If you're already having issues with regulated kombucha, it might be afraid to try something else like homemade sauerkraut. There's a ton of recipes online. If you like books, I like Sandor Katz who has a book called Wild Fermentation that I would recommend for creative recipes.

[Cat_Fan]

I take a trebiotic daily (Prebiotic, Probiotic and Postbiotic all together, just a small scoop of granules. )It really helps bloating also.

Let me know if you'd like the link. I like it because it's from a company who makes all of their products clean and non-toxic.

If I get really constipated from eating the wrong things, I take 2 Senekot gummies. They are more gentle than the pills.

Hope this info helps!

[smlawrence0413]

i've never heard of a trebiotic before! yes, please share the link. thanks, friend!

[Autonohme]

I so empathize with the constipation dilemma. It sucks!And worst of all is that it prohibits me from taking ADHD stimulant meds. Over 40 years dx'd w/ADHD & much experimenting. Even miniscule amounts of Adderall triggers it. I've used Strattera but it wasn't helpful enough.

I recently tried Vyvanse and felt like a neuro-normie for the first time, ever; for 2 days. And then the disaster GI stoppage emerged or rather, didn't emerge! I'll spare you the details.

My nurse friends insist: Water, water and more water. Hoping remedies suggested here are of help. Good luck!

[smlawrence0413]

I agree with your friends - I am making a conscious effort these days to drink at least 80 fl oz of water and it's helping!