Food queries

[fartikins]

Hello - I am still researching - does anyone know if a reconstituted prune - ie left to soak in water is as bad as a dried prune. The same applies to apricots. Would I be better eating fresh plums to get the same effect because a few prunes work wonders with my system. Am I putting myself at risk here because of the potassium content of prunes. I am getting scared of eating anything now because of the terrible effect of the constipation I suffered at the weekend - I had to ring the ER line because it was so bad it was stopping me passing water. I am trying everything to avoid going through that again. Thanks for reading.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

The problem with so many foods is the issue you just faced. You do one thing to combat another and wham. Prunes are extremely high in potassium, especially dried prunes. You are correct in that. Reconstituting them will NOT solve the issue. Fresh prunes are better for you, but do not have the same laxative effect. You have to weigh things out. Constipation is a real pain in the butt, pun intended. It is also dangerous for your system to have toxins building up. If prunes work for you, then have four or five knowing that you have consumed 70 mg of potassium with each prune. Then, watch the potassium for the rest of the day and keep within the 2000 mg a day mark...unless your doctor wants you on less. Meat, chicken and fish all have high quantities of potassium and guess what? Chicken is also constipating. Have a really big salad and some carbs instead. Beans.... yup, much better. Anything higher in fiber is really going to be good for you. But, and this is important, you have to keep things flowing by making sure you are drinking water. NOT TEA NOT COFFEE. Although people think coffee is a laxative, it actually is a diuretic which will compound your issue. Water, Water, Water. It is all about planning things out. BTW, my renal dietician recommended that I add flax seed to my diet, which I did and that really helped move me along.... if you get my drift.

[fartikins in reply to Bassetmommer]

Hello - thank you for your reply - you are a great source of information.

[lowraind in reply to fartikins]

I have diverticulosis, and as a result of diverticulitis had to have a colonoscopy and then a reversal. As a result, my intestines are pretty jumbled around. I used to have regular bouts of blocking, so serious that I had to go to the ER. My surgeon told me to drink prune juice, and since then, I have only had one bout, and this time it was my small intestine. I drink about a quarter of a six ounce glass, but it works wonders.

[Suvi8901 in reply to fartikins]

I have LAXIDO prescribed for my constipation due to autonomic neuropathy and an age related sluggish gut. I find it really helps.

[lowraind]

Should have said colostomy and reversal.

[PecanSandie]

Maybe try 'unsorbated prunes". They do not have the additive potassium sorbate but they do have naturally occurring potassium. I think Bassettmommer's advice is good - eat a few prunes in the morning and be careful about your potassium intake the rest of the day.

[RoxanneKidney]

I take a NuSyllium Natural Fiber Capsule ONLY ONE or Two per day, plus eat beans and other high fiber foods. Yes, like Bassetmommer stated: Drink water, but you don't have to drink gallons of it, especially if you are active. I don't eat meat at all. It does wonders for your GFR. Move around more. You can't sit around all day. Not saying your are, but it is a huge problem for a lot of people.