Constipation: I read some years ago... - Parkinson's New Z...

Parkinson's New Zealand

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Constipation

Cleo23 profile image
3 Replies

I read some years ago, before PD that having a glass of lemon juice first thing on waking and then having 2 kiwi fruit immediately along with 1 - 2 glasses of water at least 1/2 hour before solid food breakfast cleanses the liver and bowel. In the morning our bowel is at its optimum for clearing, and as fruit takes only 20 minutes to go through our stomach, it helps with that process. Solid foods like toast, weetbix etc take 4 hours to go through our digestive system and if mixed with the fruit at the same time, the fruit will then take 4 hours to go through our system, often causing bloating and wind as the fruit tends to ferment.

I thought this was an interesting opinion so decided to test it. I rise every morning and have my kiwi fruit, sometimes I have lemon juice, but I always have at least 1 glass of water. I then wait 1/2 hour to 1 hour before I have oatbran and yoghurt. So far this has worked a treat for me, and if I miss a 2 days of a bowel motion, I sometimes take a small laxative that night, but I don't like doing this much as it often causes stomach cramps about 3am or so. I am a bit paranoid about "going" every day, and in the main, I do.

Thought this might be helpful. Key: wait at least 1/2 an hour after taking kiwi fruit. Other fruit may work just as well, but if it is a banana, they take 40 minutes to go through your system apparently.

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Cleo23 profile image
Cleo23
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3 Replies
Dana51 profile image
Dana51

Interesting post. Fortunately I don't suffer from constipation yet. However, when I first went onto PD medication, my dentist was concerned with the likes of lemon juice to excess, and sucking pepper mints to counter-act a dry mouth caused by medication side-effects, as they both compromise the condition of your teeth long-term. Also, the lemon juice is something that affects my arthritis symptoms.

Also, I have been told that bananas are a "cold" food and produce excess mucous. Those and dairy I have to avoid to keep the phlegm produced to a minimum.

Every body has different problems and solutions and it's interesting to read about them. As we all know, having PD doesn't mean you can't get any other disease or condition to cause more heartache.

Exercise is my saviour but before that comes motivation to exercise. 😉

Tainui-Tony profile image
Tainui-Tony

Thank you for that info. Very helpful

scooby0906 profile image
scooby0906

I will give that a try because I am seriously constipated at the moment

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