RLS and constipation

[KickingOff]

As well as RLS, I have suffered from chronic constipation all my life. I was wondering if the two could be connected. Any thoughts?

[Madlegs1]

It seems that the gut microbiome has some interactions with RLS.So it's quite likely that constipation and gut issues have a bearing on your situation.

What do you think is causing the constipation? Medication- opiates?, Diet? Too much processed food, not enough roughage or water? Lack of exercise?

The RLS will not be causing the constipation.

Cheers.

[KickingOff in reply to Madlegs1]

I don’t know what causes the constipation. I have had it - and RLS - since I was a small child. That was before I took any medication and had a good diet, and plenty of exercise. Over the years I have learned to manage the constipation with gentle laxatives but it can get quite uncomfortable at times. I am now on medication for AF, high blood pressure and RLS none of which has helped the constipation!

[David7 in reply to Madlegs1]

I've had constipation since I was young and especially now with opioids for RLS. One product that works very well is called PRUNELAX. It's all-natural, Gluten-free, and works well. Give it a try. Best Wishes

[Hidden]

What medications anf/or supplements are you taking?

[KickingOff in reply to Hidden]

I take various medications for AF, high blood pressure and RLS. I manage the constipation with gentle laxatives.

[Hidden in reply to KickingOff]

There doesn't seem to be anything you're taking that could cause constipation. Then you probably know that!

After that, as you also probably know it's a matter of avoiding "cloggy" foods and eating, lots of roughage, fruit, veg etc.

It's not related to RLS.

[KickingOff in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. No amount of roughage, fruit and veg or drinking copious amounts of water has ever really helped. I guess I’m just ‘wired’ that way!

[Hidden in reply to KickingOff]

Me too actually!

Was hirschsprung disease ever discussed with you?

[KickingOff in reply to Hidden]

No, I’ve never heard of that, Manerva! I’ll do a bit of research into that. Thank you.

[Eryl]

Yes, they are probably connected by your diet. You're probably getting to many calories from carbs and not enough from fats. Carbs will raise your blood sugar levels which causes inflammation and hence rls. The body will only absorb as much fat as it needs and the rest is excreted which softens your stools and will cure your constipation. Check out a LCHF diet.

[Whymelord in reply to Eryl]

Hi,I too like Kicking off have suffered from constipation most of my life, now in my 70s and taking BP and cholesterol medication.no matter what I eat or drink nothing helps,I would consider my diet good,no processed foods etc.ive never heard of the LCHF diet but will check it out,thankyou for the information.

[Eryl in reply to Whymelord]

Hou might want to reconsider the cbolesterol medication as the latest statististics indicate that taking statins is only likely to proling life by four days. youtu.be/yX1vBA9bLNk?si=oId...(Not working as expected?)

[KickingOff in reply to Eryl]

Thanks Eryl. I will have to reconsider my diet clearly.

[Hidden in reply to KickingOff]

I couldn’t recommend the HFLC diet enough.Also try drinking some warm (body temperature) water about half an hour before you eat.

DO NOT drink while you’re eating.

Drink some more warm water about 1.5 hours after eating.

If you can, use a ‘foot stool’ when you’re ready to use the loo (this puts you in the correct natural position and greatly helps to eliminate properly). Lastly, never try and force it!!

[KickingOff]

Thanks JAHMFH, great advice.

[DicCarlson]

The best supplement you never heard of Triphala - a triple herb blend - AMAZING for constipation. It's been around for maybe 2000 years!

[KickingOff]

Thank you. I’ll give t a try!

[bill54321]

Me too. /when I moved to Taos,NM It was high altitude. Dehydration happens more. Wehn I started to drink more water (MUST BE WATEHoney and Garlic early in am also helps. Google use (Braggs apple cider because it has mother in it, Google or if on meds, maybe your doc will know. I am 90 yrs old without the hemohroids I use to get with constitpation. Water and hydration are cheap/ Googl all og this.M