Natural relief for opioid constipation

[Jumpey]

Hi, like many of us I suffer with really bad constipation as the result of taking opioids. I take morphine and it successfully controls my RLS but the GI side effects are awful. Currently I am taking Laxido but would prefer to manage the constipation naturally long term if possible. I already have a diet naturally high in fibre and drink lots of water, exercise etc. . My body needs some extra help.I'm wondering if anyone successfully uses any natural supplements to manage drug induced constipation. Thank you.

[SueJohnson]

Drink carbonated (sparkling) water, try herbal laxative Senna, eat probiotic foods, eat shirataki noodles or take a glucomannan supplement, eat prebiotic foods, take magnesium citrate, eat prunes. These suggestions come from this article medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Nikos64 in reply to SueJohnson]

I have to second Sue’s recommendations. I’ve been taking large doses of hydrocodone for pain. I drink a ton of seltzer water and magnesium citrate and I’m generally ok. The key I think is to stay hydrated.

[Jumpey in reply to Nikos64]

I drink lots of water and take magnesium citrate. How does tbe sparkling water help?

[Nikos64 in reply to Jumpey]

I’m not sure, my guess is that the effervescence mechanically seems to help push things down your gastrointestinal tract.

[joepublic]

I asked my GP about long term use of Laxido & he said it isn't harmful - do you know otherwise?

[Jumpey in reply to joepublic]

No I don't. But would prefer to eliminate naturally.

[Dougg]

I’ve found the dried apricots really work well for me.

[Seaux]

Miralax every day. It is not habit forming and will gently but thoroughly relieve constipation. It is an over the counter product.

[Jumpey in reply to Seaux]

I'm assuming this is a laxative rather than a natural supplement?

[Seaux in reply to Jumpey]

No. It is a natural supplement and is mostly fiber.

[Lilaclady57]

How about the old cod liver oil treatment?

[Jumpey in reply to Lilaclady57]

Thanks for the suggestion. But I'm vegetarian so it's out of the equation. X

[Tim61]

Hello Jumpey , I always have prunes with my Porridge in the morning, also take flaxseed which is a natural laxative. Make sure you drink plenty of water & keep well hydrated as already mentioned, especially if you try the flaxseed ; the magnesium you’re already taking should also help . Taking Laxido as you need is better than getting blocked up !

[Jumpey in reply to Tim61]

I agree about the Laxido of I need it but would prefer to do without. I though about flaxseed or psyllium. Do you put the flaxseed in your porridge?I eat dried fruit every day.

[Tim61]

Hello Jumpey , yes I put the flaxseed in my Porridge, & then put some in Yogurt later in the day. I usually put a 30ml pot in , but make sure you take plenty of water , else they will work the other way & cause constipation. You’re probably best discussing it with your GP , or a pharmacist.

[Jumpey in reply to Tim61]

Cheers for your help.

[halperinchen]

Hi, Jumpey, I eat ripe and raw papaya to relieve my constipation with success, What I do is I take a bowel of cut papaya (sprinkled with raisins, if you like) on an empty stomach twice a day, 10 am and 4 pm and sometimes I sprinkle a little ground flaxseed also depends on how you like it. The pregabalin and oxycodne give me severe constipation which often is relieved by this natural remedy. You can try to see if it works for you.

[Jumpey in reply to halperinchen]

Really helpful.Thanks.

[BAK524 in reply to halperinchen]

Do you eat the "maduro" style papaya grown in Mexico, or the expensive Hawaiian papayas?

[halperinchen in reply to BAK524]

I buy "maduro" papaya grown in Mexico, usually they are not GMO papaya.

[Barb574]

I’m on an opioid & I take 3 stool softeners every night, & have successfully avoided constipation

[Jumpey in reply to Barb574]

I'm glad it works for you.I want to stop doing that if I can.

[TheDoDahMan]

I'm on a daily dose of 10mg of methadone. I find that a cup of hot black coffee in the morning keeps me regular. But some, not me, feel that caffeine makes RLS symptoms worsen. Maybe try it once?

[Jumpey in reply to TheDoDahMan]

Cheers.

[Jumpey]

Thanks.I've just started psyllium. Do you take opioids too?

[Jumpey]

That's a shame.

[halperinchen]

Hi, Niepowiem, so what do you take to control the RLS symptoms? May I ask?

[halperinchen in reply to halperinchen]

Thanks, you are blessed not to have to take opioids.

[cumoneileen]

Take flax seeds (linseed) I sprinkle a desert spoon on my cereal each morning, might take a week to work. I find it works so well, no purging as with constipation tablets.