Have you talked to your Dr. about Senokot? It is a natural laxative made from vegetables and usually does not have cramping associated with results. Keep in mind that laxatives/stool softeners work by using some form of sodium to draw water out of your cells to "flush out" the stool.

Here's the info:

Safety InformationDo not use laxative products for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor. Ask a doctor before use if you have stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks. Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative. These may indicate a serious condition. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Do not use if imprinted seal under cap is missing or damaged.

IndicationsRelieves occasional constipation (irregularity). Generally produces a bowel movement in 6-12 hours.

IngredientsActive Ingredient (in each Tablet): Sennosides (8.6 mg). Inactive Ingredients: Croscarmellose Sodium, Dicalcium Phosphate, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Mineral Oil.

DirectionsTake preferably at bedtime or as directed by a doctor. Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older: Starting Dosage - 2 Tablets once a day; Maximum Dosage - 4 Tablets twice a day. Children 6 to Under 12 Years: Starting Dosage - 1 Tablet once a day; Maximum Dosage - 2 Tablets twice a day. Children 2 to Under 6 Years: Starting Dosage - 1/2 Tablet once a day; Maximum Dosage - 1 Tablet twice a day. Children Under 2 Years: Ask a doctor. Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); Excursions permitted between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

My coach recommended Vitamin C. I have been taking 1000mg timed release every day since I started IP and the big "C" has never been a problem. She recommends it to all her clients and as far as I know it has worked for everyone including herself.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I took Vit C - which I use to take before IP - but for some reason stopped. I usually take 1000mg/day too.

With that and getting back on my supplements (yes - I had missed a few days) - things are moving along fine now.

Thanks!

If IP wanted everyone drinking 100 oz a day then they why would they not say so? Can you site some references stating the 100 oz a day? I'm not arguing with you that 100 oz is bad, I just think that if you are going to state that something is universal, backing it up with references to scientific literature would be prudent.

I have battled the big C since I started the program in September.....extra magnesium didn't work....unless I drank half the bottle in desperation (only once, and you drink a whole bottle for a medical test "prep"). Vitamin C didn't work (even large doses). Generic Citracel ( stool softener) by itself didn't work. My final solution: 4 tablets Citracel twice daily, 1 senna tablet twice daily, and EATING 2 STICKS OF CELERY daily. Now that I'm almost to get to eat fruit again, I finally figured this out!