Ok, so I have posted something about this before as have a bunch of people, because it seems to be a pretty common problem. I had... regularity issues when I first started changing my diet and now that I'm stuck at the weight I've been at for more than a month, I'm having them again. But this time, I'm using fiber supplements and fiber-y foods to get all of my daily allowance of fiber. I'm drinking a crapton of water. I'm eating fresh fruits and veggies. Sometimes I even throw in some coffee thinking it might help. AND NOTHING IS COMING OUT. EVER. I am so frustrated. And uncomfortable. Because I know there has to be SOMETHING in there. My body isn't consuming everything... I know that we do not condone laxative abuse, but abuse is not what I am talking about, so please do not take it that way. Would it be unwise to take one dose, one time, as directed, of something relatively gentle to try and get things going again?

Sounds pretty legit to me! Laxatives are for "getting things along" lol so I would say start out with a small dose. Laxative abuse is when you use it to see a result on the scale and it appears to me you just want to stop feeling uncomfortable. Try it and see how it pans out!

Sounds like you are a perfect example of someone who could legitimately use the assistance of a laxative. I think it would be wise to try a dose as directed to help alleviate some of your discomfort! Good luck!

I have the same issue. No matter how much fiber I give myself, and some days I reeeeeally up the fiber, it just does not happen. So I end up taking a laxative once every 1-2 months when I end up going two weeks without anything happening. It sucks, but I usually feel so much better afterward and it makes me regular for a few days after, which is nice.

METAMUCIL! I had the same problem...and I began drinking Metamucil daily 6 weeks ago...and things are MUCH better in the regularity department...and it is totally safe to take daily...which gives you constant regularity support.

Doesn't work for me. Plus it taste bleh. Benefiber tastes much better to me, I drink it daily, but doesn't help with my regularity.

Do you happen to know how much fiber you are getting? Generally over 25 grams a day is recommended.

I know for me I usually get around 25-35 grams a day, if I get too much though I plug up!

If it's an ongoing issue you may want to go see a doctor. Maybe your body is still getting used to the amount of fiber?

Taking metamucil for a few days if I'm having problems usually works for me.

you could try hot tea. the yogi brand has one called "get regular" and is described as a gentle herbal laxative. http://www.yogiproducts.com/products...s/get-regular/

I've had some good experiance with that Activia yoguart. It takes about a week to really get you going, but then it was all good!

I've also heard that too much fiber might have a constipating effect--I wonder if that's your problem?

I have been going on the assumption that 25 g is what I need, so that's what I have been aiming for, but maybe it's possible that my body is used to it by now. I might try the tea pinkalarmclock mentioned and see if it does anything for me.

I take psyllium husks (via smoothie) and that helps a lot in keeping things regular. I do have some senna tea on hand for the rare occasion I have issues. I don't think there's any harm in infrequent use, but it should never be used regularly because your system can get messed up. If you find that you need relief often you should definitely see a doctor. Be warned that the teas are liquid laxatives and are stimulants, just like what you find at the drug store.

mkendrick started a thread a bit ago about this - I think she found that aloe vera oil really helped her with this.

here it is!

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/20-s...ty-issues.html

Thanks, stellarosa!

I've had regularity issues for years. Metamucil doesn't work for me, it just makes me even more bound up and bloated. What does work is 1500 milligrams of magnesium taken every evening before supper.