Looking For Relief From Constipation?

 

Constipation (uncomfortable and/or infrequent bowel movements) can be an unpleasant consequence of many medications and cancer treatments. There are multiple options to alleviate constipation, and we want to share with you just a few of those ideas that might be helpful from a couple of our staff members.

 

 
Text Box: Changing your diet can help prevent and/or alleviate constipation. The key components are fiber and fluid intake but also fat and sugar. Eating at regular times and allowing a regular time each day for bowel activity are important as well. Fiber is something most Americans don’t get enough of. The National Cancer Institute recommends 25-35 grams per day; the average American gets 10-15! Increasing your intake gradually minimizes discomfort such as gas as your body adjusts to a higher fiber intake. Some high fiber foods are whole grain and bran cereals, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, legumes (beans and peas like kidney beans, navy beans, split peas, etc.), vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, corn, and fruits such as apple with the peel, berries, pear with the skin, and dried fruits. Notice all these foods are plant foods; animal foods (meat, poultry, seafood and dairy) do not contain fiber. Fiber supplements are an option if you are unable to consistently get enough fiber from the foods you eat. Up to 50-60 grams a day is safe. Fluid is essential for fiber to do its job. Fiber holds fluid in the intestines to make the stool softer and easier to pass. If you don’t drink enough, the fiber won’t work! Most people need a minimum of 64 oz (2 quarts) of fluid each day. High water content fruits and vegetables (watermelon and cucumbers for example) help contribute to fluid intake as do foods that are liquid at room temperature such as Popsicles, gelatin and ice cream. We need a certain amount of fat (preferably healthy fats such as olive oil, peanut butter, avocado and oily fishes like salmon) to act as a lubricant. Healthy sugars like fruit and milk help keep fluid in the intestines too. ~Lynne Text Box: Your massage therapists at PCI have a specialized technique for some patients that may be helpful in alleviating the side effect of constipation. If you are experiencing bowel changes since the onset of your chemotherapy, check with your physician, nurse practitioner, or treatment nurse to be sure you are not having a more serious condition. The massage therapists at PCI would like to invite you to set up an appointment for evaluation to make sure that this technique is safe for you. They can then instruct you in self-care so you can continue this specialized technique on your own at home. Regular light exercise, such as walking, can also help to engage abdominal muscle activity and encourage movement in the colon. ~Rose Massage oil