Q & A archive—Constipation & Flatulence

Question:

My mother-in-law suffers constipation and flatulence+++ with her MS. She has been through all the bowel tests known to man so there is no underlying pathology. She has tried all kinds of laxatives and avoids certain foods which exacerbate the bowels but all to no avail. She is currently trying aloe vera juice/extract but does not feel that this is assisting either. Is there anything new on the market? She can still walk slowly and has not been in a wheelchair for some years.

Answer: Flatulence is almost always due to incomplete digestion and constipation. Improper diet is frequently the cause of both of these conditions. My first suggestion would be to eliminate all sugar foods and milk from the diet. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and mixed nuts is helpful. Six or eight stewed or dried prunes daily would also be of benefit. One or two good pancreatic digestive capsules with each meal would also be helpful. Adequate intake of magnesium is essential. There are several kinds of magnesium but for the purpose of overcoming constipation, magnesium oxide is preferable. You will have to experiment with the dose necessary. I would start with a 400 mg. capsule at bedtime. If that doesn't make the bowels move increase the dose to 800 mg. and continue to increase the dose, one capsule at a time until the bowels are moving easily and completely and regularly every day. If you give too much magnesium the patient will have diarrhea so regulate the dose so that you can give the same dose every night and get the desired results.

There are many things that benefit MS. Vitamin D is very essential and I give all my MS patients two tablespoons of a mint flavored or lemon flavored Cod Live Oil daily for the Vitamin D, A and Omega 3 content. The lemon flavored Cod Liver Oil does not have a bad smell or taste. Vitamin C 1000 mg. twice a day and Vitamin E Complex 400 to 800 units daily is very helpful for the MS also.

The above suggestions should not only make her feel better generally but should overcome the constipation and flatulence. We would be glad to see her personally if that is possible for you.

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