Treatments
Increase Your Fiber Intake With Food
Dietary changes, including getting 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day, are a first-line treatment for constipation, especially for thyroid patients. Getting to this level can be done in several ways. Ideally, you'll replace low-fiber foods with high-fiber foods.
High-fiber foods include many fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and beans. Some of the highest fiber foods include fruits like berries, greens, and whole grains.
For more ideas on how to incorporate more high-fiber foods into your diet, see my High-Fiber Fruits, Vegetables and Foods list for more ideas.
Important Note for Thyroid Patients:Increase Your Fiber Intake With Fiber SupplementsSome high-fiber foods are also goitrogenic, meaning that they promote thyroid enlargement and can potentially cause or aggravate hypothyroidism. Typically, the risk is highest when these foods are consumed raw, regularly, and in substantial quantity. Cooking eliminates most goitrogenic properties.
Since it's difficult to get this amount of fiber daily, you may also want to consider a fiber supplement. These can include natural psyllium husks or flax seeds stirred into your juice, or a packaged fiber supplement. Fiber supplements are considered laxatives and are called "bulk-forming laxatives." They are generally safe, especially when compared to laxative medications.
These laxatives, also known as natural or "vegetable" laxatives, are fiber supplements taken with sufficient water. They absorb the water in the intestine and make the stool softer. Brand names include Metamucil, Fiberall, and Citrucel, among others. These agents must be taken with water or they can cause obstruction. Many people also report no relief after taking bulking agents and suffer from a worsening in bloating and abdominal pain.
Fiber laxatives contain various types of fiber, ranging from psyllium to methycellulose. At your local grocery or drugstore, you can always get the traditional supplements, such as Metamucil. I happen to really like the newer fiber supplement BeneFiber, which is a tasteless powder that dissolves completely in liquid and doesn't get thick. You can add it to food or drinks, even coffee. You can also find fiber in other forms, including chewable tablets and capsules you can swallow.
Some people like a very high-fiber supplement that provides both soluble and insoluble fiber in high doses. One I like and regularly use myself is Dr. Levine's formula. This powder produces a quickly thickened shake-like drink that packs 15 or more grams of fiber per serving.
Important Note for Thyroid Patients:Increasing the fiber in your diet can affect your absorption of thyroid hormone. Be sure to take your thyroid medication at least two to three hours apart from fiber-rich foods and supplements if possible.
You should have your thyroid function retested about eight weeks after you start a fiber-rich diet or supplements--you may need an increased drug dosage to account for absorption changes due to the fiber.
Fiber supplements can also interfere with other medications besides those taken for thyroid disease. If you are taking any medication, be sure to discuss this with your health practitioner.
Lifestyle Changes
Make sure that you are getting enough liquid. This means at least 64 ounces a day (not including caffeinated beverages) and even more if you are overweight. Daily exercise is essential. Even a short walk is helpful.
Make sure that you have enough time, and privacy, for a comfortable bowel movement. And don't ignore, put off or delay the urge for a bowel movement.
Traditional Osteopathic Treatment
Osteopathic manipulation by a trained doctor of osteopathy (DO) can be a painless, effective, and medication-free treatment for constipation for some people. For more information on osteopaths and how to find one, read my article.
Laxatives
If you have tried diet and lifestyle changes and are still suffering from chronic constipation, you'll want to talk to your doctor about laxatives. Because chronic constipation should be evaluated by your physician, and most laxatives can be habit-forming, it's best not to self-treat with laxatives. Instead, talk to your practitioner for guidance.
Laxatives come in various forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, powder, gum, and "candy" form.
