Can we talk?

Everybody does it, and sometimes, doesn’t do it.

 

Constipation. Yes, I am talking about going poop.

 

Some things you just don’t discuss with anyone except a close friend, spouse, or doctor.  Some times you go for years without help for a simple problem, just because you don’t want to broach an uncomfortable subject. Well, I’m your friend Annie and I hope it’s okay to share my personal journey.

For many years I tried to find a solution to chronic constipation.  There is nothing in the drugstore aisle that I haven’t tried.  I even tried some weird tea that my friends called “bulimia tea.” (I hope I don’t have to explain why.) I tried drinking more water, exercising, deep breathing, not eating before bed, eating before bed, no bananas, no dairy, more fruit, probiotics, prune juice (ugh), fiber bars, and icky granules you mix with liquid and drink.

I finally figured out a three part solution that works for me.

Let’s just say it’s been smooth sailing ever since.

 

1. Magnesium Oxide

I had read that a small dose of magnesium helps with sleep because it calms the nerves. It also is good for the leg twitches that keep me awake. So I started popping about 250-500 mgs of basic magnesium oxide before bed.  It didn’t help me sleep, but the really life changing effect happened after I woke up.

Quite by accident, I noticed things were consistently coming along naturally.

After doing some research, I learned that all forms of magnesium are not the same. Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are the type that help with constipation. The other forms of magnesium are great for other reasons, but they don’t have the same effect on “going”.

Magnesium oxide works gradually, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t notice anything at first. This is a life long solution to a chronic problem, not a quick fix. Go slowly, adding a little more each night. I take 500mg every night, and up to 1500 mg if I need a little extra help. I use it mostly to maintain a good daily habit.

I get my magnesium oxide at the drugstore. I like the CVS brand but I am not picky. I pay about $8 for 100 capsules of 500mg. You can buy it here.

 

2. The Little Blue Pills

I use 500 mg Magnesium oxide for daily maintenance. But sometimes you need something a bit stronger. You want something that will work, but not “too” well, right? These little blue pills are the answer. They have 25 mg of senna, a miracle ingredient that is gentle but effective. I keep them with me in my travel gear because traveling definitely messes with my system. Two pills at night and things are rolling in the morning. You can get it here on Amazon.

 

3. Poo Tea

It’s not really called “poo tea”, but that’s what all of my friends call it. Even my doctor calls it “poo tea”. If I’ve tried the magnesium oxide and the blue pills without much success, I know I need to pull out the big guns. The real name for it is Smooth Move Tea. It tastes delicious, is travel friendly, and is effective in an oh so pleasant way! You can buy it at the grocery, Target, on Amazon, or most drug stores.

 

You don’t need to thank me for this nugget, I’ll know by the smile on your face and the pep in your step.

Naturally if you have a medical concern you should discuss it with your doctor.

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