Dr. Passero, I have chronic constipation and have tried prescription meds and some supplements from the health food stores like,senna, aloe vera, magnesium, triphala with no success. the magnesium,all kinds makes my mouth burn and irritates my stomach. I drink gallons of water and eat a lot of vegetables and little fruit as I am hypoglycemic and am on a hypo diet and I react to many foods. Is there anything I could try for constipation to help me? I am desperate.

One of the most important issues related to constipation that frequently gets missed is thyroid function.  Low thyroid function will cause constipation in certain individuals and to varying degrees.  Make sure you get a detailed thyroid panel that includes the TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 levels.  All three of theses tests are very important and absolutely necessary to understanding if thyroid issues are a contributing factor.

If you would like more information on thyroid issues and explanation of the tests I suggest, follow this link to view an article I wrote about this topic http://www.vitabase.com/blog/energy/sub-clinical-hypothyroidism.aspx

It sounds like you have tried all the natural and prescription remedies for constipation yet nothing seems to be working.  You must continue to ask; “why is your body not responding and what is at the root of the issue?”.  Clearly, your body should be able to eliminate on its own and there is some sort of imbalance occurring that is preventing or inhibiting this.  How long have you been relying on laxatives (natural and prescription) to alleviate your condition?  Long term use of either can create a dependency and make if very difficult to return to a normal rhythm.

Certainly there are other factors that may be an issue for you but I have had several cases of chronic constipation respond very well when underlying thyroid issues were resolved.  This is likely a very good place for you start.

You may also want to consider food allergies as you mentioned you react to many foods.  Doing an elimination diet for 3-4 weeks will remove the most allergic foods from your diet which may be irritating and disrupting normal function of your GI system.  Dairy products, wheat containing products, eggs and soy are among the top most reactive foods.  There are many resources available online regarding the proper way to do an elimination diet.

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Dr. Kevin Passero

Dr. Passero completed four years of post-graduate medical education in Portland, Oregon at one of only four accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in the country. His Naturopathic training consisted of classroom study equivalent to conventional medical school and included extensive exposure to patients under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. While there, Dr. Passero trained and preceptored with some of the nations leading doctors in the field of natural medicine. (To learn more about an accredited Naturopathic Education, you may visit http://www.naturopathic.org/viewbulletin.php?id=19) Dr. Passero continues his post-graduate training through ongoing participation in continuing education and preceptor-ship with other experts in the field of natural medicine. In addition to private practice, Dr. Passero works with leading manufacturers of natural health products and as a Naturopathic Consultant for businesses interested in bringing natural health to the public in a responsible manner. This work keeps him abreast of the latest medical research regarding natural medicine. In his practice, Dr. Passero focuses on restoring harmony to both the body and mind with a specific emphasis on hormonal regulation and endocrinology. Through education and guidance patients are able to unlock the natural healing power contained within each one of us. He is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians and is an active member of the National Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

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