*sigh* possible TMI - colon cleanser?

[Darsa]

Yeah, heh...

My dad asked me to ask "all those online friends a'yers" if anyone has any tried-and-true colon cleansing HOME methods. He doesn't trust any of those pills that you see for sale on the TV and internet (thankfully), and googling brings up all kinds of responses, but what I'm hoping for is someone to give me an idea of a gentle, effective body/colon cleanser that they've used and works well.

My apologies if this is offensive to anyone! My poor dad's pretty uncomfortable, has quite a bit of bloating, and he can't go far with my mom mostly in bed and him the only one home during the day...

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Miralax, it is the best thing since sliced bread. It is not a "cleanse" not sure why you are asking about that.

It is good for taking long term and getting your body back on track.

 

[Darsa]

I guess the last time he had this problem he was told he should see about "cleansing his system". He can't remember if it was a doctor or just someone mentioning it. I feel bad because he feels bloated and "heavy" in the stomach, and is having a hard time sometimes going #2, KWIM?

 

[tiggger1]

we also use the miralax. the one thing I suggest is to start out with a tiny bit and not the suggested dose. My dd6 is on it but the suggest dose gives her major cramping. We cut the dose more than half and it works great, no cramps and no diarrhea

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I guess the last time he had this problem he was told he should see about "cleansing his system". He can't remember if it was a doctor or just someone mentioning it. I feel bad because he feels bloated and "heavy" in the stomach, and is having a hard time sometimes going #2, KWIM?

Has he been to a gastro? If he has not I strongly recommend he get in soon for an eval.

Cleansing is not good for someone with a possible medical problem. You could really booger yourself but good.

Miralax is good for getting back on track and like the PP suggested start off with a small amount and then work you way up.

 

[LuvOrlando]

To be honest, the most effective thing I have ever come across is fresh mission figs, the black/purple ones. If not then a close second is prunes & dried figs (any kind). All you have to do is eat about 5 on the first day (dried or fresh figs or prunes)then keep up with about 3 every day after that. Unfortunately fresh figs are only available in August up North where I am.

I happened to figure this out quite by accident, since I adore figs and have been known to eat an entire basket (1 dozen) of the fresh kind at one sitting Oh, and DH bought me a bunch of the tan dried kind of figs last week and I had a bunch of those too so I can vouch for them as well. As for prunes, yep I love them too and they are way easier to find & less expensive since there are so many companies that make them.

 

[KimD]

To be honest, the most effective thing I have ever come across is fresh mission figs, the black/purple ones. If not then a close second is prunes & dried figs (any kind). All you have to do is eat about 5 on the first day (dried or fresh figs or prunes)then keep up with about 3 every day after that. Unfortunately fresh figs are only available in August up North where I am.

I happened to figure this out quite by accident, since I adore figs and have been known to eat an entire basket (1 dozen) of the fresh kind at one sitting Oh, and DH bought me a bunch of the tan dried kind of figs last week and I had a bunch of those too so I can vouch for them as well. As for prunes, yep I love them too and they are way easier to find & less expensive since there are so many companies that make them.

My DH swears that if he's feeling backed up or heavy that if he eats like 5 fig newton cookies he's good to go! As a matter of fact he just did this the other day! (Sorry for the TMI!) I'm sure Luv Orlando's way is a much healthier way of eating the figs though!

 

[Darsa]

Really! Hmmm, I know Dad loves Fig Newtons, and hasn't had 'em in a while... maybe I'll see if he likes the fruit itself without the naughty coating

Thanks for the tips!

 

[badblackpug]

Colon "cleansing" is not healthy, particularly for an elderly person who is more prone to electrolyte imbalances. These "cleanses" or "purges" are very harsh.

A few suggestions.

Most of the docs with whom I work recommend Miralax. Increasing water intake (if this is appropriate for your father, I don't know his medical history) lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

After he gets hmself "regulated," a daily fiber such as Metamucil, or Benefiber, and a stool softener (colace/docusate)

If he is more "natural" prunes or prune juice. The juice packs a bigger "punch" if you warm it up. I don't know why, but it is an old nurses trick.

*TMI alert* My mother swears by the FiberOne bars



BTW Darsa...... I'm an ER/trauma RN..... love your organ donor awareness!

 

[Carnie]

Colon cleanse is one best ways to keep out all the intoxicants away from your body. This method has worked for a lot of people to keep a healthy and fit body. This method can fight out many problems like Abdominal Pain, Indigestion, Skin problems etc. This method has been medically approved and has no side effects to your body!

You are quite the expert! Tell me, do you have any "specific" brands I should run out and buy?

Seriously, who DOESN'T want a shiny clean colon?

All the cool kids have one!