Constipation

[nscrbug]

A stool softener like Senekot, usually works pretty well for me. But you said that you sometimes "take something", so I don't know if that is what you're taking for it or not. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I've heard it works fairly well at cleaning out the pipes, so to speak. I know most folks that have a cup of morning coffee before rides, runs or any other type of exercise, are always looking for a bathroom within the first hour.

[Zippinalong]

My partner has had this issue for a long time and a friend recommended Pearl Acidophilus. She tried it and it was like a miracle. Regular every day and no constipation issues:
http://www.pearlsprobiotics.com/
They have a coupon at the website. Give it a whirl.

[indysteel]

You've gotten some good advice for occasional irregularity. To the extent it remains a chronic condition, however, you might talk to your doctor about whether there may be some underlying cause.

I've had some ongoing problems with it over the last couple of years myself. When it's really bad, I turn to Cracklin' Oat Bran cereal. It's such a sure-fire bet that my DH and I jokingly refer to it as "poop cereal." Infantile and gross, I know, but it makes us laugh.

[kajero]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. But I still have to deal with one thing . . . how can one handle constipation during a bike ride?

[OakLeaf]

But I still have to deal with one thing . . . how can one handle constipation during a bike ride?

Do you have a larger pair of shorts you can wear when that's an issue so there's not so much pressure on your lower belly? Hydrate extra to help flush out the toxins?

Sorry, I've never dealt with it on a ride (it's been a while since I dealt with it at all, thank goodness), but those are strategies I've used.

[Sky King]

You don't mention if you are drinking an electrolyte replacement, some brands really give me fits - I can't drink most of them. One I can tolerate is Ultima,which is sugar free, caffeine free and Vegan. I can also handle Nuun (most of the time) So if you are drinking some sort of electrolyte replacement try switching.
I second the slimming teas, I often carry those both for biking and backpacking because nothing is worse than being uncomfortable

[spokewench]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. But I still have to deal with one thing . . . how can one handle constipation during a bike ride?

Until you go, I don't think there is a solution. So, try some of the suggestions the nice ladies gave you and then, if they don't work and you want to ride, tough it out!

[indysteel]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. But I still have to deal with one thing . . . how can one handle constipation during a bike ride?

I'm not sure I understand what's to deal with other than feeling bloated. While I don't like feeling that way, I can't say that it truly interferes with anything. Short of using a laxative (which I don't recommend unless you're desperate), I doubt you're going to suddenly get a terrible urge to go to the bathroom during your ride. Whatever dietary changes you make should be gradual and hopefully will simply return you to some degree of regularlity without suddenly giving you the runs (like a laxitive will).

[westtexas]

I'm not sure I understand what's to deal with other than feeling bloated.

I always get intestinal pain that is difficult to deal with - like heartburn but worse - if I am constipated. I used to have to deal with this ALL the time (since I was 14), but my GI system magically switched over to the other end of the spectrum about three months ago without me doing anything (can't decide which is worse).

Try taking an H2 blocker (famotidine, ranitidine, etc.) or a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) before you ride. I find that those individually, or in combination if things are really bad, really help my stomach/intestines hurt so much less. Makes riding a lot more comfortable. That and I make sure to stand and stretch on the bike as much as possible to help relieve any pressure.

HTH.

[indysteel]

Well, I never feel great when I'm constitipated, but if it's too the point of intense intestinal pain, I'd be inclinded to not ride. I got the sense from the OP that she was more concerned about having to make an emergency pit stop during a ride.

As for your situation, westtexas, I'd be inclined to talk to my doc. To go from chronic constipation to the opposite end of the spectrum isn't entirely normal. In the meantime, you might try taking fiber supplements. Believe it or not, extra fiber can firm up your stools, too.