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Constipation and Diarrhea- chemo induced-
Constipation and diarrhea are two of the most common short-term side effects caused by cancer therapy. Like fatigue or nausea, if you undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation, you will almost certainly experience bouts of constipation and diarrhea.
Like all side effects, I believe in learning about the health issue in order to undergo lifestyle therapies aka changes in your lifestyle in an effort to resolve the problem.
For the record, yes, lifestyle changes take time. If you have constipation and diarrhea you may want/need a more immediate solution.
It has taken years but I manage my regularity well. However I have to admit that I work at it. Daily. Like my sleep. It’s not like we are kids anymore and our bodies work without thinking…
- Multiple Myeloma Side Effects- Diarrhea, Fatigue
- Myeloma – Probiotics as Therapy
- Myeloma- Constipation
- To Learn More About Side Effects of Chemo and Radiation- click now
Are you plagued with either/or constipation and diarrhea? Scroll down the page, post a question or a comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Diets for Constipation
“Successful treatment of constipation can be achieved not only with medication but also with lifestyle changes, including a proper diet. Diets including fruits, fluids, and probiotics are good for constipation. Some dietary components are helpful for constipation, and some are harmful. In this study, we present diets related to constipation from the literature, and propose some perspectives regarding diets related to constipation…
CONCLUSION- Constipation cannot be managed using medication alone. Better short- and long-term outcomes are achieved with lifestyle changes, including a proper diet. Pediatricians treating a child with constipation should pay more attention to these changes…”
29 Fruits High in Fiber
“Whole fresh fruits are extremely nutritious and healthy in no small part to being high in fiber.
Passion fruit provides the most fiber of all fruits with 24.5 grams (88% DV) per cup. Low in sugar and calories, berries are also a great source of fiber.
Other high fiber fruits include avocados, persimmons, kiwifruit, pears, and oranges. The current daily value (DV) for fiber is 28 grams. (2)
Note: Since dried fruits are high in sugar, they were not included in the main list of 29 fruits. Click here to see a list of all dried fruits high in fiber.
Below is a list of 29 fruits high in fiber, for more, see the complete ranking of over 100 fruits high in fiber…”
Vitamins for constipation: Do they work?
“Increasing dietary fiber and taking over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives are conventional treatments for constipation, but some people also choose to take supplements.
Constipation is a common medical problem. In the United States, people make 2.5 million visits to the doctor for constipation every year.
Apart from OTC medications, people can try eating foods high in fiber, such as:
- vegetables
- fruits
- whole grains
- bran
The authors of an earlier study from 2008Trusted Source noticed that children with constipation had lower levels of vitamin C, folate, and magnesium.
These children also ate lower amounts of dietary fiber, fruits, and plant foods. Not consuming enough fiber can cause constipation. Fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber, are often high in vitamin C as well.
Some possible side effectsTrusted Source of taking vitamin C include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The larger the dose, the more likely it is that a person may experience these symptoms.
Doctors do not recommend that people take large doses of vitamin C to help them pass stool, but a daily vitamin C supplement may help…
Research from 2019Trusted Source found a strong association between chronic constipation and vitamin Ddeficiencies.
The participants with intestinal disorders that cause constipation had lower levels of vitamin D. These findings do not suggest that increasing vitamin D will relieve constipation, however, as the low vitamin D levels may be a consequence of chronic constipation.
People with a vitamin B-12 deficiencyTrusted Source may experience :
- constipation
- fatigue
- weakness
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
While taking vitamin B-12 supplements may not help those without a deficiency, correcting the deficiency may relieve symptoms in those who do…
Taking too many magnesium supplements can causeTrusted Source loose stools, diarrhea, nausea, and cramps. Magnesium has an osmotic effect, which means it draws water into the intestine, which is one of the causes of loose stools or diarrhea.
A common laxative that people can buy at the pharmacy is Milk of Magnesia. The main medicinal ingredient is magnesium hydroxide…”
What to Eat When You Have Diarrhea
“To treat diarrhea, eating bland foods can help prevent stomach upset and irritation. You can follow the BRAT diet, which stands for “bananas, rice, apples, toast.” This diet also helps firm stool.
Whether your diarrhea is caused by allergies, food poisoning, a chronic condition like irritable bowel syndrome, or something else, diet and diarrhea are intricately linked.
Even if you have long-term conditions that affect the digestive system, the diet you eat can greatly affect your comfort levels.
When you’re experiencing an episode of diarrhea, there are certain foods that you can eat to help your digestive system get back on track. There are also certain foods that you should avoid…