Dr Oz: Livia’s Bowl Recipe for Constipation Reboot

Dr Oz: Constipation Reboot

No one ever wants to admit to suffering from constipation but yet 42 million Americans deal with it every year. You could be constipated and in need of a reboot if you have fewer than 3 stools per week, have hard stools, and find yourself pushing more than pooping.

Dr Oz spoke to a woman who admitted to experiencing all of those symptoms for the last five years. She explained that she’s been so uncomfortable because she isn’t sure what to do, diet-wise, in order to help the situation. She also experiences bloating and cramping, while feeling like she needs to go without actually being able to.

Dr Oz: How Do You Know If You’re Constipated?

Dr Oz had some good news: a few simple lifestyle changes can help reboot your constipation and solve the problem. According to Dr Roshini Rajapaksa, fiber is one of the most important things. Most of us don’t get enough fiber in our diet. We should each aim for 25-30 grams a day.

Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to get more fiber in your diet. You can eat apples with the skin on, brown rice, oats, and berries. You can combine several of those ingredients along with some other additions like flax seeds and almond milk, to make a healthy and delicious snack!

Dr Oz: Livia’s Bowl Recipe

Dr Oz held a contest to see who could make the best bowl recipe that is rich in fiber.  The winner was Livia’s Bowl Recipe which is made as follows:

Bowl Ingredients

• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 6 blueberries
• 2 strawberries
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup almond milk, unsweetened
• 2 TB flax and chia seed blend
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp coconut oil

Livia’s Bowl Recipe

1. Boil the water and almond milk on the stove.
2. Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the flax and chia seed mixture, oats and coconut oil.
3. Let the mixture cook for 6 minutes or until the oats are soft.  Stir often to prevent sticking.
4. Take the pot off of the stove and let it cool off for a couple of minutes.
5. Place it in a bowl with the rest of the ingredients sprinkled on top.

In addition to getting more fiber, you want to be sure you’re well hydrated. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. The more water you have in your system, the more easily stool can be softened. How much water you need depends on your body type and you activity level, but aim for about eight glasses a day.

Dr Oz: Miralax Laxative For Constipation

Finally, you could always try a laxative. If you’re suffering from occasional constipation despite dietary changes, it may be time to try an over-the-counter laxative. However, there are different laxatives available. There’s a stimulant laxative and Miralax.

A stimulant laxative doesn’t change what’s in the colon, it just makes the colon work harder. Eventually, over time, it could work to help you find relief. Miralax on the other hand, allows the stool to absorb water to soften it, giving you the results you’re looking for.