today affects tomorrow

Constipation

Doesn't have to be a fact of life

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), inactive lifestyle, low fibre (e.g. reduced potassium and phosphorous diets) and fluid intake, accompanying medications (e.g., phosphate binders), and other primary and secondary conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Help yourself by taking a walk

Keep moving! Increase your activity level. Daily physical activity helps to regulate the bowels. Try a daily walk, stretching exercises, light housework or light gardening.

Good morning

Use part of your fluid allowance as a warm beverage first thing in the morning or before going to bed at night; warm lemonade, tea or coffee (drink decaf at night) works very well.

Dialysis Patients

Check with your nurse or doctor about a laxative, stool softener or fibre supplement for those that are on dialysis.  Avoid: Milk of magnesium, Correctol®, Epsom salts and mineral oil.

Benefits of Karo Syrup

Avoid this remedy if you have diabetes.

Add 1 tablespoon of dark Karo® syrup to 1/2 cup of applesauce.


This helps increase the amount of water in the gut to make bowel movements easier.


NOTE: Karo syrup is a very concentrated carbohydrate that will cause blood sugar levels to soar.



Fibre

The amount of fibre needed to relieve constipation varies from person to person.


Instead of worrying about eating a particular number of grams of fibre, concentrate on making small, gradual changes to your eating plan to increase fibre intake.  

What you may believe is safe might put you in grave danger.

Check with your doctor, dietitian or nurse when changing your diet or adding any supplements.
be mindful of long-term

If possible, avoid long-term use of laxatives and stool softeners

mom was right

If possible, avoid long-term use of laxatives and stool softeners

2 Common Fruits That Can Have Deadly Consequences

Star Fruit

starfruit

Research has shown that starfruit contains a nerve toxin that can cause confusion, agitation, and in some cases death.  Starfruit also known as Caramobla can be life threatening for those on dialysis.

Grapefruit

grapefruit

If you do eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, check with your doctor to make sure it is not harming you.  Grapefruit and grapefruit juice, can interact with many medications.

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Plus, 2 bonus recipe cards to help make kidney-friendly foods easy to prepare and most, importantly, tasty!

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