I typically don't believe the hype when it comes to "detox products" but I am at the end of my rope. I suffer from constipation all the time. It doesn't matter how much fiber I put into my diet, I still get clogged up. I've practically turned myself into a vegetarian, just so I can more than the recommended amount of fiber. It doesn't work.

I've tried every laxative and stool softener that is sold at my local pharmacy. And they work for about a day or two, and then I get constipated again. Now, I'm starting to get bad cramps whenever I take a laxative.

One of my close friends told me to try taking a colon cleanser, because they are safer than laxatives, and will help me with the constipation. Sounds fishy to me, but I'm willing to give it a try.. Does anybody have experience with these?

What about probiotics? I don't know much about them, but I'm also told that they can help with digestive issues like constipation. Any tips would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

As for the constipation, why not try what an old country doctor told my brother-in-law to do.

First thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything have a large cup of hot water--Not boiling about as hot as you would drink coffee. It worked for him.

Do you drink enough water during the day? Lack of hydration can cause constipation

To my knowledge, a colon cleanser works like an incredibly strong laxative. Take one and prepare to be on the toilet for several hours.

The water thing sounds like a great idea. Lack of hydration can cause constipation as well as several other problems. Drinking more water may or may not help with the constipation, but it's a good idea.

you should be drinking around 8 glasses of water a day, more if you drink caffeinated drinks. If you are already drinking plenty of water then see a doctor to see if there is another cause but you may simply just not have a sufficient water intake to keep things moving properly in your colon and water acts as a stool softener so if you dont drink enough of it, you get constipated.

Miralax is now over the counter, works miracles for me. Like you, I tried fiber and more fiber to no avail.

You could try magnesium oxide, which is a larger molecule than citrate and really absorbs water into the colon. Probiotics like Bifidobacterium Bifidum also have many studies behind them that show they help with faster and more complete evacuation. That might be a more long-term solution than a colon cleanse. Good luck!

Nydia