by Just 'Pain' Tired » 17 Jun 2013, 23:04
Good questions. I, too, have gone back and forth between being strict and looser with diet. I notice a general trend, unrelated to diet, which could be more hormonal (although I am post-menopausal), the same diet some weeks produces harder stools than the exact same diet other weeks. Also, I definitely love popcorn (air-popped but oil or butter added) and have mostly given it up during this most upleasant phase of life (i.e., months). I do think the hulls are just a little too prickly, who needs that? However, I haven't been constipated or too plugged up with it either. So, I've given up popcorn (95%), coffee (95%, an occasional weekend day I'll enjoy it), fried, fatty foods (95%), cheese (just a little as garnish, never a lot) and make sure I eat plenty of the healthy grains, veggies,fruits, and proteins (and water). Some days add magnesium or a stool softener (sodium dosculate) if it's getting too firm. I didn't like Miralax and I do take Metamucil daily. It's hard to figure out but necessary for dealing wih this condition!!! Good luck! :D