Over the past few years, my bowel management has to be changed. This could be due to the low-protein diet that I have to adhere to because of chronic renal failure. I can no longer eat as much food as I want because a lot of food contains protein. I believe that it is because of this that my bowel movement has been affected.

Chronic renal failure causes anemia. My anemia is slightly below the normal range. I have to make up for the reduction in red blood cells with iron supplements. Iron supplements cause constipation. That caused a lot of problems for me because I could not empty my bowel fully. To counter that, I started taking Lactulose in the middle of last year.

Lactulose is a form of liquid synthetic sugar. It tastes sweet just like sugar syrup. It is almost never absorbed in the stomach. It is instead metabolised by bacteria in the colon. This process draws water into the bowels and softens the stools. I am taking 15ml of Lactulose daily after lunch. It has greatly helped in my bowel management. I seldom, if never, get constipated after I started on it.

Lactulose alone will not solve the problems of constipation. Water intake should be sufficient too apart from a diet high in fibre. Currently, I am eating up to four portions of fruits, not only to prevent constipation but to vary the tastes in my meals because of the limited choice of food that I am allowed to eat.

Lactulose also draws ammonia from the blood. It is used to treat people with liver disease. Lactulose also causes gas. This could one of the reasons for the unpleasant putrid smell in the stool and when breaking wind. Overdosing on Lactulose may cause diarrhea, excessive gas and stomach upset. Therefore it is advisable to consult a doctor first before taking it.

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