I'm a 47 year old male, very healthy, no medicines and clear medical history. About 2 weeks ago, I returned from a business trip exhausted and somewhat dehydrated. I became constipated, bloated, and uncomfortable because of it.

Over the next week, it continued. I ate carefully but the same volume of food, but it just kept filling me up with nothing passing through. Each day became more an more uncomfortable. I finally resorted to Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, and a few other overnight remedies with little result (some, but not enough for complete relief). Once the medication wore off I was back to constipation again.

I'm not normally a medication guy at all, but will take if necessary. I haven't seen a doctor yet regarding this.

It's now 2 weeks after the trip and, feeling very uncomfortable, I too a bottle of Magnesium Citrate. 4 hours later it's obviously liquified everything inside me and some is coming out, albeit slowly. It's obviously quite uncomfortable with lots of gurgling, some minor cramping, etc. but at this point I'll take it. I am concerned, however, that once it has taken its course I will once again start the cycle over with more constipation.

My questions: should I stop eating altogether for a while to let my body re-adjust itself, for maybe 2 or 3 days of just a light, liquid diet? Or should I resume eating how I normally did? What suggestions/advice do you have for getting my system back to normal?

Any advice is helpful and appreciated. Thanks!