Experiencing Quick Passage of Undigested Cherries After Constipation
I’ve just come out of a tough 48 to 72 hours dealing with intense constipation. I’m diagnosed with diverticulosis but have been managing my symptoms by consuming lots of liquids and plenty of puddings—specifically the North American type found in cups, similar to Jello. This regimen helped get my digestive system moving without the risk of infection or exacerbating the discomfort from what gets trapped in my diverticular pockets. Throughout this, I haven’t experienced any diarrhea, and my stools have maintained their form, which I attribute to the probiotics I've been taking. Earlier today, I indulged in a couple of handfuls of fresh cherries for fiber. Remarkably, just three hours later, I noticed I was passing them undigested. This occurred despite the previous three days of chronic constipation. I genuinely enjoy cherries and have never observed such a quick transit. Is it typical for undigested cherries to appear in such a short time frame, especially after a stint of eating primarily soft foods? How can cherries bypass digestion so rapidly when I had been suffering from significant constipation just days before?
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 1:01:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about seeing undigested cherries shortly after eating them, especially following a period of intense constipation. While this can be surprising, there are explanations for why this might happen, particularly within the context of your recent diet and digestive health.
Key Points:
- Undigested Food is Not Uncommon: Foods high in fiber, like cherries, can sometimes pass through the digestive system more quickly, especially if they contain a lot of water and fibrous material.
- Recent Dietary Changes: After a period of consuming softer foods, introducing fiber-rich foods can stimulate your digestive system differently, potentially leading to quicker transit times.
- Individual Digestive Variability: Each person's digestive system reacts uniquely, and sometimes timing can vary based on what has been consumed before.
Explanation:
- Fiber's Role: Cherries are high in fiber and water, which help move things along in your intestines. If you've been eating mostly soft foods, your digestive system might respond more vigorously to this sudden increase in fiber, leading to faster transit times.
- Diverticulosis Considerations: Your condition with diverticulosis means that your digestive tract's mechanics may be slightly different compared to someone without it. However, if you're not experiencing discomfort or pain, it's a positive sign that your digestive tract is functioning.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your stool and any gastrointestinal symptoms. If you continue to pass undigested food regularly or experience discomfort, it might be worth noting.
- Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of fluids, as this supports healthy digestion, especially when increasing fiber intake.
- Balance Fiber Intake: Gradually introduce fiber-rich foods while maintaining a balance with softer foods to avoid overwhelming your system.
- Probiotic Use: Continue using probiotics as they support gut health and may help regulate digestive processes.
If you notice any worsening symptoms, such as abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits, consider reaching out for personalized dietary advice or further evaluation. Enjoy your cherries, and remember to introduce high-fiber foods gradually!
Related Questions
Concerns About Abdominal Discomfort
To start with, I feel compelled to mention that I struggle with severe health-related obsessive-compulsive disorder, which leads me to intensely focus on any symptoms I experience, resulting in unnecessary worry. Recently, I began to experience some discomfort in my abdomen, specifically in the area just below my right breast, which has now evolved into tenderness upon touch. This soreness is located beneath my rib cage, and I haven't experienced any changes in my appetite or feelings of nausea. My last bowel movement occurred on Thursday, and as of this morning, the discomfort has shifted slightly, now positioned just above my belly button. I had a regular bowel movement this morning and was able to take a walk without any issues. The pain only manifests when I cough or during the transitions between sitting and standing. Initially, I was concerned about the possibility of a hernia, but I understand that the pain associated with a hernia typically does not shift in location like mine seems to. I should also note that I am classified as overweight and have been living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), for which I’m taking a proton pump inhibitor. Fortunately, my heartburn symptoms have remained stable, largely influenced by my dietary habits. Over the past year, I've dealt with some weight fluctuations due to medication side effects and stress (ranging from 330 pounds to 275 pounds and back to 310 pounds). Thankfully, I have not encountered vomiting or any changes in my bowel movements. I would appreciate any insights or advice on this matter.
Lymph Nodes Observed in Abdominal CT Scan
A 26-year-old female, standing at 5'1" and weighing 70 kg, who does not smoke and drinks alcohol occasionally, has been experiencing gastrointestinal problems characterized by alternating periods of constipation and softer stools since January 24th. Additionally, she was diagnosed with a bladder infection on February 3rd, which was treated with a single dose of antibiotics totalling 3000 mg. She sought emergency medical attention due to significant discomfort in her lower left back, initially feeling colicky before becoming a constant dull ache, leading to an overnight stay for an abdominal CT scan the following morning. The findings from this scan have caused her some concern, particularly regarding identified lymph nodes. **Medical Findings:** Diagnosis: Lumbosacral radiculopathy and fecal impaction. **Treatment Approach:** The patient has been prescribed spasmolytic analgesics and will undergo further radiological evaluation. **CT Scan Results:** The low-dose native abdominal CT revealed normal appearances of the kidneys and urinary tract on both sides, with no signs of urinary retention or kidney stones in the renal pelvis or ureters. However, a few small, nonspecific mesenteric lymph nodes were detected in the mesenteric root and perizocecal areas, along with small inguinal lymph nodes on both sides. There is also no indication of appendicitis, and the colon contains a moderate volume of stool. The remainder of the low-dose CT findings are within normal limits. **Ultrasound Findings:** The abdominal ultrasound indicates grade I ectasia of the left renal pelvis, while no abnormalities were noted in the left renal pelvis, and the bladder was observed to be empty following urination. **Next Steps:** A referral for further urological evaluation is recommended alongside maintaining adequate hydration, with analgesics suggested if pain management is necessary.
Could This Be IBS or Something Else?
Greetings! I’m a 27-year-old male, standing at 172 cm and of European descent, currently using Iqos. My medical troubles began roughly four months ago, around October 5, 2025. Initially, I experienced intense back pain lasting for two days, which I recognized as kidney stone pain. To alleviate this discomfort, I took NSAIDs, predominantly Metamizole-Natrium. Afterward, I visited urgent care, where I was given Diclofenac and Monural, an antibiotic for urinary tract infections. I took one of each at night. **A couple of days later, I started experiencing several troubling symptoms:** - Frequent diarrhea (4-5 times a day, often watery) - Significant gas and belching - Persistent nausea that greeted me each morning, sometimes relieved by eating - A general sense of malaise - A loss of 5 kg (I dropped from 63 kg) because I lacked appetite, especially under stress. These symptoms developed quickly and intensified through October, fluctuating over time. Blood tests showed no abnormalities, with normal CRP levels. Then in November, I underwent a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. - I had three very small erosions, about 1-2 mm, in the terminal ileum, but no signs of inflammation. Histology revealed no pathological issues, all was well. - There was one small erosion in the sigmoid colon, with minor inflammation around it. Histological findings indicated small infiltration in the lamina propria but no chronic signs, leading to a diagnosis suggesting a high likelihood of infection. - The areas were healing, with fibrin present. The rest of my colon appeared healthy. The doctor attributed the ulcers to NSAID-induced damage. I was later diagnosed with LA-A GERD. Due to my anxiety about health, I spent the month consumed by fears of complications such as colon cancer, PC, or Crohn's disease. I finally found some relief and felt symptom-free for the subsequent two weeks. However, in December the troubles resurfaced, though to a lesser degree, with occasional loose stools—2-3 times for a few days— and lingering gas. My anxiety about Crohn's returned, and I mistakenly took Algopyrin Complex, which triggered additional stress. **In December, my primary worries included:** - Loose stools resembling Bristol type 5-6, mainly occurring once each morning - Excessive gas often felt trapped in my rectum - My weight stabilized at 62 kg **I underwent various tests:** - Negative results for Giardia and E. coli - Negative FIT tests - Negative MRI (everything appeared normal) - Negative MRE (all normal) - Calprotectin level measured at 18.7 - I was found to have low levels of B9 and Vitamin D, with B12 at 320 and LDL at 5.9 **Moving into January:** - I only had one bowel movement each morning, sometimes loose, but mostly firm in the past three weeks (Bristol 4), compared to my usual Bristol 2. - After meals, I often felt gas building in my rectum, sometimes getting stuck before eventually releasing. This gas, thankfully, rarely had an odor. - Mornings have been troublesome, as I needed to pass gas 2-4 times, and in bed at night, I felt bloated with gas movements. **What I have observed:** - No signs of blood in my stools - No pain - No nocturnal symptoms affecting my sleep - No extraintestinal symptoms - My weight has stabilized without additional loss after recovering some weight Overall, I feel fine, yet the worry about my condition persists in my mind. Previously, I would have bowel movements twice weekly, with little to no gas. It baffles me that I often wake up feeling this uncomfortable. My primary concern is whether I should be worried about Crohn's disease (which occupies my thoughts constantly) or if my symptoms might stem solely from anxiety. Currently, I'm taking the following medications and supplements: - Itopride (doctor suggested it for motility issues) - L-Glutamine - Curcumin - A B-complex supplement - Ashwagandha - I briefly tried rifaximin for three days, but it did not yield significant changes. - I had also experimented with antacids previously, though they proved ineffective. Thank you for your assistance in advance!
Can Eating More Fiber Alleviate Menstrual Cycle-Related Constipation?
Every month, during the week and a half leading up to my menstrual period, I experience constipation. I'm curious if boosting my fiber consumption might ease this issue. I already ensure that I drink plenty of water throughout the day. I am a woman in my mid-20s.
Seeking Relief from Mild Fecal Impaction: Should I Go to the ER?
At 20 years old, I find myself dealing with a frustrating issue: fecal impaction. It's not something I've faced before, or at least I can’t recall, but I’ve had chronic stomach difficulties throughout my childhood, including constipation from ages four to twelve. Recently, I've been experiencing more digestive challenges after a few years of feeling normal. Currently, I’m under the care of a gastroenterologist, and we’re working on diagnosing the underlying problems. For about five days now, I haven't been able to relieve myself. While I’ve had considerable gas, that’s been the only symptom. Today has been particularly difficult; I’ve spent the last 11 hours in the bathroom grappling with severe discomfort and impaction. Each attempt to relieve the situation is excruciating, to the point where my body is resisting the effort—it’s so painful that I find myself in tears. I imagine this is what birth must feel like. I suspect this intense fear and pain are remnants of my past struggles, as for many years I’ve feared using the bathroom due to the agony it causes. Despite trying various remedies like Miralax mixed with coffee, a bullet suppository, and even a manual approach with gloves, nothing is yielding results. I’m genuinely tempted to head to the emergency room and ask them to put me under so they can help me without the pain. My mother suggests they would likely opt for a liquid suppository treatment like they did during my childhood, which was quite traumatic. I’m torn—it feels like the ER might be my last resort, but I'm concerned they won’t take me seriously since my situation doesn’t seem dire. How foolish would it be to bring up wanting sedation? I desperately want to avoid this pain; it’s becoming increasingly difficult, and I’m fighting back tears from the frustration. Can they truly provide sedation for this type of issue even when it isn’t severe? I worry that my parents might react negatively to my quest for relief and think I’m being dramatic. I’m utterly drained and don’t know where to turn. When there’s no painful push against my body, I can’t even sense the severity of the issue, yet, I am experiencing leakage, leaving me unsure. Would it be unreasonable to pose this question to the doctors in the ER? I apologize if this message is jumbled; I’m also dealing with a migraine, making it hard to focus. For context, my daily medications include phentermine, iron supplements, and vitamin D. I stand at 5’4” and currently weigh 204 pounds as part of my ongoing weight loss journey.