Try boiling some whole flax seed in water for a few minutes, then allow to cool. The water will turn quite thick. Strain out the flax seeds and stir a tablespoon or so of this flax seed mucus into juice a couple of times a day. This will lubricate the intestinal track and make bowel movements easier and faster. It is not a stimulant or a fiber, just a lubricant. The mucus is tasteless, but very gross looking and has a strange texture by itself; however it is undetectable in juice. You can also stir it into yogurt or smoothies. It should be fine to increase his magnesium to 1000 mg. Magnesium oxide is not easily absorbed, so the chances of him getting too much magnesium is minimal.

Having a stomach ache may indicate he is not clearing his bowel, or he might have a small stricture that slow downs the normal movement and causes pain when the stool backs up and is not released. Liquid stools may help relief this problem.

Make sure the boy is drinking plenty of pure water and is not eating much in the way of sugar, grains or dairy, all can cause inflammation and mucus.

Have you ever given him an enema? Not the Fleet chemical disposable type, but an old fashioned one using an enema bag? Enemas are often recommended as the first step to cleanse the bowel prior to beginning a bowel retraining program, and an enema is the quickest and most natural way to produce a liquid stool.

Many parents are reluctant to give their child an enema the first time, but an enema need not be traumatic or overly uncomfortable if it is done properly. If you are interested in more information, I'll be happy to provide it.

In any event, I wish you success in your efforts to help restore your son's natural regularity. It's something that is much easier to correct now at his age than it will be a few years from now.

Sincerely, Valerie

have you been using freshly ground flax seed? the packaged pre-ground flax seed is not nearly as effective I think. if so then I'm surprised this isn't working for him. also, i'm sure your aware but be sure he avoids constipating foods such as cheese bananas fried foods etc. and eats lots of fruits, veggies. i think too much dairy is constipating (at least it is for me).