low carb= constipation? food/natural remedy?

baltimorebill · #1 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 08:40 PM

I have been switching over to a low carb diet and it is helping my BG; however, I have been getting constipated. Any useful hints?

Funnygrl · #2 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 08:45 PM

Well yeah, fiber is carbs, so thus low carb will equal a low fiber diet, and thus constipation. The natural cure for constipation is fiber, which is in turn carb. Low carb diets are not well balanced, and never will be, and can lead to such issues.

jillrapp · #3 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 09:20 PM

so, any useful hints? lol

I have 1, activia yogurt, eat 1 serving each day, there is even a light formula, works pretty well for me.

Good luck!

Funnygrl · #4 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 09:55 PM

Eat fiber- that's my tip. I'm a firm believer that fruits and veggies are healthy!

kmac · #5 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 10:14 PM

A lot of veggies are low carb. I eat a large salad or mixed veggie stirfry at least once a day. I think that helps a lot. I'm lucky that I really enjoy salads and veggies so it is not a chore for me.

I didn't know Activia had a light version. I will check that out at the grocery store. I wonder if we have it in Canada?

Kathi

notme · #6 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 10:25 PM

Activia has about 19 carbs per container. Not sure that it matters, just thought I would throw that in there.

Noturningback · #7 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 11:59 PM

I had slight constipation when I began low carb dieting. Make sure you eat plenty of veggies. Green leafy greens are wonderful. I also eat berries and other low sugar fruits.

One other thing you can do is make a hot "cereal"

2 TB Almond Meal
2 TB Wheat Bran or Oat Bran
2 TB Flaxseed Meal
1 TB Protein Powder
Splenda and Cinnamon to Taste
1 TB of Cream

Put the first five ingredients in a bowl with 1/4-1/2 cup water. Nuke for 1 minute. Add cream and enjoy. You could use flaxseed oil, butter or coconut oil instead of cream. Experiment with what works for you.

Eating low carb has virtually saved my life. They are far more acceptable now than they once were because the evidence is undeniable that they help. Even the ADA has now started to come around the bend and give them some support. Eating low carb and high fat has not been found to have negative side effects. A wonderful book to read is Gary Taubes' Good Calories, Bad Calories. It's 640 pages packed with studies that support low carb and how many of the other studies are flawed. Jimmy Moore has done many interviews with scientists and physicians who support low carb as well.

I went to see an endocrinologist yesterday for the first time and he asked me how I lost my weight so far. I told him low carbing and his answer was "oh yeah" The inflection of his voice was saying 'that is obvious' not 'really?'

~Danielle

davef · #8 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 03:30 AM

I also had slight constipation when I started low-carb, well it kicked in about 2 months after starting eating low carb. I find eating plenty of veg (especially veg with fiber) and making sure to drink fluids sorted things out for me.

I have no problems now and I'm about 10 months eat low-carb.

princesslinda · #9 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 05:09 AM

Drink plenty of water! I also drink a glass of "Benefiber" daily.

fgummett · #10 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 05:21 AM

Drink plenty of water, keep moving (as in walking) and don't neglect the "eating fat" part of low-carbing. I have had no problems with constipation since starting low/no carbs several weeks ago.

By the way, if fibre is the "natural cure for constipation"... does that mean all carnivores are constantly constipated

What about the Inuit, or many Native American tribes, or the Masai, or many other traditional communities that rarely, if ever eat/ate fruit and veggies

And who says that diet has to be "well balanced"... is it the same "experts" who say we need to eat a high-carb diet?

BrianSCohen · #11 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 05:36 AM

I've come to believe that the whole fiber thing may just be hogwash. For me, the key to regularity is FAT!!!!! Eat enough fat, you'll never be constipated.

But seriously, I do believe that adequate hydration is also the key. If you are dehydrated, your body will pull out as much water as it can during digestion, leaving you with stones to pass. Drink lots of water.

Remember the traditional cure for consipation is mineral oil, an undigestiable oil that coats your insides and prevents water bring drawn from your stools. It works, but it is probably better to in the long-term to just make sure you eat enough fats and get properly hydrated.

ps. I actually find that certain foods seem to be rejected by my digestion and pass through at great speed, force and liquidity within an hour. I could eat a quart of sauerkraut and clear up constipation any time I want.

patricia52 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 05:51 AM

have you tried Fiber One cereal or All Bran cereal. I have heard they are good and since they have lots of fiber they are a low carb alternative to other cereals.

pdxdennisj · #13 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 06:23 AM

Psyllium and about 7-9 prunes soaked in water every third day or so.

Debbie Sue · #14 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 07:47 AM

If I get the big C, I eat a few sugar free chocolates. If i get the big D, I eat some cheese. Stops it good! Fiber is the key to all this, but sometimes I get out of balance and need some quick help.

fgummett · #15 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

I've come to believe that the whole fiber thing may just be hogwash. For me, the key to regularity is FAT!!!!! Eat enough fat, you'll never be constipated.

I agree with both these points... fibre , like low-fat and low-salt is not the universal panacea it has been made out to be and not being scared to eat fat will prevent any constipation issue you may have when eating low-carb.

The media has done such a number on us that we firmly believe fat is our mortal enemy, and yet we cannot live without it.