Constipation
 

I know this isn't the most desirable topic to discuss, however being on low carb does have its problems and one of them is constipation.
Grains are the best way to overcome this problem but we don't eat grains (for the most part).
Fiber is important, but we don't get enough of that either.

I have been on low carb for years and I found out (through trying different things) that Metamucil every day does the trick. I take every morning (before breakfast) 3 measured Tablespoons of Metamucil (unflavoured, unsweetened, smooth type) in 20 ounces of water and I add about 2 Tablespoons of Splenda (to taste). I often add a drop or 2 of vanilla extract to make it a bit more pleasant (not that it tastes bad). Mix well and chug-a-lug. I promise you this will keep you from getting constipated. Metamucil doesn't make you go, it only makes it easier to go.

I have tried FLAX seeds ground to a powder and mixed with cream and splenda but that didn't work as well as Metamucil.
I have tried making Flax muffins but that didn't work as well as Metamucil.

Should anyone have any other suggestion, please let me know.
No use being ashamed about it. We are all here to help, guide, and advise one another on how to make this low carb way of life somewhat easier.

I am very interested to hear how everyone overcomes this problem................

crustless pumpkin pie LOL. Lots of fibre in pumpkin http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/sm...icon_smile.gif

I find if I eat plenty of fat - (eggs fried in butter / butter on veggies) I don't have this problem at all. In the past when I tried low carb, I didn't add fat to my food and had lots of trouble.

Beth

Pumpkin just happens NOT to be my favourite food. Personally, I can have a bad day without pumpkin.
Besides, where do I get pumpkin every day of my life and how do I eat it every day of my life ?????????

As for the fat, any amount of fat just isn't enough to eliminate the problem. It would probably take 2 or 3 pounds of butter every day.....
I do have my eggs in butter every day and I definitely use a fair share of butter daily..........

I still maintain that a daily dose of Metamucil is just about the only answer.

You asked for personal experiences. I gave mine. If I add butter I am regular if I don't I'm not. It's as simple as that. Please don't assume you know the workings of my insides. http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/sm...icon_smile.gif

And no it does not take 2 or 3 pounds a day. I add a pat of butter to my eggs and the same amount to my veggies. That does the trick for me.

I'm glad that Metamucil works for you. It never did for me. I would have to assume everyone is different.

Beth

I agree, Beth, it does not take much fats to get things moving, and IMHO metamucil simply makes the bowel lazy. And if you must take anything, take psyllium husks in water, it's the active ingredient of metamucil without the flavours and additives.

Suggest you have a read of the Fibre menace - see http://www.lowcarbsite.com/chitchat/...racked-up.htmlhttp://www.lowcarbsite.com/chitchat/...racked-up.html on it here.

That is exactly what I take is the plain, unflavoured, unsweetened Metamucil. Have been taking that for years now and it works. 3 Tablespoons in 24 ounces of water with a bit of Splenda............

Like one said, each person is different and requires different sources of fiber to keep them regular.

Also drinking your proper amount of water daily also helps.

Too bad you don't like pumpkin Benji because a good cinnamony, clovey, allspice pumpkin pie with whip cream is deliciously to die for as well as being "effective" and I just get my pumpkin from a can when I don't have time to stew it fresh and then can it. MMMMMM don't know what your missing LOL It also makes an awesome creamy currie soup, another of my faves.

In all the research I have done, I have found that we are sorely lacking in magnesium. One of the effects of magnesium is to relax the bowels and allow smooth delivery.

I now take 1/2 tsp of Natural Calm a day, along with my other mag suppliments and have NO trouble at all. http://naturalvitality.com/natural-calm/

When I started Atkins about 3 weeks ago I was coming off a very high fiber diet and expected constipation to be a real problem but for whatever reason it hasn't been at all. The only related "problem" has been going with much less frequency: where I used to be clock regular once a day now it's more like every other day, if that often. It kinda makes me wonder what the effects of a good cleanse might be.

You're not "going" as often because you're simply not producing as much waste on a low carb diet! Think about it... fat and protein when digested don't have "leftovers". Carbs on the other hand do. All the fiber you were eating was not digestable... so of course you were more regular. Don't worry about once every other day or even once every three days. Only worry if you need to go and can't.

I've been on a low carb diet for over 2 years now and I'm thinking about giving it up due to constipation. I just can't take it any longer. I've tried everything and nothing seems to work. I'm going back to my doctor next week and I'm sure he's going to tell me that my diet is the problem. I may have to agree with him this time.

Before you give up on this way of eating get to a health food store and try Natural Calm. Take a teaspoon each morning until results and then back down to 1/2 teaspoon every morning or every other morning. Try it, it just might work!


PLUS are you eating 70% or more fat a day?????

I’ve tried several types of probiotics and they work for a period of time but then stop working. I did some searching on Natural Calm and several people said that it worked for them for a short time. I suppose I can try it but it doesn’t sound like a long term solution. I don’t limit my fat intake but I have no idea what percentage I consume.

You never know how it will work for you until you try it. If you have tried everything else, why not give it a go? On Amazon, this proiduct had 180 reviews, 139 five stars, 6 four stars and 15 lower ones so, why not?

http://www.amazon.com/Peter-Gillhams...owViewpoints=1

I purchased the product this afternoon and just took my first dose. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Hoping for good things for you and your digestive system! LOL

I didnt know you you could have Pumpkin, so you just eat it out of the can? Or is there a recipe?