I'm on a program...a high protein, low carb (somewhat low dairy) type of deal. I'm on my second week and finding the program easy to follow. I was down about 6 lbs (about 3lbs a week) but then the scale started going the other direction. I understand that the weight loss slows, but not going this quickly in the other direction.
I also just started taking a medication that enhances constipation, something I've always struggled with anyway. So I understand what is happeneing, but I've never had it where I'm gaining about 1/2 lb a day following a 1,200 calorie diet.
I'm eating like a saint, but work behind a desk. I try to stay busy in the evenings and even started going on 3 mile walks this week. Is there something I can take that isn't a laxative to help???
I'm just starting to go through menopause and am having the same problem. I was having to take a laxative about every 5 days. I didn't want to keep that up so I researched it and finally started drinking prune juice everyday. I buy the unsweetened kind and drink about 4 oz. every day. It takes a few days to kick in but it has been the answer for me.
Thanks for the prune juice qty, I always wondered how much to take! Also, never thought of cherries so I will give that try. As for fiber, I eat lots of fiber, I've always found that increasing fiber intake doesn't help me much. I've never understood that.
I found that Fiber One cereal is a pretty good motivator for BM's.. I am drinking lots of water and that didn't help me with the constipation at all. Good luck!!
YEs to fiber and water. I never liked the taste of prune juice but for me apples work well. I also do somewhat low carb but make sure to have a bit of fruit to help with these issues.
How much is "a lot of fiber"? 25 g/day is a minimum for women I've read. I've gotten up to 40 g/day while still restricting carbs without too much hassle. Running also helps me sometimes.
Just drank my first 4 oz of prune juice (gulp), it is .... gross, haha. Worth a try though. Also I got some probiotic colon support pills...anyone ever try that? Eating lots of apples...if the prune juice doesn't help I might try a fiber mix to put in my water. Thanks for all the great help :0)
I never go below 25g of fiber, even when not eating the best. I like to stay above 30 at the minimum. Nursing an ankle issue at the moment, otherwise a good jog does help
Your body is probably suffering because of how little fiber you're letting in to your system. Are you allowed to eat more vegetables? You'd have to eat a lot more to get the fiber you need.
You also have to understand that a lot of people "go" less often when they're eating so little. For me, once a day is perfectly normal while dieting.
Hi protein diet = constipation in almost everyone. Your body is screaming for magnesium. You can do two things, which both are perfectly healthy (according to my doc!)
1) take magnesium pills (how many is an individual thing; I personally take 6-8 per day)
2) you can take Milk of Magnesia - it is NOT a laxative (but can be used as one) & is perfectly safe to take every day.
Happy "bowling"
Last edited by Beach Patrol; 08-25-2011 at 02:04 PM.
I recently had the same problem, although it wasn't due to diet. I found out I was going to be laid off and shock just set in. I stopped doing the activities I normally do, including staying hydrated. I hadn't gone to the bathroom like I wanted to for a couple of days. I definitely felt it. I felt sluggish and tired, which to a degree was a result of the news I had just heard.
However, I was starting to feel so heavy. I realized I was very dehydrated each time I peed and it got darker and darker. After about a day of getting back to my normal hydration level, I started being very regular again and I felt SO MUCH better!!
I can easily imagine that a special diet would effect your regularity. I've never been one for prune juice. Thankfully in my case, increasing hydration got me back on track!
I second magnesium! There are some great powder supplements with stevia that you can drink like tea (I take one called Mama Ease and it makes things go very nicely!), or plain old milk of magnesia should help. If your fiber is high and water intake is good, that would be my next recommendation.
How to say this sweetly...constipation!!
Constipation Help
