Low Carb Help

  • I need some help or advice...I had started tracking calories,carb in December, lost 22 Lbs in the month of January....Carbs, 50 or less, 1200 calories.

    Now I am not good, dealing with constipation. I cheated today to feel better. I want to continue low carb ,but my tummy is feeling bloated. I have a long way to go.


    I am using flaxseed, pills. To feel better.

    Any input is gratefully. I drink plenty of water... 1 ,1/2 gallon daily.

    Liliann
  • How much fat makes up your diet? Are you eating too lean, maybe? Or not enough vegetable fibers?
  • Wow, 22 lbs in a month, WTG!

    I get constipation issues on low carb, low cal. I used Smooth Moves Tea for the last few months of my diet. I'm not sure if there is any time limit to where it loses effectiveness. Usually you drink it in late afternoon or evening and it works the next morning. I like the mint flavor; the chocolate doesn't taste like chocolate imho.

    Some people have good results with probiotics--pills or beverages that contain bacteria that are good for gut health.

    I don't know if you have any underlying intestinal problems, so please consider this only if you do not--Magnesium Citrate, a liquid that comes in approx. 8-10oz bottle. You drink the whole things and it works in a few hours. It isn't good to use it regularly. if you DO have anything like diverticulitis or anything at all with your intestines, probably a good idea to call your doctor for a suggestion.

    Mag. Citrate should be easy to find at a chain store pharmacy like CVS, Walmart, some grocery chain pharmacies have it. Smooth Moves is in health food stores like Whole Foods, and also a lot of big grocery chains. Probiotics--health food store, probably regular grocery nowadays as well.

    Hang in there--there will be a solution!
  • Are you spreading out your proteins and fats? Some people have issues if they eat too much cheese or if they aren't getting in some of the fibrous veggies. I hope you find something that works so you don't feel so miserable.

    And congrats on the 22 lbs!!
  • I was prescribed a stool softener, Colace, when I was constipated from pain meds after surgery. It is sold over the counter everywhere, in generic form, for just a few dollars a bottle. I still use it occasionally. It doesn't give you a loose stool, just softens it so it's easier to pass.

    Also, when my DH was constipated, he would not take anything for it. So I made him some jello and added unflavored Miralax to it without him knowing it, and it helped tremendously. You can also just add that to your water.

    Both of these products are inexpensive. They are gentle, and safe as long as not used to excess.
  • Hey! Might you have a lactose intolerance? I find low carb diets sometimes rely on a lot of cheese, and if you have a lactose intolerance it might come out. You might also want to add more fibrous veggies, like cucumbers, collard greens, belgian endives, etc, which are all low carb but high in fiber.

    As Sundove said, the smooth move tea can be effective, too. It's a senna based tea and it's pretty strong. You're supposed to take it at night time and it "works" by morning. You shouldn't use this more than 2-3 times a week though.
  • Thank you all...I am good....am taking flaxseed w fiber in my coffee..It helping me. and a continue efforts are going very well.

    Again.. Thanks..