How do you get things going...
 

...I mean...well...I'm now suffering with constipation. It's almost a given with hypothyroidism - but my T3 usually keeps things going. But it's not working.

And the search function is not working well for me on the forum - so thought I'd ask...

any one have the magic pill to get things going again?

I know when I've done low carb before that the reason things get back up or not regular is because I'm not getting in enough fiber/vegetables. Try adding more veggies and water to help smooth things along! I wouldn't resort to a "magical pill" just in case it may affect your weight loss/ketosis.

Try miralax for a couple of days. Also make sure you're getting plenty of water and veggies, but the miralax is gentle and it works. I use it every couple of days...

Originally Posted by slickmouse:
...I mean...well...I'm now suffering with constipation. It's almost a given with hypothyroidism - but my T3 usually keeps things going. But it's not working.

And the search function is not working well for me on the forum - so thought I'd ask...

any one have the magic pill to get things going again?

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with what we call the Big C!!
Are you eating all of your EVOO in? What kind of lettuce are you using for your salads? Romaine seems to help with the Big C. Also IP has a supplement called "novi-lax" in capsule form. Talk to your coach.

You can try prune juice. I know it's kind of gross, but it really does work.

Originally Posted by mel92:
You can try prune juice. I know it's kind of gross, but it really does work.

Prune juice does work BUT it is not IP friendly
8oz has 43 g of carbs!! and 19 g of sugar!! eeekkkk

Novi-Lax is great!

My coach told me that if I don't get my 2 cups of veggies in at each meal along with my salads at lunch and dinner that the big C is often a side effect. She suggested taking a stool softener rather than the magnesium citrate bottles. It's much cleaner and to make sure I'm getting enough of the salad and veggies each day along with the minimum of 64 oz of water.

I posted this on the daily thread - so I am going to cross post it here so it doesn't get lost -- our coach lets us use this product called Calm by Natural Vitality. It makes your water kind of fizzy and tastes pretty good (I like the organic raspberry lemon flavor) it is 0/0/0 -it is made with ionic magnesium citrate and it works like a charm -- I LOVE IT and it is cheaper then the novi-lax (I container lasts me about 2 months) -- hope this helps and gives you more options :-)

Originally Posted by YankeeFan14040:
My coach told me that if I don't get my 2 cups of veggies in at each meal along with my salads at lunch and dinner that the big C is often a side effect. She suggested taking a stool softener rather than the magnesium citrate bottles. It's much cleaner and to make sure I'm getting enough of the salad and veggies each day along with the minimum of 64 oz of water.

My coach told me to drink a gallon a day, others say drink 1/2 ounce per pound of your weight + an extra 10 oz. I don't think 64 oz is enough to flush things out?

Originally Posted by AmyonIP:
My coach told me to drink a gallon a day, others say drink 1/2 ounce per pound of your weight + an extra 10 oz. I don't think 64 oz is enough to flush things out?

Hmm...I don't know. I just know that according to the literature from Ideal Protein it says the bare minimum is 64oz of water to drink on Phase I. I know there is no way I'd be able to drink a gallon a day. I have my weigh in this afternoon and I will ask her. End of week 2 tonight!

Originally Posted by YankeeFan14040:
Hmm...I don't know. I just know that according to the literature from Ideal Protein it says the bare minimum is 64oz of water to drink on Phase I. I know there is no way I'd be able to drink a gallon a day. I have my weigh in this afternoon and I will ask her. End of week 2 tonight!

A gallon would be excessive unless you've been really active or in high humidity. On the other hand you should be drinking at least 100 ounces. Anything else and you're short-changing your system. This isn't my opinion. It's universal. I mean, how are you going to flush toxins let alone hydrate yourself on only 64 ounces of allowed fluids?

I use Konsyl psyllium fiber twice a day and it has made all the difference for me (I'm hypo as well). It's gluten free, sugar free, etc. Tastes a little odd, but I chug down 8 oz after taking it so it's not an issue. I hope you find a solution soon!

Originally Posted by CheekyWit:
I posted this on the daily thread - so I am going to cross post it here so it doesn't get lost -- our coach lets us use this product called Calm by Natural Vitality. It makes your water kind of fizzy and tastes pretty good (I like the organic raspberry lemon flavor) it is 0/0/0 -it is made with ionic magnesium citrate and it works like a charm -- I LOVE IT and it is cheaper then the novi-lax (I container lasts me about 2 months) -- hope this helps and gives you more options :-)

We also use the CALM suggested by our Coach, it does work fairly quickly with less side effects (cramping) than other options. The flavor isn't bad, the smell kinda reminds me of the deodorant in a public restroom :( :D

Originally Posted by slickmouse:
...I mean...well...I'm now suffering with constipation. It's almost a given with hypothyroidism - but my T3 usually keeps things going. But it's not working.

And the search function is not working well for me on the forum - so thought I'd ask...

any one have the magic pill to get things going again?

It's been a big issue for me, and the novi lax stuff does not work even with 3 per day.....my coach originally told me that a person should be going once per day on the program. For some reason since I started IP it's maybe twice per week...I'm more than a little frustrated about it :(

Senokot
 

Have you talked to your Dr. about Senokot? It is a natural laxative made from vegetables and usually does not have cramping associated with results. Keep in mind that laxatives/stool softeners work by using some form of sodium to draw water out of your cells to "flush out" the stool.

Here's the info:

Safety InformationDo not use laxative products for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor. Ask a doctor before use if you have stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks. Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative. These may indicate a serious condition. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Do not use if imprinted seal under cap is missing or damaged.

IndicationsRelieves occasional constipation (irregularity). Generally produces a bowel movement in 6-12 hours.

IngredientsActive Ingredient (in each Tablet): Sennosides (8.6 mg). Inactive Ingredients: Croscarmellose Sodium, Dicalcium Phosphate, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Mineral Oil.

DirectionsTake preferably at bedtime or as directed by a doctor. Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older: Starting Dosage - 2 Tablets once a day; Maximum Dosage - 4 Tablets twice a day. Children 6 to Under 12 Years: Starting Dosage - 1 Tablet once a day; Maximum Dosage - 2 Tablets twice a day. Children 2 to Under 6 Years: Starting Dosage - 1/2 Tablet once a day; Maximum Dosage - 1 Tablet twice a day. Children Under 2 Years: Ask a doctor. Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); Excursions permitted between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

My coach recommended Vitamin C. I have been taking 1000mg timed release every day since I started IP and the big "C" has never been a problem. She recommends it to all her clients and as far as I know it has worked for everyone including herself.

Originally Posted by Mamadancer:
My coach recommended Vitamin C. I have been taking 1000mg timed release every day since I started IP and the big "C" has never been a problem. She recommends it to all her clients and as far as I know it has worked for everyone including herself.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I took Vit C - which I use to take before IP - but for some reason stopped. I usually take 1000mg/day too.

With that and getting back on my supplements (yes - I had missed a few days) - things are moving along fine now.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Linden:
A gallon would be excessive unless you've been really active or in high humidity. On the other hand you should be drinking at least 100 ounces. Anything else and you're short-changing your system. This isn't my opinion. It's universal. I mean, how are you going to flush toxins let alone hydrate yourself on only 64 ounces of allowed fluids?

If IP wanted everyone drinking 100 oz a day then they why would they not say so? Can you site some references stating the 100 oz a day? I'm not arguing with you that 100 oz is bad, I just think that if you are going to state that something is universal, backing it up with references to scientific literature would be prudent.

I have battled the big C since I started the program in September.....extra magnesium didn't work....unless I drank half the bottle in desperation (only once, and you drink a whole bottle for a medical test "prep"). Vitamin C didn't work (even large doses). Generic Citracel ( stool softener) by itself didn't work. My final solution: 4 tablets Citracel twice daily, 1 senna tablet twice daily, and EATING 2 STICKS OF CELERY daily. Now that I'm almost to get to eat fruit again, I finally figured this out! :dizzy::dizzy: