Problem Question On Atkins Diet....Help!

[cujo4mvp]

I have done the Atkins diet before and dropped alot of weight. Went off of it for some time and put some of it back on as I pigged out and have since went back on this diet again. Anyways, I have been on it for about 5 weeks now and have lost 22 pounds thus far. The first time I did it, I experienced constipation type symptoms ATLEEST twice a week. I used benefiber etc. Anyways, this time around, I hadnt experienced any until this past week. I dont think I am drinking enough water for one thing (In fact I KNOW I am not drinking enough), is that a possible problem right now and why I have these feelings with my tummy? I thought I read somewhere, possibly WebMD, that if you dont get enough water on this diet it will surely rip your insides up. This is more a cramping feeling in my lower stomach. Its a "use the bathroom, go a little bit, sit down, go back 5 mins later because of the stomach cramps, go a little, and repeat this cycle for about 2 hours at times" YIKES!! Get my drift? Can someone help fill me in on ANYTHING that I may be doing wrong?

THANKS!!! Stay strong everyone!!!

[Jr8Fan]

Are you eating veggies? Too much cheese? You could post a typical menu and see what others might suggest. Also, are you drinking alcohol? That dehydrates you too.

Anyway, I take extra Vitamin C to help with constipation. Your body can only absorb so much so you can't overdose on it. You just "pee" out the excess. Good luck with solving the problem.

[cujo4mvp]

My thing is, I drink wayyy too much diet soda and I am aware that it can dehydrate you. Its funny though, because I am only hungry once, MAYBE twice at most during a day. I dont eat breakfast as i am a teacher and dont have time in the mornings. I usually come home from school and eat ALOT of cheese, smoked turkey, and bologna together. That holds me over till nearly 9:00 or so and rarely do I need anything other than that in a days time. I am consuming prolly only 16 carbs per day. Doing well on the diet, am not hungry, just this little thing that makes doing this diet tough.

[Jr8Fan]

What about veggies? I don't see any. That will definitely cause intestinal distress if you don't get some fiber.

[klc145]

Cheese is also a common staller and bologna usually has lots of fillers which may contain sugar plus smoked turkey (like deli meat) and bologna both have a lot of sodium.

Also, you could take a fiber supplement. That could help. I definately agree with the suggestion of veggies and drink more water.

[ttc#2]

Vitamin C for constipation?
I have never heard this before.
Constipation plagues me since begining this WOE.
I eat a ton of fiber and drik a lot of water, but still only go 2-3 time/week.
I will have to look into Vitamin C, as I avoid using laxitives.

[zorra_1]

I've read that drinking some hot water with a few drops of lemon juice (maybe the Vitamin C thing??) will get things moving. Hot liquids in general usually do it for me (coffee, tea).

[Barkerbrat]

I take two fiber tablets before bed everynight with my fish oil and multi-vitamin. I drink water through out the day and with my pills I drink at least 10 ozs. This seems to keep me very regular and feeling good. Worth a try:)

[tommiec68]

Are the sodas caffine free? What do you eat for supper. How much viggies are you eating DAILY?
I myself recently went through the worst case of constipation ever. I was on the verge of going to the ER it was so bad. I was ask about caffine and did not believe that could be the problem as I have always drank lots of coffee and not had any problems. I swiched from pepsi one to caffine free diet pepsi, went back to decaf coffee and made sure I was getting enough water every day. Two days later all was fine.
I am concerned if you are not eating breakfast and then only having lots of cheese (which as previously mentioned will stop you up too)bologna and turkey when you get home that you are not eating a balanced diet. Please post what you eat on a daily basis so suggestions can be offered.

Tammie

[cs_carver]

I take two fiber tablets before bed everynight with my fish oil and multi-vitamin.

The fiber can reduce absorption of the vitamins. Might be better to take them at least 2 hours apart.

You might want to try a handful of nuts in the morning. I'm finding the fiber in them is really effective, and they're easy to eat in the car. Absolutely NO preparation. All that processed food is definitely a factor.

Higher-than-normal vitamin C can have a laxative effect, but you probably want to test it on a weekend, not a school day. I take 9 grams a day (I'm a believer in high-dose C) and if I take much more--usually in powdered form, dissolved in water--I'll feel the gurgles and two hours later, there you go.

Alpha lipoic acid was fiercely constipating to me, as is any narcotic cold medicine.

This diet won't "rip your insides up," although constipation can feel pretty bad. Regular fiber is the answer--either from vegetables, or fiber-based supplements. Any of the chemical laxatives will fix the current situation pretty quickly, but you really don't want to get into the habit of that.

[cujo4mvp]

Still though, the bologna I am eating only has 1g carbohydrate per slice. If it had more sugars it would show in the carb count on the back. Its only 1g per slice.

[nawchem]

I've had some real painful experiences too. The thing that helps me is roughage, must have 3 cups of vegetables and take fiber that is soluble and insoluble fiber. I drink hot tea now and usually go within an hour. Also magnesium supplements can soften the stool.

[Jr8Fan]

Vitamin C for constipation?
I have never heard this before.
Constipation plagues me since begining this WOE.
I eat a ton of fiber and drik a lot of water, but still only go 2-3 time/week.
I will have to look into Vitamin C, as I avoid using laxitives.

I was skeptical the first time I heard this but was pleasantly surprised when it worked. I take Vicodan for Degenerative Disk Disease in my neck and when I have to use the pain meds, I get terribly constipated, to the point that I had to use an enema to get relief. (Never thought I would actually look forward to an enema!) Anyway, I have not had any more trouble since beginning the extra vitamin C.

Hope you have as much success with it as I do!