constipation?? : Triple Digits Club : Active Low-Carber Forums

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2cute4u_04

Mon, Apr-02-07, 07:42

what do you guys do when your constipated??? i know this is a gross topic but i need to know...

easylyvin

Mon, Apr-02-07, 07:53

The Atkins book suggests psyllium husks. Drink lots of water.

gridcan28

Mon, Apr-02-07, 12:31

Things that have worked in the past:
-a tbsp or two at most of coconut oil (once I took three tbsp at once and ended up with the opposite problem!)
-eating a high fiber dinner over two days (maybe about 10-15g total)
-exercising - usually works by the early afternoon if I exercise at 7am
-inadvertently eating food that was slightly off (definitely not recommended, but it did work)
-since I'm lactose intolerant, eating any kind of dairy (milk, ice cream, soft cheeses) will affect the colon (not a recommended method, very uncomfortable, but it works)
-being consistent with drinking enough water helps keeps things regular long term, but it's not a short term solution

I haven't used too many supplements to help with constipation, so I don't know what really works. I have used fiber powder before, but didn't like the bloated feeling I got from using it. It also did not work very quickly; it took about two days before everything felt "clear". Others have mentioned that senokot works for them.

I hope your problem is resolved soon. It is so uncomfortable waiting for your body to adjust!

Kandra

Mon, Apr-02-07, 12:57

I've had that problem very bad since starting LC and have tried everything mentioned above plus the Senna tea, which was too harsh. I've been using 2 -3 TBS daily coconut oil, which is somewhat okay (doesn't always work) but need to cut back on calories, so I just ordered a powdered Vitamin C. If you take a lot of C it causes loose bowels as the body rids itself of the extra C, it doesn't harm you it works by bringing water into the lower intestines.
I ordered the Magscorbplex by Douglas Labs because it's buffered with potassium and magnesium, two things that I need to take with this WOE anyways. I perfer the powder but I think it comes in capsules, too.

j13

Mon, Apr-02-07, 13:01

I take sugar free orange flavored metamucil every day. I'm a big fan.

-j.

DietMonstr

Mon, Apr-02-07, 14:03

I like flax seed and coconut oil, both work very well. Dont drink senna tea, I drank some Yogi Get Regular tea and woke up in the middle of the night with my stomach cramping up like nobodies business! I find that flax seed stays in my system over a couple of days, so it helps with regularity. I also heard magnesium works pretty well, but I havent tried it.

saucywench

Mon, Apr-02-07, 16:05

I would recommend Milk Thistle (You can but it at Walmart etc) It is actually a liver protector but it does have a stool elimination side effect ( no cramping though..just helps you go!!) I take 4 a day..two in the morning and two at night..

Greenwitch

Mon, Apr-02-07, 16:09

I few days ago I was talking about this same issue with my sister who suggested Senecot,which is a laxative with Senna in it, I believe. While I know we can't and shouldn't rely on these things, hey sometimes you have to. Haven't tried the senecot yet. I was taking metamucil capsules regularly and was fine,but totally forgot them for a few days and I..um..shut right down. So for me,I'm going to try the senecot and just get things going.

OMG THE THINGS I ADMIT IN HERE! GEEZLOUISE

DrH

Mon, Apr-02-07, 16:52

Magnesium works wonders for me!

kstornado

Mon, Apr-02-07, 17:01

Greenwitch

Mon, Apr-02-07, 20:34

See, this is why I love the TDC! Honest to god, where else could we go and be so frank and honest and open answers.

Kandra

Mon, Apr-02-07, 21:36

Magnesium works wonders for me!
How many mg of Magnesium would you have to take for the laxitive affect?

See, this is why I love the TDC! Honest to god, where else could we go and be so frank and honest and open answers.

LOL I agree with you totally. :lol:

FatFreeMe

Mon, Apr-02-07, 21:40

I've seen others talk about taking magnesium at bedtime. im sure there's a thread around here about it.

2cute4u_04

Tue, Apr-03-07, 07:39

thanks guys :)...i went a little but i know theres still alot more left lol but i will try some of the things you mentioned....the flax didnt work for me suprisingly but i will see about trying to find coconut oil somewhere, metemucil and everything else you guys said....well im off to the bathroom :) and if im not on for a couple of days you guys know why.....

LiveSnikta

Tue, Apr-03-07, 12:43

Since doing the low carb thing I developed IBS so I don't know what to do.

beachekean

Tue, Apr-03-07, 19:12

it is not likely that you have IBS if you've just started Atkins, unless you have had this condition before. IBS is a chronic condition, and doesn't appear suddenly. Your bowels are probably just acting up right now because you've drastically changed your food choices, and that's normal. Eating your full complement of vegetables will both help to make things run smoothly, if that's your problem, and conversely, will help to slow things down, if that's your problem. Or, as some of the other more experienced posters have noted, flax, magnesium, etc etc.
I have IBS (diagnosed), and my symptoms have completely disappeared since I've begun induction, and this is a condition I've dealt with for 10 years.
good luck!

Cissie_12

Tue, Apr-03-07, 19:15

Nothing seems to work for me except spinach or mustard greens. Hmm, think I will go cook some now.
http://bestsmileys.com/toliot/1.gif

Kandra

Tue, Apr-03-07, 19:43

Nothing seems to work for me except spinach or mustard greens. Hmm, think I will go cook some now.
http://bestsmileys.com/toliot/1.gif
Cissie, I was just at that site finding a smilie for this thread http://bestsmileys.com/toliot/3.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/lol/5.gif

Cissie_12

Tue, Apr-03-07, 19:44

LOL, we must be following one another tonight! Beat cha'! hehe

2cute4u_04

Tue, Apr-03-07, 20:26

I Didnt Realize This Many People Would Respond Lol

stacy0912

Wed, Apr-04-07, 05:35

i have this problem too and in the past i was taking fiber con daily. the only problem with this is it's a fiber supplement and not a laxative so it takes something like 5 days for it to kick in...ugggh not the most comfortable if your 'backed' up to begin with like i am now. so i'm going to as well take some of these suggestions for a short term fix.

thanks girls (and boy :) )