Bowel Movements

[russ026]

Ok Not been wanting to ask this but feel I need to

I started Atkins on Sunday (3rd). Three days later on the Tuesday (5th) I had bad Diarrhoea and lots of it

Then I had no bowl movements at all till Saturday (9th) which were normal.

Is this normal for Atkins? If so is it just at the start or does it continue?

[atkinsgal08]

"Normal" is relative! Everyone reacts differently to a major change of eating.

Here's from some old FAQs:

SINCE BEGINNING ATKINS I AM OFTEN CONSTIPATED. HOW CAN I AVOID THIS?

Some constipation is common during the first week of the Induction phase. This is due to the change in overall diet and especially the reduced amount of fruit and vegetable fiber. Be sure you are taking in at least 3 cups of salad vegetables and not using your carb allotment on other foods. After the first few days, your body should adjust and constipation shouldn't be a problem. And when you begin to add carbohydrates, your first choices should be more vegetables, followed by berries.

If constipation continues, there are several remedies. First, make sure you are drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Inadequate hydration is the main reason for constipation. Most people, especially women, don't drink enough water and are slightly dehydrated almost always. Second, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of wheat or oat bran fiber on salads or mix in protein drinks. The amount needed to stay regular varies from person to person. It may take a few days to find the amount that works for you.

Finally, increasing physical activity often helps.

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING DIARRHEA SINCE BEGINNING ATKINS. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING AND HOW CAN I CONTROL IT?

It is not normal to experience diarrhea while doing Atkins. Several things should be considered: Are you eating more dairy than you did before ? Are you allergic to any foods you are eating? Are you gorging yourself? Try adding 1 tablespoon of unsweetened Metamucil or psyllium daily. It acts as a sponge and forms a healthy stool. If you have been on a very low-fat diet prior to starting Atkins, it could be an adjustment period. Try cutting back on the amount of fat for a little while if that is the case. If the diarrhea continues for any length of time you should see your doctor.

[morimoto]

This is very normal. Carbs are like a magnet for water...they attract water into the muscle. As you eliminate carbs from your diet, your body is going to initially lose a lot of water. What you are experiencing is that water loss. That is why Atkins dieters usually lose so much weight the first 2 weeks on induction. What you are experiencing is temporary but very normal.

[Earl Grey]

Yup, having the same problem myself.