Is this normal???

[heavenly rose08]

HELLO AND GOOD MORNING TO ALL MY ATKINS BUDDIES! I'M HAVING A PROBLEM AND IT IS REALLY HAS ME WORRIED BEFORE I STARTED TO DO ATKINS OVER TWO MONTHS AGO I WAS PRETTY REGULAR! FOR ABOUT 5 WEEKS NOW I HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY CONSTIPATED ONLY GOING TO THE BATHROOM ONCE EVERY 8 DAYS! I AM VERY SORRY THAT I AM POSTING THIS HERE I DID'NT WANT TO PUT MY BUISNESS OUT HERE LIKE THIS ,BUT I AM VERY WORRIED I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO,AND SINCE I KNOW THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE HERE IN THE FUROM HAVE BEEN DOING ATKINS FOR A LONG TIME ,MAYBE SOMEONE CAN TELL ME WHAT CAN I DO! I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY RESPONSES!!!!

[Razzle39]

No! This is not normal or healthy for you. Unfortunetly constipation is a side effect for many on this diet. First and foremost....are you drinking enough? Keeping things soft will help lubricate the pipes..if you know what I mean! Plenty of water and mobility...getting active is what helps most people

I have read that some people on this board use Psyllium husk daily. Its a fiber supplement that can be put in water and drank that will help keep you regular. Ask your pharmacist for some help in picking one with no sugar.

Are you eating a lot of cheese? Cheese can be very binding. Are you eating the veggies ? They can add natural fiber to your diet. I know for me red peppers is all I need. It has that affect on me. Good luck!

[JohnC]

You can try making a Flaxseed Meal Hot Cereal. Take 1/3 cup of flaxmeal, add 1/2 cup water and microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes. Add splenda and cinnamon, and enjoy. Flaxseed Meal has the same amount of fiber as carbs so it is basically a zero carb item. It has lots of fiber which should help. Hope this helps.

[heavenly rose08]

thanks razzle and john c,well actually yes i am doing basically everything you have just mentioned razzle the only thing that i have not done for almost two weeks is excersise i'm not sure why but i've been feeling very sluggish and that's just not like me,and john thanks for the flaxseed suggestion but i think i am allergic to it a few weeks ago i made the minute muffin and afterwards i got the worst stomach pains it lasted all day long i'm thinking that i am allergic not sure,thanks again for your responses!

[2BME]

As odd as it may sound, jumping and jogging will really get things moving for many people. If you are not a regular exerciser, there is a beginning program called the Couch to 5K that only takes 30 minutes 3 days a week and alternates walking with a slow shuffling jog. You may be able to help your current situation and get into some exercise as well. If you don't think you would like that program try skipping rope.

The only things I know of to help would be up your fiber (think celery), drink more water, possibly see if you can add more fat in the form of healthy oils to your menu.

Please let us know how you are doing.

[sadie147]

You may want to post a couple of days menus so we can see what you are eating....