Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

[LeslieJ]

Back again. I don't have a lot of weight to lose but I'm definitely getting into the danger zone. In the past when I've done LC I've had terrible calf and shin cramps. Tried taking extra potassium supplements but still had the cramps once in a while. It's part of what made me get me away from LC. It was the worst in the induction phase so this time I was thinking about not going so super low carb and just easing back in. Would that ever work or am I kidding myself? I'm talking about maybe 30 grams a day. I realize that's not true Atkins so maybe I'll get flamed on this board for saying that.

The other problem I never quite got rid of was constipation. I took extra fiber, ate lots of ground flax seed, drank plenty of water, ate broccoli, exercised -- all the recommended solutions.

Has anyone else struggled with that and found a good solution?
I've been taking magnesium citrate supplements for a while and that has seemed to really regulate things so I'm hoping that those benefites will carry on as I get into LC again.

I think eating a lot of cheese on Atkins compared to almost none before Atkins might have played a role in the problem. But it would be hard to not eat cheese when food choices are already limited and that's a pretty good way to get protein. Any advice on that?

Thanks & wish me luck! I've never felt as good, full of energy, happy with my body as I did when I was on Atkins before. I'm so looking forward to feeling all of that again.

[tangotori]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

Hi Leslie

Unfortunately I don't have any insight into the leg cramps and constipation topic - I would have suggested the things you've already tried. I would, however recommend starting with induction and working your way up to 25 to 30 grams/day soon after your 2 weeks... that way you'll jump start your body into ketosis and weightloss, then regulate your loss as you add back the carbs.

I also wanted to tell you that I'm happy to have you with us and I totally wish you luck with this plan... of course it's not really about luck, it's about sticking to plan (which is soooo easy! ) and making it happen for yourself!! You can do it!!

Vickie

[LeslieJ]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

Thanks Vickie! It's exciting to be back & I know (knew) in my heart that only doing the full induction would get real results. Mainly I was trying to finish up the groceries that will be forbidden so they didn't go to waste. I'll just have to force my husband to help me out with that stuff.

Okay, back to the book to read up on induction again.

It should be easy, like you said, but I am super lazy and not into cooking. All of my food intake is now microwave stuff or things that just have to be opened & dumped in a bowl. So there's a bit of work I need to be willing to do. OK, enough excuses, right? Thanks again for the welcome.

[Sunny_0ne]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

Leslie, I'll echo what tangotori said about adding the veggies back in as soon as possible. Most of your potassium comes from veggies, so the longer you hold off adding them back, the more potassium deficient you'll become.

As for the constipation, I still have to take psyllium capsules twice a day.

[suzyque]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

Calcium always helped my leg cramps, and lettuce and exercise make me poo

[jpcnva]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

I know about the flax seed but the one thing that works for me is a tea called smooth moves its in the homeopathic section of your grocery. Not sure how many carbs but after I drink it I sure can see a difference in the scale and how I feel

[dr.a]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

Leslie, you should be careful with mag citrate. If you use this product too frequently it may cause loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without using the product. This is known as laxative dependence. Smooth moves tea contains senna and this should also not be used for a regular b.m. due to laxative dependence. It can also cause chronic diarrhea and electrolyte loss.

[LeslieJ]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

Sorry, just saw the post from dr. a -- hope you check back in --
Can you clarify that warning? I'm talking about taking the nutritional supplement in a pill form - not about that liquid version that people take before a colonoscopy or other procedure.
I think the RDA is higher for magnesium than what I'm taking.
But if you think that also causes bowel problems I'll research that further.

[Georgiana]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

Sorry, just saw the post from dr. a -- hope you check back in --
Can you clarify that warning? I'm talking about taking the nutritional supplement in a pill form - not about that liquid version that people take before a colonoscopy or other procedure.
I think the RDA is higher for magnesium than what I'm taking.
But if you think that also causes bowel problems I'll research that further.

Leslie, here is more info on magnesium citrate:
magnesium citrate medical facts from Drugs.com

[LeslieJ]

Re: Starting again - 2 questions: leg cramps & constipation

Hmmm...I checked that link out and it's not the stuff I'm taking.
The RDA for magnesium is 350 mg/ day for women and what I'm taking is 200mg. The main foods it's in are ones I don't eat (whole grains, spinach, for. ex.). I do eat almonds but not a lot and not enough to put me over 350 mg.

But now I am confused about what the difference is betweent the pill form I take called magnesium citrate and the liquid version that is used as a quick-acting laxative.