constipation

[tomfrom jerset]

How do you prevent it. It was a problem my first try with Atkins

[Richt]

Re: constipation

Hi Tom, do a search on "Flax". That is a known thing to help constipation.

Btw, I have moved this thread to Atkins main diet forum as it doesnt really belong in the introduce your self forum.

Regards

Rich

[Kent]

Re: constipation

The book recommends using 1 TBS per day of psyllium husks or flax meal for regularity. I did this as a proactive step to prevent me from having to react to it. I'd recommend doing the same thing. Remember SF Metamucil is sweetened with aspartame, so the better choice are the 100% psyllium tablets.

[big_bad_john]

Re: constipation

I use linseeds. But check the label...all linseed is not equal. Make sure its all fibre....some unscrupulous companies add all sorts of nasty things to the linseeds..

[tomfrom jerset]

Re: constipation

Thanks for the information.

[Richt]

Re: constipation

I use linseeds. But check the label...all linseed is not equal. Make sure its all fibre....some unscrupulous companies add all sorts of nasty things to the linseeds..

John for your information - Linseed is the same as flaxseed. Its just one of thos wonderful US versus UK things.

Rich

[Elizellen]

Re: constipation

But make sure you drink extra water if you want to add psyllium husks, ground flax/linseed or wheat bran under rule 12 of induction or you might make things worse in the bathroom department!!

12.If you are constipated, mix a tablespoon or more of psyllium husks in a cup or more of water and drink daily. Or mix ground flaxseed into a shake or sprinkle wheat bran on a salad or vegetables.

When I needed to use psyllium husks I couldnt swallow it in water so I would mix it with the mayo of my celery/mayo snacks to disguise it!!

And if you decide to use one of the many flax/linseed recipes around on induction make sure you use only one tablespoonsworth of that recipe to start with and only increase it if you still have constipation.

Using it in larger quantities should be left till you reach the nuts/seeds rung of OWL!!

[big_bad_john]

Re: constipation

So if flaxseed and linseed are the same....hang on...

Why the heck did I spend money on both??????

Oh well...

[Heather150]

Re: constipation

Get your daily allotment of veggies as well. I've been on Atkins for 3 years, and can count on only one hand the times I actually kinda felt constipated. I eat lots of veggies daily. I wouldn't know a flax or a psyllum husk if it came at me and said boo LOL

The more fiberous foods, the better-celery, cucumbers, dark green leafy lettuces, green peppers! YUM!

[Kent]

Re: constipation

I am big in putting flaxmeal in my salads. It almost serves the purpose of croutons if it is a coarse grind.

If I am ever really suffering, one trip to a local Mexican restaurant for fajitas will cure it. I am not sure how they import the Montezuma's revenge across the border so well, but it never fails. As Heather says, vegetables and water intake are really the real way to combat constipation or just be regular. If it is also an issue, you might consider reducing the amount of cheese you eat as well.

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: constipation

Really load up on the non-starchy veggies, and make certain to eat as many as you are allotted. In the beginning, instead of doing this, I tried FiberCon. I could have saved my money!

[Elizellen]

Re: constipation

One good reason for moving on to OWL first rung (level) so you can add 5 net carbs more veggies early in your Atkins journey!!

[dotsamantha]

Re: constipation

Oxo Good Grips, the company that makes kitchen utensils, also makes a great little grinder for flax seeds. It looks like a pepper mill and it hasa dial to adjust how coarse you want it.