Constipation

[maryannie]

My husband is constipated. Is it safe to take senna tablets? Any other ideas that are low carb but not unhealthy?

[Georgiana]

Re: Constipation

Yes, he can take senna tablets.

The "remedies" recommended in Chapter 12 of DANDR 2002 are flaxseed meal, psyllium husks and wheat bran. One tablespoon of any of these can be taken daily, as a fiber supplement. If constipation still occurs, the amount should be increased until the problem is sorted out... and then return to 1 tbsp per day.

Veggies higher in fiber, more water, less cheese and exercise should also help.

[maryannie]

Re: Constipation

Sorry, after a little search, I found some more information on this forum about constipation. However, I thought it would add to much carbs to take any flaxseed or psyllum husks so I was looking for a low or no carb laxative.

[Georgiana]

Re: Constipation

Sorry, after a little search, I found some more information on this forum about constipation. However, I thought it would add to much carbs to take any flaxseed or psyllum husks so I was looking for a low or no carb laxative.

From your mention of senna tablets, I think you are following an older edition of the book. Here we go by DANDR 2002, so we are not counting total carbs, but net carbs. Flax and psyllium husks are almost 100% dietary fiber. This is stuff that goes through the body without affecting blood sugar levels. On the contrary, it actually helps regulate blood sugar.

[maryannie]

Re: Constipation

That's interesting, we read his book several years ago so it must be his old book. I had no idea you could have fiber. That's good, so does that mean you can have more vegetables too? I'll have to get his newer book, sounds like a healthier way.

[Georgiana]

Re: Constipation

During Induction, you can have 3 cups of vegetables, measured raw. Either 3 cups of salad vegetables, or 2 cups of salad vegetables and 1 cup of veggies from the "Other Vegetables" list. The two lists are here: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...induction.html

You should choose the veggies in such a way that most of the net carbs eaten come from vegetables, not from other foods like eggs, cheese, spices, etc.

These are the Rules of Induction from DANDR 2002: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...induction.html

Rule 5 has changed from DANDR 1992. You are not allowed to pick your 20 net carbs and eat things like nuts. On the 2002 plan, one sticks to the Induction acceptable foods list (the first link above).

Unlike in 1992, in the 2002 plan cheese is limited to 3-4 oz. One reason, I guess, is that too much cheese can cause constipation. Then cheese is also very calorie dense and some people tend eat more than necessary to satisfy their hunger.

Avocados and olives were moved from veggies to the Special Category Foods. Avocados are limited to 1/2 a small one per day and olives to 10-20.

Senna is not mentioned in the 2002 book... or at least I don't remember it being mentioned.

The OWL phase is also better explained in DANDR 2002 and it is more structured. You can read about OWL in the sticky threads (they are marked with "Sticky: [thread title]") found in the OWL forum: Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL) - Atkins Diet