Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Ibs With Constipation

Question:
I have been on induction for 11 days now and am really having problems with constipation. I am taking flaxseed oil, which is what I typically take for the constipation part of my IBS but it seems to not be doing anything. I have to be careful with getting too much fiber because of the flip side of IBS but I am starting to get somewhat uncomfortable and actually noticing my clothes seem tighter on the waist and stomach than they usually do, needless to say, that is a little discouraging when I am trying this diet stuff! Anyone else experienced this? I thought that this should help my IBS, from things I have read...eliminating grain should dramatically reduce my problems with IBS....does it get better as your body adjusts? I used to drink grape juice to help but I cannot do that now....so what?

Answer:
It sounds like you may need something with actual fiber in it, as opposed to helpful liquids. I eat a hot cereal made from flaxmeal, hazelnut meal and protein powder - it's not suitable for induction, but it's great for afterward. It works very well for keeping me regular with comfort. You can also try upping your veggie intake. Believe it or not, avocados (technically a fruit) have a lot of fiber AND provide a healthy source of fat.   You want fiber? Eat more salad. All the salad you want with real dressing, not the sugary enhanced low-fat crap. And forget about the manufactured fiber in a bottle crap too. Real salads. Most people find that fiber from Psyllium husks is very helpful.  You can get sugarfree Metamucil or its clones or buy plain psyllium husks from a health food store or online. I find fiber helps me stay regular, but it does nothing positive once the pipes are stopped up! I say get free first, then pay attention to fiber to stay that way. Yeah, if you are really stopped up a dose of good old mineral oil works well. I have IBS, only I get constipation *and* diarrhea depending on the day. It sucks, anyhow I'm taking fiber pills-2 pills 2x a day. It seems to be helping me. That is me too, that is why I have to be careful with too much fiber because it can trigger the other side of the IBS.  Does the fiber 2x2 seem to be helping? I had it kind of figured out on a full carb diet but now I have to relearn everything but I have also been told it is possible I have another kind of digestive problem in addition to IBS and the grains in my diet may have been causing more IBS flares...oh well, I will get some fiber tomorrow when I am out and about and take them. After I begun taking the special vitamin One-A-Day Carb Smart, the one with Biotin, my problem unexpectedly went away.  I used to have to manage it with difficulty by eating more vegetables. With this vitamin, *THINGS* are much easier than before LCing even. It is great for other things too. Doesn't contain Iron, a key thing for LCing. Lots more benefits. Read the bottle.  I got it from Costco. Read on it at http://oneaday.com/products/carbsmart.shtml I use Atkins dieters advantage as a supplement- but I find that it does help keep things moving, probably the magnesium. Any supplement for low carb is supposed to be without iron. Besides for getting enough from meat, it also will make you constipated. Don't forget to keep drinking your water   8 8oz glasses. I find I drink 2 as much with a straw. If you increase your fiber but not your water -your going to be in trouble. Don't forget to eat your greens and get some exercise. If you take too much of any of the herbal supplements it will result in diarrhea. Have you ever had dieters tea?- that will tear you up for a few hours- lots of licorice in it. More water and more veg, celery got loads of fibre not v many carbs so chew on!