Intestinal problems is probably the main complaint among people who use the Atkins diet that are associated with carbohydrates reduce. The problems included here are constipation and diarrhea. While these type of symptoms can occur to anyone at some point those one who follow a low carb diet plan are especially prone.

Usually most dieters will get diarrhea experience during their early dieting days. This condition is a result of the body trying to get rid of the excess carbohydrates. At the same time it also marks the beginning of the ketosis process. With this understanding in mind, experiencing diarrhea at the early days of our dieting actually is a good thing. It gives us a sign that we are on the right track of becoming a fat burning machine.

Constipation is a side effect of the lack of fibre in the diet low in carbohydrates. Whole grains, legumes and fruits are the normal sources of dietary fiber, and all are limited to the initial phases Atkins diet. However, you should not be scared off from the low-carb lifestyle as a result of these problems. There are simple solutions that can help to prevent and these symptoms and you can continue to stay on the diet plan.

The first is to make sure to include the amount of the low-carb vegetables in your daily diet. In the induction phase, you can eat as much as 20 grams of carbohydrates per day. This is roughly equal to 3 cups of salad vegetables. Some are tempted to use their grams of carbohydrates on the cheese or artificially sweetened soda. Acceptable eating vegetables is an essential part of maintaining intestinal health, while following the Atkins plan. It is also important to drink at least 8 ounces of eight glasses of water per day and get exercise. Both measures can help intestinal programs.

If you are experiencing constipation specifically, then there are many methods for relief. When you switch from a diet full of processed and refined sugar products, your body will need some time to adjust to this new way of eating. You’ll need to make sure to up your fiber intake with acceptable vegetables and fruits (certain fruits are allowed after the initial induction phase). You can also try a fiber supplement like sugar-free Metamucil.

Make sure you are eating enough fats and oils. Constipation can be a result of too little fat in your diet. Adding tablespoon of olive oil or flax oil to salads or other vegetables can help your intestinal health. Also, try to incorporate a variety of vegetables in your salad. Pale iceberg lettuce does not have much fiber in it. Try dark green lettuces or have a serving of dark green steamed veggies (broccoli, asparagus or spinach are good choices).

If these tips don’t work, try cutting out all salt from your diet for a couple of days. This includes pickles, mustard, diet soda, ham, bacon and bottled salad dressing. This will decrease your fluid retention and sometimes helps with bowel movements. Diarrhea should not be a problem after the first week of the Induction plan. However, on rare occasion, it does persist longer. First, analyze your diet. If you are eating low carb protein bars or other sugar free products, eliminate them. They may contain sweeteners like glycerine, sorbitol and malitol which are known to cause diarrhea and gas. Homemade low carb desserts may also be a cause of problems. Most of them use maltodextrin, an artificial sweetener used in baking. Maltodextrin is made from corn and can cause problems for some people.

If you are not used to eating raw vegetables everyday, this may be a cause of diarrhea. Understand that your body will adjust to the vegetables and the intestinal side effects won’t last forever. Make sure you are chewing your raw vegetables thoroughly. Also, using lightly steamed vegetables rather than raw can be a solution to this problem. Intestinal problems are common during the first portion of the Atkins diet. Keep in mind, however, that these problems will go away within the first few weeks of the new way of eating. If the problems persist, try the previously mentioned tips to get relief.

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