Does constipation/digestion issues cause you to weigh more?

I've always had issues with digestion and constipation since I was younger but this week and last it's been pretty bad. I can go 2-3 days without a bowel movement and if I have one it's very small and very hard to get out. I drink lots of water, eat healthy, exercise, and have even been taking colon cleanse. No improvement. So I'm kind of stuck like this for now. I can literally feel all the stuff in my stomach and it's extremely uncomfortable. I noticed I've gained 3 pounds in under a week but I have been eating slightly more than usual since I'm supposed to up my calories a little since I don't need to lose any more weight. Would my digestion/constipation issues be causing this or perhaps water weight from my body not being used to some extra calories? I know it's not possible to gain 3 lbs of fat in one week unless I overate by about 10,500 cals which I definitely did not.

Replies

  • ltgarrow
    ltgarrow Posts: 342 Member
    I'm tired of hearing about this...:wink::glasses: :smokin: ...crap.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    It'll be water weight your body can vary in weigh 3 to 4 pounds a day. The weight of your poo is neglible. If you've got 3 pounds of poo stuck in you you need to see a doctor. Actually I think maybe you should speak to a Doctor anyway having these sort of constipation problems long term is not healthy and needs to be addressed
  • AprilRN10
    AprilRN10 Posts: 548 Member
    One is not actually considered constipated unless you go longer than three days between bowel movements......if you are uncomfortable....speak with your doc.
  • aquarabbit
    aquarabbit Posts: 1,622 Member
    I agree about talking to your doctor. I know people always joke about "man I just lost 5 lbs!" when they come out of the bathroom, but other than that, I'm not sure how it could have anything to do with your weight. I would imagine that with the discomfort, it's harder to give your all in a workout and the stress of it probably isn't good for your overall health, let alone weight. I'm one of those people who gets clogged up pretty easily. I started making my own probiotic pills from the Source of Life probiotic powder, cut out almost all white bread, started making my own yogurt to eat in the mornings, and I drink a little bit of coffee in the mornings and at lunch. I was never a coffee drinker, so that really has an effect on me. Those are the general things that you can do to try and ease the comfort, but I wouldn't do any of it without talking to your doctor first. If it's something that's chronic, they can definitely give you more options than some yogurt and coffee.
  • lizzane
    lizzane Posts: 30 Member
    I used to have the same problem, but just started to eat more fiber and it has been heaven for me haha :p
    I check fiber as much as I check protein and calories and all that
    but yeah you should see a doctor if it is really uncomfortable D:
  • healthygreek
    healthygreek Posts: 2,137 Member
    Along with plenty of fruits, veggies and water, take a 400 mg capsule of magnesium citrate every night. It works like a charm for me along with 4 oz of prune juice first thing in the morning and 2 large glasses of water. Stay away from laxatives as much as possible because chronic use causes your body to depend on them and not work properly anymore.
  • jo_marnes
    jo_marnes Posts: 1,601 Member
    I'm celiac and defo weigh more at both ovulation and TOM. Up to 2kg more. I bloat a LOT. I have psylium husks every day to keep me regular and eat plenty of fruit and veg. I now have a bowel movement after almost every meal..... except at TOM when it is v reduced. I much prefer going so often.... much more comfy!!
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    I know people always joke about "man I just lost 5 lbs!" when they come out of the bathroom, but other than that, I'm not sure how it could have anything to do with your weight.

    When people lose weight, where do you think it goes?
  • onwarddownward
    onwarddownward Posts: 1,683 Member
    Here is your salvation: Metamucil.

    Get yourself a big old container of the powder. The orange smooth is good. Mix it with at least eight ounces of cold water to two tablespoons of the powder. It tastes like Tang. Stir and chug. If you drink it every night before bed, you will wake up and have a poop the size of a small puppy.

    Do it for the rest of your life. Problem solved.

    Next?
  • onwarddownward
    onwarddownward Posts: 1,683 Member
    I know people always joke about "man I just lost 5 lbs!" when they come out of the bathroom, but other than that, I'm not sure how it could have anything to do with your weight.

    When people lose weight, where do you think it goes?

    Actually, as fat is used for energy, part of it (water) goes into urine and the rest of it (carbon dioxide) goes out via respiration. We don't poop out our fat products.
  • Luvmichnata
    Luvmichnata Posts: 186 Member
    Fiber, Fiber and MORE Fiber!! If you have access to a Trader Joe's they have Moral Fiber Blueberry Bran Muffins-they are the wonder drug for this!! Pills and powders did nothing to help but these muffins are awesome!! I'm sure you could try another high fiber bran muffin but these are great.
  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member
    how much fiber to you eat per day on average?
  • MyJourney1960
    MyJourney1960 Posts: 1,133 Member
    Probably not.

    Are you under doctor care for the constipation issue? There are ways to deal with it, usually thru diet ( slowly adding fiber - not pills or powders) to your diet, increasing your water intake, cutting out/down processed foods, and exercising. Are you doing that? Your diary is not open so we can't help
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    I know people always joke about "man I just lost 5 lbs!" when they come out of the bathroom, but other than that, I'm not sure how it could have anything to do with your weight.

    When people lose weight, where do you think it goes?

    Actually, as fat is used for energy, part of it (water) goes into urine and the rest of it (carbon dioxide) goes out via respiration. We don't poop out our fat products.

    I didn't say anything about poop; I'm talking about going to the bathroom.
  • Scubanana7
    Scubanana7 Posts: 361 Member
    SPINACH. steamed spinach as the last meal of the day or with supper is my best cure! I eat tons of fiber and raw salad stuff and gallons of water...but my digestion seems slow on the raw foods. As long as I get my evening small bowl of steamed spinach, I am fine! sounds crazy, but works for me.

    also you didn't mention your fiber or carb intake. If you eat a lot of bread type products (crackers etc), I don't care if it is whole grain or not. Think back when you made your first paper machet' covering a balloon. What did you use for GLUE -- flour and water. what is bread??? flour and water.....that stuff glues my intestines! lolol.....but seriously!