Could the "Cabbage Soup Diet" temporarily help chronic constipation?

SunBunzz

(Forgive all this info regarding digestive stuff--but hell, it IS a nutrition site!) As far as my GI doctors know, I have IBS, mild diverticulosis (not too bad) and I tend to have chronic constipation, and it's usually due to medications and stress. I try to down as much water as I possibly can. I read up on things that could help. One method I found is to drink water first thing in the morning right when you wake up (up to 4 cups--I can only down about 2, and wait 45 mins, THEN have breakfast before having coffee, I was thinking to switching to a small cup of tea with some honey instead of coffee.)

Then I looked up the Cabbage Soup diet. I made a big batch today, and I gotta tell you, it's delicious! I actually love soup, and it seems pretty gentle on the stomach...SO far, I'm sure I'm gonna be gassy soon, but I have gas medicine at the ready! lol I tend to crave hot, homemade soup since my stomach can't always handle solid foods on a bad day anyway, and I also have TMJ, and I can't always chew comfortably. Recently, I got sick with the worst case of constipation in months. Almost 10 days I could barely move or get out of bed. I went to the doctor and was given Amitiza (which only made me more ill) Once it wore off, I started to feel better and whatever was wrong is clearing up, but my stools still don't seem to get in motion fast enough for me to fully move around with ease. Literally, I think because I'm so backed up still, it's hard to exercise like I was a couple weeks ago and get around. I'm a mess at work, and even doing chores, I'm sluggish and moving like an old lady with a bad back. (No disrespect to my elders, I'm not far off, I'll be there not long from now, but I'm only 32, but feel 82 sometimes lol)

So, anyway, I thought If I tried this, it might help "cleanse" me out a bit, and get me lightened up and I can get moving again, even if it's just a boost for a few days.

I also thought of adding a bit of Chia seeds into the soup (like into the individual bowl I heat up) for a bit of extra fiber and vitamins and it might make me feel more full. I read it's a great way to curve appetite as well, since the seeds expand in the stomach. I asked about this in a previous post, and I confirmed with my GI doctor, I asked if it was safe, she said it should be fine to do that) I'm not sure how it would taste, but the soup is so flavorful already, I'm sure I would barely taste it. I could always add a Benefiber packet to it instead. (My doctor told me to use a Benefiber supplements daily, or my FIber gummy chews, despite the constipation)

ANY input appreciated. If anything, I'll just suck down on a bowl or two for nutrition and get some needed vegetables in me, because, like I said, it's very tasty! (I think I added a teensy bit too much salt in it though. I made a huge pot.) Anyone wants the recipe I made, just ask. I customized it a tad.

Has this soup or diet ever helped anyone? Anyone tried it before? When you ate this soup, for however many days, how did it make you feel? What happened in the bathroom and the scale? Did you get sick?, etc. Thanks for you help.

corinasue1143

I love cabbage soup. Make it often in the winter. Change it every time, depending on what's in the fridge. Very low calorie, very filling. Never use it as a laxative, so don't know if it works or not. I may eat a Metamucil cracker occasionally if needed. Sorry I don't have better advice.

VUA21

Try eating more citrus, especially hot peppers. That may help.

Also meals high in veggies will help keep you regular.

CarvedTones

Cabbage soup diet was a staple for me when I was a yoyo dieter, which I hope is behind me now. When i wanted to lose weight, I usually started with a round or two of the cabbage soup diet. The diet includes days of eating different things along with the soup. It makes you lose weight but is not sustainable or well rounded. But it would reliably get me down a few pounds to feel like I had legitimately started losing weight. The banana day would not help you with your trouble at all, though.

AnnPT77

I was diagnosed with IBS/C. The things that helped me were sufficient water, enough fat in my diet, and exercise. Some people also find probiotic foods helpful (yogurt, kefir, miso, kombucha, sauerkraut, kim chi, etc.). Getting adequate fiber is a given (but that was not my problem, as my diet had plenty of fiber already). For some who lack fiber, the proportions of soluble vs. insoluble fiber seem sometimes to be relevant. In the weight loss community, the adequate fat issue seems to be a common problem, since many people cut fat too far since it's calorie-dense.

I never tried cabbage soup as a cure, but I do like a good cabbage soup.

fitoverfortymom

Chia seeds definitely help me go. I put them in steel cut oats or a smoothie. I like cabbage soup, too, although sometimes it just makes me gassy.

fitoverfortymom

Have you had your Vitamin D checked? I was super constipated and had been underrating and my Vitamin D dropped very low and caused constipation.

NovusDies

Mineral oil is still out there. It is an older treatment that is often overlooked but it still works. It might be worth trying for a few days.