Digestion Question

lewispwest

Hey everyone,

This isn't the most pleasant of conversations but I was hoping to get some answers. Basically I'm new to the whole losing weight thing in the last two months but around a month ago I found that I would rarely have a bowel movement any more when I used to have 2-3 a day. Is this because I'm burning more calories so there is less waste to release or does it point to a fibre deficiency caused by the diet or something?

Thanks for any help

Branstin

Although there are several reasons for it, the most common is low fiber:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/

KarenJanine

Are you getting enough fibre and fat?

totaldetermination

Hi,
See http://www.sharecare.com/health/crohns-disease/article/bowel-health for the 5 rules of regularity
See http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/02/14/normal-stool.aspx to find out what a healthy bowel movement is.

I'm not medically trained. but as far as I know...

Your bowel movements contain waste that your body doesn't need, or was unable to digest. They do not contain calories. Your body would keep calories and store them as fat.

If you are easting less, then it makes sense that your body will be producing less waste. So your body will be eliminating this waste less often. Eating itself is a trigger to the body to eliminate, so if you are eating less frequently then this could also explain it.

Fibre is not digestible and therefore passes through your body. Your bowel movements are not made up only of fibre, but increasing your fibre is a very healthy way to increase the amount of waste your body has to get rid of.
Dry bowel movements do not 'flow' out of the body as easily, so might accumulate until there is more of it, and the body needs to eliminate it. So you should drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

I don't think you need to worry about comparing how you used to be to how you are now. You have changed what you are putting in so it is not surprising that the body has changed what it is getting rid of.

Just look at where you are now and try to understand if it is a healthy place to be.

lewispwest

Thanks for the tips all, I'll read up on the links and push to get more fibre in ☺

2013sk

Up your fibre - Lots of yummy wholemeal foods, Brown rice, Brown seed bread, Good cereals like bran flakes or oats, fruits, veggies, beans/lentils, etc.

Also be sure to drink plenty of water, this helps flush everything out.

Prunes are very good for making you go : )

I love prunes with greek yoghurt try them

Alatariel75

Your bowel movements contain waste that your body doesn't need, or was unable to digest. They do not contain calories. Your body would keep calories and store them as fat.

So, genuine question... does that mean there are no calories in poop?