Tummy Troubles: Too much fiber too fast?

BlueLikeJazz · February 2010

For anyone who can't stand even the mention of bowel movements without getting squeamish, move on to a different post now

. I work in the healthcare field so I'm pretty numb as far as poo-talk goes.

I've been having some tummy issues over the past two days. I felt really bloated and gassy yesterday (wow, so glad I'm not trying to pick up a date on this website lol) but my last b.m. was Thursday AM so it's not like I hadn't been going for days on end. I'm wondering if this may be caused by the big increase of fiber in my diet? I'm averaging 25-30 grams a day, and prior to this past week I think I probably would have been averaging around 10-15.

I was so miserable all day yesterday that I ended up taking a full dose (3 pills) of Dulcolax to see if the problem was constipation and if it could be resolved.....ughhh never again, there were moments where I literally was wondering if I was going to need to crawl out of the bathroom, find my phone and call an ambulance. I was so light-headed and sick from it.

I've still had on and off cramping/gassy-feeling today but no bloating at all. So I'm just wondering if upping my fiber by that much could cause these symptoms? And if I just kinda stick it out and keep eating the amount I'm eating, will my body get used to this soon? I mean, most people who eat 30 g. of fiber a day don't feel bloated all day, right?

BlueLikeJazz · February 2010

Side note: I am at a funeral this weekend and the stress of the combination of all the funeral-related events and the fact that I'm trying my best to go to all these restaurants and luncheons while sticking to my diet could very well be a factor in what's going on. I started to not feel the greatest on our drive down here. I'm kind of wondering if I may have IBS? I've heard stress and certain foods can trigger that. I'll wait to see how many of you can relate to these symptoms.

KristinaL · February 2010

I actually was having a lot of problems and went to get a colonoscopy done... they actually told me that I wasnt getting enough fiber because I was always constipated... so I have to get more fiber into me to have regular BM's ... I dont know what your situation is caused from... I wish I could help you... I would maybe call your doctor or even a specialist... Sorry I wish I could help you...Good Luck... Oh and by the way I too work in the health field so it doesnt bother me either ..lol

firedragon064 · February 2010

Yes it could be. Usually I try to drink l ots of water so I can do no# 2.
Other time, I went to bathroom constantly (fiber one incident).. ended up with hemorrhoid

kwardklinck · February 2010

I think this is a common complaint when we change what we eat. Adding fiber and beans and stuff like that really messed with my system. I was actually gaining weight at first because my system was so irregular. I just worked on it until I got myself going every day. I use a Superdieter's tea at night which really helps. When you're regular, you don't have the gas and bloating problems. This is actually the first time in my life where I make myself go every single day. If I don't go at my regular time I use a glycerine suppository to get things moving.

geicko · February 2010

I read about possible water intake during meal causing bloating.

Since you pay attention to what you eat and had to go to restaurant, is it possible you've been drinking quite a faire amount of water WITH your meal ?

That could be causing the bloating since it dilutes the stomach acids that are required for proper digestion.

Try not to drink water 15 minutes before a meal and until about 45 minutes after that meal, and see if it helps !

BlueLikeJazz · February 2010

I think this is a common complaint when we change what we eat. Adding fiber and beans and stuff like that really messed with my system. I was actually gaining weight at first because my system was so irregular. I just worked on it until I got myself going every day. I use a Superdieter's tea at night which really helps. When you're regular, you don't have the gas and bloating problems. This is actually the first time in my life where I make myself go every single day. If I don't go at my regular time I use a glycerine suppository to get things moving.

Hmmm this might be a method I'll try, drinking a tea nightly for a while to see if that helps me get regular. I'm definitely not a daily go-er and my weight very frequently does huge ups and downs throughout the week. I think the tea I have is called Yogi Get Regular, which contains senna like the Super Dieter's tea. Do you feel like the glycerine suppository has affected your regularity at all? I mean, you know how your body can become dependent on laxatives, is that the case with the suppository? If you stopped using it all together, would you end up being miserable for a while? (like it is for someone who abuses laxatives and then stops)

michelleladd · February 2010

Oh, I feel for ya OP-I ended up taking just 1(dulcolax), as I've made the mistake before of taking a full dose. Talk about feeling utterly miserable...
I have added Metamucil in the am, plus I'm on heart meds, some of the side effects include constipation.(Got Drs. Ok re: added fiber supplement every morning) -I figure my body will adjust to this new(healthier) food, which has really helped, btw, and she said it is fine to use Dulcolax on occasion. I do maybe once/month(for now)-usually a weekend day when I have no outside(literally) commitments. Not a fan of it tho-(I do faithfully drink 10-12 glasses water /day). I
For the most part, my "system/regularity" has adjusted rather well/better, except for this week. I just logged a 2 lb. gain for the week. Between TOM and...this, not a surprise/big deal.
Heh-we should refer to this as the TMI thread-haha;)
Actually, it's just all "part of it". It's cool to see it addressed-the whole GI system rebelling/getting off kilter, as we start feeding it healthier stuff.

fitinyoga14 · February 2010

i also wonder if i have IBS. i have been eating very healthy for a while now, and my system is still messed up on a daily basis. i eat enough fiber, and drink enough water. peppermint tea has become a daily refresher, however i do not notice that it makes a difference in me at all.

this may be an experiment for you and i to try out. i did some online research :blushing: to try to find ways to fix my problems.
one thing i read was that sugar substitutes are one of the first things you should try to eliminate if you're having bm issues.
i realized that i actually do comsume a fair amount of sugar substitutes on a daily basis. these sugars are located in yogurt, any snacky foods like 100 calorie packs, flavored 'low cal' drinks, gum, mints, jam, just to name a few, so this is my third day of my 'sugar strike'. we'll see if i notice any changes.

i also read that eating slowly can help your system, however i feel that my problems are beyond just that.

kwardklinck · February 2010

It can. I rarely have to use it more than once a week. Some weeks I don't have to use it at all. I usually only have to use it when I've eaten bad. I worried about dependence on laxatives too. I used them quite frequently in the beginning. But, my system has adjusted to going every day and now I do without help. It took me a good 3-4 weeks to get it regulated. I also give myself a day or two off the dieters tea every week and still am able to go.

FireMonkey · February 2010

Any big change in your eating habits can upset your bowels. If you've been adding a lot of raw fruit and veggies you may want to try cooked ones and slowly go to more raw stuff. If you're switching to whole grains, go slowly - add or change one food every few days.

Metamucil is a gentle kind of fiber that helps regulate BMs whether you're constipated or going too much.

Most important, when you increase your fiber, you also need to increase your water intake. If you continue to have problems, see your doctor. There may be something else going on - not likely but a checkup can't hurt.

:drinker: :flowerforyou:

sheltieroger · February 2010

Your residual bloating/gassiness could definitely be from the dulcolax...that stuff is killer!! I have long thought I have IBS, and stress totally affects it. I take a probiotic 3 times a day and it really helps. Might help you be regular as it helps with the bowel bacteria....

Also, I agree with those that say increase your water....definitely!!!!

Good luck!
Beth

BlueLikeJazz · February 2010

Oh, I feel for ya OP-I ended up taking just 1(dulcolax), as I've made the mistake before of taking a full dose. Talk about feeling utterly miserable...
I have added Metamucil in the am, plus I'm on heart meds, some of the side effects include constipation.(Got Drs. Ok re: added fiber supplement every morning) -I figure my body will adjust to this new(healthier) food, which has really helped, btw, and she said it is fine to use Dulcolax on occasion. I do maybe once/month(for now)-usually a weekend day when I have no outside(literally) commitments. Not a fan of it tho-(I do faithfully drink 10-12 glasses water /day). I
For the most part, my "system/regularity" has adjusted rather well/better, except for this week. I just logged a 2 lb. gain for the week. Between TOM and...this, not a surprise/big deal.
Heh-we should refer to this as the TMI thread-haha;)
Actually, it's just all "part of it". It's cool to see it addressed-the whole GI system rebelling/getting off kilter, as we start feeding it healthier stuff.

LOLed at "TMI thread", yes, perfect.

I gain around 5 lbs sometimes during TOM so don't fret!

And yes, the body acclimates to what we give it the best it can, so after being used to processing lots of fats and sugars, it makes sense that I'd have to give it time to get used to processing all this foliage

BlueLikeJazz · February 2010

Thanks for all the input! My stomach pains have become fewer and farther between throughout the day. I think I'm going to try drinking senna tea before bed every night, up my water intake to 10 glasses a day and if that doesn't help things within a week, maybe I'll start taking 1 fiber pill a day to see if that keeps things regular.

I consulted my mom (an RN) about the IBS thing and she said that usually people with IBS have constipation AND diarrhea, that it kind of goes in cycles, and I never really have the latter. So I'm guessing this is all just due to my fiber increase and the stress of the weekend, since stress can mess with your tummy whether you have IBS or not.

Any more TMI to share?

Tummy Troubles: Too much fiber too fast?

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