Using bathroom

Texeira11 wrote: »

Yes i do try to avoid fat, now i will eat more than usual thank you @AmyRhubarb

Don't be afraid of fat! Fat doesn't make us fat, too many calories do. We NEED some fat in our diets, this whole fat-free phase is a thing of the past, and has had many of us bamboozled for far too long. It's good for the brain, helps us feel full and satiated, and can help in the "plumbing department"! I have been around here for several years, and this is a very common post from a lot of new users, people starting a new way of eating and cutting way too much fat from their diets.

Personally, I'd start eating some raw nuts, avocados, adding olive and coconut oils, butter, full fat Greek yogurt and things like that before taking the laxatives. Coffee or hot tea in the morning can also help get things moving. And if you tend to be a cold water drinker, try going for room temp, at least until you get past this - warmer liquids are said to be better to get things moving. Best of luck to you - being in that condition is no fun!

My aunt swears that too much fiber can cause constipation. I went on a high fiber/low fat diet once and she insisted I was going to get a bowel obstruction.

JayZ1488 wrote: »

Cynsonya wrote: »

JayZ1488 wrote: »

So how does water make you poop?

It hydrates you and keeps things "moving."
If you are dehydrated your bowels will soak up all the water out of the food you ingest causing it to become hard. Then you're constipated.

Hmm good to know thanks! But how would you know if your dehydrated or not drinking wnough

There's a urine color chart floating around here somewhere. Basically as long as it's clear to very light yellow you're properly hydrated.

AmyRhubarb wrote: »

Texeira11 wrote: »

Yes i do try to avoid fat, now i will eat more than usual thank you @AmyRhubarb

Don't be afraid of fat! Fat doesn't make us fat, too many calories do. We NEED some fat in our diets, this whole fat-free phase is a thing of the past, and has had many of us bamboozled for far too long. It's good for the brain, helps us feel full and satiated, and can help in the "plumbing department"! I have been around here for several years, and this is a very common post from a lot of new users, people starting a new way of eating and cutting way too much fat from their diets.

Personally, I'd start eating some raw nuts, avocados, adding olive and coconut oils, butter, full fat Greek yogurt and things like that before taking the laxatives. Coffee or hot tea in the morning can also help get things moving. And if you tend to be a cold water drinker, try going for room temp, at least until you get past this - warmer liquids are said to be better to get things moving. Best of luck to you - being in that condition is no fun!

Cosigned- fat does not make you fat.
A calorie deficit causes weight gain.
Don't be afraid to eat fats op !

try drinking warm water with lemon. First thing in the morning is best.

I'm doing much better than I used to, and yes, it's because I added fats back into my diet. When it's been 'too long', I have a small bag of pistachios and it really helps. And, just a sidenote... and this is weird, but.... I was looking at a catalog of specialty items for senior citizens (for my mother! I may almost be old enough to qualify, but I don't consider myself one yet thank you very much), and they had something to help someone sit 'properly' on the toilet. Basically - lean forward to pee, backwards for other stuff. Oh, and skip the nasty laxatives and go with a stool softener. MUCH kinder and just as efficient.

(wondering if I can post this anonymously LOL)

MarziDeThrall wrote: »

My aunt swears that too much fiber can cause constipation. I went on a high fiber/low fat diet once and she insisted I was going to get a bowel obstruction.

IME, it can be a problem to get lots of fiber but not enough water. At one point, I had IBS/C symptoms & my doc had me take a fiber supplement. Seriously Did. Not. Help. Bigtime. (I've been vegetarian for decades. I was already getting plenty of fiber!)

By experimentation, I learned my system is very picky about getting enough water. Back to OP's larger question: With enough fiber, other things that help are water, fat, and (again, IME) exercise.

Besides helping avoid constipation, you want to be getting some healthy fat with your food - some vitamins require fat in order for your body to absorb them best. Don't be afraid to get healthy fats!