Yep, I am gonna go there...sorry

Keep an eye on your iron intake as well as fiber. I'm anemic, and have to take an iron supplement daily. When I started taking it, I realized that it causes bowel movement problems and had to add more fiber into my diet. Also, drink lots of water. Your body will get used to it eventually

I think that this happens pretty frequently when you change your diet especially if you have been eating a lot of processed foods before. Have you been making sure that you have been drinking more water that helps sometimes.

I know exactly what you are going through... I went and still am going through the same thing. I ate sooo much crap before, I think my body just got used to it. Now I am eating more vegetables and drinking more water... It will get better when your body adjusts to your new lifestyle.

Oooh poop topics are always fun!

And eating large amounts of protein, like most people building muscle or on certain diets do, tend to cause constipation. I've been there!

Eat plenty of healthy fats, and drink TONS of water.

when you eat healthy versus filling your body with junk, it absorbs more. this is why they call bowel movements 'waste,' its everything the body doesnt use. therefore, eating healthy nutritious foods = less poop. if you're just plain uncomfortable (constipated) then do as the others say and drink plenty of water.

*shrugs* I'll go there too.

It's part of dieting, I think. You aren't eating as much so there isn't as much to get rid of (plus if you got rid of the processed, fatty foods then your body needs time to adjust). Drink more water, eat more fiber (I make sure to have at least one Fiber One bar a day). If I realize it's been a couple of days, and yes it does go that long, then I will go to Starbucks and splurge on a latte. Works like a charm every time.

LOL so there! I went there too hehe.

I read on some other dieting site that it's really common, because your body is used to moving through a certain volume of food that is probably much smaller once you start dieting. Plus less junk and all that. Try drinking lots of water, and maybe taking a softener to make things easier.

Well, I seem to always have that problem...so my change in diet didn't help me. I drink some of that icky metamucil stuff every night (that is the psyllium hulls that someone else mentioned) and that helps.

My change in diet (more protein, less fats, less processed foods) and change in exercise (running almost daily) has actually helped me in the digestive department.

I'm curious what your typical day looks like. What are you eating, drinking, etc. If you are having issues with constipation I suggest adding more fruits and veggies. Apples (my favorite fruit) are a great way to keep yourself regular. Also like others have said, drink water lots and often.

I also you may want to try various teas. Black tea is known for keeping peoples bowels stimulated. As far as herbal tea goes Chamomile is good for calming the digestive tract. Also Goldenseal root, Aloe, fennel,Slippery Elm and any type of bitter herb will be good for digestion.

If constipation gets too bad, prune juice is always a great fix. Down about 8-16 oz of that and you should be going in no time.

Good luck!

I have the same problem...you'd think with all of the fruits and veggies that it would be much easier to go to the bathroom, but it is soooooo not! If I haven't gone for a day, the next night I drink a cup of this tea called "Smooth Move" it is by the breand organics, that night and the next morning I am ready to go!

Add a few tablespoons of flax meal into your diet. You can add it to almost anything and even microwave it into a really quick and easy muffin. (I have the recipe, if you want it) You might also try a probiotic, which when taken daily, is supposed to keep your digestive system balanced and humming along.

Okay, I commonly have this issue and I will tell you what has worked for me (I refuse to take stool softeners because 1. they cause dependence to have a bowel movement, and 2. this is probably diet related so it can be fixed for real


You NEED fats. If you don't have them in high enough amounts, you will not use el bano! Things to include in your diet are fats from fish, nuts, olive oil, avocado etc. You can look up the good fats (they can lower your cholesterol!).

Eat more fiber than you ever thought possible. I consume 40g and I am finally seeing a difference when combined with the fats. Increase this slowly, or you may be constipated OR have diarrhea for two or so days. (Speaking from experience here)

Drink MORE than 8 glasses of water a day! I hate the 8 glasses a day rule. Drink more, especially on days that you work out.


I hope this helps. I usually have two cups of strong HOT black tea in the morning if I'm not feeling the urge. I hear that coffee helps as well.

I followed all the coventional wisdom which was a huge mistake for my health. Now I am eating to heal my digestion instead. Costs less, works better and my body likes me again. Check out my profile for the direct link to Chris Kresser's article on healing digestion. Transformed my weight loss journey. See ticker...digestive supplements/protocols broke me free from a 5 month plateau.