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Diet Tips - Atkins and Intestinal Problems

By: Jonas Milkei The major complaint of those who use the Atkins diet is the intestinal problems that are associated with reducing carbohydrates. These problems can include constipation and diarrhea. These symptoms can happen to anybody at some point, but those who follow a low-carb diet are especially prone.

Most of the diet will experience diarrhea during the first days of induction. This is a result of the body to get rid of excess carbohydrates. It also marks the beginning of the process of ketosis. So, in reality, the experience of diarrhea early in the diet is a good thing. It indicates that you are on the way to become a fat burning machine.

Constipation is a side effect of the lack of fibre in the diet low in carbohydrates. The whole grains, vegetables and fruits are the normal sources of dietary fiber, all of which are restricted in the initial stages Atkins diet. However, it should not be scared off low carbohydrate content of what life because of these issues. There are simple solutions that can prevent and help with these symptoms and allow you to continue with staying on the diet plan.

The first advice is sure to include the appropriate amount of low-carb vegetables in their daily diet. In the induction phase, you can eat as much as 20 grams of carbohydrates per day. This is approximately equal to 3 cups of salad vegetables. Some people are tempted to use their carbohydrate in grams of cheese or artificially sweetened drinks. Eating vegetables acceptable is a vital part of maintaining intestinal health, while following the Atkins plan. It is also important to drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water a day and exercising. Both of these steps can help with intestinal programs.

If you experience constipation precisely when there are many ways for relief. When you move from a diet rich in refined sugar and processing of products, your body will need time to adjust to this new way of eating. You will need to ensure your fibre intake acceptable with vegetables and fruit (some fruits are allowed after the first phase induction). You can also try to complete as the sugar-free Metamucil fiber.

Make sure you are eating enough fat and oils. Constipation can be a result of very little fat in your diet. Adding tablespoon olive or flax oil to salads and other vegetables can help your bowel health. Also, try to incorporate a variety of vegetables in your salad. Pale iceberg lettuce does not have a lot of fiber in it. Try dark green lettuce or have a dark green serving of steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus or spinach are good options).

If these suggestions do not try to cut all salt from your diet for a couple of days. This includes pickles, mustard, diet soda, ham, bacon and bottled salad dressing. This will reduce your fluid retention and sometimes helps with the stool. Diarrhoea should not be a problem after the first week of induction plan. However, on rare occasion, it can persist longer. First, analyze your diet. If you are eating low carb protein bars or other products without sugar, eliminate them. They can contain sweeteners such as glycerin, sorbitol and malitol which are known to cause diarrhea and gas. Homemade desserts low in carbohydrates may also be a source of problems. Most of them use maltodextrin, an artificial sweetener used in cooking. Maltodextrin is made from corn and can cause problems for some people.

If you are not accustomed to eating raw vegetables every day, this can be a cause of diarrhea. Understand that your body adjusts to vegetables and intestinal side effects will not last forever. Make sure you are chewing their raw vegetables thoroughly. Furthermore, the use of lightly steamed vegetables instead of oil may be a solution to this problem. The problems are common during the first part of the Atkins diet. Keep in mind, however, that these problems will disappear in the first few weeks of the new way of eating. If the problem persists, try the above tips to get relief.