One of the most common concerns for those who have adopted the Atkins diet is the intestinal problems. This problem is linked to the drop in the carbohydrate intake. The intestinal problems can cause diarrhea and constipation. Though these symptoms occur very commonly in people, people following low carbohydrate diet tend to develop these health concerns.
In most cases, individuals who follow Atkins diet suffer from diarrhea in the initial stage of induction. The main cause for this health concern is the body reaction to eliminate the extra carbohydrates. Diarrhea is a symptom to indicate the development of acetonemia process. This is why it is fine to experience diarrhea in the initial stage of dieting. This is an indication that the individual is on the right path and can burn the excess fat quickly.
As all of us know, constipation indicates the deficiency of fiber in the body. The main sources of fiber are whole grains, fruit, and legumes; but these are some of the food items one has to curb in the beginning stages of the Atkins diet.
Nevertheless, one should not take these symptoms and low-carb lifestyle very seriously. With so many options available, one can avoid and also cope up with these symptoms efficiently. The individual can also continue with their regular Atkins dietary pattern.
First of all, include the right quantity of low-carb veggies in the diet. In the beginning, an individual can consume maximum of 20 grams of carbohydrates in a day, which is approximately equal to 3 cups of vegetable salad. A few people are attracted to cheese or artificially sweetened soda for their regular carbohydrate intake. One can maintain a healthy intestine while on Atkins diet by consuming the right type of vegetable. People often forget to keep their body hydrated. One should drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to soothe the intestinal problem. Regular exercising also helps to get rid of intestinal problems.
However, when one suffers from constipation, he or she can rely on the variety of options available as relief. One should remember that while switching from a processed and refined sugar rich diet to the Atkins diet, the body takes its own time to regulate the change. Atkins diet never stops people from consuming the right vegetable and fruit and this makes it easier for those suffering from constipation. Please note that certain fruits are acceptable one the individual has crossed the beginner stage. One can try a Metamucil as a fiber supplement which is also sugar-free.
One should ensure adequate intake of fats and oils. Very little fat can also trigger constipation in many individuals. The best way to add oil to the food is to add a tablespoon full of olive or flax oil in salads or vegetables. Dieters should include a variety of vegetable everyday in their salad. Instead of using the fiber-less pale iceberg lettuce, one can add dark green lettuce or a serving of dark green steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus and spinach.
If one is not convinced of these food tips, they can cut salt from their diet list for a while. The salt intakes like pickle, mustard, bacon, diet soda, bottled salad dressing and ham should be curbed. This way one can reduce the fluid retention and this also aids in smoother and easier bowel movements.
After the first week of the Atkins induction, people often stop complaining about diarrhea. Only a few Atkins dieters experience it for a longer time. In such cases, one must first examine their diet. If the diet includes low-carb protein bars or sugar-free food items, individuals are recommended to remove them out of their diet list. Sweeteners like glycerine, sorbitol, and malitol normally cause diarrhea and gas. One should also curb the intake of homemade low carb foods like desserts.
People who eat raw vegetables daily never complain about diarrhea. One should accept the fact that the body will ready accept raw veggies and immediately stop intestinal problems. Chewing is an integral part of digestion and this is why through chewing of raw veggies can help you cope up with unnecessary health issues like intestine problem. People who do not like eating raw vegetables can partially steam their vegetables for their satisfaction.
However, intestinal problems are just transitional concerns and that such health issues will vanish after the induction period. Individuals who have these problems for a long time should look into the tips discussed earlier to be relieved of their health concerns permanently.