The keto diet can be tough on your gut: heres how to fix it
Are you one of the millions of people who have embraced the keto diet? If so, you may be familiar with some of the common side effects, like constipation.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, constipation is one of the most common complaints on the keto diet.
Does keto cause constipation
There’s no denying the keto diet can be tough on your digestive system. While constipation isn’t a common side effect in the early stages of the diet, it is something that many people experience as they adjust to a high-fat, low-carb way of eating.
There are a few reasons why the keto diet may cause constipation. First, on a high-fat diet, your body produces less bile, which is needed for proper digestion. Second, when you cut out carbs, you also cut out many sources of dietary fiber, which helps keep things moving along. Lastly, on keto (or any other restrictive diet), stress and anxiety can lead to digestive issues like constipation.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ease constipation on keto. First, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and electrolytes (like sodium) to help keep things moving along. Second, add more high-fiber foods to your diet, like green leafy vegetables and nuts/seeds. Lastly, try a probiotic supplement to help replenish the good bacteria in your gut.
How to fix constipation on the keto diet
If you’re on the keto diet, you may have noticed some changes in your bathroom habits. Namely, you may have noticed that you’re constipated more often.
Here are a few tips:
-Increase your water intake. This will help to keep things moving along smoothly.
-Make sure you’re getting enough fiber. Eating high-fiber foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds can help to add bulk to your stool and make it easier to pass.
-Try a stool softener. If fiber isn’t doing the trick, a stool softener can help to make things easier. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.
-Get some exercise. Exercise helps to stimulate the digestive system and can help with constipation relief.
Foods to avoid on the keto diet if you’re prone to constipation
If you’re following a keto diet and struggling with constipation, there are a few types of food you should avoid.
First, stay away from high-fat foods. While fats are an important part of the keto diet, they can slow down digestion and make constipation worse.
Second, limit your intake of dairy products. Dairy can cause bloating and make it difficult to pass stool.
Third, be careful with your fiber intake. Too much fiber can actually make constipation worse, so it’s important to find a balance.
Finally, drink plenty of water. Water helps to keep things moving through your digestive system and can prevent constipation.
If you’re struggling with constipation on the keto diet, avoiding these foods may help relieve your symptoms.
The best supplements to take on the keto diet to avoid constipation
There are a few different ways to supplement your diet to avoid constipation on the keto diet. The first is to make sure you’re getting enough fiber. This can be tough on the keto diet, since many high-fiber foods are also high in carbs. Good sources of fiber on the keto diet include low-carb vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, and cabbage. You can also get fiber fromSupplementing with a fiber supplement is another way to avoid constipation on the keto diet. Be sure to choose a supplement that doesn’t have any added sugars or carbs, such as psyllium husk powder or acacia fiber powder.
Another way to avoid constipation on the keto diet is to make sure you’re staying hydrated. This is important for all diets, but especially for a high-fat diet like the keto diet. When you eat more fat, your body produces more bile, which can lead to dehydration and constipation. Drinking plenty of water and fluids throughout the day can help keep things moving along smoothly.
If you’re still struggling with constipation after trying these tips, you may want to try a stool softener or laxative. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new medications or supplements, as they can have side effects.
When to see a doctor about constipation on the keto diet
If you’ve been constipated for more than a couple of days on the keto diet, it’s time to see a doctor.
While there are some natural remedies you can try at home to relieve constipation (like drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods), if these don’t work, it could be a sign of a more serious issue.
For example, severe constipation can be a symptom of a blockage in the intestines. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Other potential causes of constipation on the keto diet include dehydration, certain medications, and underlying health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If you’re experiencing severe or chronic constipation on the keto diet, talk to your doctor about what might be causing it and how best to treat it.