Day 7, Constipated :(

[mollyknight]

Hi all!

 

So week one is down and has been a great success!

 

The one issue I'm having is constipation.  Now, this isn't new to me.  I've had a series of GI issues over the past few years, chronic constipation being one of them.  The Whole30 has all but gotten rid of the rest (seriously, i've been chronically nauseous, bloated and had heartburn for FIVE YEARS and this week is the first relief I've had.  I've cried happy tears about it.)

 

My last bowel movement was last Wednesday (August 21), it's now Monday (August 26) without even a rumble down there. I don't feel particularly "blocked up" just....nothing. No poop.

 

Any reasons for this? Anything I could do to get things moving?

[Tom Denham]

Given your history, it may take weeks to months for your constipation issues to become a thing of the past. For short-term help, you could take a magnesium supplement like Natural Calm that often has the effect of "getting things going." Another short-term trick might be to drink senna tea, which is sold in many health food stores. And just in general, be sure you are drinking plenty of water. By plenty I mean 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. I probably would not try to increase or decrease fiber/veggies. 

[mollyknight]

Thanks, Tom.  I'll check out the magnesium supplement you suggested - would that be available at a place like Whole Foods? I'm definitely getting enough water, so I don't think that's the problem.

[Fenderbender]

Kombucha really got me " going" in the right direction

[Kerith]

Agree with kombucha and natural calm.  I took 1tsp of natural calm the first time, which probably wasn't wise, had some abdominal cramping, but there was an end result which was nice I suppose.    Good luck!