Constipation on high fibre diet?

[BellissimoGecko]

I’ve been following a heart-healthy diet for two weeks. Have lost 9lb. Haven’t had a poo for a couple of days. What’s going on? I thought fibre was meant to help with going to the loo? I don’t feel constipated…

Low fat diet can also constipation. Flax seeds always help me.

A couple of days isnt that long but it depends on what youre like normally, I go every day so if I dont go for 2 days then something is wrong

However to answer your question, there are different types of fibre and for some of us, certain types of fibre actually lead to a slowing of digestion and being constipated, so its not a given that just fibre will be ok.

Are you drinking enough water? Fibre needs a lot of water to ‘work’

Fibre definitely helps but it needs to be combined with high fluid intake. I know someone who was eating loads of all bran but not drinking water. She became very constipated and quite ill. If you're increasing fibre you must increase water intake quite significantly.

More water. Soluble fibre needs water, otherwise its like you've made porridge but without enough liquid......

How many grams fibre are you eating? (Or if you’re not counting grams what quantity of what foods?) Most people don’t eat much, even on a “healthy” diet. Water soluable fibre does need water so that’s something to try if not already.

2 days isn’t too bad though, I’d probably just eat 2 bowls all bran and 2L water a day to clear it down

Probably depends on the type of fibre coffee and kiwi fruit (with the skin) always get things going for me

We're meant to have 30g of fibre a day arent we?

Yes and most people don’t get anywhere near. Of course it’s possible to have more than 30g but you’d be prioritising a decent portion of whole grains, legumes or beans for every meal, every day, just to hit 30g

You Def need to increase your fluid intake alot with a high fibre diet.
I eat about 60g of fibre a day and drink all the time (ok, mainly coffees but they still count!). Also added prunes for breakfast to help things along.

Anybody trying a high fibre diet really needs to make sure they increase it gradually. Suddenly doubling your fibre intake can really mess up your digestion as your body may not cope well with it.

Thanks, all!

I’m going for 20g of fibre - I read that’s what women over 50 need? Will up my water intake.