Constipation on upped fat diet?

Hey all,

I've been stalking this forum for quite a while and just decided to join.  I do not have an ED, but I'm a scrawny kid.

Anyways...

I was wondering if anyone has gotten constipated through high fat meals.  Once a day, I usually have a lot of peanut butter and hummus (at around the same time).  I've noticed constipation recently.  Could this fat be the cause?

I've upped my calorie count in general... could that be the cause?  Does anyone have any remedies? Are you getting tired of all of these questions? lol

PS: It's most likely not fiber or water deficiencies, as I get a great deal of both of these (could they be causing it?)

Thanks (for reading this embarassing topic!)

Hey there, I'm trying to gain weight too, and I've basically been in the same boat for quite some time---and yeah, constipation is not only physically uncomfortable, its really uncomfortable to talk to others about too lol.  But anyway, while having more fat in your diet to increase your overall caloric intake is beneficial, I've noticed that it does tend to lead to constipation if too much is consumed at once.  I've also read over and over again that gaining weight is easier when a person eats multiple (about 5 or 6) small meals consistently throughtout the day so rather than trying to cram in 1000+ calories for the typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  So maybe if you start (in case you haven't) spacing your meals out (while still hitting the right amount of calories, of course) you're constipation will subside.  Also, eating slowly and calmly with lots of water also helps alot, I've noticed.  Oh yeah, and being under alot of stress can also lead to constipation, so maybe trying to be more calm could help you, in case you're stressed about something.

I hope some of this helped :) Good luck!

hola~ 

kate had some great advice for you...i just want to add that any time you make changes in your diet, your body needs to go through an adjustment period. it will have to change the way it digests and utilizes the food you're giving it.  it's probably a little confused right now, but keep drinking plenty water and getting a nice variety that includes fibrous veggies and whole grains, and you should be back to regular soon.  prune juice can help (a lot of people gag at the thought, but some, like me, actually find it tasty!), and it's pretty calorie-dense, too, which can help you reach your goals.

also, just as a side note, keep in mind that our bodies have highly adaptive mechanisms that may make it hard for you to gain right away, seeing as how you probably have a high metabolism and a low setpoint if you're very thin but not restrictive.  increasing your calories may cause it to speed up even more at first as it attempts to maintain your current status.  so try not to get discouraged if you don't get the results you want right away, just be patient and persistent!

good luck <3

Oh my gosh, boogur, I am having the exact problem!

I too am a skwrany kid without an ED, so I've been eating a lot of peanut butter, especially at breakfast. Then a few hours later at school, and well.. yeah i have to stop at the bathroom...

EMBARRSING  lol

Its gotten better tho because now I spread out the amount of PB i eat a day. I'll eat some at breakfast and some after dinner. So just spread your fats out more throughout the day.

Hi when I have ever made increases in general with calories I become constipated. I see this every time. I was not thinking it was just from dietary fat but overall more food and the body being confused on what to do. It does get slightly better but it is a very uncomfortable state. Like others said give it time,eat every few hours and balanced,plenty of fluids. If you still have this problem after some time talk to your doctor cause you may have gi problems.

Undereating and eating infrequently is the number one cause of constipation.  Check if you are maybe eating the majority of your calories in that high-fat meal--if so you are probably getting your body all out of wack simply by first slowing things down undereating at other times, then suddenly it has enough food but has slowed down and can't move it through.

Also, as a sufferer from severe IBS, I also struggle with the fat conflict: I have been repeatedly recommended [including 2 nutritionists] to go on a low fat diet, told I eat too much fats...but I NEED those fats to keep my calories up and get my period!

I used to eat more than half my fats after dinner, and it did give me a lot of problems.  Now, I manage to eat more fat [goal =100g+ on a current 4000 calorie diet] starting asap and getting 1-2 full fat foods [2oz nuts, 1/4c pb] at at least 4 of my 6-7 eating times. It works a LOT better!  I also pair it with simple carbs, which helps too.

I used to eat gobs of fruit and high fiber cereals, and honestly, cutting those out has helped me, erm, "pass stools" so much easier.