What Can Cause Intermittent Fasting Constipation and Other Bowel Problems in Some People

The explanation is not as complicated as you may believe.

Your body and your health can go through many changes due to intermittent fasting (IF), including weight loss and improved sleep quality. However, nobody warns you about problems with your bowel movements, such as constipation. Yes, some people for whom intermittent fasting can completely disrupt their regular bowel movement patterns.

Intermittent fasting has only one possible side effect, namely intermittent fasting constipation, but there are several others. Others have stated that they have the opposite problem, such as diarrhea, in certain instances where they have used the product.

But if you have bowel movement issues, don't worry about it. According to Cynthia Quainoo, MD, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn

Continue reading to find out why intermittent fasting causes changes to your bowel movement, as well as Dr. Quainoo's recommendations for ensuring that everything stays in the right direction.

This is a plausible explanation. According to Dr. Quainoo, if a new medication does not cause diarrhea, you should investigate the possibility of another underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, an infection of the colon, a thyroid disorder, or celiac disease.

Why Does Intermittent Fasting Make Some People More Prone To Constipation Than Others?

According to Dr. Quainoo,

People who practice intermittent fasting may experience constipation as a side effect due to the lack of water and fiber in their diets, which can lead to the condition.

Consider The Following:

 suppose you are eating less now that your window eating is limited. In that case, there is a possibility that you are not getting enough of the nutrients you need to keep your bowel movements regular, particularly dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is beneficial to the health of your digestive system because it increases the volume of stool and facilitates the movement of food through the digestive tract, two of the digestive system's most essential functions. Therefore, not getting enough of it can most definitely result in a decreased number of times the toilet is flushed.

The same is true if you do not consume sufficient water and other fluids. Because fiber is only helpful if you consume an adequate amount of liquids, dehydration can make it even more difficult for your stool to pass, especially considering that adequate hydration is necessary for fiber to be effective.

There is a good chance that you are consuming much less water if you participate in more extreme intermittent fasting, such as the OMAD diet. The less water you drink, the greater the likelihood that you will experience constipation. 

According to Dr. Quainoo, "constipation" refers to a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week or goes three days or more without a bowel movement. Dr. Quainoo emphasizes that one can have regular bowel movements despite suffering from constipation. 

What Should You Do If, Instead Of Constipation, You Have Diarrhea?

Even though you might think that the change in your diet is to blame for looser stools, there is a possibility that this may not be the case. There is no doubt that diarrhea is not typically brought about by fasting on its own. There are several different causes of diarrhea, but generally speaking, there are a few common ones. She claims that lactose intolerance and the side effects of certain medications are the most prevalent and least harmful causes.

Therefore, one possible explanation is that you've recently added something new to your diet, such as a dairy product, to which you previously had no idea that you had an intolerance. This is a plausible explanation. According to Dr. Quainoo, if a new medication does not cause diarrhea, you should investigate the possibility of another underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, an infection of the colon, a thyroid disorder, or celiac disease.

Talk to a medical professional if you're worried about having diarrhea that doesn't seem to get better.

While on a Fasting Diet, What are Some Strategies For Maintaining Regular Bowel Movements?

Specific Recommendations are as Follows:

• Increase the amount of fiber you eat. According to Dr. Quainoo, the recommended fiber intake for active people is between 25 and 30 grams per day. Consuming an adequate amount of fiber will ensure that your stool is sufficiently bulky to pass and does so without difficulty. There are a great many foods that are high in fiber that you can incorporate into your diet, and some examples include sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

• Drink enough water. According to Dr. Quainoo, daily water should be between three and four liters. Combining fiber and water is the most effective way to encourage bowel movement.

• Consume some coffee. A recent study has found that drinking coffee is associated with an increased frequency of the need to go to the restroom within four minutes of the beverage being consumed. According to Dr. Quainoo,

• Get active. According to Dr. Quainoo, who explains that a sedentary lifestyle can be a contributing factor to constipation