Diet Change = Negative Stomach/Cause for Worry?

Dear Doctor:

I am a 25-year-old male that weighs about 230 and is approx. 6ft2; large build.

For many years, I have been a frequent drinker of Diet Coke (*at least a few bottles a day). While not a poor eater, I sometimes had candy and the occasional Subway sandwich, pizza and chinese food. I frequently eat vegetables and have at least a couple of large servings a day. Over the years, I've cut out such things as french fries. Recently, I've decided to take "cutting out" to the next level - aside from the above excesses, I'm no longer consuming any artificial sweeteners or chemicals. I've started having more cereal/fiber (while I did have fiber prior, I'm making it a more consistent part of my day).

First, for about 2 days I started "ramping down" sweets/diet coke, then about a week ago, I stopped "cold turkey" all caffeine intake and cut out all candy, what excess fat I had (no more Subways) and excess carbs (bagels) entirely.  I've started drinking water more (after not drinking very much at all for a while - I'm one of those people who asks, "does ice count?" - essentially, I've replaced pop with water), as well. I do get small doses of excercise each day, although once a week or so I do a walk of about 3 hours/9ish miles

After stopping all the carbs, candy, caffeine (went from lots to zero) and excess, I felt as if my system went into some pretty strong withdrawal. I had a mild/moderate amount of constipation for the first few days after - no pain, but a mild-strong feeling of fullness in the abdomen (low abdomen, a little more to the right). The constipation cleared a little over 48 hours ago. I also had slight headaches (surprisingly, I thought the caffeine withdrawal would cause worse headache - they did when I tried to quit before) and very noticable fatigue that has gotten considerably better since the worst of it a few days back.

I feel as if my metabolism hit a serious low after stopping "cold turkey" on the caffeine. My stool has also changed color; while not pale, it does seem to be a slightly lighter shade than in the past. I have been monitoring my temperature during the past few days and it has been at or somewhat (not to a worrying degree) below normal.

Also, ever since the caffeine/candy/carb stop, my appetite has changed entirely. I no longer desire candy and don't look for the usual carbs. While I do have appetite, my hunger level has decreased noticably. While my energy level has gotten better over the past 24-48 hours, I still don't feel great.

My movements are better - more relaxed (to put it eloquently), but they still seem to be a slightly lighter shade and still aren't entirely solid, but better. The stomach discomfort has also faded and is only very slight now (but seems a little more noticable after eating). Somewhat frequent burping that occured when this all started have also calmed.

I was wondering if I should be concerned/if this level of "withdrawal" could be a sign of something els

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I'm not aware of a condition where the symptoms are being caused by a "withdrawal".  Certainly any abrupt change in the diet can cause some adverse bowel symptoms.  You may want to make sure it isn't anything more serious.  Lighter bowel movements may be due to any biliary blockage (i.e. stones or a mass).  Liver function tests and an ultrasound would be reasonable to evaluate this.  

Regarding the stomach discomfort, you can consider an upper GI series as well as a blood H Pylori level for further evaluation.  An upper endoscopy can be considered if the aforementioned tests are negative and the symptoms continuing.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[andreslimas]

A related discussion, Suddendly diet change was started.