I started eating healthy and have been having less bowel movements and more bloating

[johnny911]

For the past month I have cut out all beer and fast food from my diet. I used to eat fast food daily and drink beer several times a week.

Once I started getting a beer belly I decided to stop the junk food/beer. I have been eating healthy for the past month and cut out all beer. I also excersize daily and do about 100 sit ups every other day.

I understand these things do take time but it seems my bowel movements have decreased and my stomach always feels bloated. I also havent seen the slightest bit of change, sometimes it feels as if my stomach has gotten bigger.

I used to have bowel movements about 2-3 times a day, now it's one or none a day. I dont overeat and I try to incorporate alot of fiber in my diet. Would the lack of bowel movements be the cause for the bloating?

Should I take a laxative?

Any suggestions?

[firegirl112]

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[catlovermom]

I'd be willing to bet you have a few things going on here:

1.  Beer (or any alcohol for that matter) gives one looser stools.  Even if you don't get diarrhea from drinking, which a lot of people do, it still irritates your bowels, causes them to secrete more water and therefore, you get loose or frequent stools.  If you don't drink anymore, you've probably eliminated that cause of having 2-3 bowel movements a day.

2.  Your body is not used to the fiber you're consuming.  If you're getting a lot of bloating, cut back on the fiber and then increase it again GRADUALLY.

3.  One bowel movement a day is normal.  One bowel movement 3x a week is still normal.  If you're passing hard stools, though, try increasing how much water you drink.  Fiber can constipate you if you don't give it enough fluid to form soft, bulky stools.

And no, don't take a laxative.  You don't need one.

[johnny911]

Thank you for the advice