Upset stomach, and vegetarianism? A bit graphic...?

Question

Okay, I've been reading around and have found a few things saying that meat stays into your intestines for a lot longer than other foods because it is so hard to digest. I have become a vegetarian now for a little over 2 months. About the end of Jan. I started having gas, an upset stomach, cramping and diarrhea. I was told since I was eating for things with fiber in them, and a healthier diet my body was just getting rid of the meat in my system, and cleansing my body. I'm starting to wonder about it now though. I sometimes don't even feel like I'm about to have a bowel movement, and I do anyways. The movements are not that normal either. They are liquid-like, and have a larger odor that usual.

I don't know what kinds of foods have a lot of fiber in them to begin with, but even so...is this normal? I mean it has been about two and a half weeks of this. It is not getting any better...I don't quite understand. Thank you. If you need any other details I'll be able to give them to you.

I'm taking medication, but I was taking it before starting to become a vegetarian...and it never caused these problems.

Another thing is though, I've not really up'd my intake on veggies, maybe more with bananas, but no other fruits really...just not eating quite so much junk, no meat, and cutting back on fattening things.

Answer 1

This is normal, when switching your diet around. The Veggies are causing this to happen. There are certain veggies that will cause gas. Like Broccoli, Cali-flower, Cabbage, dry beans, etc. Get some Bea-no it will help you with gas, take it before you eat. Your body is use to eating meat, fatty foods, junk food. It will take awhile for your body system to get use to your new way of eating. Also buy some Anti-diarrhoea over the counter pills, follow the directions on the package. If these don't work, go to your Doctor and explain your situation. You can also get salmonella from veggies, make sure you wash all of your veggies real good before eating them. It also sounds like that maybe going on as well, but I'm not sure. If you have pain, cramping, and blood in your stool, go directly to your Doctor. That's nothing to be messing with. I've had salmonella before, it's no-fun. If your not vomiting I wouldn't really worry about it. Because that will happen to, if you had it.

Answer 2

They were right, it could be your body getting used to a higher fiber diet. Foods high in fiber are whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, so if you're eating a lot more of these that could be the reason. It should resolve itself after a while; what youi're describing isn't the normal state of things for a vegetarian. You might want to cut back on any high-fiber foods and reintroduce them gradually.

Answer 3

For the gas problem go to www.natural cures.com And as far as being a vegeterian I don't know our bodies require all nutrients and it sounds like to me your body is not getting something it needs red meats can be very bad for you but if you stick to white meat (not pork) but chicken, veal, fish this will give you the nutrition you need your vegetables and fruits are very important also but you also need some fat to get your nutrients stay away from the junk food it will kill you.I am 45 and have experienced a lot of health problems and know that nutrition comes from all food.

Answer 4

That happened to several of my friends when they became vegetarians vegetarians. In each case it took a little while for their body to adapt and get rid of toxins. They all lost weight at first (and really didn't look very healthy for a couple of months) but then they got better. Yes, it's a LOT of fiber.

Answer 5

Maybe try the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce & Toast) for a few days and see if the diarrhea stops?

Answer 6

what about sugar intake? do you use splenda or aspartame? that might be the cause of it, not the fiber.

Answer 7

Taking any meds that might cause this?