Is it normal to have frequent bowel movements when dieting?

Question

I know this may come as a weird question. But I started dieting about a week ago. Nothing major, just replaced unhealthy snacks with carrots and celery, and quit eating fried foods and some other unhealthy foods.

Anyhow, My bowel movements were about once a day before I started this, and the stool was pretty firm(?) (I can't find the right word).
But now I am going about 4 times a day and the stool has become loose. It is not diarrhea, it is just really loose and more frequent than before.

I mean is this normal or what?

Serious replies only please!

Answer 1

This will depend on why you are dieting and if you need to loose weight, or are just changing to a healthier life style. What you are doing sounds like a good thing, but the carrots and celery are fiber and less fried foods mean your body is purging itself of the poison build up of oils and fats from the fried foods. You might also want to increase your water intake so you don't become dehydrated. I would also discuss this with a doctor and have him/her check you over just to be on the safe side. I suspect, however, this is just the case and your body is just adjusting to the dietary changes. Good luck.

Answer 2

Increased Bowel Movements

Answer 3

Did this start immediately after you changed your diet? Because this is probably normal, since your body is in a "lag phase" wherein your body is still adjusting to the abrupt change in your food type intake. Try giving your body some time to cope with this diet regime, and in no time your regular bowel movement will return.

Stick with your fruits and vegies and regular fluid intake and monitor your bowel for the next two weeks or so or perhaps even a little longer because, as what you may know already, change takes time.

In any case, you seem to be healthy to me, unless of course you ate something with Escherichia coli O157:H7--but highly unlikely.

Hope this help!

Answer 4

Frequent Defecation

Answer 5

Ok, so when you consume food that is high in fats and sugars, your body has the ability to break these items down to extract nutrients, engergy, etc. Therefore, it spends more time in your digestive system b/c your body wants to get as much from it as possible.
A lot of the healthier snacks are high in fiber, and a lot of times things like cellulose, which our bodies cannot digest, so the body need not keep it around if it can't get anything from it, so it expels it a bit quicker.

I hope this helps :).

Answer 6

I'm wondering how your exact meal plans look like. It sure sounds like you are going through some form of detoxification and your body is cleansing itself. If this is true, that there is nothing to worry about as you are getting rid of the toxins that have been accumulating in your body.

To be sure, you can consult with a naturopathic doctor.

Answer 7

i would imagine this is what happens when your body starts to rid itself of all that nasty food you were havin before. eatin for fruits and veggies will also add to that. i was vegan for a very long while, and i had movements rather often. better to get it out than to keep it in. good luck~!

Answer 8

You are either eating too many fibers, not chewing your food enough and/or having IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Eat more proteins (chicken, fish dairy) and you will gain some balance. 4 times a day it's too many.

Answer 9

thats very normal. when you change your diet, you're body will react in different ways. but you are eating ruffage that WILL make you poop. its cleaning out your system. very good for you! good job!