Oats and constipation

[rachel.]

I'm not sure if this is possible -- and I know this is really disgusting... but I've found that if I consume oatmeal every day (approx. 1/2c dry), after about 3 days I get pretty constipated. Usually I can go pretty much every day.

Is there any correlation? Or am I not drinking enough water to balance it out? How much should I be drinking? (I drink about 5 tall glasses worth of liquids per day... been drinking about 8 of water as of a few days ago and its been a bit better) BUT I'm scared to eat it too often as I've had issues with severe constipation in the past -- although it was partly stress related I think.

Anyways, just wanted to see your thoughts on the matter... :oops:

[Brandi]

I eat oat bran and drink anywhere from 3.75 - 6 liters of water a day. I haven't had a problem with the pipes backing up at all...

Do you eat lots of veggies?

[rachel.]

a TON

i love veggies -- had a problem with fiber overload for a while there :p

[ashleyk]

How many litres would be in 5 glasses of water? :scratch: Doesnt sound like very much. Maybe drink more water and eat your veggies??

[Jen]

I agree, MORE water..... do you know how many grams of fiber you are getting per day?
EFA's are also important to keep things moving along.. at least for me... perhaps evaluate your diet.

[Sarawithanh]

Oatmeal should NOT be backing you up - and with all the veggies, you should be fine.

You need MORE water - 2 Liters at least!!!

You might want to look at your protein intake, if you recently upped your protein or added protein powder to your diet, it might be backing you up.

Fish oil does wonders for helping to move things along as well!!

[trueblue]

is constipation your only side effect?? do you bloat? get gassy? feel groggy? anything else??


if not then yeah - try more water.. :)