I am thinking of getting some Benefiber to help me go to the loo. I started my low carb on Wednesday 5th November and I haven't been for a number 2 since then. So over a week now.

I have made a thread about this ages ago, but I have a new question.

I do suffer with "constipation" anyway, I always have. So I doubt it's to do with what I am/not eating. I would just like to be a bit more regular while doing low carb to make life easier.

So, I've found some nutritional info on Benefiber on calorieking.

Benefiber say to take 2 teaspoons of powder with 4-8 oz of any hot or cold soft food or drink. You can take this upto 3 times a day, so a maximum of 6 teaspoons.

Nutrional info based on 2 teaspoons:
Calories - 15
Fat - 0g
Carbs - 4g
Dietry fiber - 3g

So, is 1 serving (2 teaspoons) 4g's of carbs... not 1g as in the UK we don't subtract fiber from carbs stated?

Just want to make sure.

If so, I wont bother, as 3 servings per day would add upto 12g's leaving me only 8g's left for food!

Thanks

Correct.

Have you tried taking magnesium instead? My DH has IBS, which gives constipates him at times, but if he takes regular magnesium (2/300mg), all is well.

I presume you are also drinking plenty of water. Just doing that can often help.

I could not find a UK label online but the US-type ones all listed it as having total carb grams of 4 including 3 fiber.

I don't know if you have any whey protein powder - I have it for the gym, but I know some people use it to cook with... I have in the past found that consuming too much of it at the one time provides the instant effect you're looking for, but don't know if it would work for you. It's generally almost all protein with just a tiny bit of carb.

First thing in the morning, if you weigh, do that~ then drink 32 ozs. of water right away. Before you eat or drink anything else...just guzzle the 32 ozs. of water. Try that for a few days and see if it helps.

the better solicitor is psyllium husks. these have no carbs or calories, swell in water. you put in a glass drink quick and follow with another glass. an instant solution would also be sugar free mentoes and a diet coke - you will run the loo within 30 mins. you'll know when you are ready to go as your stimach will make incredible noises!

If you can't manage to drink it as suggested (it made me gag when i tried) you can mix psyllium husks into mayo and add it to salad stuff. I used to have it with chopped celery and found it went down without any problems.

benefiber never did anything for me, I can have stacks of it and still notice no difference.