Longevity logo

can keto cause constipation?

KETO DIET SECRETS

By athisha boopathiPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
can keto cause constipation?
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

WHAT IS THE SIDE EFFECTS OF KETO?

The ketogenic diet, also known as the keto diet, involves a severely limited carbohydrate intake. People who follow the keto diet compensate for this carbohydrate reduction by eating more high-fat foods and eating moderate amounts of protein.

KETO DIET MEANS..

When most people think of carbohydrates, they think of grain-based foods like bread and pasta. Although it is true that eating too many simple carbohydrates, such as refined sugar, can harm people's health, carbohydrates can be found in both healthy and unhealthy foods.

Carbohydrates are classified into three types: sugar, starch, and Fibre, which are found in fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Carbohydrate is a group of molecules that cells can degrade into a simple sugar called glucose.

Because cells can easily convert glucose into Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) via a process known as Glycolysis, glucose serves as the body's primary source of energy.

People who follow the keto diet consume very little carbohydrates.

At first, the body will draw on its glycogen reserves. Glycogen is a larger, more complex form of glucose that the body .once all of the readily available glucose has been used up.

When the body's glycogen stores are depleted, the liver begins converting fatty acids into water-soluble molecules known as ketone bodies. When glucose is unavailable, the cells can use these ketone bodies as an alternative source of energy. When this occurs, the body enters a keto state.

Fiber Isn't Important

Cutting out high CARBS foods like grains, vegetables, and fruit reduces your fiber intake, which many people mistakenly blame for keto diet constipation.

Contrary to popular belief, a lack of fiber does not automatically result in constipation.

In fact, an excess of dietary fiber may be the root cause of constipation. According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, "stopping/reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms."

Are you constipated or simply pooping less frequently?

Many people mistake keto diet constipation for merely pooping less.

This is due to the fact that a well-formulated keto diet is based on fatty keto meats, fatty fish, and healthy fats that provide your body with all of the nutrients it requires in highly bio available formats. This means your body has to expel a lot less useless waste.

Non keto foods, on the other hand, such as corn, beans, and many other fiber-rich plant foods, are frequently visible on the other end, which says a lot about how useful (or useless) they are for your body.

These dietary changes can occasionally cause mild constipation. Continue reading to find out more about the keto diet, including how it can cause constipation and how to treat it.

Excess dietary fiber can put our intestines through so much mechanical stress that it ferments and heats up. This excess heat can then harm heat-sensitive organs, particularly reproductive organs. The fermentation process of fiber also generates noxious gases and other chemical byproducts.

How Frequently Should You Poop on a Keto Diet?

Because the body has less fibrous waste to expel when on the keto diet, most people poop less.

So, how frequently should you poop on keto?

Once a day or more is a good target to aim for. Your bowel movements should be as easy as they were on your previous diet, if not easier. If your body's circadian rhythm is in good working order, you can expect these BMIs to arrive at a consistent time each morning.

However, constipation is a common issue during the keto transition period. Let's take a closer look at why this is the case.

Keto Constipation: The Most Common Causes

One or more of the following factors are most likely to blame for keto diet constipation:

  • Your gut bacteria are still adjusting to a fattier, lower-fiber diet, and your stomach acidity hasn't adjusted to higher fat intake.
  • Your bile production is falling short of the increased bile demand.
  • Your body is having difficulty processing the additional protein.
  • You suffer from chronic dehydration.

Constipation and Gut Bacteria

carb-loving bacteria will most likely die off when you cut carbs on keto, and they will need to be replaced with fat-loving bacteria before normal digestive function can resume.

Constipation can occur during the transition. Add keto yogurt and cultured cottage cheese to boost the population of healthy gut bacteria.

Constipation and stomach acidity

Protein is essential for our bodies' structure, but it can also be difficult for the body to digest. Every gram of protein is made up of long, web-like amino acid chains. Protein is broken down into smaller components by your body's stomach acid.

Although this process is innate in all humans, it may be out of practice for those who have been eating a low-quality diet high in low-quality proteins. It may take some time for your body to adjust to a diet high in protein-rich meats.

However keto diet has many pros and cons..You choose proper keto diet as per your body conditions!!

diet

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.