Shifting in bowel habits during IF transition

Garrett Smith · 04-25-2007, 02:20 PM

First of all, if there's something that NDs aren't shy about discussing, it's poop.

Anyone noticed any significant shifts in their bowel habits when transitioning to IF (I'm doing the 24-hour version, 3pm to 3pm)?

I'm on my second day of fasting and I've noticed a significant slowdown in my frequency of BMs, along with some constipation/straining. I've definitely been having plenty of herbal tea and even some Gerolsteiner, so I don't think it is related to lack of hydration. I'm still eating plenty of vegetables. While I'm definitely not doubling what I used to eat, I am still eating more than a day's calories on my feeding days. I understand that some slowing in frequency is normal simply due to the fact that I am eating less food in general.

Just looking for confirmation as to whether this is common or not. If it isn't, I'll look to other avenues...

Steve Shafley · 04-25-2007, 02:26 PM

If anything, a regular IF (Fasting from 8 PM until 2PM the next day) leaves me even more regular than before.

I enjoyed Dr. Mike Eades take on the whole preoccupation with the bowels. I think it's definitely an area that needs to be re-examined.

Ron Nelson · 04-25-2007, 02:38 PM

Where is that 10 foot pole of mine????

Neal Winkler · 04-25-2007, 03:10 PM

Since reducing my meal frequency I've experienced most of my movements to be "clean." That is, when I go to wipe there is nothing on the tp, whereas before it always took many wipes. But sometimes I do a have a little strain. I think the clean aspect to them is related to having to strain sometimes, as they have become harder and thus do not need as much wiping.

Coach Rutherford · 04-25-2007, 04:20 PM

Dr. G-

I have noticed the same thing when I have practiced intermittent starvation for more than two days.

Thinking about my next BM reminds me of my Nana's constant discussions and therefore will unlikely become on total convert.

Robb Wolf · 04-25-2007, 04:46 PM

Garrett-
Mainly I've noticed a more robust digestion...better processing of greens and what not. I suffered pretty severe spleen chi deficiency when I lived in Seattle (damp cold). Hot weather and IF seem to fix that...no problems typically with constipation however.

Chris Forbis · 04-25-2007, 05:04 PM

I noticed this as well. Less frequent BM when on IF.

They also seem to be "cleaner" when on IF, as Neal said.

Steve Liberati · 04-25-2007, 05:31 PM

Yep, add me to the list as well. Bowel movement comes every other day if I'm lucky...that is when carrying out 20hr fasts EOD. Pretty much in line with my eating schedule. Figure it to be as simple as less food coming in = less waste going out.Also suffered some straining problems as well (which most likely resulted in a minor case of h-roids). Luckily it cleared up on its own without resorting to treatment as mentioned by Dr. Eades on his blog.

Is it possible are digestive system becomes more efficient at processing food and absorbing fiber and nutrients (as our body is inheritly inclined to do so) and holds on to foods longer (to file accordingly) before excreting it right out?

Reminds me of the opposing problem I have after eating some junk food or introducing an odd food to my diet...as fast as it goes in, it comes out. What is considered "normal" bowel movement anyway?

Garrett Smith · 04-25-2007, 05:38 PM

Thanks for the responses.

Now that I think about it a little more, these episodes were coming on the tail end (ha) of a week where I had ~7 or fewer hours of sleep 4 out of the 7 days. Not good for the guts in general. That may be the entire culprit, as the types of foods I'm eating on IF have not changed at all.

I'm definitely a spleen qi deficient constitution...you should see my tongue...big, fat, with the tooth markings. I was held out as the "example" tongue for spleen qi deficiency in my TCM classes. Living in Arizona, I always had the hot weather covered.

With the improved nutrient partitioning and the "hungrier" digestion system on IF, it makes complete sense that the volume of stool would be less per volume of food than "normal" eating patterns.

Steve, when I was eating "normally" at 3 square Paleo meals a day, I had 2-3 BMs a day. Optimally, one should have a BM for every meal. Obviously the timeline would shift a bit due to the fasting...

Ron Nelson · 04-25-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Liberati

What is considered "normal" bowel movement anyway?

"10-12 inches of light brown or beige, earthy smelling stool."
-Paul Chek

A BM after every meal? I don't like to read that much. And, since I've jumped into the shit; I fast 19 hours each day according to the Fast-5 plan.
I take a seat every other day and seem to do just fine, thank you.
Also, according to the Sheryl Crow I'm only using one sheet of TP per BM.