glp1sideeffects.com

Bowel Movement Irregularity/Changes

Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences with bowel movement irregularity and changes while on GLP-1 medications, with constipation being the most frequently mentioned issue. Some users also experience diarrhea or a mix of both. Several remedies and preventative measures are recommended by the community.

Experiences with Bowel Movement Irregularity/Changes:

  • Constipation: This is a very common side effect. One user described their experience: "my bowel movements come like clockwork but it's only like twice a week. One is like normal that turns to diarrhea and the other is small and difficult. "[1] Another shared, "I'd gladly take twice a week. Im lucky if i go once a week. "[3] Some experience severe constipation: "It's horrid. Nothing works for me except enemas. "[18] and "The stool turned essentially into golf balls. Multiple surgeries and a colostomy ultimately. "[34] One user noted, "I can't answer all your questions but my mom is having very difficult constipation. She's already at her second dose increase but is thinking of stopping due to this. "[32]

  • Diarrhea: While less common than constipation, some users report diarrhea. One user mentioned their bowel movement "turns to diarrhea. "[1] Another experienced "Stomach cramps preceding diarrhea. "[38] Some users with pre-existing conditions like IBS-D found GLP-1s helpful: "It has put my IBS-D into almost total remission. "[24] and "Constipation is often a side effect of GLP-1 so it can help with IBS-D by resolving diarrhea and leading to more regular bowel movements. "[22]

  • Alternating Bowel Habits: Some users experience a mix of constipation and diarrhea. One user reported, "Either constatation or extremely loose stools. "[27]

  • Reduced Frequency: Due to eating less, some users naturally have fewer bowel movements: "Since I’ve been eating way less I only go every other day. "[7]

  • Improvement for Some: A few users reported an improvement in their bowel regularity: "I have an abnormal side effect it seems, because since I started the medication, I’ve been regular for the first time in my life. "[12] Another said, "Everyday now 🥳 Went from maybe twice a week to daily"[11]

  • Severe Cases: In rare instances, severe complications like bowel perforation have been mentioned. [34]


Remedies and Preventions Recommended:

  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is frequently advised. "Drinking 120 oz water per day"[4] and "make sure your water consumption is high enough, dehydration plays a big role in this. "[21] Another user stated, "It really seems to me that a huge percentage of side effects people experience with these meds could be headed off by simply increasing fluid intake aggressively. "[42]

  • Fiber Intake: Increasing dietary fiber or taking fiber supplements is a common recommendation.

  • "I take Metamucil powder every morning"[2]

  • "aim for about 20-25g of fiber per day. "[20]

  • "fibre drink every morning and a fibre rich muesli breakfast. "[4]

  • "When I start having trouble I take psyllium husk. "[5]

  • "take fiber gummies"[8, 40]

  • "I’d strongly recommend fibre supplements on top of high fibre foods! "[26]

  • However, one user cautioned, "DO NOT take fiber! "[28] (This seems to be an outlier opinion or specific to their situation).

  • Dietary Adjustments:

  • "Eating fruits and vegetables. "[5]

  • "I have a two fruits & two Cruciferous vegetable per week rule. "[20]

  • "Eat a fiber and protein rich diet high enough in calories for your body’s needs"[15]

  • "My friend had this issue and also was going to quit taking it. Her doctor told her to stop eating so much so she did, and the constipation went away. "[31]

  • Magnesium Supplements: Magnesium is often recommended for constipation.

  • "take a magnesium supplement. Helps me go almost everyday! "[8]

  • "Try Mag 07 , it has kept my wife and I regular for a year! "[17]

  • "I take Magnesium Citrate supplements to keep things moving"[21]

  • "I managed that by taking calm in the evening. (Magnesium from Costco)"[41]

  • Stool Softeners and Laxatives:

  • "I started taking mirafiber gummies... I also keep a bottle of colace on hand to soft in the stool when need be"[10]

  • "Stool softener and prunes. "[16]

  • "My doc added in a daily Colace tablet (not the stimulant kind) and I'm all good. "[23]

  • "Miralax, sennakot"[29] (though this user said they didn't work for them).

  • "mild constipation but I just take a dose of miralax when I need it. "[25]

  • Probiotics:

  • "Take a probiotic every day. "[3]

  • "Also, you need a pre-probiotic combo. "[43] One user recommended Seed. [44]

  • "Daily probiotic supplements have helped tremendously with my sulfur-gas and bowel issues. "[28]

  • "I’m going on my 3rd month, I started eating clean and taking probiotics a week before I started and I’ve never had any side effects. "[47]

  • Other Remedies:

  • "Yogurt helps"[19]

  • "Pepto-Bismol cherry chewables. Like a godsend stg. Chewed 4 I have had no sulpher burps since and my bathroom problems have been remedied. "[30] (This was for a combination of issues including constipation).


Users emphasize that if constipation is severe or persistent, medical advice should be sought: "going 3-4 days without a bowel movement is concerning.
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