Carnivore Diet & Constipation - a Complete Guide

The carnivore diet is a diet that consists solely of animal products such as meat, fish, and eggs, and excludes all other food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. The belief behind the diet is that humans evolved to primarily eat animal foods and that consuming plant-based foods is unnecessary and even harmful to health.

Advocates of the carnivore diet claim it can lead to weight loss, improved digestion, and other health benefits, but scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and the long-term health effects of the diet are not well understood.

What is constipation?

Constipation on the carnivore diet is a digestive disorder characterized by difficulty passing stools, resulting in infrequent bowel movements that are hard, dry, and sometimes painful to expel. It occurs due to a variety of factors, which were though to include a low-fiber diet, inadequate water intake, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.

Common symptoms of carnivore constipation include abdominal pain, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movement. Constipation can be temporary or chronic, and it is important to address it to prevent further complications, such as hemorrhoids or fecal impaction.

Does The Carnivore Diet Cause Constipation?

There is no conclusive evidence that the carnivore diet causes constipation. In fact, proponents of the diet argue that it may actually improve bowel movements by eliminating fiber, which some people find difficult to digest.

The theory behind this is that fiber can bulk up stools and create more waste, leading to more frequent bowel movements, but it can also cause bloating and gas. Additionally, the carnivore diet is rich in protein and fat, which can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and improve bowel regularity.

However, as with any diet, individual experiences may vary, and some people may experience constipation when transitioning to a new way of eating.

How Often Should You Poop On The carnivore Diet?

The frequency and volume of bowel movements can vary from person to person on the carnivore diet. Some individuals may experience changes in their bowel habits as their gut acclimates to the new diet, and this may include constipation or diarrhea.

However, in general, it is recommended to have a carnivore diet poop at least once a day as per the carnivore diet poop chart below, as this is an indication that waste is being efficiently eliminated from the body.

On the carnivore diet, it is likely that the volume of stool will be less due to the absence of fiber, but this is not necessarily a cause for concern as long as the stool is soft and easily passed. If an individual is not pooping on the carnivore diet experiences prolonged constipation or other digestive issues, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying health conditions.

What Should You Do If You Have Constipation ON The Carnivore Diet?

If you experience constipation on the carnivore diet, there are several things you can try before seeking medical advice. One possible solution is to increase your salt and fat intake. The carnivore diet is typically low in carbohydrates, which means the body is less likely to retain water, leading to dehydration and potentially constipation.

Increasing salt intake can help the body retain more water, thereby softening stool and making it easier to pass. Additionally, consuming more healthy fats such as fatty meats, butter, and oils can help stimulate bile production, which aids in digestion and helps move waste through the digestive tract.

It is also important to ensure you are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. If these remedies do not alleviate constipation, or if you experience prolonged or severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying health conditions.

Do you need fibre on the carnivore diet?

The carnivore diet does not require any fiber, and many proponents of the diet argue that humans do not require fiber at all. While fiber is often touted as a necessary component of a healthy diet, it is not an essential nutrient and can be difficult for some people to digest. In fact, studies have shown that some people may experience better digestion without fiber, and that high-fiber diets can exacerbate digestive issues in certain individuals.

The belief behind the carnivore diet is that humans evolved to primarily eat animal-based foods, which do not contain fiber, and that consuming fiber is unnecessary and even harmful to health. However, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and some people may require more or less fiber in their diets depending on their specific needs and health conditions.

How to Get Fiber on The Carnivore Diet

While the carnivore diet does not require any fiber, some individuals may choose to supplement their diet with fiber for various reasons, such as to alleviate constipation or promote regularity.

There are a variety of fiber supplements available that are derived from non-plant sources, such as psyllium husk, which is a type of soluble fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant.

Other sources of non-plant fiber include glucomannan, chitin, and cellulose, which are derived from sources such as mushrooms, crustaceans, and algae. However, it is important to note that if an individual experiences any digestive issues on the carnivore diet, fiber is likely not the sole cause, and it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying health conditions.

Additionally, individual experiences with fiber supplements may vary, and it is important to follow dosage recommendations and use caution when introducing any new supplement into the diet.