Loose light stool

[MoiraF]

I have been severely overweight for many years and have also had problems with my digestive system - mainly because of the fatty foods I used to eat and the amount of sugar I consumed.  I have tossed between runny and constipation and very rarely normal bowel movements.  However, the stool has always been of an acceptable color.  But now I have started a strict diet which cuts out all fats, but maintains essential fatty acids, lots of fruit and veg and my bowel movements have become totally different, both in frequency and in color.  Sometimes they movements are explosive, but never first thing in the morning.  Could this be a result of the change of diet or should I seek medical attention.  I am not feeling ill at all and the heartburn I used to suffer from has gone with the diet change.  I eat a fair amount of mixed nuts (something I never did in the past) and wonder if this could have an influence.

[harrald]

Nuts are good for you, so continue to eat them in limited quantity. Nuts taste good, but are high in fats. I discovered a new probiotic 8 months ago, and after a week of probiotics, my bowels became darker in color and heavier in the toilet and softer to expell. Your bowels can be explosive when there is unreleased intestinal gas or flatulence. Your diet changes can make a difference to your digested food. Continue to keep hydrated and eat fiber that is sometimes reduced when changing a diet.

I lost 14 pounds in 5 weeks when I switched from Pepsi to Diet Pepsi. I use Splenda as a sugar substitute and eat sugar-free cookies. I add a little olive oil to pasta to maintain some digested oils. For more information on probiotics, go to this website and read about Theralac:  www.theralac.com.

[Sherah1]

Yes, I completely agree about fiber intake (psyllium husks are the best with LOTS of water), also agree on the probiotic threelac, best one I've ever used. Mispelled above, sorry! It's THREELAC. Only thing I disagree on is the use of splenda or drinking/eating anything diet that contains aspartame. It is a toxic chemical sweetener and has been know to cause serious medical problems. The only safe healthy sweeteners are honey or stevia (Truvia).