High-Protein Diets for Constipation

Chronic constipation is a problem that confronts numerous individuals around the world daily. While living with constipation can be difficult, there is hope. Fortunately, gaining control over chronic constipation is often simply a matter of regulating one's diet in order to combat the problem. A high-protein diet is normally a poor idea for someone suffering from constipation, as the protein will further clog the "pipes." However, where accompanied by the right ancillary foods, a high-protein diet will present no difficulties at all.

High Protein and Constipation

• High protein diets ordinarily place additional stress on the digestive track, which can lead to constipation. High protein foods that have been linked to constipation include dairy and dairy products, eggs and meat. However, there is a way to circumvent this problem through the inclusion of sufficient fiber. Fiber is the nutritional agent that keeps things "moving," so to speak. Often, those undergoing a high-protein diet will consume protein laden foods with little regard for anything else, leading to problems. However, we have two high protein diets that do not make this mistake.

7 Rules Diet

• The 7 Rules diet was invented by Canadian biochemist and nutritionist Dr. John Berardi. Dr. Berardi works with clients ranging from stay-at-home mothers to professional athletes, and strict compliance with the 7 Rules is something they all have in common. The 7 Rules diet is a high-protein, moderate-fat, restricted-carb diet that can take you to your physique goals without the hazards of constipation blocking the way (pun intended).

  The 7 Rules are:

  1.) Consume small meals every two to three hours.
  2.) Consume lean protein with every meal--meat, eggs, fish and chicken.
  3.) Consume fruit AND vegetables with every meal. This guarantees you adequate fiber.
  4.) Only consume carbs from fruit and veggies.
  5.) Consume at least 25 percent of your daily calories from fat.
  6.) Consume only zero-calorie beverages.
  7.) Consume only solid meals--no liquid nutrition.

Paleo Diet

• An alternative high-protein, high-fiber diet to combat constipation is the Paleo Diet by physician Dr. Ben Balzer. Dr. Balzer modeled his diet after the eating habits of our primitive ancestors, noting that grains were never originally intended for human consumption. For those adhering to the Paleo Diet, compliance is simply liad out, although not necessarily easy in practice. Consume only meat, fish, chicken, fruit, eggs, vegetables, nuts and berries. Avoid all foods that contain grains, beans, potatoes, dairy, sugar and salt. By eating in this incredible basic way, one ensures that their diet is chock-full of protein, fiber, vitamins and nutrients, dodging the lingering possibility of high-protein constipation.