People following the popular South Beach Diet plan often find themselves experiencing gastrointestinal, or GI, problems during the first phase. The lack of carbohydrates and inclusion of specific menu items can often contribute to constipation, diarrhea or intestinal gas. However, you can avoid or treat most gastrointestinal problems created by this diet through simple changes in eating habits. These problems almost always resolve themselves once you moves on to phase 2.
South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet, a commercial weight-loss plan developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston in 2003, focuses on foods that score low on the glycemic index, a measure of how rapidly carbohydrates raise your blood sugar. The diet has three phases, which become progressively less restrictive. During phase 1, many carbohydrates are forbidden, leaving the dieter at risk of developing gastrointestinal problems common to most low-carb meal plans.
Constipation
Constipation on the South Beach Diet can stem from a lack of fiber, dehydration or decreased caffeine intake. While high-fiber grains, including whole grain breads and pasta, are forbidden during phase 1, you can use other sources of fiber to keep your intake high enough to avoid constipation. Acceptable sources of fiber during phase 1 include leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and beans. You should drink enough fluids to satisfy your thirst, focusing mainly on water as your beverage of choice. Up to two caffeinated beverages per day are allowed on phase 1, so this can help you cut back gradually on caffeine without suffering withdrawal.
Diarrhea
While less common than constipation, diarrhea is another digestive problem that can sometimes occur to dieters on phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. Diarrhea can result from lactose intolerance made evident by an increased consumption of dairy. South Beach dieters who experience this might want to cut back on dairy and replace it with other high-protein foods or beverages. The sugar alcohols found in many low-carb diet products can also lead to diarrhea and as such, you should only consume them in moderation.
Intestinal Gas
Episodes of intestinal gas are another common complaint of people on the South Beach Diet. A high intake of sugar alcohols can cause intestinal gas, so this is another reason to limit the consumption of packaged low-carb snacks and bars. Dieters who choose lots of high-fiber vegetables and legumes while on the South Beach Diet might also notice an increase in intestinal gas, especially if they also take fiber supplements. Increasing your fiber intake gradually instead of rapidly adding high-fiber foods to your diet can help prevent intestinal gas.
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