Can Nutrisystem Cause Constipation?

Nutrisystem may help you lose weight. It’s a popular diet. And just like any diet, there are pros and cons to using it. Is constipation one of the disadvantages? Can Nutrisystem cause constipation? We’re going to find out here.

This diet program may be effective at reducing your weight and get rid of extra fat. However, it comes with side effects. Some of these effects are minor. But you need to be aware of them.

Can Nutrisystem Cause Constipation and other Stomach Problems?

Nutrisystem includes pre-packaged, ready-to-eat food. It’s convenient. But because it’s pre-packed, there can be preservatives in the food. The preservatives can be necessary to prevent the food from spoiling.

However, we all know that preservatives can be harmful, especially to your digestive system. Thus, if you’re sensitive to preservatives, like aspartame, nitrates, and sulfates, you’re going to suffer from stomach problems.

Bloating and Gas

Nutrisystem food contains a high amount of fiber. This is necessary to help in curbing your cravings while minimizing your hunger.

But eating more fiber can have a lot of side effects.

Indeed, fiber is essential to your diet. But getting too much of it may not be a good thing for your stomach.

Gastrointestinal distress is a common side effect. Taking a lot of fiber can cause bloating, cramping, or constipation.

Fortunately, you can relieve it by upping your fluid intake.

Why Does Fiber Cause Constipation?

It doesn’t cause constipation to all people. Increasing dietary fiber can be helpful if you have constipation.

However, if you have too much of can lead to nutrient deficiencies. It interferes with your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

Fiber binds with minerals. So if those minerals stick with fiber, they are eliminated from your system.

Read: Does Ketosis Cause Constipation?

Switching Your Diet

Another possible reason that Nutrisystem can cause constipation is the fact that you’re switching diets. If you’re used to eating 2,000 calories a day and you cut it down quickly, you will surely experience side effects.

These effects would include, headaches, cramping, and constipation, among others.

If you eat a lot of simple carbs and you suddenly switch to Nutrisystem that only includes low-glycemic carbs, then it would impact your blood sugar levels.

How to Avoid or Relieve Constipation from Following Nutrisystem?

Keep in mind that not all people who follow Nutrisystem diet experience constipation. But if you are constipated after eating Nutrisystem pre-packed food, then you might want to increase your fluid consumption.

You should also get regular exercise.

Then, make sure to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.

If your constipation isn’t relieved after increasing your fluid intake and eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, you should talk to your doctor.

Or you might want to stop the Nutrisystem diet program for a while until you have figured out what’s been causing your constipation.