Dulcolax is an over-the-counter laxative used to treat constipation. It works by stimulating bowel movements. On a keto diet, you’re typically consuming a very low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet.
The main concern with taking medications while on a keto diet is the potential for hidden carbohydrates or sugar in the medication, as even small amounts of carbohydrates can impact ketosis.
Dulcolax contains active ingredients such as Bisacodyl, which should not affect your ketosis because they are not contained of carbohydrates or sugars.
When is Dulcolax Prescribed ?
Dulcolax are usually prescribed for a few main reasons:
- Relieving Constipation: When you are having trouble going to the bathroom and your poop is too hard or infrequent, Dulcolax can help get things moving well again.
- Before Medical Procedures: Doctors may ask you to take Dulcolax before certain tests or surgeries to make sure your intestines are empty and clean for the procedure.
- After Surgery: Sometimes, after surgery, you might be given Dulcolax to prevent constipation since surgery can slow down your digestion.
- Opioid Medications: If you are taking strong painkillers like opioids and they’re causing constipation, your doctor might suggest Dulcolax to help.
- Other Gut Issues: For certain gut problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), doctors might recommend Dulcolax to manage constipation.
What does it means to be on keto diet ?
A keto diet, also known as ketogenic diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan designed to change your body’s metabolism into a state called ketosis. In ketosis, your body primarily burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
On a keto diet, you will need to avoid or limit foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice, sugary foods, and most fruits. Instead, you will focus on foods rich in fats and low in carbs, such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy (in small amount), non-starchy vegetables, and nuts.
Different Types of Keto diets
There are many types of the ketogenic diet, each with its own approach:
- Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD): This is the most common type, characterized by very low carbohydrate intake, moderate protein consumption, and a high-fat emphasis. In SKD, you’d find approximately 70% of calories from fat, 20% from protein, and only 10% from carbohydrates.
- Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD): CKD involves cycling between periods of strict ketosis and carb refeeding. For instance, you might follow 5 days of ketogenic eating and then have 2 days with higher carb intake.
- Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD): TKD permits the strategic addition of carbohydrates, often centered around workout times. This helps provide extra energy for physical activity while maintaining ketosis during the rest of the day.
- High Protein Ketogenic Diet: Similar to the standard keto diet, but with a higher protein component. The ratio usually consists of around 60% fat, 35% protein, and 5% carbs.
It is important to note that the standard and high protein ketogenic diets have undergone extensive research and are more widely recognized.
Things to avoid if you are on Keto diets
When on ketogenic diet, it is important to avoid or limit foods that are high in carbohydrates because the goal is to keep your carb intake very low. Here are some foods and beverages to avoid if you are on a keto diet:
- Sugary Foods: Stop or greatly reduce your consumption of sugar and sugary foods, including candies, pastries, cakes, and ice cream.
- Grains: Avoid grains such as wheat, rice, oats, and corn. This means no bread, pasta, cereal, and most baked items.
- Starchy Vegetables: Limit starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots, as they are higher in carbs.
- Fruit: Some fruits are high in natural sugars (fructose). Limit your fruit intake, focusing on lower-carb options like berries in moderation.
- Legumes: Stay away from beans, lentils, and peas as they are high in carbs.
- Processed Foods: Stay away from highly processed foods, as they often contain hidden sugars and unhealthy fats. Always check the ingredients of any processed food you want to eat.
- Sauces and Condiments: Many sauces and condiments contain added sugars and carbs. Check labels and choose low-carb options.
- Sugary Beverages: Stay away from sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, and sweetened teas. Go for water, unsweetened tea or coffee, and sugar-free beverages.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages can be high in carbs. If you choose to drink, Go for low-carb options like dry wines or spirits mixed with zero-carb mixers.
- High-Carb Snacks: Avoid snacks like chips, crackers, and popcorn, which are high in carbohydrates. Instead, choose keto-friendly snacks like nuts or cheese.
- Sweets and Desserts: Traditional desserts like cookies, brownies, and cakes are off-limits. There are keto-friendly dessert recipes, but they use sugar substitutes and low-carb ingredients.
- Low-Fat Products: Some low-fat products compensate for reduced fat content with added sugars. Choose full-fat versions instead.
- Hidden Carbs: Be mindful of hidden carbs in foods like some salad dressings, ketchup, and processed meats. Always check nutrition labels.
- Fried Foods with Breading: Avoid foods like fried chicken with a breading or coating, as it’s usually made from flour and high in carbs.
- Most Fruits: While berries are lower in carbs and can be consumed in moderation, most other fruits, such as bananas and grapes, should be avoided or eaten sparingly.
The key to a successful keto diet is to replace high-carb foods with healthy fats and moderate protein sources. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking Dulcolax while on a keto diet is generally considered safe when used as directed for short-term relief of constipation and as recommended by a healthcare professional. Dulcolax tablets primarily contain the active ingredient bisacodyl, which does not significantly impact ketosis because it is not composed of carbohydrates or sugars.
Before starting or stopping any medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, consult your doctor.