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Slow pooping due to slower gastric emptying is bad?

18 replies15 peopleApr 20, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

Does slower gastric emptying from GLP drugs lead to health problems like inflammation or Parkinson's via constipation?

Participants note that GLPs slow stomach emptying but often speed intestinal transit, and any links to disorders appear correlational rather than causal. Fiber and water intake are repeatedly cited as practical ways to maintain regular bowel movements. Constipation and diarrhea occurred at similar rates in one trial mentioned.

What this discussion establishes

Nothing here is advice.

18 replies · 15 people
SharpWillow20archiveopening postApr 20

I saw an article about slow bowel movements and possible health connections. Since GLPs slow gastric emptying I wanted to know what others here think. The piece said slow transit times and constipation have been tied to metabolic and inflammatory problems plus neurological issues like Parkinson's.

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IronWillow59archiveApr 20

Many factors can produce both delayed gastric emptying and the disorders listed. Migraines are one example that fits, since they often come with a couple days of slowed stomach emptying and are also connected to Parkinson's and inflammation. A diet high in red meat and low in fiber does the same thing. So it may just be correlation rather than the emptying itself causing the issues.

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NorthKettle44archiveApr 20
↳ replying to @SharpWillow20 (opening post)

That lines up with what I think too. My usual reminder to myself is fiber and water, fiber and water, fiber and water. We really don't want waste sitting around in there.

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BrightSignal52archiveApr 20

For weight loss I'm adding more salads. Things like tomatoes and cucumbers give both water and fiber that keep digestion moving. Fiber supplements help but salads seem to work better for me.

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WarmCompass17archiveApr 20

Just to clarify on gut transit, GLPs slow gastric emptying but tend to speed up intestinal movement for quite a few people.

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LevelThistle44archiveApr 20

Other conditions cause delayed gastric emptying and GLPs do too, but that does not mean the drugs cause those other conditions. Weight loss happens with GLPs, cancer, and parasites, yet the drugs do not cause cancer or parasites.

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WarmMeadow92archiveApr 20
↳ replying to @WarmCompass17

The article focuses on how often people have bowel movements rather than gastric emptying, which are separate things. Constipation showed up about as often as diarrhea in the trial data, especially at lower doses. Still, I agree it's not good to stay full of it.

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QuietKettle56archiveApr 20

Does anyone know a good way to get a lot of fiber each day without eating large amounts of high-fiber foods? The supplements I've seen only provide tiny amounts per serving.

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IronWillow59archiveApr 20
↳ replying to @QuietKettle56

A fiber powder works well for this even if the texture takes some getting used to.

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WarmQuill37archiveApr 20
↳ replying to @SharpWillow20 (opening post)

No one is claiming that slow digestion itself causes the inflammation. The point is only that the two often show up together.

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SlowHarbour21archiveApr 20
↳ replying to @IronWillow59

Never tried it myself but I've heard some strong stories about it.

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QuietKettle56archiveApr 20
↳ replying to @IronWillow59

Thanks for the suggestion. Would capsules cut down on how well it works or would it be fine? I'd rather avoid the texture if possible.

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IronWillow59archiveApr 20
↳ replying to @QuietKettle56

Not sure about absorption but capsules cost more. I take quite a bit so the loose form is cheaper for me. If you don't have existing gut problems you may not need as much and capsules could work fine. There's almost no taste, mainly the texture when it gets mixed with liquid. Some people just drink it quickly. I stir it into soup or a smoothie and it doesn't bother me much. Whichever form you pick, drink plenty of fluid with it.

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SlowBeacon94archiveApr 21
↳ replying to @QuietKettle56

A common husk powder works well for me. Another option I add to smoothies is chia seeds for extra fiber and fats. I also use certain low-carb tortillas and breads that have added fiber.

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IronLantern24archiveApr 21
↳ replying to @SlowBeacon94

I've stuck with this particular one for roughly twelve months now. It works okay if I happen to recall applying it.

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BrightMeadow28archiveApr 21
↳ replying to @NorthKettle44

You said exactly what I was thinking. I aim for around 30 g of fiber daily and drink so much water that I feel like I'm in the bathroom half the day.

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CopperSignal27archiveApr 21

With leftover symptoms from ulcerative colitis or IBS-D, the slowing effect from GLPs on gut transit has actually been helpful and cut down on the diarrhea side.

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WarmSignal28archiveApr 21
↳ replying to @QuietKettle56

I'm taking a blended fiber supplement mixed into my electrolytes and it helps keep things moving. Something similar from local stores might be worth trying.

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QuietKettle56archiveApr 21
↳ replying to @WarmSignal28

Good idea to look around the supplement store. I'll check what they have tomorrow after the gym.

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