Hi, I am starting to eat what I guess is called a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. It has been about a week. I really haven't missed meat at all, but my stomach was crampy and I had some bathroom issues tonight. Is this a common thing that most people go through and if so, does it end? I have been having fun making new recipes, but don't want to feel sick and gassy and have heartburn, etc. all the time either. Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Switching to a new diet can take some adjustment. Have you been eating more fiber or dairy than usual? Both these things can impact digestion and elimination. Be sure to chew your food really well. Have you introduced any new foods (like soy) that you may be sensitive to?

If you contnute to have issues, see your Doctor.

I have not had any new foods, but probably more fiber and dairy as I want to make sure that I get enough protein. Thanks for your thoughts. I will keep going and see how it goes.

Perhaps the dairy is the problem, if the amount you eat ia a significant increase to what you did before, sometimes if i have too much, it makes my belly feel funny too...just a thought.
Hope your feeling better soon :)

It's probably the fiber. When you dramaticly increase fiber over a short period of time, your body freaks out a little. You'll be alright after your body adjusts. Also if you're going to continue with dairy, don't eat any more of it than you would have before going vegetarian. Dairy is pretty fattening. Way more so than meat.

i had this 2-3 weeks ago. but it stopped - mostly. it's definately from the change in diet.

It normally takes a few weeks to adjust-- hang in there! It could be the extra fiber-- more fiber is a good thing for your colon, but you have to get used to it. Or it could be a bit too much high-fat dairy, in which case ease off a bit.

Nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea.

Such problems can plague someone new to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Yyyyyay, Pepto Bismol

Hey Teddygee, do I know you?

Pick up some papaya enzymes next time you're in a health food store.
I like 'em.

I have been feeling better since that one night, so I guess it was just temporary. I also have been noticing that my skin looks better too. I guess that is another benefit to not eating meat, huh? :sunny:

There are many benefits, and the most important ones usually aren't visible. Many people never notice any perceptible benefits of being vegetarian. They don't feel any different, they don't look any different... but often, their cholesterol and blood pressure are dropping to healthier levels, and their chances of dying of heart disease or cancer are dropping.