One of the really identifiable initial side effects for some folks on Atkins is chronic constipation. For others it is diarrhea, in the early days of Induction, as their bodies get rid of excess carbohydrates, and ketone production begins. ..so go figure...
For many, it can take a week or more for the "first" bowel movement, after switching to low carb. This is especially prevalent if you were previously on a diet that was full of highly processed and refined sugary starch carbs, the mere changing to eating more meats and low-starch vegetables will take a bit of adjustment. Once you do "go", things will return to a regular pattern.
However, constipation is also a symptom of low or sluggish thyroid. A few sure ways to tell if you have a low thyroid, is if you have a sensitivity to cold, hard to lose weight, combined with unusual hair loss. Although I have played a doctor on TV, you should ask a real one for the facts if you suspect this may be a cause.. LOL
One of the most notorious causes of sluggish bowels are pain-killers, especially codeine and other opiates, as well as antidepressants, iron pills and diuretics. Some calcium carbonate supplements can be constipating as well.
Are you eating a lot of homemade low carb desserts and treats, like cheesecakes, chocolates and artificially sweetened whipped cream things?? The artificial sweeteners that you buy to use at home contain maltodextrin, which helps give it bulk, and makes it look and and measure just like regular sugar. While the sweetener itself doesn't cause any problem, this dextrin (made from corn usually) can. So go easy, and do not create additional problems, including the overuse of laxatives. Laxatives are not an ideal solution, perhaps for occasional use only. Try a few of these suggestions first..
It is important to eat a variety of foods, including low carb high-fiber vegetables, leafy greens and salads, drink lots of water, and be sure to get regular exercise.
Are you consuming enough fats and oils? You do indeed need to ensure an adequate intake of fat ... olive and flax oil are good, add a Tbs. of either of these to the dressing you put on your salads. These will help prevent things from turning hard!
Add some variety to the vegetables you're eating. If the salads you eat are composed mainly of the pale iceberg lettuce, it's full of water, and not a lot else. Choose dark green lettuces, romaine, endive and raw spinach especially is amazing for it's ability to get things moving. Have a serving of lightly steamed, high fiber veg. such as broccoli, asparagus .... or spinach!
Cut out ALL salt for a couple days. So no ham, bacon, or bottled salad dressing, mayo, mustard, pickles or diet soda pop (soda = sodium). This will help get rid of fluid retention and bloat ... sometimes the abdominal bloat itself creates pressure which slows the bowel.
Try a cup of hot (but not boiling) water with the juice of half a lemon -- use fresh lemon juice, not the bottled type, which has sodium citrate in it. Drink this first thing in the morning, and again late afternoon, if no result. (The lemon juice does have a few carbs (2.5), but in this case, they're important)
Last but not at all least... if you eat a large piece of fresh Jalapeño, each and every day, you will hardly ever have a problem with constipation.. Strange but oh so true!!