Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements are often used in patients who have constipation and irregular bowel movements but if the truth be told they are good for everyone to stabilize bowel movement by absorbing liquids in the digestive tract and forming a gel that relieves cramping and prevents diarrhea and constipation. Soluble fiber supplements are good for everyone because they not only control bowel move they will keep things normal and can be taken daily to stay normal. Soluble fiber has other health benefits as well. They from food and supplements they will lower LDL blood cholesterol levels, lessen colon cancer risks, lessen the risk of heart disease, and slows down the absorbing of fat and carbohydrates in the bloodstream. This will improve glycemic control and will help prevent formation of free radicals so it also lowers insulin requirements.
Some of the most common soluble fiber supplements are Acacia Tummy Fiber, Equalactin, FiberChoice, FiberSure, Benefiber, Metamucil, Konsyl, Fybogel, Citrucel, Fibrocon, and others. Fiber supplements are available in most department stores, health food stores, drug stores, and discount stores such as Wal Mart and K Mart. If you have experience with bloating and gas you should avoid the products which contain psyllium and inulin. Some of the products which contain these are Metamucil, Konsyl, Fybogel, Fibersure, and Fiberchoice. These products can make your condition worse if you have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The fiber supplements that do not contain sugar may contain artificial sugar and should be avoided if possible. Some artificial sugar such as sorbitol, which is found in chewable Benefiber tablets can cause cramps bloating diarrhea, and gas. Fiber supplements are not meant to replace all of the fiber in your diet. Nothing is better for you than natural fiber found in certain foods. You may not be getting enough fiber from the foods you eat so the supplements will help fill in the gap to balance your digestive system.
If you have IBS and are taking fiber supplements and do not see an improvement in about a week for diarrhea or two weeks for constipation after using the maximum amount of fiber recommended, you should see your doctor. If one type of fiber supplement does not work for you, you can combine some but do not take the total recommended dose for each. Just take the total amount for one but use some of each. Always drink a large glass of water with the fiber supplements. As always, if you experience any serious side effects from these supplements or any other supplements you should report them to your doctor and if it is serious you should seek medical help as soon as possible. You can also report the side effects with your local Health department and the FDA Consumer Hotline.
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