Which Fiber Supplement Is Right for You? (2023)

FAQs

What is the best form of fiber to take? ›

Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Many cereals, such as bran flakes, are good sources of fiber.

There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.

Metamucil has been shown to have more health benefits overall versus Benefiber. In addition to being a fiber supplement, Metamucil is a proven bulk-forming laxative. It also has been shown to reduce heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol.

NOW Supplements Psyllium Husk Powder

This fiber supplement has the highest fiber concentration on the list, with seven grams of dietary fiber, one gram of insoluble fiber and six grams of soluble fiber. You also get eight percent of the recommended daily value of iron for the day.

Which Is Better, Capsules, Tablets, or Powders? It doesn't really matter which form the fiber comes in. Some people like powders, others are put off by them. The important thing to know is how many grams of fiber are in each form.

Fresh fruits, raw vegetables, low-fat popcorn and whole-grain crackers are all good choices. A handful of nuts or dried fruits also is a healthy, high-fiber snack — although be aware that nuts and dried fruits are high in calories.

Eat high-fiber foods such as whole-wheat grains, fresh vegetables, and beans. Use products containing psyllium, such as Metamucil, to add bulk to the stools. Try to drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid a day (unless you have a medical condition that requires you to restrict your fluid intake).

No, Metamucil, Citrucel, Miralax, and Colace are not the same thing. While they all can help treat constipation, Metamucil, Citrucel, Miralax, and Colace all work differently and therefore have different uses. Metamucil and Citrucel and Miralax belong to two different drug classes.

When should you not take fiber supplements? ›

If you have any chronic disease, talk to a doctor before you start using a fiber supplement. The sugar and salt in some supplements, particularly powders, might be risky for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. People with diabetes may want to choose a sugar-free powder or another form of fiber.

Using psyllium husk

Usually you'll need to take it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. When you take your evening dose you'll need to make sure you wait an hour before you go to bed – if you go to sleep too soon, this can cause a blockage in the gut.

Stop using Metamucil and call your doctor at once if you have: constipation that lasts longer than 7 days; rectal bleeding; or. severe stomach pain.

Risks of Benefiber and Metamucil

Some people might experience gas or stomach cramps while taking these supplements, though the symptoms may go away as the body gets used to the supplement. If this happens, reduce the dosage or drink extra water while taking the supplement.

Your best bet? Take fiber supplements before bed if you take medications or other supplements in the morning or take fiber supplements in the morning if you take medications or other supplements before bed.

A: Five Metamucil Capsules are approximately equivalent to one serving of Metamucil Powder. Depending on the benefits one wants to get from the product, one can use a different number of Capsules. For adding some dietary fiber to the diet, one can take as little as 2 Capsules per serving.

Fiber supplements may appear to be a healthy option to increase fiber intake, but clinical evidence supports that most fibers in supplements do not provide any of the health benefits associated with a high‐fiber diet.

Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel-like consistency, softening stool and making it easier to pass ( 21 ). On the other hand, insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract intact and adds bulk to stool ( 22 ).

Citrucel contains methylcellulose, a type of fiber that adds bulk to your stool. This helps it move through your digestive tract more easily ( 1 ). Multiple studies in the 1980s found that it can treat constipation and improve the frequency, consistency, and ease of stool passage ( 6 , 7 ).

A sign that more fiber or a fiber supplement be including in the diet is constantly feeling hungry. If you are a person who gets hungry immediately after eating, this is a telltale sign that you are lacking fiber. Fiber also helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowly breaking down foods to be used as fuel.

Is Metamucil enough fiber? ›

Fiber supplements like Metamucil can help increase your daily fiber intake. One serving of Metamucil's Sugar Free and Real Sugar Powders give you 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving. New Metamucil users should start with one serving per day, and gradually increase to desired daily intake.

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. People who support a water flush for colon cleansing recommend drinking six to eight glasses of lukewarm water per day. Also try eating plenty of foods high in fiber & water content.

Try to sit on the toilet 15 to 20 minutes after breakfast. Do not ignore the call to open your bowels. Putting off the call to go can cause constipation. Try to work with the body's natural rhythm (emptying the bowel first thing in the morning).

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using Citrucel if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor before taking Citrucel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

Citrucel Contraindications

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any bulk-forming laxative. You should not use if you have intestinal blockage, severe stomach pain or fever, or rectal bleeding that you don't know the cause of.

We found Peak Performance Psyllium Husk Powder to be the best alternative to Metamucil. It contains pure psyllium husk (Metamucil's main ingredient) and is half the price per serving (2 capsules of Peak vs. 5 capsules of Metamucil).

A: Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil fiber as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 8 ounces of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil between one and three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.

What happens to your body when you start taking Metamucil? ›

Start with one serving daily of Metamucil at first, then gradually increase to your desired intake. You may experience gas or bloating in the first few days as your body adjusts to the added fiber. This is normal and should go away as your body gets used to the added fiber.

Fiber supplements contain either psyllium, methylcellulose, or polycarbophil. Each works slightly differently from the others with different doses but, as a group, they are generally regarded as safe for daily use. Side effects include gas, bloating, and cramping.

The Best Time to Take Fiber

It is often recommended to take a fiber supplement up to twice per day, before a meal, and with a glass of water. This would ensure you're keeping your digestive system balanced throughout the day.

Try the experts' advice: Spread out your high-fiber foods evenly throughout your day. When it comes to eating fiber, the best time is any time. The caveat, however, is not to overdo at any one meal.

The husks or hulls are what you need to help with constipation — which means that either the powder or the hulls are the most suitable options. The powder is simply the hulls ground more finely. Some people prefer the finer texture, but you can rest assured that both the powder and hulls will work equally well.

Although fibers like psyllium husk pack some powerful benefits for your body, if you suddenly increase your fiber consumption, it takes a while for your digestive system to adjust. Until then, it's very common to experience feelings of gas, bloating and even constipation.

The psyllium in Metamucil forms a viscous gel, which traps some sugars as the gel moves down the intestine. Trapped sugars are slowly released and absorbed into the body—helping the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Try sources of soluble fibre to help firm up stool. Limit fried or fatty foods since these can worsen diarrhea. Some high fibre foods may contribute to diarrhea. Foods with lots of sugar may worsen diarrhea, such as regular pop, candy, large quantities of juice, and chocolate milk.

Does Metamucil affect gut health? ›

Metamucil may cause mild digestive issues for some people and can interfere with certain medications. Be sure to drink plenty of water and increase your dosage slowly to prevent side effects.

Metamucil has been shown to have more health benefits overall versus Benefiber. In addition to being a fiber supplement, Metamucil is a proven bulk-forming laxative. It also has been shown to reduce heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol.

For example, FiberCon (calcium polycarbophil) and Benefiber (wheat dextrin) are mainly soluble fiber. They tend to cause more bloating and flatulence. Citrucel (methylcellulose) is mainly insoluble fibers that are nonfermentable, so it's less likely to contribute to bloating and gas.

Benefiber Prebiotic Supplements Being Recalled Due To Possible Plastic Contamination. BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Five lots of Benefiber brand prebiotic powder supplements are being recalled due to possible plastic contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.

Fiber in the form of pectin (from fruit) and oat bran reportedly reduces the body's ability to absorb cholesterol-lowering medications known as "statins," including lovastatin (Mevacor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor), and could lead to decreased effectiveness of these medications.

A: Yes! Increasing your fiber intake is a great way to prevent and treat constipation. If your diet is lacking the fiber you need, turning to a fiber gummy is a great option.

Plums (prunes), apricots, peaches, and nectarines are high in insoluble fiber, which is responsible for regular bowel movements. Rich in fiber and sorbitol, a natural laxative. 100 g of fresh apricots contains 12% of your daily dietary fiber intake.

Does Metamucil Help with Occasional Constipation? Metamucil is made with psyllium husk, a plant-based fiber that helps promote digestive health and regularity. * It also acts as a non-stimulant laxative that relieves occasional constipation, generally helping you produce a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.

Berookim does recommend supplementation. "For patients who are having trouble having a bowel movement in the morning, I recommend psyllium such as Metamucil ($30), a laxative such as Colace ($9) or an osmotic laxative (which attracts water to your colon) such as MiraLAX ($15) prior to going to bed," he says.

What helps bowels move quickly? ›

Home remedies for constipation can include increasing your fiber intake or taking a laxative, using a suppository, or taking a stool softener. Trying out a squat position, doing light exercise, or performing a colonic massage may also help.

Try to sit on the toilet 15 to 20 minutes after breakfast. Do not ignore the call to open your bowels. Putting off the call to go can cause constipation. Try to work with the body's natural rhythm (emptying the bowel first thing in the morning).

Common Metamucil side effects include gas, bloating, and nausea. It's best to take Metamucil as directed to help prevent potentially dangerous side effects, such as blockages in the intestines. Speak with your healthcare provider before adding Metamucil to your daily routine.

Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage). Some people are allergic to psyllium, and Metamucil should be stopped and emergency treatment sought if hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling occurs. Not suitable for children younger than six.

The Best Time to Take Fiber

It is often recommended to take a fiber supplement up to twice per day, before a meal, and with a glass of water. This would ensure you're keeping your digestive system balanced throughout the day.

Supplements such as magnesium, fiber, probiotics, and senna may be particularly helpful.