Acacia...when to give up on it
#215242 - 09/22/05 02:22 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
|
|
|
I know supplements have a "breaking in" period, but I also found this quote by Heather
"Remember that different people have varying tolerances and adjustment periods to soluble fiber supplements; this means that it can take several days to two weeks for your body to adjust to the increased fiber intake. Your symptoms should NOT dramatically worsen during this introductory period, and you may well see immediate improvement, but if you don't notice any difference the first day or two have patience."
She says they should NOT make your symptoms worse. Well, my BMs have gone from firm, round, small size pieces, to skinny, long, painful and small amount.  I am also having cramps now. Maybe it's just a bad day and it would have happened anyhow...coincidence?
How long should I give it before I call it quits? Did anyone else experience a change in stool consistency or pain while trying to go...feeling like I always need to go, but nothing comes out, except for maybe a skinny thread now and again, accompanied with pain.
I'm taking between 1 and 1 3/4 tsp a day. I keep lowering it (after getting it up to 2 tsp) in hopes that maybe I just went too fast....but it's been 2 weeks now at least and it's only getting worse. But again, maybe I would have had problems regardless of the Acacia. 
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
if you felt like you couldn't increase your dose, you might just stop altogether. You're only getting a few grams per day with your current dose, and that's just not enough to make any kind of difference.
Best,
Heather
--------------------
Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
It just isn't true that your symptoms won't worsen. I know that from personal experience. The question is -- will they get better? I gave up quickly on each SFS just because it made my D bad enough that I couldn't control it. I am actually trying Acacia again (I've become really desperate about getting my D under control) -- I began at only 1/4 t a day about a week ago and so far the only diff is that I have horrible gas. I don't get gas/bloating normally and nothing else has changed, so it's the Acacia. How can 1/4 t make that much of a difference???? It's insane. Stupid body. 
Two weeks isn't really that long. Give it longer if you can. I'm going to stick it out as long as I can in the hopes that maybe I just need more time. Maybe we should be giving each other daily Acacia status reports??? Don't mess around with the dosage, either -- if you're scared you went too fast, stick at 1 t or so. For a C I don't think it would hurt at all to start at around 1 t.
And remember -- everything Heather says isn't gospel. She has lots of great advice, but her advice does not apply to 100% of the population. Maybe most people take two days to two weeks to adjust to fiber -- but maybe some people take a lot longer, and you're one of those people.
--------------------
jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I wouldn't give up yet. I find the skinny poops are good and pain is a good signal too. What I mean is that is a sign of things starting to move, like a train's wheels just slowly starting to roll. Sometimes pooping gives me pain right after as things move down and sometimes I get gas after going too but I have learned to think of these things as good. And it isn't always like that. I think giving acacia a longer try will be worth it. I love the stuff. I have soft, easy and plentiful bm's most of the time and never had that on fibercon or on nothing.
--------------------
IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Are you suggesting I stop taking the Acacia altogether? Or that I should increase the dose even though I am feeling badly on the current dose...or, that the dose is so small, that my symptoms probably have nothing to do with the acacia?
Sorry, but a bit confused here. 
Thanks for your help.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I hope I have the same outcome as you. Thanks for the encouragement.
Do you think I should stay at 1/2 tsp 2 times a day? Or should I increase it? How do I know when it's time to increase?
How much do you take?
I get the gas after BMs now too. And frequent, painful, but pitiful BMs. I will try to look at this as "somethings" happening.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
This is nice to have someone else doing this at the same time I am...makes me not feel so alone.
I hope we both endure the "initiation" period and end up being able to post words such as Little Minnie, Linz, Sand, Bamagrl, Astrochick...and everyone else who loves acacia.
Fingers crossed for both of us. Please let it work, please let it work, please let it work....
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
If you feel like you can't increase higher than what you're taking now, then you might as well not be taking any at all, because you're not taking enough to make any difference (which is what I already told you, young lady! LOL!).
Personally, I don't think your symptoms have anything to do with the acacia. What you're describing isn't different from symptoms you've described to me in emails in the past, pre-acacia. I would increase it. But that's just one opinion. 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
PS
#215324 - 09/22/05 11:08 PM
|
|
|
|
|
atomic rose
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
|
|
|
I would increase the dose a little every 4-5 days. That's about how quickly I jumped up on my SFS, and it seemed to work pretty well.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey, I want to be in this circle, too! I just started the Acacia again, this morning with 1/2 tsp. We'll see how it goes. I'm so scared of the choking hazard with my Citrucel that I HAVE to find an alternative because I get nauseous too much. If I have to go to the hospital every time I get nauseous after taking my SFS (like the bottle says to do), I may as well just set up a bed INSIDE of the hospital. It happens almost every time I take it. So, I'm trying the Acacia, again, too. But, I was also on the Type "A" diet and it says that type A's are supposed to avoid Acacia like the plague.......I don't know why, but I cannot keep taking choking hazard SFS's.......
Keep me posted!!
Michelle 
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
The blood type diet. I have all 4 books by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo. But, I can only do the blood type diet after I do Heather's stabilization process.....it's wierd like that. But, it's good stuff, though. The only thing is that my blood type calls for alot of acidic foods because Type "A's" are supposed to have really low stomach acid and I don't. I have severe acid reflux, so I am the exception and have to cut out all of the acidic foods.
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
It doesn't say. It just gives a huge list of everything under the sun and it says for Type "A's" to avoid acacia. It doesn't say why. It, obviously, reacts badly with my blood type but it doesn't say how. It just says to treat Beneficial foods like they are medicine, neutral foods like they are just a food and to treat Avoid foods like they are poison. But, I'm going to take the Acacia, anyway, and see how I react to it. I was on it two years ago, but I increased my dosage too fast and it caused alot of bloating and gas.....but, it still helped with my diarrhea. So, I'm going to go very slooooowly this time and give it another shot. I don't remember feeling bad like it was poisoning me or something......I don't know. There are alot of those foods that are supposed to be beneficial for me but I feel like crap when I eat them (like Peanuts).
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Beth, Yes, Casey is right. Your thin stool,pain, and diffi-
culty going is from colon spasms! They're generally caused by
triggers and or anxiety. What is happening is your colon is
squezzing down to a very narrow diameter making going very
difficult, i.e., you have to strain alot, and it can be
painful too. When the stools do come out, they will be long
and skinny from being extruded. If you have an antispasmodic, take it! If it says you can take one or two,
take two. Try to relax too! That will help. I was having
this problem ALL the time, and the Paxil is helping allev-
iate it, well maybe the Bentyl too(finally!). In any case,
it's not the acacia. I should be able to get to your emails
later today. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: PS
#215381 - 09/23/05 08:40 AM
|
|
|
|
Johnny T. Reb
Reged: 07/09/05
Posts: 987
Loc: Lake Linden, Mich in the U.P. IBS-C
|
|
|
By the way, Casey, what did you do to that poor cat, plug him
into a wall socket? LOL
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Good luck with the acacia. I'm IBS-D and it, along with Heather's diet, has (have?) worked wonders for me.
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you! Maybe it will work for me like it is working for you. I just had another attack about 20 minutes ago, but I didn't have to go to the bathroom. I just had nausea and cramping, so I am slowly trying to get some more food in my belly because I think I went too long without eating and my stomach got empty.
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
ROFL!!
#215397 - 09/23/05 10:16 AM
|
|
|
|
|
atomic rose
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
|
|
|
It's the Bride of Frankencat! 
That's from a Halloween card my mom sent me a few years ago... she doesn't normally do that kind of thing, but the cat cracked her up!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yes, I found that letting myself get too hungry was a good way to trigger an attack. People on the Boards often recommend eating something (small) every couple of hours. It seems to keep the digestive engine running smoothly.
Take care.
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yea, my stomach got empty and then I got a really big gas bubble, somewhere in my gut and it made me nauseous until I got it out. I finally got it all out and now I'm able to eat again. Man, this is rough!!!!!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Once you get into a routine of eating a little something consistently every couple hours, so your stomach isn't ever really empty, you'll find the nausea easing up quite a lot, if not altogether. I had really bad nausea for a long time, and it turned out that letting my stomach get empty - and developing the big gas bubbles in my stomach - was the main culprit.
Good luck.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you! I really do hope it does get better! I have been doing a tiny bit better, this evening. I have been eating a little bit, (bread and flour tortillas) all day long.......still have alot of gas but, fortunately, very little nausea. It's still there, but not as bad as it was earlier today. These huge gas bubbles are KILLING ME!!!! If I could keep from getting those, I think I wouldn't even have the nausea. It seems like the big gas bubbles are the culprit for triggering my nausea.
Thanks so much!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I am not real sure on what to recommend for dosage. I take 1 heaping tablespoon 2 x a day, one in my malt o meal and one in my evening tea. Some days I go 3 times but I always go in the morning after breakfast. I am unclear on what signals a person to increase. I wish I could say.
--------------------
IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I am glad to learn about that. I sometimes have a larger bm than a skinny one at the end but I think that is different. Anyway thanks for explaining!
--------------------
IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I have only been on the Acacia for one day at 1/2 tsp twice a day and I'm already doing much better than I was on three heaping tablespoons of the Citrucel everyday. I'm not gassy and don't feel bloated and sick (nauseous)like I was before. I think this is going to work for me this time. I will keep you posted. This might actually be a good day for me!! I still took my Imodium this morning, though.
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I hope this is the answer you have been looking for - keep us updated on how you are doing.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you!! I will keep you posted. No BM yet, today. So, I don't know how I'm going to feel, yet. But, so far so good.....
How are you, feeling??
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I stopped while I'm doing the prep, but I'll be starting back up again on Wednesday!
--------------------
jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
So far...
#215704 - 09/25/05 11:38 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
|
|
|
Too early to tell, I think. I stopped the psyllium and the citrucel altogether, and decreased the acacia to 1/2 tsp twice a day. Yesterday I added another 1/2 tsp. I think I will now add 1/2 tsp every 5-7 days. Do you think that sounds like a good speed?
Since stopping the psyllium and citrucel, I feel worse. I needed to take a donnatol a few nights ago...and that is always my "last resort". I have gotten into a pattern of no BM one day, but lots of pain. Then, I go the next day, but it is long, skinny, painful, "D" type consistency . Not the logs I was hoping for!
I'll stick with the acacia for a while. Hopefully, once I get up to a higher dose, the spasms will decrease and the BMs will be more regular and firmer. I can't believe I just typed all that yucky stuff out on the world wide web!
So far, I am disappointed in the Acacia...I am having spasms, pain, and discomfort all day. But like I said, I'm hoping it's just because I'm at a low dose and went from 8.5 grams fiber supplement a day to only 3 or so. Only time will tell though.
It's nice to have a buddy going through this at the same time! I hope it works for both of us! Have you tried it before Jen?
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
First of all, I want to point out this is my own personal case, and I do not want to cause anyone more problems than they already have. However, I did want to share some things I've noticed when taking SFS.
I find that C returns regularly no matter how high of a SFS dose you are taking. I was up to at least 4 tbsp a day when I was taking acacia yet I was not having regular BM. I also noticed that I never experienced problems when increasing a dose of acacia. If I increased it too much the only side effect was a regular BM.
About a month ago life got busy and I quit taking the acacia and nothing bad happened. I found that as long as I was eating well I could more or less control the symptoms. I set myself off again recently with a few forbidden foods so I decided to take acacia to try to calm my stomach. First dose in over a month and I took 3 tbsp in one day. Result - nothing but a BM!
What I'm trying to say is I'm wondering if SFS would work better for IBS-C people if it wasn't taken daily. I think I might try taking a full dose twice a week. For me I always adjust to it quickly, but if I'm never adjusted then it should continue to have a natural laxative effect on me.
Has anyone else had any experiences like this? If I actually follow through with my twice a week plan I will post about it in a few weeks.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Psyllium had a terrible effect on me, had two bad attacks when I tried taking it this spring. When I was taking acacia I increased my dose by 1/2 tsp every couple of days, and by the end I was increasing it by the same amount every day. I never did hit a point where it seemed like too much!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well -- I'm great - but I haven't switched my fiber. I am still doing my whole 12 grams of Citrucel. I do understand your frustration though -- because I did that whole switching back and forth thing for quite a while. I am thinking about you -- and I hope that this whole thing works out for you.
Maybe you need a mix of the fibers to work best for you. Some people do that. You said you felt great that day when you were using both -- maybe that's what you need to do.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey Beth! I'm doing the same thing right now and I stopped taking my Citrucel three times a day and I'm taking 1/2 tsp of the Acacia twice a day and at about 3:00pm I will add in a 1/4 tsp before I eat. It seems to be working out okay for me so far. I do have alot of intestinal gas right now or rumbling.....I don't know what it is but I can tell that my insides are trying to adjust to the new fiber.
Keep us posted on how you are doing!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'm glad to hear you're doing well, today!! I am feeling kind of wierd, so maybe I will combine them. Actually, I think I did yesterday, but not today. And today, I feel more wierd then I did yesterday.....if that made any sense at all. I am having some gas, today. Little bit of a problem eating......but, I'm surviving!
Keep us posted! Talk to ya soon!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
When I was constipated in the Navy, which is nothing like I am now (I'm IBS-D), I would only take some fiber when I really needed it with a HUGE glass of water and it would finally move my bowels. I didn't take it everyday. So, I can see what you are saying. It might be better that way for some people. It's worth a shot. However, I'm soo bad with diarrhea, now, that I have to take a SFS every single day or it will be a nightmare!!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yikes! If you stopped the psyllium and Citrucel, shouldn't you be taking extra Acacia to make up for it?
Although since you're having problems, I do think it's a good idea to only try one fiber at once. Some people take so many supplements etc. I wonder how they feel they can know what's doing any good.
1/2 t every 5-7 days seems pretty slow for a C. But, at the same time, going slow isn't going to hurt anything -- it just might not yield you results that quickly. I'm at 1/4 t and it's giving me troubles, so I won't bump it up until the gas subsides. When I do, it'll only be by 1/4 at first. Depending on how that goes I might get a bit more aggressive.
--------------------
jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'm sorry about it. That's how it was with me too -- it got a little worse instead of better.
Don't give up though -- I know the right amount/combo/type of fiber is out there for you. You'll find it.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
When you take only 1/4 tsp of acacia, do you still mix it in water? I am only taking 1/2 tsp at a time, and I'm afraid I may be losing some of it (or a lot of it) on the sides of the cup or even on the fork.
Do most people take the Acacia in food? I wanted to take it before the food so I could have serve as a buffer for my IF. But it won't work, if I am missing out on the full dose. I haven't been going at all yet. I'm at 1 1/2 tsp a day.
I did go down a lot in my total fiber amount, but just felt safer doing this even Heather says you can start acacia at the equivalent fiber dose as you were taking before. Do you think I should bump it up...considering I'm so darn C! But won't this cause other problems (bloat, gas). It is a different form of fiber.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yea, I still mix it in water when I take my 1/4 tsp at about 3:00pm. I seem to be stabilizing a little more, but I'm not quite there, yet. But I'm IBS-D, so if you're still constipated, I would up it a little bit. And if you want to combine fibers, you can do that too. I was saying in another post that when I was so constipated in the Navy, I took about 4 of those Fiber Choice tablets with a big tall glass of water and my bowels would move by the next day, max. It worked really well for me. I was MAJORLY constipated because I was stationed on a ship and would hold it all day because my work center was really far away from a female restroom. You might want to try that, combined with your acacia to see if you can get things moving!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Don't up the Acacia by alot though, or you might get MAJOR BLOATED!!! That wouldn't be good!!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well, I was stabilizing more up until right now. I just had a diarrhea attack......so strange! But, I'm okay......not in a whole lot of pain at the moment.
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Sending hugs to you...
Wish there was more I could do to help... 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Me too!
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I dissolve the 1/4 t in about 2 T water and drink that. Then I swish another T of so of water in the bottom of the cup and drink that. I repeat another couple of times to make sure I've gotten all the Acacia.
When I tried it before, I used to mix it in applesauce ... but I've been taking the Acacia on an empty stomach, and I can't do applesauce on an empty stomach. I don't know what most people do ... I tried mixing it w/ applesauce since that's what Sand said she did.
Beth -- at 1 1/2 t per DAY with severe C, there is no way it is going to be helping you to go!!!! You really need to up your dosage. If you get bad bloating/gas, then back it down. On Saturday when I started on the Miralax for the colonoscopy prep, that bloated/C feeling was so horrible. If I had to deal with that every day, I'd be eating the Acacia out of the jar with a spoon if I thought it would help.
(disclaimer: I do not recommend eating Acacia out of the jar with a spoon. This is probably not healthy. Plus, highly unsanitary.)
--------------------
jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I have a wide mouth 1L bottle I use for acacia. Fill it with water, add the acacia and shake to mix. 1L is about the minimum I like for 2 tbsp. If you let it settle for a few minutes after it will finish dissolving on it's own. I would drink a glass or two before I left for work, and finish the rest off when I got home. I will also heat it up in the microwave for tea, but be careful, it will boil over faster than just water on its own.
Edited by Safari567 (09/26/05 08:41 PM)
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Any better? It can be so hard when we all try to help - but we can really only go by what has worked for us -- and by what Heather writes -- and what we see on the board. I do hope you get this thing figured out sooner rather than later -- I know how stressful it can be. I spent a good three and half months before my system settled down a little -- and even the I had bloating & gas -- I switched a few months later and was much better.
I did usually switch to the same amount of fiber. Sometimes I backed off -- when I had a bad reaction -- and then I was told to add more.. or vice versa... but I usually started at the same level of whatever I had already been taking. Are you up to the same amount of fiber grams yet?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I am....I was taking a whoping 6 grams, for the past year on Citrucel and now I'm at 6.75 grams between the Acacia and Citrucel. I'm combining them and am doing better, today. I really appreciate your help and support and I cannot say that I'm stable yet, because I took Pepto Bismol yesterday, but I haven't had an attack, yet.....I will have to wait and see how I do when the Pepto goes through my system. Tomorrow, I will be able to tell if I need to continue to go up on my Acacia. I'm sure I will. 6.75 grams isn't hardly anything!! I'm going to stay where I am on the Citrucel and up the Acacia as needed. I have to go to the doctor's today for a check-up on my Anti-Depressant.....we'll see if I have an attack then. I realllllly hope I don't. I don't like to be driving when I'm having an attack. You doing okay, today???
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I know how nervous they made me when I was iffy. You are so sweet to ask how I am. I have been stable for a while... I only have problems when I 1. eat something I shouldn't 2. get sick 3. get too hot (causes stress) 4. get stressed for some other reason.
I hope your appointment goes well and that you stay stable.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Do you take this everyday? I noticed in another post you mentioned that you thought it might be better to just do a big shot of Acacia only when you are constipated.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you!! I started to have an attack on the way to the doctor's office and I popped a levsin and it went away. So, I pretty good while I was there. However, when I left there, I went to the grocery store and I picked up some stuff for my husband, including doughnuts......and I ate one and that was a huge mistake!!.....I shouldn't have done that. I thought I was going to die!! And I woke up not feeling so well, this morning, too. I still don't feel too good right now, but at least I was able to eat something. I'm so glad to hear that you're stable. I wish I was stable.......oh, those were good times!! hehehehe....
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well remember, not everyone reacts well to Acacia. It does seem to be well tolerated by a lot of people, but everyone's IBS is different you know? Personally Acacia gave me attacks! Even when starting small. But you should give it a good try cause it may help you. But don't get discouraged if it doesn't, just maybe go back to the other fibers you were using.
--------------------
IBS-C
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
And I am also in the middle of introducing Acacia to my body. I also have the mushy skinny poos...the kind where you keep wiping but can't seem to get a clean butt! Yuck. I need to carry wet wipes with me like a litle baby!
I had firmer BMs while on psyllium, but couldn't stand the gas.
I now have skinny little BMs all day, and the gas. I'm just hoping it gets better as my dose of acacia increases. Or should I stop it and go back to what I was doing?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
...are incomplete. I always feel like I need to go, but the stool just won't come out. It is just so frustrating. Any suggestions on how to make the BM more complete and less thin?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
How long have you been at it? I wouldn't go back -- as the gas wasn't good either... unless... have you tried adding a probiotic to control the gas? Sometimes that helps. If your old fiber worked for your BMs - that and a probiotic might work in combo.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
And I was taking a probiotic with the psyllium and also now. I just chose a probiotic out of many so don't know how good it is. I have tried several, but none have seem to help with gas. Is there one that is better for gas?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hmmm Gas was the one issue I had the hardest time getting rid of. I attack it on two fronts. I use a probiotic and I have digestive enzymes that have an anti-gas element in them. Both are made by Natrol. I don't know that they are better than anything else out there -- I just know they work for me. I read up on them from Consumer Reports -- the Natrol had all the bacteria they were supposed to -- and they were all alive. They do have less than other brands -- because they say that they need less because they all survive. I use Biobeads -- they are coated to survive the acids in your stomach. I also use their digestive enzymes -- I actually take more than the suggested dose -- I take 2 with lunch and 2 with supper.
Here is their site with info on Biobeads (keep in mind that I buy it for cheaper)
http://www.natrol.com/products/product.php?sku=4042
and Digest Support
http://www.natrol.com/products/product.php?sku=885
At iherb I buy the biobeads for 8.24 and the Digest Support for 6.04 -- then they offer an on-line discount that saves me another dollar or so. (the picture they show for Digest Support doesn't match -- but it is the same thing)
However -- that's just what worked for me. What's worse -- the BMs or the gas? I would fix that first. You may need to try a whole new kind of fiber. I had gas with acacia as well -- and Psyllium is known for gas. I know some use Benefiber or maybe Citrucel. It may be that your fiber is what is causing your gas -- and that's why the probiotic isn't working.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Spread out over 6 times. Is it better to take more at a time and reduce the number of times I take it?
I take 1/2 tsp with breakfast, 1/4 tsp noonish, 1/2 tsp with lunch, 1/4-1/2 tsp at 4, 1 tsp with dinner (7 pm), and 1/4 tsp at around 8:30.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
...keep on upping it - you're only at 7.5g a day. I take 15g a day and could take more...Acacia is so well tolerated by most people that you can take higher doses with less side effects (and sometimes need to IMHO).
On the 15g a day dose I do great and my BMs are nice and fat! But ya do have to get up to a significant dose.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'll keep at it! I wish I could jump to 15 grams (or whatever my maintainance dose turns out to be) right now! Patience is not one of my virtues! Something necessary when dealing with IBS!
Do you divide your doses into multiple times? Or do you just take a lot a few times a day? Does it even matter?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Cyndy, Did the thin stool BM's start right after you switched
to acacia? They're usually due to colon spasms.Maybe the
acacia is causing your colon to spasm. I have the same exact
type of BM's too, however not all day long just three in the
morning. But I've had them before starting acacia. Do you have
to strain with these BM's, and did you have to strain at all
with the psyllium BM's? I hope it gets better. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
...when I started the Acacia. When I took psyllium, the BMs were fuller. I strain with Acacia, not with psyllium.
Acacia is suppose to help with spasms, especially since it is all SF and not part IF like psyllium.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
...my BMs will be more like Linz's and Little Minnie's. I am trying to give the acacia a fair try. At least to get through the bag I have. Or another month, whichever comes first.
Wish me luck. So far, my luck with SFSs is not good. Maybe I'd be better just not taking any.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Aha, that's very interesting...I beginning to wonder now.Have
you tried taking both acacia and psyllium? How much of a
psyllium dose were you taking? Maybe I should try that and
see what happens. If I were to have the same BM's as you and
Beth had, that would say there's something fishy about acacia.
-Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I was taking about 4.5 grams worth of psyllium at night. Maybe I will try to experiment and add the psyllium in at night to see if it bulks up the acacia BMs.
Let me know if you try this!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Interesting... I have been told that eating well, and reducing stress is the best thing for C.
Terry 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I take mine in 2 doses, but then as I said I don't think I'm all that sensitive.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
That seems to work quite well for C's...and if you time the psyllium dose right you can avoid alot of the bloating issues (I think Kandee takes her psyllium before bed).
I do know that ever since I switched to Acacia I have to be alot more careful to eat enough IF in order to not get C as I'm now only taking SF in my SFS and no IF. It's soemthing to bear in mind for you C people on Acacia.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
that you'll need more than 3 teaspoons to see substantial benefits. My experience was that the more acacia I took the better I got. I split mine into roughly 3 doses - breakfast, lunch, dinner.
--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Beth, it sounds to me like you're getting too much fiber. I know that sounds funny, but the skinny stools are a result of too much fiber. Are you taking anything else? I know that if I take too much fiber and/or too much miralax, I get the same thing. For me, a BM just isn't satisfying unless it is a big one, you know? So I try to avoid the skinny poops.
--------------------
Elizabeth
all those years it wasn't IBS - it was celiac!
send me an email: liz@dopple.net
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
skinny stools are caused by spasms? This is the first I've heard of that.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I don't take any other fiber. I do take flaxmeal (1 Tablespoon), triphala and magnesium.
I'm so confused! Am I taking too much or too little?
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
...as it's one of the explanations for them!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Before, I was taking one dose of citrucel and some psyllium at night (worked up slowly to 1 tsp (4.5 grams).
I will stick with Acacia until I get up to 2 T and if it doesn't get better, I will give up.
I may take a dose of psyllium tonight though, as I am running out of patience and just need a good clean sweep in one BM...none of this piddly stuff all day long that leaves me feeling incomplete and like I need to go all day long.
Pray that Acacia works for me! I really need this to work. It's been so long since anything has helped.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Cyndy, I think Linz did mention it at one point, but it was
Anthem who first told me about it. He found it in some book
he has on IBS. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Elizabeth, don't you take 14 grams of SFS? I really am scared now that maybe 6 grams of Acacia is too much for me. But I thought it was because I wasn't taking enough.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
...to decrease the skinny poops? Since SF is suppose to reduce the cramping.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Ok Cyndy, I haven't started yet, I still have to go out and
get some psyllium today, I think they'll have it at the food
coop I go to, and they're open today. Say, did you see that
post by Elizabeth McM who says she gets thin stools because
of too much fiber. This is really getting complicated. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Darned if we do, darned if we don't increase the Acacia!
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Elizabeth, Where did you hear that too much fiber results in
thin stools? Have you heard from multiple sources? Do you
know others that experience it? It could be my problem too,
I am consuming lots of fiber, and am taking about 3/4 of dose
of Miralax per day. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Don't worry Beth, we'll sort this out. Maybe Elizabeth is on
to something. It's possible that too much fiber causes spasms.
I had never heard this before. However, if it's true, it's
something that's easy to correct. Good to see you're back .
-Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Thanks Bob!
#218439 - 10/09/05 08:28 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
|
|
|
I am only taking in 7.5 grams of Acacia a day, plus 2.5 grams flaxpowder. I'm not on the amounts Linz, Sand, Bamagrl, Astrochick or even Elizabeth is on. So I don't know what to do.
Big anxiey here! This is why I decided to take a little break from the boards! But, I'm right back into confusion land! I hope someone can make some sense of this. Maybe Elizabeth is on to something. I don't know what to think, to be honest.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Does this same reasoning include too much fiber from foods too? Or just the Supplements?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Beth, They're taking higher doses of SFS, but you might be
getting much more fiber from the food you eat like I am.
I just got back from the food coop, they only had psyllium
husk powder caps of 500 mg's, is that the right stuff? -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I've had doctors explain and I've read some IBS literature that explain that it's the contractions of the bowels which cause thin stools and that it's common in people with IBS. I've experienced this many times over the years, usually when I'm not getting enough SF and during times of extreme stress (usual triggers).
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yes, it would because a sufficient and constant dose of SF helps to stabilize intestinal contractions. It's the contractions or spasms in the bowel that cause thin stools and spasms can be triggered by trigger foods, stress/anxiety, and of course there are those unexplained attacks because of good ol', unpredictable IBS.
Some people are allergic to SFS that are gum based but I think you would probably experience other allergic reactions as well. I just don't understand HOW a high fiber diet would cause more contractions or thin stools? Unless you have a diet high in IF without SF which would trigger attacks because much of the IF foods would reach the colon undigested, making it work harder, produce more gas, causing it to spasm which would lead to constipation or diarrhea, etc.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi, Elizabeth. I was wondering how does too much fiber cause thin stools? Do you mean a diet high in IF, which would mean undigested IF food reaches the colon and causes problems? When the bacteria in the colon have to breakdown undigested food that's where a lot of gas, problems, and smell come from.
Everything I've heard from doctors or read about IBS explained that thin stools in people with IBS are caused by contractions/spasms of the bowels, which is part of this functional disorder. And sometimes, in older adults usually WITHOUT a history of IBS, it can be a sign of cancer or of an obstruction.
I also don't see how taking a SFS could cause thin stools since soluble fiber regulates and stabilizes contractions--unless you're taking an amount that's way above the recommended dose.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey, Beth! I'm so sorry you're still having problems with this Acacia, thing......I really hope you are able to get it worked out.
Feel better soon! I will pray for you! I promise you that I will get your package in the mail tomorrow!!!
Michelle
--------------------
IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
...and it came to 31 grams. That's total from SF and IF foods. That doesn't seem like too much, does it? With the Acacia dose, it comes to 38.5 grams. Is this too much from food? Should I cut out my 6 grams of fiber Puffins cereal?
I take the psllium husk fine powder. my psyllium brand I also have this one Solgar but I have never taken them. two capsules only contain 1 gram of fiber, so I was taking the tsp of powder for 4.5 grams. It isn't mushy or anything like Metamucil. It's more like Acacia consistency. Boy, it's so tempting to go back to it to clean myself out! But the gas was not so hot!
What do you guys think about my fiber amount from foods? Do you think it is too high?
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
How do you feel?
I know, for me...I get a minimum of 30g from food/supplements. It's nothing for me to plug up a toilet.
You mentioned 'gassiness.' Perhaps you're moving too quickly?
I switched to Benefiber, now, with great success.
Kate, IBS-D.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Would an antispasmodic, even though I'm C, help create more solid BMs by alleviating the spasms?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Cyndy, Oh absolutely, no spasms, no thin stools. The prob-
lem is you have to find the right one. I've gone through four
as of now, and none have really worked. I've tried Donnatol,
Robinul, Levsin, and now I'm on Bentyl. Donnatol didn't work
too bad, but if you take a lot of it, the Phenobarbitol turns
you into a space cadet. I just couldn't stand that. It works
basically the same as the other three, in fact it has a
little bit of each one of those in it, plus Phenobarb.
My GI doc recommended against it because of the Phenobarb.
It may actually be the ingredient that stops the spasms,
but it's not worth it. It should only be used for severe
attacks not on a regular basis. There's probably about 30
or 40 antispasmodics available on the market, and as I said
the problem is finding the right one. From what Michelle B
described Buscopan, a Canadian drug(not available in the US
) may be a good one. It's Scopolamine based, which has been
around since about 1930 and has got a good track record.
-Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Beth, Well,it's possible. My total using the Northwestern
chart was about 35 g's. Also I've been taking about 20 g's of
acacia for a total of 55 g's which the Northwestern chart
says is too much and will worsen C or D. Yesterday, based on
what Elizabeth McM said, I cut back my food fiber intake by
about 7 g's and the acacia by about 5 or so. Today my first
BM came on shortly after my 2nd class, and I noticed I did
not have to push too much, and it felt like alot was coming
out. I turned around and saw a pile of large stools, and
said,"Glory Glory Hallelujah!!". The guy in the stall next
to me said,"I guess it must've been a good dump"LOL. So,
Elizabeth may be right. I'll see what happens in the next
few days. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
It's amazing what a "good dump" does for our spirits! I seem to be on a lot less fiber than you, though. I'm only on 38.5 grams. So, should I keep increasing the Acacia? I would then also be at about 54 grams of total fiber? I thought we were suppose to increase. I think Astrochick and Bamagrl must do this much fiber. I am totally confused.
Where is this Norwestern chart? I have a different chart that breaks down SF and IF. If I find the website or link I'll post it. I trust it more than the Northwestern one.
I thought High Fiber diets were the key for us Cs.
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Lots and lots of water! I'm not a big water fan, but I've learned if I don't drink quite a bit...the acacia and other forms of fiber tend to be binding. I've been on the acacia for nearly two weeks and it has helped. I also have some fennel for the bloating but haven't tried it yet. Good luck and stock up on water...I keep a bottle with me always!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well I don't agree with it. I increase my fibre content along with my calorie content when I exercise more and find that more fibre is better for me, not worse!
The key I've always found is the SF/IF balance. Get that right and it works no matter how much I eat.
And Beth, until you've worked up to a full Acacia dose and stuck to it, you won't have given Acacia a chance. PLEASE don't quit on it now!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
But this post really has scared me into increasing the amount any more than 1 Tablespoon. I didn't want to make myself more constipated by putting more fiber into my body.
And it's hard to reduce fiber in foods. I was worried that 30 grams of food fiber plus if I get up to 15 grams of Acacia would put me at 45 grams at least. And as Bob and Elizabeth mentioned, too much fiber can cause C.
Thanks for your opinion Linz! Always grateful for your continual support and guidance! Do you think I should just increase the Acacia and try to decrease food fiber? Or just try to kick up the IF foods and decrease the SF foods. But, I still need my SF buffer foods and snacks. Okay, I'm getting dizzy!
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Beth, Yes, you are taking in a bit less fiber than I am, but
I weigh 160 lbs,and you probably weigh a lot less. I think
Astrochick and Bamagirl are likely eating a lot less fiber
in their food, probably 20 to 25 g's, so they can take a
whole lot of SFS. I would say increase the acacia, but
decrease the amount food fiber. The NU fiber chart has the web
address, www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/nutrition/factsheets/fiber.html
-Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Any comments?
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I don't know if I'm eating more or less fiber: the mainstay of my diet is bread, about half to two-thirds of which is whole wheat. Next would be fruit (mostly raw or dried right now), after that would be plant protein (peanut butter, beans, hummus), and then at the end would be sweets, fish, chicken, and sugar in my tea. Since my diet is 80% plant based, I think I'm getting a lot of fiber for the calories I consume. Admittedly, I'm a pretty small person, so my calorie intake isn't huge!
Frankly, I think if you can have a little acacia without getting worse, you can have more. I'm taking at least 7 teaspoons a day, and I could certainly go higher (and I do if I am having any D or cramping). However, I've found that the most important variable in my C is to get enough fruits and veggies while not eating any of the bad foods (too much fat, red meat, dairy, etc.).
--AC
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Please post how you make out with this trial run- I am quite interested.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Thanks!
#219087 - 10/12/05 08:32 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
|
|
|
Do you always eat SF foods with your meals/snacks/fruits/wheat bread? Or just use your Acacia as your SF source!
Thanks so much!
I was in Oak Park Sunday...what a wonderful place to live!
--------------------
~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi to all fellow travellers. I am in a quandry...speaking of spasms. I currently am suffering a painful one in left side..BUT upper part..around waist and into hip...cannot bend forward OR if I do, have difficulty straightening. I'm finding it difficult to have ANY relief and certainly am restricted in moving...This has happened before, went on for a long time and then let go...DEFINITELY inner organ stuff...NOT an obvious muscle...ANYONE with this experience?
--------------------
IBS formally years. I wish 1'd found soon
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Mrs.Fudd, Ah yes, that is your sigmoid colon saying hello.
I have that pain and or discomfort every minute of every day
unfortunately. What is happening is that the rest of your colon is functioning relatively normally and your sigmoid
like mine is not. The result is you get stool buildup there
which exerts pressure and causes the pain and discomfort in
addition to constipation. I presume then, you are C. You
should notice relief after going or farting, because you
can get gas buildup there too. -Bob
--------------------
<img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
