Tummy fiber caused cramping--I did it wrong?
#372821 - 05/17/16 06:49 AM
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Amyj
Reged: 05/17/16
Posts: 1
Loc: Normandy, France
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Hi--I've been in a bit of a flare-up for the past 3 years, and recently stumbled upon the website. I have the acacia fiber and the peppermint capsules. I used the fiber--1/2 tsp a day for 5 days, in applesauce, lots of water and mint and chamomile tea, plus peppermint caps. I had the worst cramps and then minty poo for days. I eat a pretty healthy low-fat diet, and while I have D almost every day (except for 2 days when I take loperamide), I almost never have (painful) cramping. It's more like an ache. My GI doctor has me on Librax, which is better than nothing, but it still doesn't stop the D. Should I try try 1/4 tsp of fiber per day?
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Hi Amy - I'm so sorry you're struggling.
It sounds like are doing things right. The fiber can't cause cramps, diarrhea, constipation - soluble fiber can really only help. But, it will take more than 1/2 tsp twice daily to resolve diarrhea.
I'd add an extra 1/2 tsp to one of your daily doses, and increase at that pace every 3-4 days or so.
The pep caps are best for heading off cramps, spasms, pain. The menthol in them is quite strong, though, and some people cannot tolerate that - the minty poo could be from that. I'd stop the pep caps for a week or so and make sure that resolves.
Have you had chamomile tea before? If not, and you are prone to allergies like ragweed, that tea might actually cause problems, so that's a possibility.
Are you drinking coffee or having any trigger foods like too much insoluble fiber? Did anything else happen (stress, cold/flu, travel, etc.) in the past few days that could be a culprit?
Please let me know.
XXOO
Heather
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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!
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