Fibre supplement for IBS-D?
#49189 - 03/10/04 06:36 AM
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My question is about fibre supplements. I used to be IBS-C and used a fibre supplement to get things going. Now I am an IBS-D and am wondering if I should still take fibre to bulk things up? Can someone with IBS-D tell me if a fibre supplement helps them? I just worry that it will make things worse even though Heather's book suggests it won't. Thanks! :shocked:
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I know hard to believe! But it really does work for IBS-D. And the Acacia has worked better for me than anything else due to virtually no side affects. I started out in low dosages and have worked by way up to about 2 or 2.5 Tbls throughout the day. I used to take Immodium every day sometimes 2x a day and now I only take it maybe once every 2 weeks. I was getting myself Constipated on the Immodium then when I would go off of it, I would have the D again. It was a vicious cycle. But stick to the IBS diet and the fiber and you'll notice an improvement in the big "D". I also take Acidophalus daily.
Good luck! 
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Hi Sara,
Heather's right. Trust her. She's been there.
I am a D also, and I take acacia. I'm up to 2-1/2 tablespoons a day. I also take Equalactin when I feel cramps coming on or have a stressful event.
I also take a probiotic every day.
I feel better than I have in a very long time, and it's getting even better every day. Now, bear with me if this gets a little gross; I'll try to tone it down a little. My trips to the bathroom are good ones, very satisfying, no D at all. I go at least twice a day, sometimes 3 times, and they're all very firm and, well, relieving.  Also, they float (which means I'm getting enough fiber), whereas before I took the supplements they sank -- and they weren't nearly as "firmed up".
My apologies to anyone who might have been offended by this. I hope it helps you regain some confidence, Sara. Don't worry, the supplements won't make things worse, they'll make them better.
Heather would NOT lead you astray.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I'm also IBS-D and the fiber supplements absolutely make a difference. They help with regular bowel movements and no D.
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Thanks for your response.  I will order some this week.
Don't worry, I don't get grossed out by bowel movement details. I'd have a very rough time if I did! Thanks again.
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That sounds great. I'd love to go from every day to once every two weeks. You've given me hope! Thanks.
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Bevrs,
I am new to the boards.But not IBS I've had it for 5 years.After 30,000 in Medi Bills.I have had a great time!!!!
My problem is I have tried All the Fiber's !I ordered the acacia & thinking yea team! is going to help. I started out with 1/2TSP!Once a day But the fiber cramps me big time also
blows me up big time! I have the Big D as main problem .I take 3 to 4 Librax a day such to stay in a job full time. Sounds like you have your's under control.I have both Heather books & right now am doing the Hypnosis for IBS. I also have Acid Ref! So I was wondering what is your secret!
I would love to hear any suggestions! I have a super Internal Med. Dr. With lots of (PATIENCE'S). He thinks Heather Diet is to restricting. Anyway I would appreciate any info.Thanks!
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Hi - how do you do with soluble fiber foods like plain white rice, pasta, white breads, cream of rice cereal? You may need to get your body quite adjusted to those as the foundation of each and every meal. Some folks seem to just be super sensitive to any soluble fiber supplement, though it is really odd that you'd react to just 1/2 tsp. That's less than one gram, and you're getting more than that with soluble fiber foods all the time if you're regularly eating those.
I'd disagree that the diet is too restrictive. It does eliminate some foods completely (red meat, dairy, coffee, soda pop) but no one should be eating those for their overall health anyway. You can get lots of fresh fruits, veggies, grains, cereals, lentils, beans, plus egg whites, soy, seafood, and skinless chicken/turkey breasts, and this is the foundation of a really healthy diet. It's how you eat that makes as much of a difference as what you eat. I'd like to know if your doc has actually seen the recipes in Eating for IBS, because I'd be really amazed if he thought they were too restricting.
I really hope you're feeling better soon. Let me know if you're eating plenty of soluble fiber foods, and for now just stay off the supplement. I have a hunch that since you've had such bad experiences with supplements in the past you may be anticipating problems, and that dread can trigger an attack in and of itself.
Take care of yourself. 
- H
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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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How Soluble Fiber Supplements Work for BOTH Diarrhea and Constipation
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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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For QuietWalker
#49299 - 03/10/04 11:07 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Heather's given you a great website here, so that should answer the first part of your post.
I got a lot better after I went through the hypnotherapy program; congrats on ordering it! Michael is incredible.
While I would say that I've got mine under control, I still have occasional bouts. What has helped me pinpoint my triggers is a food diary. I've kept it now for over 2 years -- I'm on volume 6 -- and whenever I have an attack, I look back on what I've eaten the day before, and every time I've been able to spot the culprit. So by now I know what I can eat and what I can't -- oh, and how MUCH I can eat too!
Now, as to the last part of your post: I am not a doctor and would never contradict any doctor, and I'm glad you've found a "super internal medical doctor," but as regards Heather's diet, I can say from EXPERIENCE that Heather's diet is most definitely NOT "too restricting." Thank God for Heather's diet! My only complaint is that I can't lose any weight on it! Now, that's not the diet's fault, it's my lousy metabolism and lack of sufficient exercise. It seems, no matter how much exercise I do, my body just won't let go of it! And now, unfortunately, my doctor is about to put me on diet pills -- groan -- but that's a whole different issue.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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