Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: For IBS (C), what fiber do you take?

Extract from this website:
The most common soluble fiber supplements are: Acacia Tummy Fiber�, Equalactin, FiberChoice, Fibersure, Benefiber, Metamucil, Konsyl, Fybogel, Citrucel, and Fibercon. Most are widely available at drug stores and pharmacies, and they don't require a prescription (they are not drugs, just a dietary supplement). Acacia is gum arabic, Metamucil, Konsyl and Fybogel contain psyllium, Citrucel contains methylcellulose, Equalactin and Fibercon contains calcium polycarbophil, Benefiber contains wheat dextrin (pre-2006 it contained guar gum), and both FiberChoice and Fibersure contain inulin. These supplements are available as powders that you mix with water and drink, or as caplets that are either chewable or meant to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Acacia Tummy Fiber is pure soluble fiber - most other brands contain fillers, binders, sweeteners, or other added ingredients. Acacia Tummy Fiber� is the only organic soluble fiber supplement on the market.

If you're at all prone to bloating or gas (and many folks with IBS are), please avoid both psyllium and inulin (the main ingredients in Metamucil, Konsyl, Fybogel, Fibersure, and FiberChoice), which can seriously worsen these problems in some people with IBS. Try another soluble fiber variety (particularly prebiotic Acacia Tummy Fiber�, which has been found to have excellent gastrointestinal tolerance and to increase good gut flora) instead. Also, be aware that the sugar-free versions of the soluble fiber supplements can contain artificial sweeteners, which can trigger diarrhea, gas, and cramps. In addition, citric acid is often added to orange-flavored supplements, and this can cause acid reflux in susceptible people (though it may not bother IBS).

Aside from the high likelihood of bloating and gas with psyllium and inulin, there is a great deal of individual variation here in how someone responds to any particular soluble fiber supplement. So if you have gas or bloating from starting a supplement that doesn't disappear after a week or so, don't be discouraged, just try a different brand and perhaps a different formulation (the pills instead of powder, or vice versa). It may take several different tries to find the soluble fiber supplement that works best for you, but the results will be well worth the effort. It's also crucial that you start at a low dose and increase gradually, to give your gut time to adjust to the fiber increase.
Hope it helps
x

--------------------
Aged 31, 1 Husband 2 Cats and maybe (hopefully) a baby soon

Edited by clairews6 (09/12/07 12:13 PM)

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator