All about fiber supplements...
03/03/03 03:12 PM
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Heather
Reged: 12/09/02
Posts: 7799
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Hi there - In general, I recommend people avoid psyllium (Metamucil) as their first choice because it can cause bloating and gas. The other supplements won't typically do that.
Citrucel (methylcellulose) is a good choice - it comes in powders and pills, unflavored and orange flavored. Benefiber (guarm gum) is a plain powder that is also nice, and dissolves into virtually nothing. Equalactin (calcium polycarbophil) is a great tablet as it's chewable, and they market specifically to IBS which I appreciate. Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil) is plain tablets that have the same ingredients as Equalactin, but they're not chewable.
Now, here's where there is a great deal of variation in individual tolerances and preferences:
Some folks find that liquids work better for them than pills. Other people have difficulty swallowing the liquids, and prefer the pills. For the powders, the flavored varieties can be more palatable, but the citric acid (which gives the orange flavor) can cause reflux for some people. Artificial sweeteners can also cause problems for some, so avoid those. To be as safe as possible, choose the unflavored, uncolored varieties (like plain Citrucel or Benefiber) or the plain pills.
You might like to have both powders and pills - take the liquids at home, and keep the pills on you for restaurants, work, and traveling.
You can actually get generic versions of most of these supplements, and that can be more economical. Prices vary a lot depending on what store you purchase from.
For detailed info about starting and maintaining dosages of soluble fiber supplements, check here web page
Best,
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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