Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Heathers Tummy Fiber

Hi mrae,

Heather did a lot of research to find acacia in an attempt to find the perfect fiber to help address the spectrum of IBS symptoms. Heather has chosen acacia as the soluble fiber of choice for a number of reasons that suit our IBS folks. It is very gentle, not allergenic, and the breakdown products of the acacia produce more of the beneficial short chain fatty acids that are supportive of the intestinal cells. It is also prebiotic meaning it will help to support the balance of good bacteria in your gut because soluble fiber is their preferred food source. Acacia is better tolerated than other fiber sources and really does work the best for IBS based on the feedback from thousands of our customers. We also have a lot of customers who use acacia as a fiber supplement and they don't have IBS at all. If folks with IBS can tolerate acacia because it is so gentle, then it's a safe bet everyone else will have luck with it too.

Taking too much acacia too fast can cause increased gas and bloating. Acacia is one of the lowest gas-forming fibers out there and going slow makes the gas issue totally avoidable. Please be patient because this really does work.

We recommend starting with � teaspoon twice a day (daily dose of 1 teaspoon). You can split the daily dose up as many time as you like throughout the day, just divide it by 2 or 3 depending on the frequency you prefer. Try to increase the dose every 4th day or so by a teaspoon (add this to the daily dose). If you get increased gas and bloating by jumping the dose up by a teaspoon, try cutting this in half. Some people with IBS are so sensitive they have to go up at � teaspoons every 4th day. Keep stepping up the dose every 4th day or so until you find a dose that resolves your constipation and/or diarrhea. Constipation is usually resolved with a daily dose of 4-5 tablespoons/day and diarrhea/loose stools usually resolves at a lower dose of 1-3 tablespoons/day. You shouldn't take more than 5 tbsp/day. The maintenance dose is different for each person depending on their specific symptoms. Dietary changes are often necessary to make lasting changes. In the beginning until you stabilize, it works best to take the acacia before each meal to minimize the effect of trigger foods in the meal and to calm the intestines before the food arrives.

Acacia is not a quick fix and needs to be used properly. You can resort to using benefiber, which is also a soluble fiber supplement and made from wheat dextrin. If you are sensitive to wheat at all, this is not the best choice for you.

I hope this helps!
Erin

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Erin Dudley, MS, CN
Certified Nutritionist
Heather's Tummy Care / Heather & Company for IBS, LLC
IBS Education, Support, & Products
Toll Free: 866 640 4942 Direct: 206 264 8069 Fx: 206 264 8072
80 S. Washington St. #304, Seattle, WA 98104 USA

Patient Support Site: HelpForIBS.com
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LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This email is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. Heather Van Vorous and Heather & Company for IBS, LLC are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email and/or any web site(s) linked to/from it. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this email

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