Supplements Information

Fiber Supplements to Beat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)


Fiber supplements can be tremendously beneficial for IBS sufferers. Although supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel are generally marketed as laxatives, and are very useful for constipation sufferers, they can also be used to combat diarrhea because they add bulk to the diet and can make waste food more solid.

These supplements are not really medications - most are simply fiber products with no added drugs or herbs, and so they can be taken long term on a daily basis without worrying about side effects. They're just the equivalent of adding lots of fruit and bran to your diet, but without having to eat daily apples or worry about bloating from the bran.

Do check, though, that the supplement you choose is just made up of fiber and nothing more, as you will occasionally find one that has added chemical laxatives or other ingredients that can upset your stomach.

It is important to make sure you find the fiber supplement that's right for you, as IBS sufferers often have very sensitive stomachs. Some people find that the psyllium fiber in supplements such as Metamucil can irritate their intestines, so if that happens to you try one of the methylcellulose products such as Citrucel, or other types of fiber such as acacia fiber.

Another point to be aware of is that some manufacturers use artificial sweeteners in their products, and these can sometimes cause problems for IBS sufferers. There should be a normal, sweetener-free version to choose instead, and the amount of sugar in a few spoonfuls should not have a huge impact on any diet you are on.

Whatever type of fiber you choose, you must make sure to build the dosage up gradually. If you add masses of fiber to your diet all at once you will probably feel very gassy and bloated. Instead, try just a small spoon of fiber once a day and build up to the recommended dose on the label. Most supplements will recommend that you take the product with lots of water, and to make sure you are drinking enough water for the rest of the day as well.

It will take a little while before you see the effects of the supplement, so don't give up if you don't feel better after a few days. Try taking a supplement for one or two weeks to really give it time to work.

These days there are many different ways to take fiber supplements. You can buy the traditional powder form, which is swallowed with water or soft food, or you can buy wafers, tablets or capsules, which can be very handy if you need to travel and don't want to carry a whole can of fiber with you.

Most people prefer to take one dose of fiber in the early morning, perhaps with their breakfast, and then another with dinner or just before their evening meal. You will need to experiment to find the right dosage for your symptoms and the best time to take the fiber, but if you can find a supplement and dose that works for you it will be well worth the effort, because you will have found a cheap, drug-free way to help keep your IBS under control.

Sophie Lee has suffered from IBS for more than 15 years. She runs IBS Tales http://www.ibstales.com where you can read hundreds of personal stories of IBS sufferers and a range of self-help tips.


MORE RESOURCES:

Nutrition: magic garlic
Times Online, UK - 2 hours ago
Should I eat more garlic or take supplements, especially with the season for winter colds approaching? I have slightly high cholesterol, which I am trying ...


TVShowsOnDVD.com

Supplements Revealed for The Complete Season 1 DVD Release
TVShowsOnDVD.com, Canada - 4 hours ago
In mid-August we updated you about the November 11th DVD release of Tracey Ullman's State of the Union - The Complete Season 1. We had cover art for you, ...


Omega-3 Supplements Appear Protective against PM Effects
Food Consumer, IL - 11 hours ago
For four months starting in 2001, half the participants in the double-blind study received fish oil supplements at doses typical for over-the-counter ...


Herbal Nutrition Supplement Gives You A Healthy And Well Being Life
Corsavoo.com, France - 6 hours ago
There are many types of herbal nutrition supplements sold in the market today. Many of these herbal supplements can provide you with essential nutrients, ...


Skinny Guys Get Huge Muscles – No Steroids
PRarticle.com (press release), Canada - 12 hours ago
It has been established for the purpose of fitness related advice and body building supplements for both male and female. ...
ABB® Shows Its Muscle At The 2008 NPC Team Universe Show PRarticle.com (press release)
all 2 news articles


Amino Acids Adhd Supplements: They May Help
Corsavoo.com, France - Sep 6, 2008
Taking Amino Acids supplements can help correct certain chemical imbalances in the brain and encourage the neurotransmitters to work as they should. ...


Excess use of denture cream tied to nerve damage
Canada.com, Canada - Sep 6, 2008
These patients showed "mild neurologic improvement" after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements. Another patient took copper ...


Telegraph.co.uk

Colloidal Silver: FAQ
WebMD - Sep 5, 2008
Jacobs says she wants colloidal silver supplements to carry warning labels about argyria. She also wants anyone who makes unsubstantiated claims about their ...
Woman who turned silver warns of dangers of internet medicines Telegraph.co.uk
Nose Drops Blamed for Turning Woman's Face Silver FOXNews
all 4 news articles


The Health Ranger Answers Common Questions About Nutritional ...
Natural News.com, AZ - Sep 4, 2008
What is the biggest myth about nutritional supplements? You've often wondered about that haven't you? There is a lot of hype about supplements out there. ...


The eyes have it for vitamin supplements
Easier (press release), UK - Sep 4, 2008
PreserVision Soft Gels by Bausch & Lomb are high potency antioxidant supplements developed from the only formulation tested in a 10-year eye health study. ...

Supplements - Google News

home | site map
© 2006