Dietary fiber is also associated with increased bloatedness and abdominal discomfort[22]. Insoluble fiber was reported to worsen the clinical outcome of abdominal pain and constipation[18-20].
If adding fiber to your diet in the form of food or supplements makes you more bloated and blocked than before, there are a number of potential reasons. For example, in “slow transit constipation,” a condition where the bowel does not move things quickly through, fiber sits in your gut and can make you feel worse.
If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated. Some products may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine (phenylketonurics should avoid).
“The BRAT diet ― bananas, rice, applesauce and toast ― is one we recommend for a range of digestive issues, and it can help with both constipation and diarrhea.
Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass.
Stop using Metamucil and call your doctor at once if you have: constipation that lasts longer than 7 days; rectal bleeding; or. severe stomach pain.
Metamucil is made with psyllium husk, a plant-based fiber that helps promote digestive health and regularity. * It also acts as a non-stimulant laxative that relieves occasional constipation, generally helping you produce a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.
You're not drinking enough water
Drinking adequate amounts of water each day helps soften your stool and make it easier to pass. Drinking enough water is even more important when adding fiber to your diet because it helps your body process fiber properly.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
Conclusion. Psyllium can worsen the constipation if not taken appropriately. It is important to instruct patients who are receiving psyllium ingredients to drink a good amount of fluids to avoid the development of bowel obstruction especially in long-term use of such laxatives.
Movement and exercise can help you empty your bowels. Increasing activity will help you to improve your bowel function. Aim for 30 minutes of activity a day, for example, swimming, walking or gardening.
MOVICOL® has a natural mode of action that works gently, in harmony with your body. acts locally in the colon to relieve constipation: The water retained by MOVICOL® softens the stool and bulks it up slightly. As the stool gently expands, it naturally triggers colonic activity and a bowel movement.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Dairy Products
“On the opposite end of the spectrum, fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir can improve gut health and may decrease the likelihood of constipation,” she notes.
Probiotics: The good bacteria can help you go.
Kimball says any yogurt — not just those that advertise they're good for gastrointestinal health — can be a good source of probiotics that help relieve constipation. “I usually look for a low-sugar Greek yogurt,” she says.
Dulcolax® Liquid Laxative works faster than MiraLAX. Dulcolax® works in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours) while MiraLAX works in 1–3 days (based on product labeling).
Eating When you Have Constipation. Try these things to relieve your constipation: Do not skip meals. Avoid processed or fast foods, such as white breads, pastries, doughnuts, sausage, fast-food burgers, potato chips, and French fries.