Begin with a low dose, gradually increasing the amount of fiber. Don't add more than 50 grams of fiber in a supplement per day, as that may affect how your body absorbs nutrients. Your health care provider can help determine what's right for you.
Soluble fiber found in beans, oats, flaxseed and oat bran may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol levels. Studies also have shown that high-fiber foods may have other heart-health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and inflammation.
The Best Time to Take Fiber
It is often recommended to take a fiber supplement up to twice per day, before a meal, and with a glass of water. This would ensure you're keeping your digestive system balanced throughout the day.
You may want to take the supplements earlier in the day to prevent uncomfortable symptoms close to when you go to sleep. Additionally, taking fiber supplements before meals may make you feel too full to eat. So it may be best to consume them in between meals to promote a healthy diet.
Take it with fluids.
Psyllium husk readily absorbs water, so it's important to take the supplement with fluids. Dissolving the psyllium husk in water or juice or blending the psyllium husk into a tropical fruit smoothie are good ways to get both the psyllium serving and the required fluids simultaneously.
Fiber supplements can decrease the absorption of certain medications, such as aspirin, carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, others) and others. Fiber supplements can also reduce blood sugar levels, which may require an adjustment in your medications or insulin if you have diabetes.
There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.
However, it generally takes around 24 hours from increasing your dietary fiber intake to have a successful bowel movement. But keep in mind that it may take more or less time for some people.
It should produce a bowel movement between 12 to 72 hours. If your constipation persists beyond seven days, consult your healthcare provider because it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Bulk-forming fibers like psyllium husk, may affect how well medicines work.
Fiber is another nutrient you'll want to take apart from other supplements and medications, because it interferes with absorption. I recommend doing so before bed if you aren't taking anything else at that time.
Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 240 mL of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
No matter which form you take—remember to take it daily. Start with one serving daily of Metamucil at first, then gradually increase to your desired intake. You may experience gas or bloating in the first few days as your body adjusts to the added fiber.
Five Metamucil Capsules are approximately equivalent to one serving of Metamucil Powder. Depending on the benefits one wants to get from the product, one can use a different number of Capsules. For adding some dietary fibre to the diet, one can take as little as 2 Capsules per serving.
Psyllium husk (Metamucil and Konsyl) is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Generally, fiber supplements with mainly insoluble fiber may be a better option for constipation. Before taking a fiber supplement, ask your health care provider or pharmacist to review your medications.
Which Is Better, Capsules, Tablets, or Powders? It doesn't really matter which form the fiber comes in. Some people like powders, others are put off by them. The important thing to know is how many grams of fiber are in each form.
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.
When you eat whole grains rich in insoluble fiber, it moves faster through your intestines, which can help signal that you are full. Fiber cleans your colon, acting like a scrub brush. The scrub-brush effect of fiber helps clean out bacteria and other buildup in your intestines, and reduces your risk for colon cancer.
Insoluble fiber helps speed up the transit of food in the digestive tract and helps prevent constipation. Good sources of insoluble fiber include whole grains, most vegetables, wheat bran, and legumes.
Steps in Bowel Retraining
Sit on the toilet for a fixed amount of time usually about 15 minutes. It's preferable to do this 10 to 20 minutes after a meal with coffee. If you do not have a bowel movement in that amount of time just get up and go about your regular activities. Do not strain to have a bowel movement.
Raspberries win the fiber race at 8 grams per cup. Mangoes, persimmons, and guavas are also good sources of fiber: A mango has 5 grams, a persimmon has 6, and 1 cup of guava has about 9. Dark-colored vegetables.
It plays a key role in maintaining good gut health, which may impact your overall health and well-being. In particular, prebiotic fiber helps to support the function and maintenance of your gut microbiome, the complex community of microorganisms living in your digestive system.
You should have some fiber at each meal or snack. Don't get an entire day's worth at once, since it can cause digestive issues. Spreading out your intake gives your body time to process it. If you're taking a soluble fiber supplement, split up the recommended dose into three or four doses.