Re: Before You Buy Fiber Supplements

[Guest guest]

Very interesting --

I've had my share of bowel troubles over the years (acutally I've had

a few other people's share, too)

I've experimented with various fiber -esp after going on the Atkins

diet last fall to combat the systemic candida problem I have. Well,

the atkins, no grain no sugar diet helped with the candida, but left

me rather constipated - pysillium did absolutely no good. I used to

peel the girls apples and eat the peels to add fiber without carbs.

I've added back some fruit and lots of veggies - which helps some

with the constipation - but what I've found helps best - is Vit C to

bowel tolerance.

> http://ibscrohns.about.com/cs/dietandibs/bb/bybfiber.htm

>

> Before You Buy Fiber Supplements

>

> From Amber J. Tresca,

> Your Guide to Irritable Bowel/Crohn's Disease.

>

> Not all fiber supplements are created equally! There are actually

three main

> types of soluble fiber supplements: Psyllium, Methylcellulose, and

> Polycarbophil. Each type of fiber has varying uses, side effects,

and

> properties. Talk with your doctor about fiber supplements to

determine which

> is best for your body. When shopping for fiber, look closely at the

> ingredients to discover which type is used in each commercial brand.

> Remember to drink plenty of water when taking any kind of fiber.

>

> Psyllium

> Psyllium is a fiber supplement that can be taken every day to bulk

up stool,

> making it easier to pass. It works by breaking down in the gut and

becoming

> a food source for the " good bacteria " there. It is used for

treating for

> constipation, IBS, and diverticulosis. In addition, psyllium may

also lower

> cholesterol levels by 10-15%. On the downside, psyllium does contain

> calories and may cause gas.

>

> Methylcellulose

> Methylcellulose is a fiber that is nonallergenic, non-fermentable,

can be

> taken every day and is created from the cell wall of plants. It is

not

> absorbed by the intestinal tract but instead absorbs water to

create a

> softer stool. Methylcellulose is often used to treat constipation,

> diverticulosis, IBS and some cases of diarrhea. Because it does not

ferment

> it is less likely to cause intestinal gas.

>

> Polycarbophil

> Similar to methylcellulose, polycarbophil is created from plants

and is not

> absorbed by the body. It absorbs water in the intestinal tract and

creates a

> bulkier and softer stool. Polycarbophil is less likely to cause

bloating and

> can be used long term. It may be used to treat constipation, IBS,

and

> diverticulosis. This form of fiber is not appropriate for people

who have

> difficulty swallowing.