Too much fiber all at once might cause gas, which can trigger your symptoms. If fiber is helping, you may add some fiber supplements such as Metamucil or Citrucel. However occasionally fiber can make your symptoms worse. Then you should try to avoid fiber as much as possible.
Abdominal cramping and bloating are also common Metamucil side effects. Sometimes, they go hand-in-hand with feeling gassy. Oftentimes, bloating happens when people don't drink enough water when taking their dose of Metamucil.
Thus psyllium is beneficial in IBS through the microbial and neural route and by decreasing inflammation. Psyllium supplement at adequate dosage (at least 20-25 g per day) with adequate amount of water, coupled with other physiological steps could provide substantial relief in IBS.
Foods with lots of fiber can sometimes worsen notorious IBS symptoms like gas, bloating, and belly pain. That's because of two key features of IBS: Altered motility, meaning the contractions of the gut may be different than in people without IBS.
Using a laxative too often or for too long may cause severe medical problems with your intestines. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse. Psyllium may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control.
May not be suitable for people with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, phenylketonuria, or difficulty swallowing. Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage).
Depending on the severity of your IBD , your doctor may recommend one or more of the following: Anti-diarrheal medications. A fiber supplement — such as psyllium powder (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — can help relieve mild to moderate diarrhea by adding bulk to your stool.
For individuals with constipation-predominant IBS, a soluble fiber supplement (Metamucil or others containing psyllium) can be helpful. Large amounts of fiber can hinder the absorption of medications, so take your medications one to two hours before the fiber supplement.
But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks. Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress.
If you have IBS, not eating enough fiber can make symptoms worse (such as constipation and abdominal pain); however, eating enough fiber can help to relieve symptoms. Eating enough fiber is easier than you think with a few small changes to your diet. Check food labels when buying bread and cereal products.
Intestinal obstruction can result from Psyllium usage in patients who are habitually drinking very little water or other fluids.
There is no “correct” dose of Metamucil to take. Everyone may need a different amount per day for desired effect. The trick is to start with a low dose, like 1 scoop per day (or 6 pills per day).
Certain fibers are highly fermentable and can lead to excessive gas, bloating, diarrhea, and discomfort or pain. Individuals with and without IBS can be affected by these symptoms if the supplements contain too many of these fermentable carbohydrates and if high doses are consumed.
Serious side effects of Metamucil
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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.
stomach pain or cramps – usually worse after eating and better after doing a poo. bloating – your tummy may feel uncomfortably full and swollen. diarrhoea – you may have watery poo and sometimes need to poo suddenly. constipation – you may strain when pooing and feel like you cannot empty your bowels fully.
Take fiber.
Fiber pill supplements or a powder mixture that contains psyllium (like Metamucil) can help some people with IBS control their diarrhea. “Some individuals may use a fiber preparation, which some people find useful to bind and increase the bulk of the stool for those who have diarrhea,” recommends Gilinsky.
#1. Psyllium Husk Fiber. This fiber retains water and provides bulky, easy-to-pass soft stools. Psyllium has been shown to be more effective than stool softeners for those with chronic idiopathic constipation and is also touted as one of the “go to” fiber source for IBS.
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.
Take fiber supplements — You can take fiber supplements like Metamucil, Citrucel or Benefiber to bulk up your stool. Seeds and nuts — In the past we advised diverticulitis patients to avoid whole pieces of fiber, like seeds, corn and nuts.