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.
For individuals with moderate or severe IBS symptoms, the following treatments are commonly used: Fiber supplements. Taking fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) with fluids may help control constipation.
#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.
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.
However, for some people with IBD, too much psyllium can make symptoms worse. Work closely with your doctor to decide how much fiber is right for you. Several studies have found that soluble fiber (including psyllium) helps relieve some symptoms of IBS, such as diarrhea and constipation.
Fiber can trigger IBS symptoms by setting off an overreaction to mechanical stimuli or by providing fodder for bacterial fermentation. But fiber, and especially soluble fiber, has been shown to ease overall symptoms and constipation in IBS sufferers.
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.
Improving gut health
Keeping the bowels moving regularly can improve gut health and relieve the symptoms of digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticulosis. The soluble fiber in Benefiber and Metamucil can feed the good bacteria in the intestines.
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. In most cases, bloating is temporary and goes away after your body adjusts to it.
But you may find it helpful to eat lean meats, eggs, fish that is rich with omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, homemade bone broth, carrots, bananas, and other low-FODMAP fruits and vegetables. Fermented foods are also good for your gut flora.
A: Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil fiber as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 8 ounces of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil between one and three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
As with any dietary change, your body needs time to adjust. While you'll likely notice the regularity* benefits of Metamucil sooner, we're confident that after two weeks you'll be feeling lighter and more energetic** and well on your way to making it a part of your daily health routine.
Picco, M.D. 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.
The psyllium fiber in Metamucil helps trap and remove the waste that weighs you down, so you can start to feel lighter* in two weeks.
Yes, Metamucil can cause you to have a jelly like stool. Metamucil (psyllium) Psyllium is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. It works by absorbing liquid in the intestines and swelling to create a softer, bulky stool that is easier to pass.
Include plenty of probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, kombucha, miso, or sauerkraut. Sometimes, you can also eat yogurt if you are not allergic to dairy. Try unsweetened sheep or goat yogurt. These are all foods that help your gut flora get and stay healthy.
Probiotics may relieve symptoms of IBS
The American College of Gastroenterology conducted a meta-analysis of more than 30 studies, which found that probiotics may improve overall symptoms, as well as bloating and flatulence, in people with IBS.
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.
Eating yogurt can help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms since yogurt has probiotics, or “good bacteria,” which helps put healthy bacteria back in your gut.
Natural remedies like peppermint oil, diet changes like increasing your intake of soluble fiber, and lifestyle practices like stress reduction are all options that can provide relief for IBS at home.