Downsides Common side effects include abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in stool consistency. May aggravate hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated.
Common Metamucil side effects include gas, bloating, and nausea. It's best to take Metamucil as directed to help prevent potentially dangerous side effects, such as blockages in the intestines. Speak with your healthcare provider before adding Metamucil to your daily routine.
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.
Metamucil Uses
This medicine is being used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk of your stool, an effect that helps to cause bowel movements. It also increases the levels of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
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.
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.
We recommend taking Metamucil between one and three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil. However, if you're taking it to help you feel less hungry between meals,* the best time to take Metamucil powder is before eating.
Any time of day is a great day to take Metamucil's psyllium husk, so long as you drink plenty of water with it (at least 8 oz). Start with one serving per day, then gradually increase your daily servings each week to reach your health goals.
This medication is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Can this be harmful to kidney? Metamucil is safe for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
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.
People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium. A potential side effect from any fiber product is gas and bloating. People with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking psyllium.
Metamucil typically takes 2-3 days to work and it should not be taken before bed (8). You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to take it.
Official answer. Yes, you may experience symptoms of acid reflux/heartburn or bloating while using Metamucil.
Your daily intake of fiber will be increased thanks to the psyllium fiber in Metamucil. It has been shown that consuming a suitable amount of fiber on a daily basis is associated with less bloating, improved digestion, less chances of constipation, and a more healthy gut flora.
Do not take psyllium for longer than 7 days in a row without a doctor's advice. 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.
The psyllium fiber in Metamucil powders promotes regularity* by drawing water into your intestines to help bulk and soften poop, making it easier to pass. For dietary fiber to promote regularity, a few things are helpful2: Fiber needs to remain intact through the digestive process to provide regularity benefits.
When should I take Metamucil? To get the cholesterol-lowering benefit, take 1 teaspoon of Sugar-Free Metamucil with a full glass of water no more than 15 to 30 minutes before a meal. The psyllium needs to be in your GI tract the same time as your meal.
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.
Using psyllium husk
Usually you'll need to take it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. When you take your evening dose you'll need to make sure you wait an hour before you go to bed – if you go to sleep too soon, this can cause a blockage in the gut.
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. This is normal and should go away as your body gets used to the added fiber.