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.
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.
For individuals with constipation-predominant IBS, a soluble fiber supplement (Metamucil or others containing psyllium) can be helpful.
With your doctor's permission, consider using a bulking agent containing psyllium fiber, such as Metamucil. Psyllium fiber helps diarrhea by absorbing water, which adds bulk to stool.
For people whose main symptom is diarrhea, fiber supplements often are the first treatment recommended. Fiber can add form to stool and make it less loose or watery. Anti-diarrheal products, such as loperamide, also work to decrease diarrhea.
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.
IBS symptoms, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating, often interfere with your life. But IBS is manageable. Though there is no cure, you can improve symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. If you have stomach symptoms that aren't going away, talk to your healthcare provider.
Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage). Some people are allergic to psyllium, and Metamucil should be stopped and emergency treatment sought if hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling occurs. Not suitable for children younger than six.
Don't avoid fiber if you have diarrhea. It helps protect your body against heart disease, by lowering your LDL cholesterol, and certain cancers, so you need it. Simply eat more soluble fiber, rather than the insoluble kind, Bonci says.
Adult Dosage:
3.4g of powder in 8oz liquid, or 2 wafers or 5 caps with 8oz liquid 1–3 times daily, or 5 caps plus calcium with 8oz liquid up to 4 times daily. Drink 8 more ounces of liquid after powder. Results in 12–72 hours.
Diarrhea
Since Metamucil is a laxative, it can cause diarrhea or loose stools for some people. If this occurs, you should stop taking it. You should also make sure to stay well hydrated until this side effect resolves.
By attracting water, soluble fiber removes excess fluid, which is how it helps decrease diarrhea. Majumdar recommends that her patients with IBS who are dealing with diarrhea increase their intake of these soluble fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: Apples. Oranges.
SHOULD I TAKE IT BEFORE OR AFTER MEALS ? 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.
Physicians (particularly those in the primary care system) usually recommend patients with IBS to increase their intake of dietary fiber to 20–35 g daily in order to regulate the stools and reduce abdominal pain and meteorism (140–143).
The soluble fiber found in psyllium husks can help lower cholesterol. Psyllium can help relieve both constipation and diarrhea, and is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other intestinal problems.
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.
Eating probiotic foods, taking a fiber or probiotic supplement, or eating BRAT diet consisting of bread, (white) rice, applesauce, and toast can also help make poop more solid. Loose stool is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D).
Soluble fiber, in particular, binds with water in your digestive tract to form a gel-like substance and may help manage diarrhea and promote regularity. Meanwhile, insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and may be a better option for those with constipation.
Excess fiber can cause constipation or diarrhea. Remember to think of fiber as bulk that attracts water in the GI tract. If you don't have enough fluid in your system or you haven't taken in adequate fluids, dehydration of the GI tract can occur, leading to hardening and difficulty passing the stools.
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.
Does Metamucil Help with Occasional Constipation? Metamucil is made with psyllium husk, a plant-based fiber that helps promote digestive health and regularity. * It also acts as a non-stimulant laxative that relieves occasional constipation, generally helping you produce a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.
As noted above, chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of chronic illnesses like IBS and IBD.
IBD sufferers can also have symptoms of diarrhea or constipation along with abdominal pain. But they often also have bleeding and problems absorbing enough nutrients. “IBD patients can have 20-plus bowel movements a day.
Alosetron (Lotronex) or Lubiprostone (Amitiza) are two common IBS medications. Antispasmodics: These are designed to relax the smooth muscles of the colon to ease cramping and spasms. Two such medications are hyoscine (Levsin) and dicyclomine (Bentyl).