Foods that are good sources of soluble fiber include apples, bananas, barley, oats, and beans. Insoluble fiber helps speed up the transit of food in the digestive tract and helps prevent constipation. Good sources of insoluble fiber include whole grains, most vegetables, wheat bran, and legumes.
Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables include apples, oranges, broccoli, berries, pears, peas, figs, carrots, and beans.
Metamucil (psyllium husk) is commonly used to relieve constipation. It's available over-the-counter (OTC). And since Metamucil actually refers to a line of products, many versions of it are available. It's often recommended as a possible first-choice option for treating constipation.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
Can eating more fiber help with constipation? Yes. Fiber is the part of plant food that is not digested. There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
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.
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.
Foods that help ease constipation
Consider adding some the following fibre-rich foods to your diet to help ease constipation: High fibre cereals such as: bran flakes, Weetabix, porridge, muesli and shredded wheat. Whole grains.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated. Some products may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine (phenylketonurics should avoid).
stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; trouble swallowing; or. a sudden change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.
Metamucil is best known for its psyllium husk powders. You can also take Metamucil capsules and thins to get psyllium husk fiber into your diet. If you want to add psyllium husk into your morning or nighttime routine, powders may be the route for you.
If you eat a lot of high-fiber foods but experience slow digestion, you may still feel bloated or constipated. The slower your food moves through your digestive tract, the more time it has to absorb water and create hard, difficult-to-pass stools.
Dairy Products
“On the opposite end of the spectrum, fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir can improve gut health and may decrease the likelihood of constipation,” she notes.
Too much fiber can cause bloating, gas, and constipation. Fluids, exercise, and dietary changes may help the body manage more fiber. These uncomfortable side effects of excessive fiber can occur when someone eats more than 70 grams (g) of fiber a day.
MiraLAX ® provides complete, comfortable and predictable relief. MiraLAX ® offers both stool-softening and laxative effects. MiraLAX ® does not cause harsh side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping and sudden urgency. MiraLAX ® relieves occasional constipation that may be caused by certain medications.
Insoluble fiber is the most beneficial for softening stools. It does not dissolve in water and helps food pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestines. Wholewheat flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes all contain insoluble fiber.
Dried fruits, such as dates, figs, prunes, apricots, and raisins, are another great source of dietary fiber that acts as constipation relief. “Prunes, in particular, are great because they not only are high in fiber, they also contain sorbitol, which is a natural laxative,” Prather says.