Question About Fiber Pills

[ShortStuff2309]

Hello,

I have noticed a lot of people saying that they went from having diarrhea to being constipated after going gluten-free. I have been dealing with this now, as well. I was going to get some of the fiber pills, like Citrucel or Benefiber, but I was reading the instructions on them at Walmart yesterday and it says to take 2-8 pills a day. Before I go getting any, I was wondering how many some of you take every day to keep this problem under control? Thanks.

~Rebecca

[lbsteenwyk]

Always start with the smallest recommended dose and see how that affects you. Remember to drink the recommended about of fluid with the fiber pills.

[jenvan]

You will need to experiment really. Fiber varies from person to person. Personally, the pills never worked for me, I had to take the actual psyillum powder itself in juice. But the pills might work for you. I would start with 2 at breakfast, 2 a lunch, with a full glass of water at each dose. I try and stay away from taking psyillum or fiber supplements before going to bed. I think it is better working on your system while you are awake. Try this for a few days, if you don't notice anything, try 6 a day. If you are up to that much, or 8 a day and don't notice anything, then I'd try the powder. Magnesium also helps get things moving as well, but start slow with that. I can help regulate myself with foods too--like beans. In case you want to try something else too--here is the mix that has worked best for me...and I have tried it all I think ! This is gluten-free too-I cked with the manufacturer. Good luck!

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[nettiebeads]

Hello,

I have noticed a lot of people saying that they went from having diarrhea to being constipated after going gluten-free. I have been dealing with this now, as well. I was going to get some of the fiber pills, like Citrucel or Benefiber, but I was reading the instructions on them at Walmart yesterday and it says to take 2-8 pills a day. Before I go getting any, I was wondering how many some of you take every day to keep this problem under control? Thanks.

~Rebecca

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I love this forum, I'm finding out so many things after all these years.. I thought my constipation was related to my hysterectomy, but then I find out other people here have that problem. My gastroenterologist suggested Citrucel since that's what he uses and I use that now, occasionally. When I need it, I start out with two in the morning with water and then see what happens. If no luck, the next day I'll take two in the morning and two when I come home from work. That usually does it for me. But my problem is simply water - I don't drink enough plain water and drink tea and cokes - which don't help with hydration. I try to keep my roughage up with salads. Dried apricots help me too along with excersize to help keep things "moving" right.

[tarnalberry]

magnesium can also help relieve constipation. (too much calcium can cause it, so a balance between the two is important for regularity *and* bone density! :-) )

[JLK]

I have suffered with this problem all of my life but it has been much worse the past few years. I "solved" the problem with a two pronged approach I use 2 1/2 tablespoons of whole flax seeds soaked overnight (at least 6-8 hrs) in pineapple juice, which I drink first thing in the am [yes, it looks gross, but just tastes like juice! Have to keep stirring it to keep the seeds evenly dispersed and don't chew!]. The pineapple juice contains bromelian which helps digest protein and mucus, an extra benefit in my book.

Then I supplement with Magnesium as Jenvan suggested. 800-1200mg at night (taken separately from any calcium). Helps relax me for sleep too, and beneficial for muscule and nervous tissue repair...like our digestive tracts! While it does take a couple days for this to relieve the constipation, if you do it everyday, you can maintain easy, regular eliminations. I can now forget for a day or two and still have everything regular, but part of this I'm sure is due to eliminating the gluten (most of it anyway--still hunting down hidden sources).

Judi

[ShortStuff2309]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I bought some of the citrucel pills and took 2 this morning, so we'll see. Thanks!