Taking daily fiber supplements can help keep your gastrointestinal system in optimal working order. Not only do they help prevent constipation, fiber supplements also help treat diarrhea by absorbing excess water in your colon. They may also help keep your cholesterol levels down while stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Although taking daily fiber supplements may be a beneficial component of your daily health regimen, talk to your doctor before taking them to make sure they can help you meet your individual health goals.
Good Fiber Supplement Options
Metamucil
Even if you've never heard of Metamucil, your parents and grandparents probably have because it's been around since 1934. Metamucil is a psyllium fiber supplement, and not only is it effective in relieving constipation, but it also helps you maintain optimal blood sugar levels, according to Metamucil.com.
Metamucil is considered relatively safe, according to the Mayo Clinic, because it is a natural form of fiber, and has very positive reviews by users as seen on Drugs.com.
Taking Metamucil: Metamucil powder is available in a number of pleasant tasting flavors such as berry, orange, and pink lemonade. You might find that taking Metamucil in capsule form is more palatable than adding the powder to a glass of water. In addition to the fiber powder and capsules, Metamucil is also available as a multi-grain wafer supplement.
Citrucel
Citrucel is a cellulose-based fiber supplement, according to Citrucel.com. Citrucel has numerous 5-star reviews on Amazon.com.
One of the main reasons why Citrucel is such a good choice for your fiber needs is because it promotes regularity without the bloating and gas that certain other fiber supplements can cause. Methylcellulose is unable to ferment in your lower gastrointestinal tract, and therefore, it cannot produce unpleasant side effects commonly associated with fiber supplementation.
Taking Citrucel: You'll love the convenience and flavor of Citrucel Fiber Therapy powder, which features a tangy orange flavor. Citrucel's pleasant orange flavor is also available as a sugar-free mixture, which is a great choice for diabetics.
FiberCon
Categorized as a calcium polycarbophil supplement, FiberCon is one of the best tolerated fiber supplements. It is well-tolerated because it is a bulk-forming supplement. The mechanism of action in bulk-forming laxatives is that they add water and bulk to the stool, thereby making easier to pass.
FiberCon does not contain any chemical stimulants, and therefore, it is very easy on your system. Another benefit of FiberCon is that it contains 244 mg of calcium per 2 caplet dose, according to FiberCon.com. This stimulant-free laxative gets high marks from consumers who reviewed it Amazon.com.
Taking FiberCon: With FiberCon, there's no taste, or anything to drink. Simply swallow a caplet with a glass of water, and in 12 to 72 hours, you'll get results, according to Drugs.com.
Benefiber
Benefiber is a soluble fiber supplement, which means that it dissolves completely. If you are bothered by the taste of fiber supplements, Benefiber powder is an excellent choice because it is available in a tasteless variety.
Benefiber is very versatile, and you can even cook with it. To enhance the fiber content of your favorite recipes, just add Benefiber powder. The Benefiber.com website even offers healthy recipes that feature Benefiber powder. Benefiber is grit-free, and mixes with almost anything. If you have celiac disease or if you're gluten intolerant, Benefiber is a good choice because it is gluten-free.
Taking Benefiber: Benefiber is available in a tasteless powder preparation, and therefore very easy to tolerate.
Garden Of Life
If you want to ensure that your fiber supplement is also high in other nutrients, Garden Of Life Superseed Fiber Powder is an option you might consider. Garden of Life Superseed Fiber Powder contains chia and flax seeds.
Both chia and flax seeds are known as superfoods, because they offer so many health benefits. Chia and flax seeds provide excellent sources of soluble and insoluble fiber, and both contain omega-3 fatty acids. Chia and flax are nutrient-dense, in addition to helping to enhance regularity.
Taking Garden of Life: Garden Of Life Superseed Fiber Powder can be mixed in yogurt, smoothies, cereal, or juice. It's also gluten-free, and a great choice if you are a vegetarian.
Equate
Equate fiber powder gets 5-star ratings from Walmart.com customers. Equate gets high ratings not only because it is gentle, effective and pleasant tasting, but also because it is very cost-effective.
Equate fiber powder is soluble, flavor-free, and sugar-free, and it's also great for cooking. As Walmart's store brand, Equate fiber powder is just as effective as other, higher-priced fiber supplements, and it won't leave any gritty sediment on the bottom of the glass.
Taking Equate: If you don't like the gritty aftertaste that certain fiber supplements lend, you may like Equate because it dissolves well in liquids, is clear, and comes in a non-thickening formula.
Tips for Taking Fiber Supplements
Before taking fiber supplements, check with your health care provider to determine if your sources of fiber should originate from your dietary intake or from fiber supplementation. Mayo Clinic notes that if you decide to take fiber supplements, take them with plenty of fluids, and start out with small dosages to help prevent problems related to gas.
