Fiber supplements allows for healthy digestion, improved heart health, and relief from constipation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that adults consumer about 25 grams of protein per day through food that includes beans, peas, lentils, artichokes, and raspberries. Since adults only ingest half of the fiber they need from food, it is recommended that fiber supplements are taken each day. Fiber supplements for constipation are available in many brands and forms, helping users to return to daily regularity for maximum efficiency and comfort. It is important for consumers to carefully research which fiber supplements may be the right choice for their needs. Consider these questions when shopping for fiber supplements for constipation.
Soluble fiber, or viscous fiber, absorbs the water in your food and has been said to slow digestion. It expands and forms a gel when it interacts with water in the digestive tract, which creates a sense of fullness. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool which helps it move through your digestive system.
Metamucil, which is also known as Psyllium, is made from the seed husks of the plantago ovata plant. It is one of the most commonly purchased fiber supplements and it contains 70% soluble fiber as well as insoluble fiber. It is recommended that people take 3.4g once daily to improve regularity.
Benefiber, which is also known as Wheat Dextrin, is a byproduct wheat plants. This product is said to be tasteless and can dissolve easily in hot or cold liquids. It can also be used in cooking as it does not thicken. It 100% soluble and it is advised that people take 3 grams once daily as a fiber supplement.
Citrucel, which is also known as methylcellulose, is made from cellulose, an important structure in plants. It is 100% soluble fiber and is less likely than Metamucil to cause bloating and gas. It is recommended that people take 2 grams once daily as a fiber supplement.
Fibersure, which is also known as Inulin, is a prebiotic fiber that also acts as a fiber supplement. It also causes favorable changes to the bacteria in your digestive system. It is 100% soluble, comes in both powder form. It is recommended that people take 5 grams once daily to improve regularity.
Fiber Choice, which is also 100% insoluble, made from inulin, is another commonly purchased fiber supplement. Fiber Choice also contains a prebiotic and has dual benefits when taken. Inulin also acts a stool softener and helps relieve constipation. Fiber Choice comes a chewable capsule and it is recommended that people take 3 grams in the form of 2 capsules daily.
Fibercon Swallowable Capsules is derived from Calcium Polycarbophil and is 100% insoluble. This product is not widely available, but it does offer a second choice to people who want to take a non-powder supplement. It comes in 625mg capsules and it recommended that people take 2 capsules up to 4 times daily as needed for constipation.
With all of the benefits of taking fiber, it might be assumed that you cannot take in too much, but that is not the case. The average recommendation is 25-30 grams per day. When people exceed this amount of fiber, they might run into trouble.