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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/31/2011 10:12 AM (GMT 0)
I recently bought psyllium husk powder as I decided to give fiber a shot. In the mornings I usually have multiple urgent movements but then do not go throughout the day. I was hoping the fiber would help with this. However, I certainly do not want to change the time of the morning movement. 1) will fiber change your pooping schedule and 2) what time is best to take it to go in the mornings?
Thank you!
Posted 5/31/2011 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I can only tell you about me as it seems things affect us all differently but I take my Metamucil in the mid afternoon (as that's several hours away from meds and meals) and I kept my normal BM time of first thing in the morning.  It didn't change the time at all for me.
Posted 5/31/2011 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
It shouldn't change the timing, but it all depends on how much you take, the adjustment period, etc.

I would suggest you take it with meals, however...and start with a small amount and increase over a period of time.

I use the capsules...

q
Posted 5/31/2011 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
I too only have BMs in the morning and tried Metamucil recently. I find the best time for me is in the evening before bed, because it will delay my BM's slightly (since it forms them) and decreases the chance of me waking up with the need to go to the bathroom. Just remember to take it at least 2 hours before or after your meds.
Posted 5/31/2011 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the replies.

So do people notice a difference between the powder and pills?

I like the idea of just carrying the pills around if I'm out.

Thanks

Posted 5/31/2011 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again.  I actually eat the wafers but I am in a very small minority there.  But I think all forms of Metamucil are effective, be it wafers, pills or powder.  So it's whatever you prefer there.

And quincy, with meals?  For some reason I thought I was to take fiber totally separate from everything.  Would taking it with meals help anything?

Posted 5/31/2011 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
I take 3 teaspoons of plain ground pscillium husk before lunch so to not effect meds and nutrients from meals.

3 teaspoons is 15 grams of pscillium husk. You have to take 30 metamucil capsules to get the same amount.
Posted 5/31/2011 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
I take two heaping teaspoons of Metamucil before lunch and have for almost 25 years. I, too, have bms mostly in the morning (only in the morning when I'm in remission.)
My GI has said that any meds that are not affected by being taken with food are fine to take at the same time as metamucil.... so unless I'm on some short-term "on empty stomach only" med, I don't worry about the timing.

I love the idea of the capsules, but as AZ pointed out, if you take a lot of metamucil, that's a lot of capsules.... unpleasant and not cost effective for me. I will, however, use them once in w while when traveling.
Posted 6/1/2011 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Capsules doesn't require one to Mix....been there done that...I prefer coffee to drink after a meal, not psyllium.

Psyllium is a fibre, what's the difference if you eat high fibre bread or oatmeal? It's mixed with the food...a plus to me. I take my meds about 15 minutes - 30 minuted afterward...and that's not based on purpose, it's just because after I eat, I take the fibre caps...take my coffee to the computer and wait for my bm to happen. ...lol...
After the big event, I take my meds and get on with my other ablutions.

I don't see the point of taking it on an empty stomach unless one has diarrhea so bad it's only needed to absorb water in the colon to bulk up the stool. I did it that way when I had diarrhea a long while ago...I took it with less water and NO chaser.

6 capsules at a time..no problem for me. Yes, it says one at a time...lol. I don't. But once, I didn't take enough water..ugh. But I survived.

Just for those who take the plain psyllium and mix it...one can purchase the empty capsules and make your own to carry with for meals out.
All you have to know is the dosage per measurement, etc.

q
Posted 6/6/2011 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Update:

Fiber is fantastic. I'm taking 1 teaspoon of psyllium husk powder mixed with juice after dinner.

I have to say, this addition has made the fastest, biggest difference (including perscription meds) to my UC in a positive manner.

If you haven't given fiber a try, go for it!
Posted 6/7/2011 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, that didn't take long. Just once a day at this point? I think you can increase that up to 3 times daily...is that the instructions on what you're using?

What formulation are you taking? or generic in a package from a health store or bulk store?

q
Posted 6/7/2011 9:52 AM (GMT 0)
I take it once a day after dinner. It is the vitaminshoppe brand. It says I can go up to 3 times a day but not sure If it is worth it for me since I feel so much better from 1 dose a day. It only took 2 days to kick in. I hope it continues.
Posted 6/7/2011 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
It might be all you need....at this point. But I would urge you to take another dosage eventually..maybe at breakfast. eventually....or the first sign of anything "wonky"..lol.

By the way...it'll help your probiotic work better as well.

q
Posted 6/15/2011 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
I am in my first flare up with uc and have had it for about three years. My colazal has been upped to 12 pills per day and I am taking welchol to help with stool formation. Nothing improved. I am now just on prednisone at 30 mgs. for 10 day then a step down process of 5 less each 10 days.
My question for you is if I am just having liquid and blood and none of the meds are working yet, would it help to take fiber?
Posted 6/16/2011 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
It couldn't hurt to try. It worked wonders for me in a very short time. Just make sure you start at a very low dose and work your way up weekly to give your body time to adapt.
Posted 6/16/2011 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
How does the fiber help you, just curious, thanks.
Posted 6/17/2011 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
@Beth,

Fibre bulks up your stool and can also aid with excessive mucous...since I started taking fibre supplements on my GI's recommendation (daily and indefinitely) I am no longer gassy and bloated like I was before (althoug initially fibre can cause excessive gas and bloating, this passes once your system adjusts to it). It's important to start off with a small amount and only increase slowly and if necessary once your system has adjusted (no more gas and bloat)...it took my system 3 months to adjust but boy was it worth it...7ish years later now and still taking it and I still reap the benefits....I can even eat all fibreous foods; fruits, veggies, popcorn, nuts seeds, beans ect.

VERY IMPORTANT WITH FIBRE, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER DAILY AND WITH THE SUPPLEMENT AS WELL...kinda goes without saying but IBDers in general should always drink plenty of water daily since we can be easily prone to dehydration.

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