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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/26/2012 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Will I have firmer stools with MORE fiber? It seems counter-intuitive, but after seeing a lot of posts about psyllium husk, etc. on this board, I had tried taking some, and I saw an improvement in my symptoms. But then my stools started to get looser again, and I thought maybe it was the psyllium husk, so I stopped it. But my stools are still on the loose side, and I haven't taken psyllium husk in 2 weeks. Should I start up again?

Any advice appreciated!

Ta,
Lisa
Posted 5/27/2012 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, definitely start up again...my Gi suggested I take fibre supplements daily and indefinitely and I am now able to eat fibreous foods with no issues and I still take the supplement form daily as well.

With having an IBD, you'll likely have to intake fibre daily in order to keep stools formed, and it's a good idea to take them daily since even if you go into remission, fibre helps sweep the bowels clean of bad bacteria.
Posted 5/27/2012 5:49 AM (GMT 0)
first question....exactly what psyllium product were you using, how much, and when?

To add to pb4's last paragraph, it also exercises the colon, evening out the spasming peristalsis from IBS, promotes regularity (nice to have them around the same time after or before breakfast so that the rest of my day is totally free of worrying when it's going to happen).

q
Posted 5/27/2012 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
can i just add another question. when you are flaring and bleeding alot is it still alright to eat fibre and keep the stools formed. i just think that it would irritate the ulcers on the way past causing pain and more bleeding. No?
Posted 5/27/2012 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I was in a severe flare when my GI suggested that I start taking fibre supplements...so no, it won't do more harm than good, I doubt he would have suggested it if he thought it would make things worse.
Posted 5/27/2012 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have to stop taking fiber during a flare or the pain is beyond belief.  For me, taking fiber during a flare makes my symptoms much worse.  I essentially have to go to a low-residue diet and keep the volume to a minimum.

 

Posted 5/27/2012 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Heather,

I have both psyllium husk and psyllium seed powders in the house...some people are so mixed on what they prefer so I *had* been alternating those, with a tablespoon in a full glass of water each night. Does that sound about right? I started with fiber again last night for the first time in a few weeks and am still feeling a little rough today...doesn't help that I have a sinus infection...

Ta and thanks!
Lisa
Posted 5/27/2012 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
jujumcm....try not to continually state "the ulcers"...it's inflammation, but in varying degrees, some what is fragile to the point of bleeding. Some do have singular ulcers that are a more severe form of inflammation that go deeper than the bleeding part of the lining.

Not all fibre helps bulk/form stool...some can cause diarrhea. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but adjusting food intake can influence stool shape. When flaring, however...even taking in no food will still have one eliminating whatever...inflammation, depending on extent/location and severity will influence how often, urgency and stool formation.



CoLah....I would suggest you take the fibre with meals so that it acts with the food as food. Taking it between might be part of the problem. Maybe mixing half and half can be a good option.

q
Posted 5/27/2012 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
When we talk about fibre I think we should consider the two main types.

Psyllium (metamucil) and Benefibre are classed as 'soluble fibre'.

Things like whole grain products (eg most cereals) are generally 'insoluble fibre'.

They are quite different in their effect on the digestive system.

Posted 5/27/2012 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Whole grain products (cereals) are NOT considered soluble fibre....parts of them are, parts are not...so, they're both.

q
Posted 5/27/2012 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Re-read my post Quincy:)
Posted 5/27/2012 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
OK, I'll rewrite mine to say that they're not only considered soluble.

I guess that would depend on what part the manufacturer/brand is wanting to advertise, and how much it's processed.

While metamucil advertises it's soluble, it's not all soluble because it contains husk.

q
Posted 5/28/2012 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Rewrite accepted Q.

PS.  Do you work for the government?   smilewinkgrin

Posted 5/28/2012 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
no, I hate to be controlled, lol.

q
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