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Let's talk about Psyllium

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/22/2011 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Do you use it? 

Are there a variety of types/brands/etc?  What do you use/like?

How do you use it?

How does it work for you?

I'm confused about psyllium.  Would it work for diarrhea AND constipation?  (I've got the constipation problem, rather than diarrhea). 

Thanks!  :)

Posted 4/22/2011 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
Good Morning!
I use my store's brand of Fiber laxative. It is psyllium husk and it is the same as Metamucil Capsules. I have taken it for many years with great success but I only have problems with diarrhea never constipation. I am currently taking 5 at each meal. I am sorry I could not give advice about using it for constipation.
I was wonderinf what the GAPS diet is you are trying and also, what alternative routes are you taking? I am ALWAYS up for trying things. I use Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, Boswelia, Aloe Vera, and Probiotics.

Have a good day!
Posted 4/22/2011 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
I saw on Amazon a metamucil product that was like Tang, packets of flavored Metamucil that you blend into a glass of water. Has anyone tried those? I'm guessing they're pretty sugary, and that might not be good for weak colons..


@lisalisassc: 5 capsules at each meal, isn't that a lot? And do you have urgency (and if so does it help at all)?
Posted 4/22/2011 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
I use konsyl. Use it morning and night. Heaping tablespoon in a little water and gulp it quickly. It's the ONLY thing I have ever found that consistently bulks up my stool. Stop it for two day and notice immediately. If your colon has a lot of scarring or ulcers and doesn't absorb water, then it only makes sense to consistently put something in it to absorb water. It's just silly I waited so long to start using fiber.
Posted 4/22/2011 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I use the psyllium capsules, because I can take them with me when I eat out.

I take them after meals. 6 at this point..but worked my way up years ago.

I read the labels...the ones I buy are Super Store's brand or Metamucil. I found one with aluminum in it as well as an artificial sweetener in another. sheesh.

They work great and definitely keep my stools more consistent regarding, well, consistency..lol.

They will help diarrhea by absorbing the water in the colon and will help constipation by absorbing and holding water to prevent harder stools. Remember, with food, it works with the food..alone, one may not take in enough fluid.

q
Posted 4/22/2011 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Out of curiosity, does this help with less bowel movements in the morning for some of you guys or just really w/ the consistency?
Posted 4/22/2011 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
I've taken Metamucil for almost 25 years now. My GI at the time recommended it "so I would never have to strain again" - and he was right.
Each year I have to give it up for the 5 days before my annual colonoscopy, and within 24 hours I notice more frequent, mushier, smaller stools that pass with less comfort.

Once on vacation (I was using the capsules).... I tried the Walmart brand capsules this one time they didn't seem to work as well for me; I wondered if the capsule covering dissolved less well or something.

So... I just keep using what I know works for me, though I'm sure other products are good.

My son's GI recommends Benefiber as the first on their list.
Posted 4/22/2011 11:38 PM (GMT 0)

NiRo said...
Out of curiosity, does this help with less bowel movements in the morning for some of you guys or just really w/ the consistency?

Those things go together. More consistency, less urgency and less frequency.
Posted 4/23/2011 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
I also use the plain psyllium husk powder (which I mix into my tea) and the capsules are really great for taking out of the house with you.
I started with a tiny amount since it will cause gas and worked my way up to about a tsp twice a day. I never go without it.
I avoid the metamucil or anything with sugars, flavors or whatever (aluminum??) since I don't want extra junk I don't need.

Helps immensely with consistency and I agree with Dr-A that those things will all benefit eventually, maybe not right away.
Posted 4/23/2011 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having problems with Metamucil powder dissolving in my tea. A lot of the time it will just become clumps at the bottom of the mug. Any suggestions? I never had this problem with Benefiber.
Posted 4/23/2011 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
benefibre is a different product. metamucil will not "dissolve" in tea.

q
Posted 4/23/2011 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
I add my psyllium to warm tea, stir immediately and keep stirring while drinking. It doesn't dissolve but if I keep it moving and drink it quickly (making sure there is enough liquid so it's not too thick) I don't have any problems. I do get lumps if I add it to a cold drink.
Posted 4/24/2011 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
So I just started on the Metamucil capsules. Would it be better for me to take the Benefiber?  Also, how much should I take a day and when?
Posted 4/25/2011 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
If you start on psyllium husk by capsule, how much can it cost you a month. I'm doing psyllium husk straight and it's dirt cheap, but I can't stand the taste!
Posted 4/25/2011 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I bought a bottle of capsules and it was 12.99. It is not going to last very long. I have only been taking a few pills a day which isn't enough by what I am reading on here. I was thinking of going with the Benefiber powder.
Posted 4/25/2011 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
So I bought citrucel fiber and have been taking 1 teaspoon at night (wanted to start slow) before I go to bed....so far, I have INCREASED bm's....I guess this is because my body treats the dosage at night as another meal? I dunno....I am going to try and see if I can take it directly after eating dinner to see if it helps any...not sure if what I did was wrong or not...
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