Metamucil end result - Bowel Disorders Message Board

urid · 04-02-2004, 08:32 AM

This question may sound off beat, but I really would like to have an answer. Recently I started taking a couple of Metamucil caps with each meal. I can't believe the difference, and the natural ease of bowel movements. I will have maybe one or two movements a day, and I noticed that if the waste material were put end to end it would be two or three feet long. Is this normal??? I have always just been used to maybe a 6 inch long compacted "turd" Thanks guys. I recommend Metamucil to anyone.

L-Town · 04-02-2004, 08:53 AM

I had the same experience after 2 days of taking metamucil wafers. It seems to bulk you up and clean you out at the same time.

Harry · 04-02-2004, 09:31 AM

I have been saying for over 4 years on this board that everybody needs fiber for their intestines to function properly--- It is just the way we are made. But all fiber is not the same-- there is soluble and insoluble fiber and you need both. It's just not easy to get enough of the right kind every day.

A person needs 20 to 30 grams daily. I think taking psyllium is the best way to get water soluble fiber in your diet. I have found I need about 5 to 7 grams daily with what I eat to have a consistant, gentle, regular BM daily. Just make sure that with each dose--- you drink enough water because it expands as is a bulk forming agent. It also works as well for diarrhea as it does for constipation. And, it does keep your intestines cleaner!!!

Harry

Ibsux · 04-02-2004, 10:34 PM

Hi,
I'm a regular poster on the IBS boards and haven't been getting any responses on my question about Fibercon vs. Metamucil.

I've been taking two Fibercon daily for about three weeks. The first week was great: it alleviated some of the stomach cramping, gurgling noises, and diarrhea I was experiencing. Now I'm finding that although I've been having less BMs on average, they are starting to become watery again (basically no form to them at all).

I've read all these great things about psyllium supplements. Should I start taking Metamucil caps? Will it have a longer lasting effect?

Harry · 04-02-2004, 11:16 PM

Ibsux,
I think you should take a water soluble fiber like psyllium seed husk.
Fibercon is as you can read on the container-- Calcium polycarbophil. It is a synthetic fiber that is not fermented and broken down by intestinal bacteria and does not absorb water--- so it acts like an insoluble fiber. It will make you have BMs but does not bulk up your stools like a water soluble fiber does --- it is also sold as Mitrolan and Equualatin.

Fibercon will help some people with constipation but is not a bulking agent like Metamucil and Citrucel. It is not a water soluble fiber like psyllium is---

My wife uses psyllium caps that contain 880 mgms of psyllium from the Vitamin Shoppe and she takes 6 daily and sometimes she uses several more.

I use Metamucil powder and I take it twice daily for about 7 grams daily. If you take it make sure you drink the amount of water recommened. I have taken it for about 20 years.

When you first start -- start slow because it ferments, causes gas until your body gets use to it.

I wish you well---Harry