Harry

SB,

I would think that soluble fiber would help since it absorbs fliuds -- bulking up you stool and slows down your digestion.

Citrucel contains a semisythetic fiber that is soluble but does not digest like a natural fiber like psyllium or guar gum. So, it does not ferment and get broken down like the natural fibers -- it causes alot less gas and cramping.

But, all insoluble fibers do not absorb fliud and causes the muscle contractions in the intestines to produce BMs-- ground up flax seed is insoluble.
All fruits and veggies including greens and the ones used in toss salads and green beens are insoluble. Nut and seeds are also insoluble.

Soluble fiber foods are the inner part of grains like rice, corn, oats, barley and wheat. The outside part is bran and does not absorb water. The root veggies like potatos, carrots, beets and turnips are all soluble fiber.

Some psyllium seed husk contains a small amount of insoluble fiber -- like Metamucil -- maybe that is what is giving you problems??

Too much cramping may indicate that your system lacks magnesium-- lacking it can cause cramping as well as spasms.
Every cell in your body contains magnesium and it's needed for calcium absorption along with vitamin D. 67% of magnesium is in your bones.

An excellent homeopathic remedy that I use for muscle cramps and spasms is --Magnesia Phos-- taken as needed. It is readily available at health food stores.
If this helps then It indicates that you lack magnesium at the celluar level.

You can be tested for magnesium serum blood levels but I have found you can have good blood levels and still have cramping and spasm. There is no way to test for magnesium at the cellular level.

I wish you well ----Harry