Fiber? - Vitamins & Supplements Message Board

pokiedot · 09-22-2004, 08:42 AM

Does it harm your body to take daily fiber supplements? I know that laxatives are bad but is fiber ok to take? Following a low-carb diet I just don't get enough fiber. Anyone know?

auntjudyg · 09-22-2004, 09:18 AM

There are plenty of people out there who have been told by their doctor to take a fiber supplement everyday indefinitely. Atkins recommends in his book using it while the body adjusts to the new regime. Atkins also recommends nutrient dense foods for the allowed carb count which also would include some high fiber veggies (like kale).

Michael01 · 09-22-2004, 02:29 PM

Taking fiber supplements is safe. I've been taking them for the past year. The one that I use has oat bran fiber, psyllium, citrus fiber, soy fiber, rice bran, apple pectin plus cabbage/carrot/broccoli/prune. These are all healthy foods yet have lots of important fiber. Plus it's a bargain at 100 capsules for $5.97. They recommend 3 capsules with 8 oz. water. Avoid laxatives. All natural is best.

isolated one · 09-22-2004, 02:37 PM

Natural fiber supplements are not true laxatives even though they are classified as such. Laxatives increase bowel movements and constant use will make your colon depend on them for going to the bathroom. Fiber promotes regularity and many people, including myself, use it every day. However, I'm not so sure about the safety of the "synthetic" fiber supplements. They've become more and more popular only because of the taste or how convenient they are to take.

Kime · 09-22-2004, 05:24 PM

A good way to get fiber and some omega 3 oils at the same time is to grind 1 tablespoon of flax seed in a coffee grinder and mix it with a cup of water and chug it down before it has a chance to jell. This is my favorite fiber "supplement."