Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is the best way to get more fiber, but most people don’t get the recommended amount of fiber from their diets. Without fiber, constipation can be a problem. Fiber supplements are safe for daily use and have less harmful side effects than other types of laxatives. Fiber is just one of the best constipation treatments. Be aware that fiber may slow absorption of some medications, so talk to your doctor about taking fiber supplements. It may be necessary to take fiber an hour or two before or after taking medication. Make sure to drink plenty of water with fiber supplements. There are two basic types of fiber. Soluble fiber slows digestion, which helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Insoluble fiber bulks up the stool and helps prevent constipation. Read on to learn about the best fiber supplement products.
Top 5 Fiber Supplement For Constipation:
- Fiber Choice
- Citrucel
- Fiber Con
- Benefiber
- Metamucil
Fiber Choice (Inulin)
Inulin is a considered a prebiotic, meaning it encourages healthy bacteria in your digestive system. Good bacteria can affect everything from your mood to your weight. It is a 100% soluble fiber. You can also learn more about probiotics for constipation that introduce new bacteria to help regulate digestion.
Highlights:
- Feeds healthy bacteria
- May help with weight loss
- Available in a chewable or gummie
Citrucel (Methylcellulose)
Methylcellulose is a 100% soluble fiber that comes from important plant structures know as cellulose. Because it is non-fermentable, it doesn’t cause gas or boating, making it one of the best constipation treatments. It dissolves easily in cold liquid, but not in hot drinks.
Highlights:
- Natural plant fiber
- Less chance of gas and bloating
- Available in a powder
Fiber Con (Polycarbophil)
Polycarbophil fiber supplements, under the brand names Fiber Con, Fibernorm, and Konsyl Fiber, is a bulk-forming insoluble fiber. It could cause some gas and bloating. Although it has a laxative effect, it may also help diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome by creating more formed stools.
Highlights:
- Bulks stool which helps both constipation and diarrhea
- Possible minor gas and bloating
- Available as a powder
Benefiber (Wheat Dextrin)
Wheat dextrin is a tasteless soluble fiber that helps digestion and can help regulate blood sugar. It dissolves in hot or cold water, and can even be used in cooking. Even though it does contain wheat, it does not contain gluten. It is among the best chronic constipation treatments.
Highlights:
- No gritty taste
- Mixes easily in hot or cold liquid
- Available in a powder
Metamucil (Psyllium)
Psyllium contains 70% soluble fiber. Because it contains some insoluble fiber, it easily passes through the digestive system without breaking down too much. It provides the bulk needed to keep you regular and may help ease the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, anal fissures, and Crohn’s disease.
Highlights:
- May improve symptoms of bowel problems, including IBS and Crohn’s disease
- Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber
- Available as powder and capsules
Conclusion
Look for soluble fiber to help with blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight management. Choose insoluble fiber to bulk stools and relieve constipation quickly or stop diarrhea and manage IBS and Crohn’s disease. You should also consider probiotics for constipation to relieve symptoms over time. Generic brands of these different types of fiber supplements are widely available so it’s easy to find the right fiber at a lower price. Remember that different fiber supplements have different directions for use, and too much fiber is likely to cause uncomfortable symptoms. If you experience chronic constipation or other troubling bowel symptoms, it’s important to consult a physician.