Fiber supplements can be tremendously beneficial for IBS sufferers. Although supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel are generally marketed as laxatives, and are very useful for constipation sufferers, they can also be used to combat diarrhea because they add bulk to
diet and can make waste food more solid.These supplements are not really medications – most are simply fiber products with no added drugs or herbs, and so they can be taken long term on a daily basis without worrying about side effects. They’re just equivalent of adding lots of fruit and bran to your diet, but without having to eat daily apples or worry about bloating from bran.
Do check, though, that supplement you choose is just made up of fiber and nothing more, as you will occasionally find one that has added chemical laxatives or other ingredients that can upset your stomach.
It is important to make sure you find fiber supplement that’s right for you, as IBS sufferers often have very sensitive stomachs. Some people find that psyllium fiber in supplements such as Metamucil can irritate their intestines, so if that happens to you try one of methylcellulose products such as Citrucel, or other types of fiber such as acacia fiber.
Another point to be aware of is that some manufacturers use artificial sweeteners in their products, and these can sometimes cause problems for IBS sufferers. There should be a normal, sweetener-free version to choose instead, and amount of sugar in a few spoonfuls should not have a huge impact on any diet you are on.
