Fiber laxatives are not all they are cracked up to be
Fiber laxatives are not all they are cracked up to be
If you find yourself feeling a little sluggish, and irregular you may decide to take a laxative to move things along. Adding soluble fiber adds extra water into your GI system and makes it easier to go. Metamucil and MiraLAX and other over the counter fiber supplements are generally considered the safest type of laxative to use. Taking fiber supplements to temporarily relieve irregularity can be helpful in the short term may be helpful. But long term use can lead to more severe problems. All Medications including Supplemental fiber laxatives have side effects. Here are effects you should consider before taking extra fiber.
If you find yourself feeling a little sluggish, and irregular you may decide to take a laxative to move things along. Adding soluble fiber adds extra water into your GI system and makes it easier to go. Metamucil and MiraLAX and other over the counter fiber supplements are generally considered the safest type of laxative to use. Taking fiber supplements to temporarily relieve irregularity can be helpful in the short term may be helpful. But long term use can lead to more severe problems. All Medications including Supplemental fiber laxatives have side effects. Here are effects you should consider before taking extra fiber.
Side Effects from Supplemental Fiber Laxatives
Side Effects from Supplemental Fiber Laxatives
- Nausea or vomiting
Nausea is a common complaint when taking supplemental fiber. While this symptom is usually mild, it take a toll over time. Taking medication at night can help. Avoid long term use which can have cumulative effects of nausea over time.
- Gas
Feeling Gassy can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. This symptom is more commonly reported with supplements that include insoluble fiber. So changing the brand you use can help somewhat. But all supplemental fiber can cause gas. Having a heathy pelvic floor can help to control gas and reduce your chances of embarrassment.
- Nausea or vomiting
Nausea is a common complaint when taking supplemental fiber. While this symptom is usually mild, it take a toll over time. Taking medication at night can help. Avoid long term use which can have cumulative effects of nausea over time.
- Gas
Feeling Gassy can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. This symptom is more commonly reported with supplements that include insoluble fiber. So changing the brand you use can help somewhat. But all supplemental fiber can cause gas. Having a heathy pelvic floor can help to control gas and reduce your chances of embarrassment.
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Instructions for Bowel Massage
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Instructions for Bowel Massage
- Abdominal cramping and bloating
Abdominal cramping and bloating are also common side effects of fiber use. This can occur with feeling gassy. Bloating can be minimized by drinking plenty of water when the fiber is taken. Probiotics and a focus on healthy gut can also improve management of gas and bloat.
- Diarrhea
Fiber supplements are intended to soften hard stools. In some cases, the softer liquid stool will pass around the blockage even when the constipation is not fully relieved. Passing any stool when constipated is a good sign. But if you have diarrhea, you should stop taking fiber, and make sure to drink plenty of water. And take other measures to help your stool pass such as bowel massage or mild stretching and exercise.
- Abdominal cramping and bloating
Abdominal cramping and bloating are also common side effects of fiber use. This can occur with feeling gassy. Bloating can be minimized by drinking plenty of water when the fiber is taken. Probiotics and a focus on healthy gut can also improve management of gas and bloat.
- Diarrhea
Fiber supplements are intended to soften hard stools. In some cases, the softer liquid stool will pass around the blockage even when the constipation is not fully relieved. Passing any stool when constipated is a good sign. But if you have diarrhea, you should stop taking fiber, and make sure to drink plenty of water. And take other measures to help your stool pass such as bowel massage or mild stretching and exercise.
Some side effects are more serious
Some side effects are more serious
- Bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction (blockage) is a serious side effect that can occur with fiber supplements. This is especially true if you don’t follow proper instructions while using it. These medications needs water to work, so not drinking enough water with your dose can lead to a blockage. Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If this happens, a healthcare provider should be contacted immediately.
- Bleeding
In some cases, laxatives have been inappropriately used long term to keep stools especially soft for fear of constipation. If supplemental fiber has been used for an extended period of time, the mucosal lining may be at risk. Very wet stool will continuously wash away the protective mucus coating in the colon and rectum, leaving the delicate tissue vulnerable to abrasion and irritation from passing food. Irritation is evident when tinges of blood are evident during wiping. A sign of GI tract inflammation.
- Bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction (blockage) is a serious side effect that can occur with fiber supplements. This is especially true if you don’t follow proper instructions while using it. These medications needs water to work, so not drinking enough water with your dose can lead to a blockage. Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If this happens, a healthcare provider should be contacted immediately.
- Bleeding
In some cases, laxatives have been inappropriately used long term to keep stools especially soft for fear of constipation. If supplemental fiber has been used for an extended period of time, the mucosal lining may be at risk. Very wet stool will continuously wash away the protective mucus coating in the colon and rectum, leaving the delicate tissue vulnerable to abrasion and irritation from passing food. Irritation is evident when tinges of blood are evident during wiping. A sign of GI tract inflammation.
- Dependence
Laxatives are used to reduce constipation and improve stool consistency for easier bowel movements. This is a great short term solution to manage constipation and hard stools. But relief using laxatives alone can lead to a reliance on laxative use to feel good, and have continued regularity. If you have been taking supplemental laxatives to manage your constipation for more than 8 weeks, you should consider speaking with. Pelvic floor therapist in your area to discuss a plan for stopping this medication. Managing your bowel health without supplemental fiber will give you more freedom, less nausea, and reduce bleeding and risk of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
- Dependence
Laxatives are used to reduce constipation and improve stool consistency for easier bowel movements. This is a great short term solution to manage constipation and hard stools. But relief using laxatives alone can lead to a reliance on laxative use to feel good, and have continued regularity. If you have been taking supplemental laxatives to manage your constipation for more than 8 weeks, you should consider speaking with. Pelvic floor therapist in your area to discuss a plan for stopping this medication. Managing your bowel health without supplemental fiber will give you more freedom, less nausea, and reduce bleeding and risk of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
So while fiber laxatives can be helpful if you have occasional irregularity, consistent use of supplemental over the counter fiber can put you at risk for other problems. Managing your bowels with hydration, nutrition, good bowel habits, and healthy lifestyle will help you life your best life.
For more information on managing constipation Check out:
So while fiber laxatives can be helpful if you have occasional irregularity, consistent use of supplemental over the counter fiber can put you at risk for other problems. Managing your bowels with hydration, nutrition, good bowel habits, and healthy lifestyle will help you life your best life.
For more information on managing constipation Check Out:
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