Does Benefiber Have Any Side Effects
Benefiber generally does not cause any serious side effects. Taking too many, however, may cause loose stools, flatulence, or abdominal cramps. Some people may be allergic to Benefiber and develop skin rash or hives on consumption.
You should consult a doctor before taking Benefiber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions. Although Benefiber powder is considered gluten-free because it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, people with gluten intolerance must not consume any Benefiber products unless otherwise directed by their doctor.
Are Citrucel And Metamucil The Same
Citrucel and Metamucil are two of the very popular fiber supplements available. Both Citrucel and Metamucil are in the same class of drugs called bulk-forming laxatives. Just like the name implies, they both are consumed and because of their own actions they get into your intestines and attract water.
How Does Metamucil Lower Cholesterol
There are certainly many ways to tackle high cholesterol from eating a healthy diet, exercising, taking statins as prescribed by your doctor and more. However, one of the more interesting ways to help lower your cholesterol is by increasing the amount of fiber in your diet. For many people, Metamucil has become a daily drink to provide plenty of soluble fiber which may actually lower cholesterol significantly in the body.
When taken with or just after meals, it can significantly reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the body and thus allow other treatments or medications to work better.
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Fiber Content Of Common Foods
Breads
- Serving Size: 3 1/2 inches
- Total Fiber : 3
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup cooked
- Total Fiber : 4
How Dietary Fiber Lowers Cholesterol
Dietary fiber is found exclusively in plant foods. It serves as the structural framework in plants and is one of the most abundant compounds in nature. Fiber is the part of the plant that is not broken down in the intestines by human digestive enzymes. Because it is not digested, fiber is not absorbed in the body.
Fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, and legumes are all sources of fiber in the diet. Fiber is beneficial for a number of reasons. It helps improve intestinal health, prevents heart disease and some cancers, reduces blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, and aids in weight control.
Fiber can be either insoluble or soluble, although most fiber-containing foods have both. Insoluble fiber speeds up the movement of food through the intestines and promotes regularity. It is excreted largely intact. Insoluble fiber can be found in whole-grain foods, wheat bran, many vegetables, and fruit with skin. Soluble fiber also called viscous fiber dissolves when mixed with water and becomes a gel-like substance, slowing down the movement of food through the small intestine. Sources of soluble fiber include oats, peas, beans, apples, and citrus fruits one serving of any of these foods provides about one to three grams of soluble fiber.
Another food that has natural cholesterol-lowering properties is fish. Read on to learn why fish and fish oils can be a healthy addition to any diet.
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Psyllium: Because Sometimes You Do Just Need More Fiber
Psyllium is the active ingredient in all Metamucil products. The name, in fact, comes from the mucilaginous property of psyllium, the slimy soluble fiber effect youll also find in soaked flaxseeds, chia seeds, aloe, slippery elm and Sea moss.
The key to resolving constipation through fiber intake is taking in the actual fiber. And it works.
Psyllium is one of the most health supportive and powerful fibre supplements. It is like the great grand-daddy of the fibre world. Yes, it can be gag-inducingly awful to get down, but it is worth it.
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Does Benefiber Help Lower Cholesterol
4.4/5reduce LDL cholesterolBenefiberdodohelplower LDL cholesterol
In addition to treating constipation, Metamucil may also help lower your cholesterol levels, and may improve your blood sugar control if you have type 2 diabetes. Benefiber, on the other hand, is not approved for these uses. Fiber can also your appetite by making you feel fuller for a longer time.
One may also ask, what is the best natural cholesterol lowering supplement? Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Artichoke leaf extract.
- Fenugreek.
- Fiber.
- The bottom line: A diet high in soluble fiber can lower your LDL. The effect is likely to be relatively modest, however, and loading up on soluble fiber may be impractical. Fish oil.
- Garlic.
- Niacin.
Thereof, does Metamucil help lower cholesterol?
Yes. But before we go any further, it’s important to understand what Metamucil is. Metamucil contains powdered psyllium husks, a rich source of soluble fiber. Studies have shown that psyllium can lower both total and LDL cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Does insoluble fiber help lower cholesterol?
Types of FiberHowever, it appears to only lower your badcholesterol your goodcholesterol and triglycerides are only minimally affected by soluble fiber. 3? Additionally, insoluble fiber does not appear to affect cholesterol levels, but it is important in maintaining a healthy colon.
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How Does Benefiber Help Constipation
It should be noted that the chewable Benefiber products contain artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, which can cause gut problems in some people. Benefiber can help to treat both diarrhea and constipation, adding bulk to the stool for diarrhea sufferers and making stools softer for constipation sufferers.
Do All Fiber Supplements Lower Cholesterol Levels
Fiber is an important part of any healthy diet. Although fiber is mostly known for improving digestive health, studies have also shown that certain types of fiber can also help lower your cholesterol levels. This can include common brand name fiber supplements like Metamucil and Citrucel.
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Details On Benefiber And Weight Loss
What is Benefiber in connection to weight loss? If you want to lose some weight, you should burn more calories than you consume.
Incorporating more fiber in your diet goes a long way in helping you achieve your weight loss goals. Fiber helps you stay full without the need to consume extra calories.
For instance, consuming baked sweet potatoes complete with the skin makes you fuller for longer than eating potato chips. Again, the former gives you fewer calories compared to the latter.
Fiber prompts you to drink lots of water to transport it through the digestive system. The water helps you stay full and prevents you from snacking on unhealthy foods.
One of the Benefiber benefits you can get from Benefiber packets is that they help you to achieve your daily recommendation of fiber.
How Much Is Too Much Saturated Fats
Most foods you choose should contain no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per serving. To help lower your LDL cholesterol, no more than 5 to 6 percent of your daily calorie intake should come from saturated fats. Use the list below to figure out the maximum amount of saturated fat you can have each day.
- Daily Calories:1,200
- Daily Saturated Fat Limit : 7-8g
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Consuming Good Carbs Means More Daily Fiber
Unfortunately, most of us are consuming fewer than 20 grams of fiber per day. I know many people who shy away from the carbs in whole grains, beans, and fruit, thus missing out on all that healthy fiber. But heres the deal: theres good carbs and bad carbs, and whole grains, beans, and vegetables are all good, folks. Its the quality of the carb that counts. Worried about gassy effects? In the short term, start low and use simethicone as needed. Your body will become accustomed over time, and the effects will diminish.
How Does Benefiber Powder Work
Wheat dextrin, which is the active ingredient in Benefiber Powder, absorbs water as it makes its way through the digestive tract. The water it creates allows stool to become softer and larger. Once bulk stool increases, it allows the intestines to contract and signals its exit from the body. Regular intake of Benefiber Powder means regular bowel movements.
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Where To Buy Benefiber
Are you looking for Benefiber reviews? Head on to Benefiber Walmart. Here you will be able to peruse through various products from Benefiber and read each review.
A variety of Benefiber products are available in Walmart retail locations, including Benefiber Healthy Shape.
Also, there are various other online sources such as Amazon and the Benefiber website that sell Benefiber products.
Benefiber Vs Metamucil For Constipation
Wheat dextrin, used by Benefiber, and psyllium husk, used by Metamucil, may both be soluble fiber but their differences are worlds apart. Wheat dextrin and psyllium husk have contrasting properties that produce different effects concerning constipation, diarrhea, weight management, IBS symptoms, and cholesterol levels.
A study conducted in 2015 produced results showing that psyllium taken as a fiber supplement has proven results of relieving symptoms of constipation and diarrhea, and helps normalize bowel movements for IBS sufferers.
Psyllium fiber is described as a soluble fiber with a high water-holding capacity, is also gel-forming and contains a high level of viscosity. All of these elemental properties allow for psyllium to act both as a stool softener and a laxative, both attributes that can immensely relieve constipation.
Alternatively, wheat dextrin does not have the same laxative properties and at specific doses, can even have constipating effects. This is because wheat dextrin fails to hold water and is not as viscous as psyllium soluble fiber.
Because of these results, Metamucil and its use of psyllium as apart of its supplement formula are more effective for the condition of constipation.
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Whats The Difference Between Benefiber And Benefiber Healthy Shape
However, some people did say that there was no difference between the healthy shape and the regular benefiber. I checked out both and the only difference I see is that the regular benefiber is only 3g of fiber with recommendations of 3 times a day, while the healthy shape is 5g of fiber and use twice a day.
Can Fiber Improve Kidney Function
For most people with kidney disease, fiber doesnt come to mind when thinking of improving their kidney health. However, lots of research has been published showing how fiber, a natural substance in plants, can give the kidneys an extra boost and improve kidney function.
Two studies published in the Kidney International Journal showed that a high dietary fiber intake is associated with lower risk of inflammation and mortality in kidney disease. Dietary fiber also has the ability to reduce inflammation and all cause mortality in chronic kidney disease.
Another recent study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition in May 2013 conclude that increasing fiber intake in CKD patients through the consumption of foods with added fiber can reduce serum creatinine levels and improve eGFR.
These two studies show that adequate fiber intake is crucial to helping your kidney disease. By reducing inflammation in the kidney, in turn the kidney can function better.
This is amazing news for anyone with kidney disease. By just adding fiber in your diet through the foods you eat, and any supplements can positively improve your kidney function.
What is Fiber
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cant breakdown and digest, and passes through the body undigested. Fiber has many health benefits from regulating the bodys use of sugars and lowering cholesterol to keeping blood sugar in check and helping the kidneys to function better.
Fiber Rich Foods That Are Safe For Kidney Disease:
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Does Fiber Help You Lose Belly Fat
Eating more soluble fiber can also help you lose belly fat and prevent belly fat gain. One study linked a 10-gram increase in daily soluble fiber intake to a 3.7% lower risk of gaining belly fat . Several other studies also show that people who eat more soluble fiber have a lower risk of belly fat .
Remedy For Regularity High Cholesterol
What is your opinion of Benefiber for regularity, irritable bowel syndrome and to lower cholesterol?
Andrew Weil, M.D. | March 2, 2009
Benefiber is a preparation of guar gum made by the Novartis Pharmaceutical Company, available as a powder, caplets, and chewable tablets. Adding fiber to the diet is helpful for improving regularity and alleviating symptoms of IBS. Soluble fiber, as in guar gum, can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. However, the Benefiber products contain additives, including artificial colors, that are not desirable in any amount in dietary supplements.
If you feel youre not getting enough fiber in your diet, increase the amount by eating plenty of vegetables, wheat bran, wholegrain breads and cereals and fruit. If you cant get enough fiber from your meals, consider powdered psyllium, available at health food stores, as a quality source of supplemental fiber. Start with one rounded tablespoon of the powder stirred well into a glass of water or diluted juice. Drink it down and follow with another full glass of water. Be sure youre drinking plenty of water throughout the day, getting daily exercise, and avoiding caffeine and tobacco.
The bowel regulator I most frequently recommend is triphala, a mixture of three fruits from the Indian ayurvedic tradition. It is available in capsule form at health food stores. Follow the dosage directions on the label. You can take triphala regularly its benefits accumulate the longer you stay on it.
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What Are The Types Of Fiber
Dietary fiber is a good carbohydrate, also known as roughage, found in plant foods . There are two kinds, soluble or insoluble, and both are really good for us. Soluble fiber becomes a thick gel in our intestines, which slows digestion and traps fats so they cant all be absorbed . Sources of soluble fiber include oatmeal, beans, lentils, and many fruits. Insoluble fiber helps keep our stools soft and regular, always a good thing! Sources of insoluble fiber include whole grains, beans, lentils, and most vegetables. Both soluble and insoluble fiber make us feel full, which helps us to eat less.
Side Effects Of Psyllium Fiber
Some people experience gas, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation when taking psyllium fiber supplements, according to MedlinePlus. The supplement also may cause headaches, coughing, runny nose, and sinus problems. To prevent side effects, start with a low dose and gradually increase it if necessary. Itâs also important when taking any fiber supplement, to increase your fluids, and drink plenty of water each day.
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Which Is Better For Ibs Benefiber Or Metamucil
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, and its milder form affects nearly 40% of people, and worldwide, IBS impacts 10-15% of the international population.
The tricky aspect of having IBS is that each individual is different. Some people may respond better to one fiber supplement or dietary change than others.
IBS is a long-term disorder involving gastrointestinal disturbances in the intestines and bowel functions, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Other changes in bowel habits
According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders , fiber supplements derived from psyllium aid in specific IBS symptoms like diarrhea, incomplete evacuation, upper and lower abdominal pain, and constipation. Metamucils dietary fiber is extracted from psyllium and can help with these symptoms.
IFFGD does not list wheat dextrin in its chart as one of the fiber supplements that target IBS symptoms. Wheat dextrin is the fiber that Benefiber utilizes in its formula. In fact, other than online forums for IBS sufferers, there is not a lot of evidence to support wheat dextrins effectiveness in treating IBS symptoms.
Improving Longterm Glycemic Control In Metabolic Syndrome And Type 2 Diabetes
The glycemic effects over time for a 6month study in patients with metabolic syndrome. The controlled diet alone failed to show a sustained effect versus baseline. The addition of psyllium to the controlled diet showed improvement in glycemic measures throughout the 6month study.
The effects of a gelforming fiber are proportional to baseline glycemic control: no effect in euglycemia a modest effect in prediabetes , and the greatest effect in patients with type 2 diabetes . A recent metaanalysis showed that psyllium significantly improved fasting blood glucose concentration and HbA1c in patients being treated for type 2 diabetes . Nonviscous soluble fiber , viscous nongelforming fiber , and insoluble fiber do not provide this geldependent improvement in glycemic control .
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The Proper Dosage Of Metamucil
Metamucil comes in a powdered form that mixes with water, juice, tea, smoothies and any type of liquid that is to be consumed. You can also take capsules if you dont want to mix it in water or eat the wafers which provide all the psyllium that is needed. It is important that you drink a full glass of water no matter what form you take the Metamucil so that you are fully hydrated throughout the day. To take it with meals means that you can keep the dosage to its proper amount and spread throughout the day as well.
Three servings are recommended which breaks down into one tablespoon or two wafers or two capsules at each meal. You can even take capsules that have calcium which means up to five capsules a day. A single dose of Metamucil is about 3 grams of fiber and it is recommended that you take about 7 grams of fiber each day to reduce your high cholesterol.
However, it is important that you start slowly on your intake of Metamucil because the body is not ready for an increase of up to 7 grams per day of soluble fiber, so youll want to start slowly and work your way up to avoid any unwanted side effects. If you take too much soluble fiber, you may suffer from feeling bloated, backed up, gassy or even have diarrhea.