Should You Use Metamucil To Lower Ldl Cholesterol
Metamucil is a rich source of psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber which works to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Currently the American Heart Association recommends everyone consume 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber daily. The average American only consumes 15 grams of fiber daily.
Why do most people fall short? Top sources of dietary fiber include legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. How many servings do you eat of these foods daily? If you are like most American’s your intake of processed foods tends to be greater than high fiber food sources.
For a recap of the different types of fiber – soluble and insoluble – refer to the previous post – Dietary Fiber: 4 Tips to Lower Cholesterol with Fiber.
How much soluble fiber?
If you are going to incorporate fiber in your treatment plan to lower LDL cholesterol, you’ll want to aim for 10-25 grams of soluble fiber daily. Keep in mind, your total dietary fiber intake will be higher, right here we are just talking about the soluble fiber portion. If you eat a standard American diet your total soluble fiber intake is probably only 3-4 grams per day. You’ll want to add legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to your daily diet as you work to increase your soluble fiber intake. You may want to use the psyllium husk of Metamucil to supplement your dietary intake. Using the capsules you could add an extra 2-5 grams of soluble fiber to your daily intake.
Will this psyllium husk really help?
Is Metamucil Or Miralax Better For Ibs
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, with its symptoms affecting 10-15% of adult Americans. IBS can present itself in mild, moderate, to severe forms.
Symptoms of IBS range from:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Mucus in stools
- The feeling of incomplete elimination
Some symptoms can occur together depending what type of IBS you have. IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder and can often last years, or a lifetime, however, symptoms can go through periods of dormancy or variation.
Sufferers of IBS look to products that can quickly and effectively alleviate inconvenient symptoms, like constipation or diarrhea. Each individual with IBS is different and may experience different symptoms, and so, unfortunately, there is no end-all formula.
Both Metamucil and Miralax have a laxative effect. Metamucil uses soluble fiber that dissolves to gel in the intestine to bulk up the stool whereas Miralax uses osmosis to hold water in the stool, softening it and making it easier to pass.
For those with the IBS symptom of constipation, Miralax can provide beneficial relief. Miralax, unlike a fiber supplement, does not have the common side effects of bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort, and excess gas. These side effects can occur when taking high doses of fiber, and an IBS sufferer would need a high dose of Metamucil for constipation relief.
Which Is Better For Hemorrhoids Miralax Or Metamucil
It is not recommended to take laxatives when you have hemorrhoids. Miralax, an osmotic laxative, could have the potential of worsening hemorrhoid inflammation. Laxatives can induce diarrhea, which can further inflame these sensitive blood vessels.
Those with hemorrhoids are advised to take a bulk-forming fiber supplement, like HemRid Fiber Gummies or HemRid Fiber Supplement. Or, you can try Metamucil. Both the HemRid Fiber Supplement and Metamucil uses psyllium, a fiber source with proven results in shrinking hemorrhoids are relieving hemorrhoid symptoms.
The HemRid Fiber Gummies use Chicory Root which works great as well.
For external or internal hemorrhoids, doctors will often suggest a fiber intake increase to lessen straining during bowel movements. Additional pressure on the lower rectal area can inflame hemorrhoids, but with fiber supplements, stools become softer and more comfortable to pass.
Metamucil is a wise choice for hemorrhoid relief, especially when taken regularly. An appropriate amount of soluble fiber regulates the colon, and with less straining, hemorrhoids go away more quickly.
When taking Metamucil for hemorrhoids, it is essential to ensure you are also drinking lots of water to help pass the fiber through your digestive tract. Take Metamucil with at least 8 ounces of water for optimal results.
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Getting Your Fiber Fill
But, notes the IFIC, only about 5 percent of Americans actually get enough daily fiber through diet alone.
Enter those psyllium husk powder supplements. Metamucil is one branded version of psyllium husk as an oral powder, according to the brand’s website. You’ve likely heard of Metamucil , and you can easily buy it over the counter.
Depending on your dietary intake, the amount of psyllium husk you need to supplement the fiber you get from foods can range from 10 to 20 grams per day, Diekman says. That’s about 1 to 2 rounded tablespoons of the powder in water.
But don’t overdo it right off the bat. Mayo Clinic cautions that adding too much fiber too fast can trigger some degree of abdominal bloating and gas. So if you do want to up your fiber, doing so gradually is key, as adding fiber slowly allows your gut bacteria to adjust.
The other key, adds Mayo Clinic, is the other magic word: water. Drinking plenty of water is critical because fiber works best when it soaks up water.
Verdict On Claimed Benefits
Below is our summary of the available evidence for the claimed benefits of Metamucil Fiber based on the available research:
- Supports digestive healthGold Star Evidence
- Supports heart health by lowering cholesterolGold Star Evidence
- Supports healthy blood sugar levelsGold Star Evidence
- Supports appetite controlGold Star Evidence
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What Are The Main Differences Between Benefiber And Metamucil
Benefiber is an over-the-counter soluble fiber supplement. The active ingredient in Benefiber is wheat dextrin. Benefiber absorbs water in the intestinal tract. This stimulates peristalsis or the repetitive contraction and relaxation of intestinal muscle. While this process ultimately moves intestinal contents, it slows the transit time through the intestine. Benefiber is available as a powder in packets or bulk packaging as well as oral or chewable tablets. There are sugar-free and gluten-free formulations available as well.
Metamucil is an OTC soluble fiber. Metamucil is made from psyllium husks, which come from seeds of an Indian herb known as Plantago ovata. Metamucil works in the same manner as Benefiber, stimulating peristalsis, and slowing intestinal transit. Metamucil is available as a powder in packets or bulk packaging as well as capsules. Some formulations are also sugar-free and gluten-free.
| Main differences between Benefiber and Metamucil |
|---|
| Benefiber |
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Is Miralax Or Metamucil More Effective For Constipation
While both Metamucil and Miralax are designed to relieve constipation, they are both fundamentally different products. Metamucil is a fiber supplement that utilizes psyllium as its dietary fiber source. Miralax is an osmotic laxative, binding water to the stool for easier passage.
Metamucil, because it is a fiber supplement, has other purposes and health benefits than Miralax. For sufferers of chronic constipation, Metamucil is often the starting point. And if extra fiber doesnt work, then a laxative should come into effect.
Metamucil may not immediately relieve constipation, and in fact, its labeling suggests that for those new to taking Metamucil, to begin with, small doses.
Taking too much Metamucil at once can lead to these side effects:
- Bloating
- Excess gas
- Digestive issues
For immediate alleviation of constipation, take Miralax. Miralaxs singular purpose is constipation relief by binding water to stools. Miralax has hundreds of customer reviews to back its effectiveness in ending constipation while taking this product.
Regardless of which product you take for constipation, make sure that you consult with your doctor beforehand and follow the packaging instructions. Metamucil should be taken an hour before or after other medications. Both products should be consumed with plenty of water.
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The Study Concluded That Only Psyllium Managed To Produce Successful Results In:
- Constipation
- Normalizing stools
- IBS symptoms
Reviews on Amazon all share the satisfaction of Metamucil relieving constipation. Constipation relief is one of the most mentioned comments consumers make in the Amazon reviews. Because Metamucil is a fiber supplement, it is often the starting point that doctors recommend in solving chronic to mild constipation issues.
Conclusively, yes, Metamucil does aid in constipation relief, but it should be combined with a complimentary fibrous diet. If you suffer from chronic constipation issues, consider speaking with your doctor about the inclusion of Metamucil in your routine. Psyllium has many proven benefits aside from constipation relief that should be regarded.
When Did Metamucil Start
Psyllium husk has been used as an excellent fiber source for centuries. However, it wasnt until 1934 when the product began getting marketed by Metamucil, which is now the official name for the psyllium husk and powder.
Today, there are various ways to take Metamucil, as it is offered in Metamucil powder, Metamucil wafers, and even Metamucil capsules.
There are also different versions of Metamucil, including:
- Premium Blend Sugar-Free Orange Powder
- Sugar-Free Orange Smooth Powder
- Avoids constipation
- Improves the digestive system
According to the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Mixed fibre and psyllium were equally efficacious in improving constipationand relieving flatulence and bloating. Plus, the British Journal of Nutrition found that psyllium husk could help reduce blood pressure.
Dietary fiber in general can be beneficial as well. According to the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, dietary fiber may play a beneficial role in inflammation of the bowels, while research in Nutrition Today found that these kind of fiber supplements can help gastrointestinal health.
Finally, fiber can drive metabolic health benefits as well, per the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
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Where To Buy Metamucil
Metamucil is a product that is readily available for purchase. It is available through both in-store and online retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and CVS. However, the products prices vary per retailer.
The average price of Metamucil is about $25 for 180 doses by most online retailers. Smaller versions can be found for about $10 to $20.
What Is Metamucil Psyllium Fiber
Metamucil is a soluble and insoluble fiber supplement made from the psyllium husk of the dried Plantago ovata seed.
Psyllium is generally regarded as safe by the FDA and is used in commercial cereals and as a food thickener in products like ice cream.
Sold in the United States since 1934 as a medicine to help with constipation and mild diarrhea, in recent decades, Metamucil has claimed to support heart health by lowering cholesterol, support healthy blood sugar levels, and support appetite control.
Metamucil comes in several different forms, including sweetened powders that are mixed into water and a capsule form these are the main focus of this article.
Metamucil also has a newer gummy product marketed as a prebiotic supplement made with different ingredients, chicory root and corn fiber, instead of psyllium.
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How Much Metamucil Should I Take To Lower Cholesterol
4.4/5will lowercholesterolMetamucil
Psyllium is the main ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives, such as Metamucil, Fiberall, and others. It can also lower harmful low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 5% to 10%. The amount needed to lower cholesterol is 10 to 20 grams a day.
Furthermore, how much Metamucil should you take daily? Please take Metamucil with at least 240 mL of liquid, as indicated. For Metamucil Fibre Capsules and Capsules Plus Calcium, we recommend taking them 3 times daily with at least 240 mL of liquid, as indicated.
Similarly, which fiber supplement is best for lowering cholesterol?
Psyllium fiber is known to reduce LDL cholesterol. Psyllium is the type of fiber found in Metamucil® or in the generic form of psyllium husk.
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.
When Should I Take Metamucil
To get the cholesterol-lowering benefit, take 1 teaspoon of Sugar-Free Metamucil with a full glass of water no more than 15 to 30 minutes before a meal.
The psyllium needs to be in your GI tract the same time as your meal. Once it reaches your stomach, it starts dissolving into a gel-like substance. It binds with the bile acids that form cholesterol, and in doing so, mops up cholesterol. More cholesterol ends up in your bowel movements, and less ends up being reabsorbed in the blood.
A diet full of whole, naturally-fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes , and whole grains is far more effective than supplements like Metamucil for lowering LDL cholesterol.
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Warnings Of Benefiber And Metamucil
It is important to take Benefiber and Metamucil products with adequate amounts of fluid. Taking fiber therapy without adequate fluid intake can lead to esophageal blockage and choking. Do not take these products if you have difficulty swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
If you experience constipation for more than seven days or if you experience rectal bleeding while taking Benefiber or Metamucil, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Benefiber and Metamucil powders are gluten-free, though some other products made by these brands may not be. Patients with celiac disease should read the label and consult a healthcare professional to ensure the fiber product they have chosen is safe.
Claim : Supports Heart Health By Lowering Cholesterol
In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration reviewed the evidence and approved the health claim that psyllium fiber can lower cholesterol in adequate amounts.
For example, this meta-analysis concluded that 10.2 g of soluble psyllium fiber was successful in reducing low-density lipoprotein .
This study involving 50 children showed a reduction in LDL with the intervention of 6.4 g of soluble fiber.
Because of these dose-specific findings, the FDA requires psyllium supplement dosage must add up to at least 7 g of soluble fiber to meet the health claim.
To reach the 7 g of fiber from this product, a consumer must take 1 rounded teaspoon of the powder 3 times daily with 8 oz of water, or swallow 5 capsules 4 times a day with lots of water.
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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.
Study Of Metamucil On Blood Glucose And Hba1c In Type Ii Niddm Subjects
| The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
| Recruitment Status : Terminated First Posted : April 20, 2012Results First Posted : November 2, 2012Last Update Posted : November 15, 2012 |
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-dose clinical study consisting of 2 phases 1) an 8-week lead-in period during which patients followed a diet judged to be within the acceptable guidelines of the ADA, and 2) a 12-week treatment period, at the beginning of which, Subjects are randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 treatment groups: placebo, 3.4 g psyllium BID for a total of 6.8 g/day or 6.8g psyllium BID for a total of 13.6 g/day . For 12 weeks, Subjects took Metamucil or the fiber-free placebo BID, just prior to breakfast and dinner.
| Dietary Supplement: placeboDietary Supplement: 3.4 g psyllium BIDDietary Supplement: 6.8g psyllium BID | Phase 4 |
| Study Type : | |
| Basic Science | |
| Official Title: | A Clinical Study to Determine the Ability of Metamucil to Reduce Fasting Blood Glucose and HbA1c Levels in Type II NIDDM |
| Study Start Date : |
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Other Causes Of Hemorrhoids Are:
Hemorrhoids can occur from multiple causes, but the most natural solution in reducing inflammation is a higher intake of fiber. Metamucil utilizes fiber from psyllium husk, a soluble type of fiber that soothes issues of constipation, a known aggravator of hemorrhoids.
The symptoms experienced from external and internal hemorrhoids are:
There have been years of research with numerous studies backing the use of psyllium to treat digestive disorders, such as constipation, diarrhea, symptoms of IBS, and hemorrhoids. These plant fibers from which psyllium is derived reduce the frequency of bleeding caused by constipation a factor that upsets inflamed hemorrhoids even further.
For Metamucil to be effective in treating hemorrhoids, you must remember to include it in your diet every day. Keeping regular with your fiber supplement will allow your bowels to keep movements regular, too, and less painful.
Metamucil advises in consuming eight ounces of water alongside your fiber supplement intake. Fiber requires moisture to move it along through the intestines. Staying hydrated can assist in bulking stools with additional moisture for a more comfortable bowel movement.