There Are Many Dietary
Fiber Supplements
To Choose From
You see commercials for dietary fiber supplements everywhere – on the television, in magazines, and even on the carts at the grocery store! However, there are so many types that you may be confused if one is right for you.
Here are some examples of the types of fiber supplements you might find:
1 Psyllium – this dietary fiber does contain calories and can be digested. This form of fiber may reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and absorb water. A side effect of this supplement is flatulence.
2 Methylcellulose – this dietary fiber is plant based, as it is made from the cell walls of plants, does not have calories humans can use and is not digestible. It will not cause gas.
3 Polycarbophil – this dietary fiber is similar to methylcellulose, as it is plant based. This form
of fiber normally causes even less bloating and gas.
3 Pectins
3 Vegetable Gums
How you choose your dietary
fiber supplement is up to you
Talking to a doctor and asking which type (or specific brand name) you should try is the safest course. However, if you are looking to start taking a form of fiber on your own, make sure to read the label carefully. Some manufacturers have better products, as they actually contain, more of the fiber that you are buying the supplement for. Other brands and or
manufacturers may include sugars and other ingredients which may lead to more side effects.
Most dietary fiber supplements come in various forms. There are the caplets, which are similar in size to a regular vitamin. There are chewable forms, which are normally slightly larger than the caplets. The chewable forms of dietary fiber supplements can have sugar in them, so watch the label if you specifically want “sugar-free”. They come in a wide variety of flavors like orange, green apple, grape, strawberry and others. There are also fiber supplements in powder form, which can be mixed in liquids or sprinkled on foods. The powdered forms can also come in flavors.
There are many reasons to
use dietary fiber supplements.
Some of those reasons are:
1 There are some that say fiber can reduce the risk for some types of cancer, like colon cancer.
2 Fiber has been shown to reduce cholesterol.
3 Diets high in fiber have been reported to provide some protection against heart disease.
4 It will also lower blood sugar levels and some researchers have found that it decreases a person’s need for insulin, both of which are good news for diabetics.
5 Fiber is known to fill the stomach and reduce appetite. It could be affective in weight loss plans due to that filling property.
6 Fiber can soften stools, so it may be effective in treating constipation.
In order for dietary fiber supplements to work effectively, you need to remember to drink plenty of water daily. If you do not, it may absorb too much water and cause
constipation instead of treating it.
Dietary fiber supplements can affect other medications, so if you are on other drugs be sure to speak to your doctor before taking them. However, for most, the benefits of dietary fiber supplements are well worth the time set aside for taking them.
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