Thoughts on Metamucil

Recently I had a terrible problem and had to have a colonoscopy, after which I found that I had something called a Redundant Colon, in other words an extra long colon!!
Which was one of the reasons I was getting so constipated and the specialist suggested I take Metamucil daily. After taking this for a few days I found I was getting regular so have continued to take it with my doctors permission, and he will keep an eye on how I go. I am thrilled that it is working though it did take me a few days to get the correct dose . One teaspoon was not enough and two seemed too much , so I’, now on 1 1/2 and that does seem to work well. Fingers crossed. I have used Actilax for years and though it works well it is more of a purgative so I now only use it when things get too bad. Metamucil seems more gentle.

Quotes from the Metamucil website:

” Q: Is it OK to use Metamucil every day?

We recommend you discuss with your doctor the use of Metamucil as a fibre laxative on a long-term basis.”

” Q: How does Metamucil work as a laxative?

Metamucil contains a bulk-forming fibre without any chemical stimulants. The active ingredient, psyllium, is a harvested grain that absorbs and holds moisture. This causes the psyllium to swell, supplying the necessary bulk to help form an easily eliminated stool. Metamucil will not cause immediate evacuation but generally produces an effect in 12 to 72 hours.”

http://www.metamucil.com.au/benefits_metamucil_faq.php

Just as a sidenote as well to give cause and effect for how “abnormal” (for a lack of a better word) these products really are for healthy people. I administer this to my patients and only people with the correct legal qualification are premitted to do so in my profession/industry. It is written into a drug sheet by a doctor and must be signed for, etc.

Another area of concern and what adds to my interest in this topic is laxative abuse. It’s very common with people suffering from eating disorders. In our society young girls and women and increasingly men are subject to eating disorders more than ever. I’d store this product with medication, out of reach from children. And if you do have children keep a close eye if suddenly your product finishes at a faster pace than usual. And please, do not give these products to young children!

Cornflakegirl, increased fibre can exacerbate or prevent constipation (this depends solely on other important factors). There are many different types of laxative groups, and some act on prevention rather than treatment. Dietary fibre is the gold standard for improving ones fibre consumption. Whilst psyllium husk is natural, it is finely milled producing an end product (powder) so smooth it holds no resemblance to the original material. This is what opens up a world of problems for healthy systems when taken regularly.

I prefer Benefibre, just because it isn’t grainy!

Ive tried Metamucil and Benefibre and found Metamucil to be the more effective of the two but I do agree that Benefibre is more awesome because it tastes like nothing! Even with a diet with a significant amount of fibre I would still use Metamucil as a supplement, extra fibre never did any harm. I think not having enough fibre is more dangerous and you can end up with all sorts of nasties.

Thanks for your input guys!

Saltine – Benefibre and Metamucil are 100% psyllium husks, which are totally natural and are a recommended source of fibre to be included in a healthy diet. There is nothing ‘medicated’ about them.

I’m aware of the components of these products. The percentage of how natural they are means nothing. Natural therapies does not correlate 100% safety. These products act on the body in the way laxatives do, hence it being an alternative/complementary therapy. Just like medication it carries side effects and can interact with drugs so I’d always consult a doctor before starting therapy. This product tends to create a large sense of false security with it’s healthy consumers. All I’m trying to reiterate is that if you have a normal, functioning and healthy system…let it do it’s job, it is a pretty amazing system and it knows what to do. There are different norms of regularity for everybody, however if you have any concerns there is nothing to be embarrassed about in seeing and speaking to your doctor about them. By loading unnecessary medication into a healthy system, it will produce more harm than benefit. Especially so if there is a better way to add fibre to ones diet, namely roughage. All in all, I’m just offering the other side of the coin, which many people are unaware of. Personally, I prefer to make informed choices of anything that goes into or onto my body.

I agree with everyone that Benefibre is better because it’s tasteless and you can mix it into water, whereas Metamucil has these awful tasting flavours and you have to guzzle litres of the stuff.
But I think you should only take it when you really need it, and try to eat fibre rich foods instead because you get other vitamins and minerals from them.
Also, for severe constipation, a glass of prune juice in the morning will clear you right up before lunchtime! Not something to take everyday, but it’s brilliant for occasional stoppages 😉

I have used Metamcil on and off for a couple of years and find it a good compliment to a thorough Detox

Wow, I am the other way to everyone else when it comes between metamucil and benefibre.

I found that each time I had benefiber I ended up with some ‘explosive’ experiences when I went to the toilet, but metamucil was a lot more gentle on my stomach.

I don’t like to take it too often but I take it every so often when I think I need a ‘little help’

I didnt find Metamucil to help me at all, but i found Benefiber to be better, very pleasant to take and very gentle on the stomach.