Fiber supplements

[kabs8]

I am 54 years old, just entering menopause.  This past summer for 3 months, I suffered from constipation.  I took a laxative only when I started to feel sick but that was the only time my bowels moved.  Then after that 3 months, my bowels were either diarrhea or nearly normal.  My gynecologist told me not to take the laxatives and to take a fiber supplement.  I eat a fairly healthy diet including fruits and vegetables.  I had a colonoscopy about 4 years ago which was normal.  My bowels do not move every day either, which is a question my gyne. asked about too.  The only fiber supplements I can find are either chewable tablets or a powder to mix in a drink, both of which I have a severe aversion to.  The only other fibers I find OTC are to be used only when needed.  I understood my gynecologist to mean to take fiber daily.  Is there a supplement in pill form OTC for daily use or is there a prescription I could ask her for?  Thank you.

[Schebby]

Is the "flaxseed meal" you speak of come already ground up? I have read that flaxseed does no good unless it's ground up.

[FurballsMom]

Try flaxseed meal.  There is a brand called Bob's Red Mill that is already ground.  If you live in an area that has a Trader Joe's store, that's a great place to get it.  They sell the product cheaper than anyone else I know of.  Other places will have it, too.  I have seen it at grocery store chains in my own area.  You can also find it at natural food stores or co-ops.  I would try Trader Joes first, though.

The beauty of flaxseed meal is that it is an actual food fiber.  So, you can do what I read one person say she does with it and mix it with water like you would with something like Metamucil and have that twice a day.  Or, you can simply add the flaxseed to whatever you're eating.  I actually like the taste of it, which is sort of a nutty flavor.  It adds the bulk we need, and people even bake with it.  It works great as a thickening agent and binder, too.  This is why my friend adds it to her homemade salad dressings.

The other good thing about the flaxseed meal is that it is less expensive than psyllium fiber, which is the main ingredient in Metamucil.  At Trader Joe's, I can buy the flaxseed meal for under $3.00 and it's enough for me personally to last an entire month.  

I think it's worth giving it a try.  You don't have to worry about restrictions with flaxseed meal, and it's much gentler on the whole digestive tract than psyllium fiber is.  I can't use the psyllium at all myself.  It really aggravated my GERD, and it made my colon cramp and bloat with no effect on the constipation.  When I use the flaxseed meal, I don't get these symptoms with it.  If anything, the flax seems to calm down the colon.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the fiber supplementation, which can help regulate bowel movements.

The colonoscopy would exclude major GI causes of the symptoms, and I would also consider sending the stool off to exclude an infection or malabsorption.

I am not aware of a once daily form of fiber supplementation.  Typically to get an effect it needs to be taken several times per day.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[FurballsMom]

Yes, the one I'm talking about is already ground.  And, you're right, they must be ground up to do any good.  Try using a coffee grinder with the ones you have.  Make sure you brush out all the coffee grounds first, then wipe out the bowl of the coffee grinder well with a slightly damp cloth to get the remainder of the coffee out of the grinder.  Wait for it to dry.  Flaxseed will not negatively affect the flavor of your coffee.  

Then, when it comes time to buy more, just buy the kind that is already ground.  Bob's Red Mill is the only brand I've seen, but it is available at Trader Joe's, if you have a Trader Joe's in your area.  It is also available at natural food stores and in natural food sections of many of the grocery store chains.  If you have a co-op in your area, they should have Bob's Red Mill flaxseed meal available.