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Bound4Oz -> RE: Has any one ever tried fiber choice tablets? (4/17/2006 6:47:58 AM)
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This is the first i've heard of fiber and laxatives being the same. If that's the case, then why don't we hear about laxatives lowering cholesterol, too?
You inspired me to do some searching. This site http://remedyfind.com/rem.asp?ID=16923 pretty much defined Metamucil as a stool softener and Citrucel as a laxative (i've been buying it for my dad...i'll have to turn him onto Benefiber, now), but didn't say the same about all other supplements.
Taken from that article, "Ideally the best source of fiber is natural food. Different types of fibers have different functions in the body so a variety of fiber-rich foods must be consumed to gain optimum benefit from each fiber. But fiber found in natural food does not suit everybody. Such people have to depend on fiber supplements which are not so nutritious. These come in a variety of forms which include dietary tablets, capsules, powders, and stool softeners or laxatives. FiberCon and Citrucel are laxatives used to provide bulk to the stool and are made from the fibers polycarboxisal and hemicellulose respectively. Psyllium mucilloid which comes from the seed of the psyllium plant is used in stool softeners like Per Diem Fiber, Metamucil, and Konsyl. Another way of increasing fiber in the diet is to eat more fresh food as opposed to processed food."
i've taken a number of laxatives and fiber over the years and find them to be slightly different, but both netting the same result: movement of the bowel. my definition of laxatives says they provide immediate relief of constipation (or at least that's what i've used them for) and shouldn't be used long-term. Fiber, on the other hand, should be taken regularly, because it sets up the bowel to operate more regularly, over the long-term (or while the fiber is in the system), which will also eliminate constipation.
my integrative dr. never recommended laxatives, but instead discussed the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber(s), and recommended fiber. in my efforts to find one that worked, i discovered Benefiber. It's made from Guar Gum and is soluble fiber. i use only the powdered form, because i found the chewables were both nasty and constipating. They now make a pill, but i've not tried it. i've also tried Metamucil (psyllium) pills and they constipated me and now i learn they are only stool softeners.
Taking Benefiber everyday has been a godsend and i've recommended to so many people who have been equally pleased with it. From reading the Fiber Choice website, i wouldn't worry about taking it regularly. BTW i drink about 72 oz. of water, eat two huge salads, a serving of cereal, 2 servings of fruit, and a cooked vegetable for dinner (along with dairy, protein, and pasta). i eat little to no processed food and i STILL suffer with irregularity. So, sometimes we need more what a diet alone can provide.
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