can we talk *fiber* meds -- on a budget?

[rszdtrvl]

I use benefiber.

It is taste free, and a huge bottle is $10 at Walmart.

2 tsp, 2x/day.

Every couple of years I go through a horrible bout of constipation. Maybe too much TMI?? I just had the issue last month, so it is still fresh in my head.

I end up taking Miralax for 4 days and totally increasing my fiber (as per my doctors instructions, years ago) and drinking tons of water.

She recommended Benefiber, but I buy the Walmart brand. Works just as good. Oh, and limit your caffeine.

 

[ajh88]

Everyone has had really great ideas and advice. Personally, I have a Fiber One bar each morning for breakfast. Love them! I always tell people that increasing fiber intake is a lifestyle change and one that is for prevention. If you are having an acute issue, you can certainly use a laxative or you may consider adding a stool softener (docusate) to your regimen (along with plenty of water).

As a PP said, don't just start with a ton of fiber right away - gradually increase your intake over several weeks. I've never been clear on whether or not this counts for fiber from foods, but I know it applies to supplements. You also need to take the supplements with plenty of water (sensing a theme?).

I'd also recommend just reading the labels on the foods you may already eat - or next time you're ready to purchase an item, check out the fiber in various brands before you buy. Obviously fruits and veggies have others have mentioned....but check out your bread. I think Fiber One even makes bread now (never tried it personally though). I started taking my sandwiches for lunch on the wheat sandwich flats from Pepperidge Farms - loaded with fiber (more than 2 slices of bread) and whole grain.

I also enjoy beans...if you like legumes, you can add quite a variety to your diet without getting bored. If you eat pasta, look at switching to the whole grain or other varieties - a lot of them will even state their fiber content on the front, but you can always check the label.

In a lot of cases, for me, it was simply switching to slightly different brands of things we already ate. Good luck!

 

[C.Ann]

Any of the fiber "medications" always caused terrible bloating for me - painful enough that it hurt to even have my clothes touch my body.. I ditched them and went with high fiber cereals - a bowl just before bed at night.. Works very, very well..

If for some reason there's still an occasional problem, a small glass of ice cold prune juice just before bed works well too.. (When it's really ice cold, you don't get much of the taste - if it happens to be a taste you don't care for..)

There are also yogurts now that contain fiber, but for a long time I had good results with just the regular Activia - then for some reason, it just stopped working.. (May have been due to other medical issues I was having though..)

I would try the cereals first - your least expensive option - and personally, I think they work much, much better if you eat it a half-hour or so before going to bed at night..

Oh - and don't forget bran muffins!! Lots of great recipes out there for some really, really yummy ones.. Bake up a huge batch and stick them in the freezer..

Hope one or more of these options work for you - it's no "fun" when those issues begin to cause problems..