OT- Probably the most TMI question ever...

[SDSorority]

Hi everybody! What are some budget ways that you keep your digestive system happy? I have heard of psyllium husks (sp?), and they seem to be pretty cheap I think?? Does anyone use these? I'm freaked out about getting TOO much fiber..... .... and I know that there are different types that we all need to keep our system running like a well-oiled machine...

Any advice would be great, tips, recipes, thoughts, ANYTHING would be GREAT!!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

My family takes Fiberchoice chewables. It is very gentle, I even give it to my kids. My youngest two take a half of one, my middle two take one and my oldest takes two. It works really well for keeping them regular, but not running to the bathroom every 5 minutes, kwim? They generally are about $14.99, but I have seen them for $11.99 and sometimes you can print $3 coupons from their website.

 

[apnep]

I use flaxseed and oatmeal in my protien shakes and just try to make sure we eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Anything that helps things move along like apples, carrots, apricots (i got some fresh and locally grown this week), nectarines, catelope...things like that. We used to eat a ton of cereal, but have recently seemed to lost interest in it. We love Mini-wheats. Other than that, lots of water!

Ang

 

[cassandrap83]

Your best bet is to avoid processed foods & opt for whole grains, fruits, & vegetables. Your body will work properly if you feed it properly. If you need help getting started, PM me. Our family recently switched to eating whole food & we are all feeling much better.

 

[branv]

Your best bet is to avoid processed foods & opt for whole grains, fruits, & vegetables.

ITA. I've noticed that when I binge on something highly processed, I just don't feel right. Now I'm not saying I eat healthy the way I should, but just little changes make a big difference -- brown rice or bulgur instead of white rice, more veggies with meals, fruit with sandwiches instead of chips, etc. Remember that the recommended serving size of meat per meal is like 4 oz (though we usually have closer to 5 oz, or 6 oz with fish). So try to cut your meat intake down to that size, while filling the space left on your plate with the healthier stuff

Also, be aware that starting out raw veggies may be harsh on your system (and bad for your social life ). So don't over do it. Do a mix of raw and steamed/stir-fried.

Another suggestion is to start eating more yogurt. Please don't fall for those super processed yogurts, or the ones with "added fiber" (i.e. steer clear of Yoplait, Dannon, etc). They are full of all kinds of junk. Go for either plain yogurt or if that's too harsh for you, vanilla yogurt with natural sweeteners (Stoneybrook, Cascade, Brown Cow). It is VERY good for the digestive system. Add your own sweeteners with fresh fruit, which gives you some natural, real fiber, or a touch of natural jams (I know someone who loved to add a smidge of lemon curd).

And I have doubts on the benefits of the fiber powders, but for just that little touch of something extra, Benefiber is absolutely tasteless and textureless. Though, I actually have a fondness for their packets of Kiwi-Strawberry drink mix. Yummmmm....

 

[SDSorority]

WOW thank you everybody! I think I'm going to try to find a good probiotic and incorporate more flax and water. That should help us!!!