How To Take Metamucil For Constipation

What Dosage Should I Take

In general, each 2 grams of soluble fiber added to a diet will lower LDL cholesterol by about 1%, or maybe a bit more.

In the above meta-analysis, the dosage used to achieve the 7% drop in LDL was 10.2 grams of psyllium daily, which is the equivalent of about 3 teaspoons daily of Sugar-Free Metamucil.

The dosage in the Veterans Affairs study was the same 10.2 grams daily.

If youre purchasing fiber supplement brands other than Metamucil, make sure theyre psyllium-based, not cellulose-based.

Changes In Your Routine

A change in your schedule could mean that you temporarily switch to a different diet. Like if you need to travel for work, you may not be able to cook the food you normally eat. This could potentially mean consuming foods with less fiber, and consequently, less regular bowel movements. Or you may have to decrease your physical activity, which could result in fewer bowel movements.

How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me

Psyllium fibre belongs to two groups of medications: bulk-forming laxatives and cholesterol-lowering medications. It is used to treat constipation, as well as mild to moderately high cholesterol . It can also be used as a fibre supplement.

For the treatment of constipation, psyllium fibre works by absorbing water from the intestines to produce larger, softer stools. It usually works within 12 hours to 72 hours.

For the treatment of mild to moderately high cholesterol, it works by increasing bile acid loss from the body by trapping bile acids in the small intestine. This causes more bile to be produced. Since cholesterol is used in the production of bile acids, cholesterol levels in the blood are reduced when more bile acid is made.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it or if their pharmacist has not recommended it.

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What Is My Poop Trying To Tell Me Breaking Down The Bristol Stool Form Scale

The appearance, shape, and color of your poop can tell you about whatâs going on in your gut. If you notice that your poop looks different than it normally does, this can signal infection or other issues within your digestive system. If you have any concerns with your bowel movements, talk to your healthcare provider. The Bristol Stool Form Scale , also known as Meyerâs scale, describes the different types of poop. The BSFS classifies poop into seven types based on its size and texture. The categories form a trail from the hardest type of poop to the softest .

Note that normal bowel movements fall under types 3, 4, and 5. If you have types 1 or 2, you are probably constipated. If you have types 6, and 7, you may be experiencing a form of diarrhea. Color is also important in determining the type of poop you produce. A healthy stool is usually brownish. Talk to your healthcare provider if youâre concerned about the color of your stool or if you notice an unexplained change in color.

As for bowel movement frequency, remember that pooping regularly can mean anything from three bowel movements a day to three per week according to experts. If the frequency of your bowel movements is more than three times per day or less than three times per week, talk to your healthcare provider. If your bowel movement frequency drastically changes that is another time you should talk to your healthcare provider.

What Are The Side Effects Of Psyllium

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using psyllium and call your doctor at once if you have:

• constipation that lasts longer than 7 days
• rectal bleeding or

Common side effects may include:

• minor change in your bowel habits.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Hormonal Changes In Women

Many women experience a change in how often they poop or consistency around their monthly period, during pregnancy, or around menopause. The common denominator here is hormonal changes. Estrogen is a hormone that can fluctuate in women. Estrogen is responsible for keeping cortisol levels low. Whenever estrogen drops, cortisol also drops, and this may slow down the digestive system, resulting in constipation.

Add Fiber To Your Regular Diet

You may already know that people who become constipated need more fiber in their diet, routinely. However, if you are already constipated, eating fiber is not the solution.

“If you’re constipated, you’ve got about 4 feet of solid stool in your colon,” said Dr. Raymond. “Stuffing fiber in the top end is not going to help.” Fiber helps regulate bowel movements by absorbing extra water and helping to form bulky stool, which is easier to pass. However, if your stool is not moving, consuming fiber can backfire and make constipation worse.

So you should increase fiber intake after you’ve addressed your initial constipation with a laxative. Then, start taking a daily fiber supplement, like Metamucil or Citrucel .

Getting more fiber in your everyday diet is easy to do. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help keep your bowel movements more regular. “If you’re eating things that are low in fiber and high in fat, then perhaps you need to be eating better,” said Dr. Raymond.

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Getting The Most From Your Treatment

• Sometimes it may take a few days before you feel the full benefit from a bulk-forming laxative such as psyllium husk. However, if after several days you do not feel that your symptoms are improving, or if they get any worse, you should speak with your physician.
• It is important to drink plenty while you are taking psyllium husk. Adults should aim to drink at least two liters of fluid per day. Most sorts of drink will do, but as a start, try just drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink.
• Try to eat a balanced diet containing high-fiber foods such as wholemeal and wholegrain breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. If you are not used to a high-fiber diet, it may be best to increase the amount of fiber you eat gradually.
• Keeping your body active will help you to keep your digestive system moving, so try to take some regular daily exercise.
• You may wish to include some foods that contain sorbitol in your diet. Sorbitol is a naturally occurring sugar. It is not digested very well and draws water into your bowel, which has an effect of softening stools. Fruits that have a high sorbitol content include apples, apricots, grapes , peaches, pears, plums, raspberries and strawberries.

How Should I Take Metamucil

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Metamucil can swell in your throat and cause choking if you don’t take it with enough liquid. Drink plenty of fluids each day to help improve bowel regularity.

Take Metamucil with a full glass of water or other liquid.

Swallow Metamucil capsules one at a time.

Metamucil powder must be mixed with liquid before you take it. Do not swallow the dry powder. Mix with at least 8 ounces of liquid such as water or fruit juice. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Metamucil usually produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours.

Metamucil may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

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What Is Occasional Constipation

Do you find yourself having a hard time going #2 from time to time? If youâre having less than three bowel movements per week, hard stools that are difficult to pass, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation, you may be experiencing occasional constipation. Itâs more common than you think. It affects up to 16% of U.S. adults in general and 33% of U.S. adults older than 60 years.1

Youâve probably heard that consuming more fiber can improve your regularity and help with occasional constipation. And thereâs some truth to this. However, not all types of fiber benefit regularity or help with occasional constipation.*2

What Are Some Other Side Effects Of Metamucil

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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Metamucil May Improve Cholesterol

The Metamucil label says that it can improve peoples cholesterol levels and help them maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This is because it contains psyllium.

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition tested the effects of Metamucil on 72 people who were overweight or obese. They found that adding this fiber supplement improved cholesterol and insulin levels.

The researchers recommend eating a healthful, fiber-rich diet in addition to taking fiber supplements. It is unclear whether Benefiber would have similar effects.

What Form Does This Medication Come In

Metamucil Original Texture, unflavoured powder Each g of powder contains psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid 0.5 g. Nonmedicinal ingredient: sucrose.

Metamucil Smooth Texture, orange-flavoured powder Each g of powder contains psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid 0.3 g. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, orange flavour, sucrose, and Sunset Yellow FCF.

Metamucil Smooth Texture, orange-flavoured, sugar-free Each g of powder contains psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid 0.6 g. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acesulfame potassium, allura red AC, aspartame, citric acid, FD& C Blue No. 1, maltodextrin, orange flavour, Sunset Yellow FCF, and berry flavour blend.

Metamucil Smooth Texture, berry burst flavour, sugar-free Each g of powder contains psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid 0.6 g. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, citric acid, malic acid, maltodextrin, FD& C Red No. 40, FD& C Blue No. 1, and natural and artificial flavour.

Metamucil Smooth Texture, unflavoured, sugar-free Each g of powder contains psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid 0.6 g. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid and maltodextrin.

Metamucil Smooth Texture pink lemonade flavour, sugar-free Each g of powder contains psyllium husk 0.6 g. Nonmedicinal ingredients:acesulfame potassium, aspartame, citric acid, FD& C Red No. 40, maltodextrin, and natural lemon flavour.

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Dont Ignore The Urge To Go

Many people feel embarrassed to go to the bathroom at someoneâs house or in public. However, itâs important to go to the bathroom as soon as your body tells you it needs to. Frequently postponing bathroom trips can lead to constipation, making it harder to go later on. That is because frequently ignoring the urge can make it harder for your body to recognize the signs that you need to go.

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Psyllium

You should not take psyllium if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
• trouble swallowing or
• a sudden change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.

This medicine may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, phenylketonuria , or if you are on a low-salt diet.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Do not give psyllium to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

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What Are Some Things I Need To Know Or Do While I Take Metamucil

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Metamucil . This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Try to space other drugs from this one by 2 hours. This medicine stops many drugs from getting into the body.
• Do not use Metamucil for more than 1 week unless told to do so by your doctor.
• If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using Metamucil , talk with your doctor.
• Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
• If you do not take Metamucil with lots of liquid, it may swell and block your throat or swallowing tube and may cause choking. Do not take if you have trouble swallowing. If you have chest pain, are throwing up, or have trouble swallowing or breathing after taking this drug, get help right away.
• If you have phenylketonuria , talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Your Level Of Physical Activity And Exercise

If your body is moving, it helps get your bowels moving, too. Engaging in physical activity and exercise can affect how often you poop. Exercise reduces the time it takes for food to pass through the large intestine. Because of the reduced time, your body will not get to absorb as much water from your stool and you would find it easier to poop.

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How Often Should You Poop Each Day

Experts say pooping regularly can mean anything from three bowel movements a day to three per week. There isnât a specific number of times you should poop in a day. The frequency of your bowel movements depends on several factors, including your age, nutrition, lifestyle, and stress levels. Your overall health is more important than how many times you poop in a day. Pay attention to how your bowel habits change. If you have regular bowel movements three times a day and feel great, then that may be your âregular.â However, if you go from pooping daily to going twice a week and feeling uncomfortable and bloated, you should check in with your healthcare provider.

Also, the changes in the consistency of your stool is just as important as how many times you poop in a day. If you poop every other day but your poop changes from smooth to hard pellets, that could be a sign that something is off in your digestive system, and you should consult your healthcare provider. Lifestyle, dietary habits, and more affect how often you poop and how well you poop. For example, increasing yourdaily fiber intakewith supplements likeMetamucil can help promote and maintain regularity.*

Feel lighter & energetic**

What Is Metamucil

Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber supplement with laxative properties. It used to treat occasional constipation or bowel irregularity.

Metamucil may also help lower cholesterol when used together with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Metamucil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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How To Take It

Pediatric

Children should get fiber from their diet. Give a child psyllium supplements only under a doctor’s supervision.

Adult

If you use a commercial product that contains psyllium, follow the package directions.

If you are not used to taking psyllium, it is best to begin with a low dose , then gradually increase the dose as needed.

Your health care provider may recommend higher doses of psyllium to treat certain conditions. You can take psyllium first thing in the morning or before bedtime.

Psyllium: Because Sometimes You Do Just Need More Fiber

Psyllium is the active ingredient in all Metamucil products. The name, in fact, comes from the mucilaginous property of psyllium, the slimy soluble fiber effect youll also find in soaked flaxseeds, chia seeds, aloe, slippery elm and Sea moss.

The key to resolving constipation through fiber intake is taking in the actual fiber. And it works.

Psyllium is one of the most health supportive and powerful fibre supplements. It is like the great grand-daddy of the fibre world. Yes, it can be gag-inducingly awful to get down, but it is worth it.

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What Can You Do To Find Relief From Occasional Constipation

The good news about occasional constipation is that itâs often relatively easy to treat and prevent. When looking for occasional constipation relief, there are a couple actions you can take.

1. Increase your fiber intake.

2. Drink more liquids, especially water.

3. Get more exercise.

4. Donât ignore the urge to go to the bathroom.

5. Try to have a regular bowel movement.

Before you begin making these changes, we recommend that you speak with your healthcare professional. The two of you will be able to talk about what solution works best for you.

Relive Constipation With Metamucil

Metamucil is a fiber supplement commonly used for reliving constipation. The active ingredient of Metamucil is Psyllium husk. Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber taken from the plant known as Plantago ovata.

Psyllium is used as a bulk laxative, an agent that has laxative effects by increasing fecal bulk. It is a gentler laxative compared to chemical agents such as senna. This bulking action occurs due to absorption of water by the psyllium fibers in the colon. It makes the stools soft and easily passable. It usually takes between 24 and 72 hours to start feeling the full effects of Metamucil.

Unlike other sources of dietary fiber, psyllium appears to be more effective at forming feces and appears to be one of the few fiber sources not associated with excessive flatulence.

In addition to relieving constipation, psyllium appears to be able to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in persons with high cholesterol.

Metamucil is available as powder in different flavours such as orange, apple and chocolate. Sugar free formula also available on the market.

Metamucil can be used for occasional constipation and to promote and maintain bowel regularity. If your constipation persists for more than a week, consult your healthcare provider because it may be a sign of a more serious condition.

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