fiber not good in all cases

[Mark N]

Although we are often told to increase our fiber intake it is important to find out the reason for your constipation. Adding fiber to my diet, doctor's orders, caused me unbelievable pain and discomfort because the problem was low motility and nerve damage that requires stimulation of my spincther muscle to eliminate.

The use of fiber in a case like mine, along with many that are using opiate pain meds, can create bigger bowel problems instead of helping bowel troubles. Please find the cause of your constipation before adding fiber to your diet. You will need to reduce fiber if you suffer from low motility of the bowels.

[Lavandula Canadensis]

Mark, very good point... that everyone should be aware of...

we should take the time to do our own little research before modifying diet...

what works well for you or for me might not work for John Do... we're all different and it is important to make sure what is causing the constipation (same thing with any other health problem anyways...) before trying something... :)

Years ago, I was told by a gastroenterologist :mad: to add a lot of fibre in my diet because of constipation... he suggested that I put a lot of wheat bran in my muffins, etc... :mad: that's what I did for years... that made me very sick... :eek: I did not know at the time that I had IBS and also that I was allergic to wheat on the top of being gluten intolerant (from all other cereals containing gluten)... I'm also allergic to corn, which will cause me abominable/abdominal cramps and diarrhea, nausea, headache... (corn, which is a cereal, and not a vegetable like many people think, can relieve constipation for some people)...

We're so lucky to have been guided to BT... being able to share our experiences... Thanks again :D

[zoso a.k.a Neil]

)))))))))))))))))))))Greetings(((((((((((((((((((( ((((((

After many years use of codeine based pain killers my haemerroids got so bad they needed operating on.
That being done i was reffered to a dietitian who put me on a low fiber diet.
So no more lentils or porridge .This she explained was because fiber is very harsh on the bowel.
She gave me a diet sheet and it took a good few changes in my diet but it really did help.Although i no longer follow it strictly it still informs what i eat.
Be seeing you
>>>>Zoso<<<<

[Kathi49]

Agree Mark,

Fiber is NOT good in ALL cases. I think it all depends on what the condition, meds, etc. are. In my case, as you know, fiber is good. But the real key is LOTS of water. I sometimes need a nudge with Miralax or Colace too. But IF I can get by with just the fiber and water it is what works for me. For others it is not that simple and I know that. And I don't take a LOT of fiber; I had to experiment until I found the right amount. Too much and sure enough constipation is worse. But I use or eat very, very little and down the water. Works for me...at least so far. I have to be careful too because Miralax and Colace both can aggravate my IBS. It seems if I go the more natural route I am better off. But again, there are times I need something different. And I think it is good also that people can come and share their own experiences. It is just a matter of what works for any given individual.

[Gymnast_Navy_Wife]

I am also one for whom fiber did not work. When I first started having "problems" caused by my medications, my pcp suggested I add lots of fiber and grains to things. I felt like it was having the opposite effect and only making things worse-- made my tummy feel really full, but I stuck with it for a good while-- through two other trials (in addition to the fiber) to help things. I stopped taking after that. My drs seemed really perplexed and I got this sort of doubtful, "are you serious" type look; but I know my body and how it works. The ironic part of it all, when I was referred to a GI (for things un related to constipation) the first thing she told me was to cut out any fiber supplements and another common med, if I was taking them (which I wasn't tho). Appherently, in my particular situation, adding "thick" type things was/is going to just make things worse..... Trust GNW to be unusual, lol...

Anyway, good thread--- Its some interesting and neat to know I am not the only person for whom, the typical stuff-- and first line of treatment-- fiber didn't help....

:) GNW

[Lavandula Canadensis]

hi everyone in the room,

i wanted to share this with you, in case it helps someone here...

because i'm moving june 1st, i've been cooking less lately, and i eat more fast food... hey, i said fast food, not junk food... ;)

so, i eat baby carrots and hummus everyday... with a surprising digestive tract end result... ooops... :o:eek::p a hummus-like smooth texture... no pain, no gas...

[zoso a.k.a Neil]

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))Greetings(((((((( (((((((((((((((((((((((

Now you come to mention it i remember a couple of summers ago it was uncharacteristically hot (For England) it included our hottest day on record.
We could not eat much at all and cooking was outrageous so we lived on a diet of humous ,olives and pitta bread and digestive problems were at a minimum or at least were the least of our troubles at the time.
I think i may try it again when my system kicks back in.
I have just had a week were i could not go more than a stair case away from a loo.I'm back to regular IBS now or that is what i am telling myself.
So as they say in India " Eat well, **** strongly and live long"
Farewell Zoso *zoso

[BrierRose]

Nice post. Thanks for posting this info. I always get scolded by my parents to eat more fiber all the time.