fiber intake

kevin223412 · 01-22-2008, 11:15 AM

Ok so this one might be a little disgusting, but I just started watching my fiber intake, trying to boost it. I used to take in a low amount, approximately 5-15 grams but my bowel movements were fairly regular. I started increasing my fiber to 20-30 grams per day but now I do #2 less often, in bigger portions. As far as I was taught in school, isn't fiber supposed to make you go more often, in smaller amounts?? Can anybody give me a little lesson or input?

SebiastiAn · 01-22-2008, 11:26 AM

id like to know too, since i started eating a high protein diet, ive been on the can too much every day its annoying..

i might try taking a fiber suppliment pill, in hopes i will get back to normal movements...

kevin223412 · 01-22-2008, 04:15 PM

can anyone help?

kevin223412 · 01-23-2008, 09:49 AM

still no help?

Randall Flagg · 01-23-2008, 10:40 AM

Being "regular" means a few things... first off quantity doesn't really matter--it's more related to how much you've eaten, and in fact extra fiber will "bulk up" your output. What matters is how often you go. Ideally you should be going once or twice a day at about the same time everyday, and it should be easy to go, no pain or anything. Adjust your intake to aim for this ideal.

Also, water intake is very important and related to fiber intake. Fiber absorbs the water you drink and kind of "expands," thereby adding bulk to the stool so it can gather and scrape out all the old crap from your intestinal lining as it passes (a good thing obviously, this is why fiber is important, it keeps your pipes clean so to speak). So if you're taking in substantially more fiber, you may need to take in more water as well to see the right effect. However, drinking too much water can also have the opposite kind of effect, i.e. bloating or constipation... as the fiber expands TOO much. So experiment with your water intake. Tweak fiber and water intake to try and find your ideal regularity.

Hope this helps!

Calipe · 01-23-2008, 10:51 AM

Well said, water intake is important. Repped.

Sirtitan · 01-23-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin223412

Ok so this one might be a little disgusting, but I just started watching my fiber intake, trying to boost it. I used to take in a low amount, approximately 5-15 grams but my bowel movements were fairly regular. I started increasing my fiber to 20-30 grams per day but now I do #2 less often, in bigger portions. As far as I was taught in school, isn't fiber supposed to make you go more often, in smaller amounts?? Can anybody give me a little lesson or input?

That sounds odd. I had to cut out Kashi GoLean (11 grams fiber/serving) from my diet. It made me go way too often.

kevin223412 · 01-23-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirtitan

That sounds odd. I had to cut out Kashi GoLean (11 grams fiber/serving) from my diet. It made me go way too often.

ya something is crazy I just started buying the Kashi to help get me more fiber.

SebiastiAn · 01-23-2008, 01:02 PM

what about metimucil ?
or fiber pills ?