Question on Psyllium fibre

[Gra]

Okay I've got a question about fibre. I'm fairly new to all this, and trying to sort out what appears to be a paradox. On the one hand, general guidelines tell me that I should not be eating high-fibre foods. However I am taking an iron supplement, and it's giving me very bad constipation. I've been trying to drink more water, but also some people advised that I should take Metamucil to help soften the stools. I know Metamucil helps with this, I took it some years back on a very regular basis. However the Metamucil is Psyllium fibre, and in fact it is sold as a fibre supplement. This appears to be a paradox - on one hand I should not take extra fibre, on the other hand I should are be purposely taking pure fibre mixed with water. Is psyllium fibre different somehow?

Can somebody explain?

Thanks,
Gra

 

[DougUte]

Everybody has little variants, but here is the general rule. Because Crohns inflames the bowel, it causes the passages to become narrow.Because of that people with Crohns will avoid eating roughage, like that found in vegetables, salads, etc..That kind of fiber will get stuck in the narrowed bowel and rot. The type of fiber in Metamucil is Soluble fiber. It is capable of absorbing water. this fiber is much smaller, will pass through the bowel, and assist in absorbing fluids. Soluble fiber is the good fiber for us. Oatmeal is also in that category.

 

[David]

Hi Gra, I suggest you give this thread a read.